France Bike Tour Reviews
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★★★★★ Dona2017 October 9, 2017· Freiburg and the Alsatian Wine Road
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9/24/17 to 10/1/17
- How many tours have you completed?
- First one
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France, Germany
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★★★★★ Oddly July 10, 2016History, Art and Backroads
· · Bruges to Paris by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
Wonderful, dedicated owners and crew, food was amazing and our guide adjusted our tour to the group members interests and cycling abilities. The small group (max 12) made for a supportive, friendly group and allowed for stops in small cafes and sites. I loved historic Bruges, Oedenaarde, Compiegne, the villages, old churches filled with art, wine, Trappist beers, cheese shops, pattiseries, back roads and bike paths, and visiting a cobblestone hill section of the Paris-Roubiex. Great way to see Europe!
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, France
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★★★★★ Jane3538 August 6, 2016
Great way to see a country
· · Bruges to Paris by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
The crew was amazing,catering to every need. The food was 5 star and the Barge has a homey comfortable feel. The guide took us expertly on tours thru back roads which took us to places that rival Versailles and Notre Dame.
We were not seasoned bikers and found we were doing more than the advertised average miles per day but the terrain is mostly flat. The itinerary on the website was quite different from what we actually did. I would suggest contacting the Feniks directly for the actual itinerary prior to signing on. This trip would be recommended to others. -
★★★★★ David Reynolds September 14, 2022
Met our expectations!
· · Bruges to Paris by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
This was our first bike and Barge trip. We enjoyed all aspects of the journey from Perrone to Bruges except for the rain the last day of biking. The crew was excellent!e was an excellent cook and provided a variety of excellent meals. The captain Marius took good care of us as did Henk the first mate. Our guide Sietse was excellent. He enjoys history and was able to tell us many things about the history of the countries we traveled through.
The Feniks can accommodate 14 guests but during this trip there were only seven guests. This allowed us to make good friends and be able to stay together while we were biking. It would have been crowded if there had been 14 guests on board. -
★★★★★ David Reynolds November 9, 2022
Wonderful Bike and Barge Trip from Perrone to Bruges
· · Bruges to Paris by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
This was our first bike and barge trip. A couple of our good friends were also on the trip. We were so fortunate that there were only seven guests on the barge and four crew members! The barge could accommidate 14 guests. All seven of us became good friends and enjoyed all parts of the trip together.
The crew was fantastic! Our guide, Sietse, made sure that we had a safe and memorable biking trip. He is very knowledgable about the route and the history of the region. Our chef cook, Hilde, is a gourmet cook and made every meal special. Henk, the mate is a jack of all trades helping navigate, take care of the barge and help Hilde in the kitchen. Marius, the captain, is a very knowledgable navigator and made sure that all aspects of the trip were comfortable.
Our cabin was small but comfortable and very clean. Each cabin has its own bathroom with a walk in shower.
The bikes were well maintained and if there was a problem, Sietse took care of it.
We did have rain off and on for a couple of days so make sure to take rain gear. The biking was not difficult but e-bikes are available.
We'd highly recommend this trip.- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was our first bike and barge trip.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, France
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★★★★★ David Baker 7 months ago
Great experience for first time bike tourists
· · Bruges to Paris by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
The tour met and exceeded our expectations for a first time bike tourists. The barge captain had to make a detour due to construction which required changes in the itinerary but the crew and guide took it in stride and still gave a great experience.
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★★★★★ David Baker 7 months ago
First time bike-barge touring
· · Bruges to Paris by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
This was our first time doing a bike-barge tour. We chose this tour based on positive recommendations from friends who had been on it before. Their recommendations and suggestions were spot on so when we took the tour we were well prepared. The crew of the barge were very pleasant and accommodating. If you're expecting five star cruise accommodations you'll be disappointed, but the dinners were outstanding and the cabins fulfilled our needs. There was maintenance on our original route so the captain had to take another route which meant all our rides had to be redone by the ride leader. We still had interesting and enjoyable rides. It's important to be a flexible traveler in order to truly enjoy this type of tour. We stayed in Bruge two days before the trip and we stayed two more days in Belgium after the tour and would recommend anyone taking this trip to do likewise.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, France
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★★★★★ Ronan Gardiner 10 months agoIncredible Trip
· Atlantic Coast of France
From spectacular coastline to fields of sunflowers to rolling vineyards, this tour offers a "nature bath" that ignites all the senses. Add to that, beautiful overnight towns, historic hotels and incredible food and wine - what's not to love!
This was our second bicycle trip in France (the first was in the equally incredible Loire Valley) and it will certainly not be our last. The distances were just right (the shorter but hillier day was actually the toughest), the bikes were terrific, as was the Roadbook for Discovery AP that served as our guide. Our bags were waiting for us at every overnight town and the entire trip was seamless.
We traveled in late June / early July and there were surprisingly few tourists in the towns we visited. Restaurants and sight seeing activities were therefore easily accessible, requiring no advance reservations. We added a couple of nights in La Rochelle pre-trip and in Bordeaux post, which we would highly recommend, we actually wished we'd had more time in Bordeaux - a spectacular city with lot's to see and do .... and eat and drink. Bon voyage!- What was the date of your tour?
- June/July 23
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ James DeFehr 8 months agoRelaxing trip through rural France
· Along the Rhône River from Geneva to Lyon
Enjoyed the trip, everything was well organized. Beautiful countryside with many small towns and villages. Its a little rural and isolated so if you are looking for action and excitement this may not be the one for you. That said, one evening the village we were staying at (Seyssel on the first night) had a large festival going on and we stayed out later than we should have enjoying the music and the wine! Some really picturesque locations including a legitimate medieval village on the last night, and the biking itself was not overwhelming although I did train for it.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was my first bike tour
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France, Switzerland
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★★★★★ T and T October 6, 2016alsace
· Alsace Wine Country
As advertised. This was a picture book trip if there ever was one. Towns, hotels and luggage delivery were perfectly arranged. Days1 & 2 & 5 were flat. Days 3 & 4 were a little more than level 2 hills, however, the gears on the bikes were good enough to get through the climbs. This is our 3rd trip through Biketours and their service is perfect. I would do this trip again. I would upgrade from B to A hotels next time but the B hotels were good enough for our short time in each.
- What was the date of your tour?
- sept 15
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ mamacababy October 6, 2017
One of our best bike tours ever
· Alsace Wine Country
This bike tour was way more than we expected. Espace Randonnee gave us wonderful maps, directions, and bikes. I had an ebike for the first time and it was awesome. We rode down beautiful canal paths, and into picture book villages, laced with window boxes of geraniums. The accommodations were good to excellent, and we opted for the meal plan which we love because dinner was always arranged for you, and local specialties were served. The weather was perfect - all things considered, this was one of our top 2 bike tours ever!
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 25, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 9
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Allen December 18, 2017
Fabulous
· Alsace Wine Country
The villages are incredibly beautiful; the biking is either on lovely canal paths or quiet roads in the wine country; and the inns and restaurants are terrific. It is a well organized and well supported trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept.2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 12
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Buffalo September 7, 2018
Simply Fantastic
· Alsace Wine Country
The trip was excellent. The hotels selected were generally good (one was exceptional, one was mildly disappointing, the rest were all just good). The tour was well planned and pretty easy to follow. The first leg of the trip was in the valley. This helped to acclimate our group for the wine hills to come. The little villages and wine were exceptionally beautiful. We found the customer service of bike tours and the partner tour operator were also very good. We will definitely use bike tours sometime in the not too distant future.
Important note: with an E-Bike the trip was pretty easy (according to my wife). However, with a standard bicycle, I found some of the hills to be quite challanging. The second to last day I burned roughly 2900 calories.- What was the date of your tour?
- July 15 - 20
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1 with biketours.com
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Dave22 July 19, 2016Bordeaux, France Boat and Bike Trip
· · Bordeaux by Bike and Boat: Castets-en-Dorthe to Libourne (and reverse)
This tour gave my wife and I many fond memories. We took the guided tour because we knew that the local guide would be able to provide information and regarding the local history and interests as well as take us to the out of the way locations. We were not disappointed. We would recommend this tour to anyone!!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 25 through July 25, 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Menahemisrael September 17, 2017
Birthday trip
· · Bordeaux by Bike and Boat: Castets-en-Dorthe to Libourne (and reverse)
The best way to learn about bordeux. Our guide Scott was great
- What was the date of your tour?
- Good
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Colonel Biggy October 7, 2018
The bike rides were great and we discovered fantastic wines!
· · Bordeaux by Bike and Boat: Castets-en-Dorthe to Libourne (and reverse)
Everything about the MS Bordeaux, the Captain and his crew exceeded our expectations. It was so enjoyable to arrive on board, unpack for eight days, and relax. On other bike rides, we unpacked every night and repacked every morning. I think another bike/barge is in order.
A total delight was our interaction with 19-year old Dorrian. He was the highlight of the trip. He gave the welcome briefing, the evening briefings on what to expect the next day, and was always available.
The final night on board, was the Captains Dinner, then a party with dancing! It was a perfect way to celebrate the end of our adventure!- What was the date of your tour?
- 08 Sep 2018 - 15 Sep 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- RAGBRAI since 1999: Romania
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Chris B September 25, 2019
Great Adventure
· · Bordeaux by Bike and Boat: Castets-en-Dorthe to Libourne (and reverse)
Had a great time riding through the Bordeaux wine country. E-Bike made it easy (I'm 74) and the French countryside was beautiful. Our bike guide was awesome and very knowledgeable about wine and the local history. Food was great and the room was comfortable. Very enjoyable week!
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 31 to September 7,2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was the first.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Gilleanmac September 6, 2016Surpassed our expectations
· Burgundy Wine Trails: Beaune to Macon on the “Voie Verte”
If you enjoy gourmet meals,wine, fresh air and exercise, you will love this tour. Perfect combination of smaller bed and breakfast and larger hotels. We opted for the supper meals included and we were so pleased with the restaurants chosen. Every meal will stay in my memory forever. We enjoyed less Kms per day ,which allowed us enough time for exploring, afternoon stops in cafe's for wine and salad with chèvre chaud! The scenery was beautiful and the biking was mostly easy on flat paved services. The tour operator was also very helpful when we had a issue with a squeaking bike wheel and replaced the bike for us promptly . We loved this tour and would highly recommend.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Aug 28-sept 5/2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Batz45 October 18, 2016
FORMIDABLE!!!
· Burgundy Wine Trails: Beaune to Macon on the “Voie Verte”
Perfect way to enjoy the Burgundy Region. Experienced a variety of scenery, along a canal, through Vineyards and quaint, charming little villages. Being on self-guided gave us more flexibility to explore and take advantage of the wonderful food and wines which were always so well presented, matched and served by friendly staff. Being on La Voie Verte was also a plus, well marked and away from traffic. A Memorable experience - definitely recommend this tour. Thank you Biketours!!
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept. 25 - Oct.1
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Chri October 19, 2016
Excellent
· Burgundy Wine Trails: Beaune to Macon on the “Voie Verte”
Really enjoyed our trip from Macon to Beaune through the vineyards.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 24.09
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
