Ride your way through neat rows of vineyards, beneath towering aqueducts and past verdant forests on an eight-day active cycling adventure through Provence. This journey through Southern France is the perfect blend of scenic trail riding, historical sightseeing and indulgent wine tasting. Visit the serene gardens of St Remy to see where Vincent van Gogh created his famous works, savour regional red wines at a vineyard outside Avignon and walk the cobbled streets of Les Baux to the top of the limestone cliffs. With a handful of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Roman history and serene landscapes where wild horses roam free – what more does a European cycling adventure need?
Explore one of the most fascinating corners of the Dordogne on this varied and flexible, walking, cycling and canoeing holiday. The Perigord Noir, arguably one of the most attractive parts of the Dordogne, is named as such for its rich dark oak and chestnut forests which fill the very heart of this region. The area offers spectacular scenery with ancient chateaux perched high above the rugged cliffs overlooking the entire valley. You'll find mediaeval villages full of character and a plethora of historical sites including the Benedictine Abbaye Sainte-Marie in Souillac, founded during the 12th century and which suffered badly during the Hundred Years' War.
On foot, bike and by canoe, venture through the Perigord experiencing what this picturesque region has to offer. You have total flexibility with the choice of either walking or cycling routes when you're not canoeing. The canoeing is safe and undemanding, and we will give you a lesson in handling your canoe before you set off. Your journey starts in Rocamadour, a spectacular cliff-clinging town and home to one of France's most venerated sites, before moving on to Meyronne, on the banks of the Dordogne. From here you pick up your paddle, canoeing downstream to Souillac and on to Beynac with its hilltop castle, captured by Richard the Lionheart in 1179, finally arriving in medieval Sarlat.
The Loire Valley is renowned for its picturesque countryside, charming villages and impressive food and wine. Combine this with cycling, and you’ve got a perfect way to discover the region. Cycle alongside the serene Loire River, visit a selection of classic chateaux, marvel at the manicured gardens and far-reaching vineyards, indulge in local delicacies and enjoy a glass of wine on a Loire River small boat cruise. This small-group adventure through the Loire Valley on a seven-day active cycling journey through the countryside is sure to delight the senses and fulfil all your French fantasies.
Brilliant cycling holiday, with a fantastic group. Erwin , our leader made sure we were all happy, arranged accommodation, transport , evening meals and the cycling route. The bikes were excellent, cycling paths mostly traffic free or very quiet roads. Highly recommend this Explore cycling adventure.
Good cycling on varied terrain; canal path for first day; country roads, cycling by the sea, dirt tracks, sandy tracks, woodland paths, all doable and fun. Lovely scenery, lots of history, beautiful old buildings and D-Day beaches Omaha and Juno and the museums to bring it to life. Very moving.
I have just got home from my cycle holiday in the Loire. It exceeded my expectations. The guide Pierre, was very knowledgeable and helpful. The bikes were good. The cycle paths were all excellent, a few quiet roads, I did not feel nervous or over challenged. There was variety and plenty of visits to Chateau’s, vineyards and wine tasting. The picnic lunches were all very French, which is all part of the experience, and Thomas made wonderful choices of where we had them. The level of cycling was accurate. The distances were comfortable. I will certainly be looking for my next trip with Exodus.
Discover the royal splendour of Paris and the Seine Valley by bike and barge. France's Seine Valley is a region rich in royal history. With so much to see, do and absorb, the ideal way to explore this fascinating part of France is by bike and barge. From the lights of Paris to the beautiful medieval towns of Ferriers and Chateau-Landon, you'll experience a diverse range of sights during this week long cycling tour. The magnificent Fontainebleau Chateau, with its perfectly symmetrical Royal Gardens which the French kings had their royal architects design for them, is a fine example of the regions regal past. Cycling along the river in the company of your expert guide, through woodlands and small villages, ensures you'll gain a unique insight into this beautiful region. Cities, canals and cosy French towns - this trip will provide you with a truly magnificent French experience.
Just returned from the Loire Valley cycling trip with Explore and had a fantastic time. Our group leader, Erwin, was absolutely top notch—knowledgeable, fun, and great at fixing bikes on the fly (a very handy skill on a trip like this!). He was incredibly responsive to any issues, whether it was saddle woes or a hotel hiccup—he always did his best to sort it out quickly and with a smile.
The tour itself was stunning. The route took us through beautiful countryside, charming towns, and past jaw-dropping châteaux. There was also plenty of time in the afternoons and evenings to explore off-bike, enjoy a glass (or two) of local wine, and soak in the atmosphere.
We did hit a bit of a heat wave, but that’s just luck of the draw. Erwin made sure we took lots of water and shade breaks to keep the group comfortable, which was much appreciated.
The hotels were as expected—nothing fancy, nothing awful. Some rooms were quite warm due to the unusual heat, but fans were provided and that helped.
We were called the "guinea pig group," as this was Explore’s first time running this particular tour in quite a while. That said, it was an excellent experience, and with Erwin fine-tuning the itinerary along the way, I imagine it’ll be even better for the groups that follow.
