France  Bike Tour Reviews (page 4)

  • Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
    (5/5) Charles Hammer September 20, 2023

    What we hoped for; got more

    · Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park

    We chose this ride because the average daily ride is longer than some. Had been to other parts of Province before but this was new and special, enhanced hugely by what the guides brought to the experience. A cautionary note: there are several days of not so gradual elevations. Strong riders made the climbs on traditional bikes, but others really needed what the e bikes brought to the experience.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour
    (5/5) Kathleen Cook October 5, 2022

    Fantastic Trip

    · Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour

    This trip was even better than expected. The riding was enjoyable. The routes were mostly flat and lightly traveled roads or bike paths. Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable and personable. Hotels and meals were great too. We upgraded two hotels. A+

    What was the date of your tour?
    September-October 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Dordogne Valley
    (5/5) Clark Woodland June 30, 2023

    Exceeded expectations

    · Dordogne Valley: Between the Dordogne and Lot Rivers

    Unlike most Chain Gang tours in the Dordogne, our tour was self guided with our luggage being transported to our next hotel. Someone else in our group was the main contact with Bike Tours and Chain Gang, I was just along for the ride, so to speak. I was very pleased with everything about the tour - the bikes (almost new Trek hybrids), the routes, the towns we visited, the hotels we stayed in, the restaurant recommendations and Chain Gang's willingness to respond to our requests for minor changes in our itinerary.

    Countries included in this tour?
    France
  • Burgundy Wine Trails
    (5/5) Kenneth Clements October 16, 2023

    Perfect Vacation Experience

    · Burgundy Wine Trails: Beaune to Macon on the “Voie Verte”

    Fantastic experience. Wonderful hotels. The hosts were very gracious. The bags arrived flawlessly at our next stop everyday. Late September offered perfect weather.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Late September 2023
    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
    • Day two,  five miles south of Beaune, France (photo by Kenneth Clements)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Albuquerque, M 5 months ago

    A wonderful and nice surprise!

    · Burgundy Wine Trails: Beaune to Macon on the “Voie Verte”

    Honestly... as we arrived in Beaune, after five days in the intense Paris, we got depressed and were about to give up on the tour. It was Sunday and almost everything was closed and there was almost nobody in the streets. As we went for a walk around this curious and medieval city, it started to look interesting. We decided to, at least, try the bike ride scheduled for the next day. And so it all began. The track, the field covered with vineyards, wheat, hay and sunflower, the small villages, the cozy pre-summer weather, enchanted us. Some winery were opened, so we could do some tasting and buy some peculiar wines, which gave additional brightness to the trip. Locals were very kind. The physical exercise itself... it all changed our minds completely. So, as to enjoy even more, we opted for electric bikes. Each day was a 5 to 6 hour ride full of discoveries and stop-overs, different kinds of tracks, many new old villages and delightful sceneries, sprinkled by wonderful chardonnay and pinot noir. Charming places to picnic, many photos, lots of tastes and smells. Resting in comfortable beds and dinning the Bourgogne gastronomy. It was not the trip of our dreams. It was a dream itself!

    What was the date of your tour?
    June, 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was the first
    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
    •  (photo by Albuquerque, M)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Bordeaux by Bike and Boat
    (5/5) 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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Metz and Cochem Classic Version
    (5/5) Constance Cornwell October 24, 2024

    The beautiful Mosel

    · · Metz and Cochem Classic Version

    The crew was outstanding, the guides knowledgeable and caring. Had 18 bike riders, split in two groups, which were a good size. A nice mix of biking and sightseeing. Loved every minute!

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    6 plus
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France, Germany, Luxembourg
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Provence by Bike and Boat
    (5/5) ALEX BERESNIEWICZ October 8, 2024

    Great trip

    · · Provence by Bike and Boat

    Beautiful countryside with little climbing made for a totally enjoyable trip. Our guide, Alex, was absolutely amazing, our care on board the boat was flawless, and the meals at dinner were all excellent. Five stars!!

    Countries included in this tour?
    France
  • Dordogne Valley
    (5/5) Tony July 16, 2017

    Tour for all ages

    · Dordogne Valley: Between the Dordogne and Lot Rivers

    I really enjoyed the way we were all so well loked after along the trip. The accommodation was great, the meals delicious, the rides were well organised, and the tour leader Bernard, was perfect for the mixed group of riders that we had. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to take part in the tour.

    What was the date of your tour?
    8/7/17 -15/7/17
    How many tours have you completed?
    about 10
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Loire a Velo
    (5/5) CJ4EY September 27, 2016

    Highly Recommend to Every Cyclist!

    · Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic

    Great Overall Biking Trip. The scenery was splendid and loved cycling up to chateaus. As an intermediate cyclist it was a relatively easy trip. The bikes and navigation signs/written information was the best we've had (and this was our 6th trip.)

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 6, 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    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
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Atlantic Coast of France
    (5/5) Richard Olson July 21, 2024

    Enjoyable journey

    · Atlantic Coast of France

    Once you have seen the major tourist attractions in France, this is a great way to see and experience smaller towns and the Atlantic coastline. Many uncrowded beaches- this area is popular for French tourists but without the crush of international tourists. You will interact with many that speak relatively little English- for us, this made the trip more interesting.

    Our bikes were reliable, well-fitted, and well-tuned. We encountered no mechanical difficulties. (If you do get a flat tire, you are expected to know how to deal with it, which was fine with us.)

    The routing was excellent, with mostly car-free paths or single lane roads that had only farming-related (slow) vehicles. Mostly asphalt surfaces, occasional crushed limestone, and rarely dirt paths. Many options for stopping at excellent cafes or restaurants, including one place we found out (upon leaving) has a Michelin star. The north to south routing is desirable, as the scenery gets better each day. The routing app worked extremely well, but it was nice to also have the printed maps as a backup.

    Not crowded- there were a moderate number of other bikers, including some long distance riders (Norway to Spain).

    We enjoyed having our hotels chosen for us- this added an element of surprise and anticipation to each day. Accommodations were varied in style, but they were all outstanding- with excellent breakfasts, and located in nice towns with many restaurant options. Hotels all welcomed bike-tour customers (generally treated us like VIPs.)

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    7
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    •  (photo by Richard Olson)
    •  (photo by Richard Olson)
    •  (photo by Richard Olson)
    •  (photo by Richard Olson)
    •  (photo by Richard Olson)
    •  (photo by Richard Olson)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • An overload of outstanding natural and man-made beauty
    (5/5) Annie C 5 months ago

    Great trip to see it all!

    · Marseille to the Calanques E-Bike Tour

    The perfect way to see Marseille. Bring a bathing suit, and I would skip the lunch and get it at the bakery on route. Our tour guide was phenomenal!

  • Alsace Wine Country
    (5/5) Greg C. 5 months ago

    Tour de Storks

    · Alsace Wine Country

    Bicycling this area was a fantastic experience. I’ve biked many areas of Europe and I can say that the bike friendliness of Alsace is top notch. The villages were marvelous and the wine was the best. We love the dry Rieslings.
    Everything was smooth sailing, from the bicycles to the detailed GPX files. All the hotels were great and the variety was way cool.
    I told my son, who lives in Switzerland that this route is a must do for him and my grandson.
    We shared this experience with another couple (close friends) with the anticipation that we will do this trip again with them.
    We saw 7 or 8 Stork nests on Church steeples, town wall towers, and other high places all with chicks. It was charming.
    My hat is off to bike tours for a seamless experience.
    BTW, the one rain we had was 20 minutes which we spent under an awning so no worries. Weather kharma!
    My advice……book this one.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    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
    • Another stork (photo by Greg C.)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Three Lakes Tour
    (5/5) Amy Lynch October 9, 2022

    It was a beautiful trip! Well organized and easy to follow!

    · Three Lakes Tour: From Geneva to Annecy

    It was an amazing vacation. The route was charming, beautiful and somehow more spectacular every day. We had great weather which made for great photos! It was a special way to explore France and love it even more.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2023
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France, Switzerland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Amy Lynch October 9, 2022

    It was a beautiful trip! Well organized and easy to follow!

    · Three Lakes Tour: From Geneva to Annecy

    It was an amazing vacation. The route was charming, beautiful and somehow more spectacular every day. We had great weather which made for great photos! It was a special way to explore France and love it even more.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2023
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France, Switzerland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Amy Lynch October 10, 2022

    It was a beautiful trip! Well organized and easy to follow!

    · Three Lakes Tour: From Geneva to Annecy

    It was an amazing vacation. The route was charming, beautiful and somehow more spectacular every day. We had great weather which made for great photos! It was a special way to explore France and love it even more.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2023
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France, Switzerland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Loire a Velo
    (5/5) Granny Annie July 18, 2016

    Perfect Family Trip

    · Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic

    We were a family of 12 ranging in age from 11 to 86. It was PERFECT! Wonderful hotels, fantastic food, a beautiful trail, good bikes, short rides each day so we could enjoy the features along the way like the chateaux and the Magic Museum in Blois.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 1-8
    How many tours have you completed?
    Lots
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • Planning the Day (photo by Granny Annie)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Alsace Wine Country
    (5/5) 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
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • All the icons of unmissable Marseille
    (5/5) Amy Murphy August 2, 2024

    Such an awesome time - full of facts and full of fun!

    · Marseille Highlights Bike Tour

    We absolutely loved this bike ride around Marseille. Many of the places we learnt about on the tour we returned to to explore on foot. Cindy, our host, was awesome. Full of information with a very sense of humour. We really appreciated her wisdom and sense of fun.

  • Along the Rhône River from Geneva to Lyon
    (5/5) Andrew Cooke October 17, 2024

    Geneve to Lyon

    · Along the Rhône River from Geneva to Lyon

    Lovely October ride with my 70 yo brother on conventional bikes. We are fit, but not athletes per se. Our high school French was sufficient thanks to all the accommodating people en route. Very nice to get away from touristy areas for a genuine experience.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    Two prior
    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, Switzerland
    •  (photo by Andrew Cooke)
    • Rhone gorge railway bridge (photo by Andrew Cooke)
    • My Little Pony guards Franco-Swiss border (photo by Andrew Cooke)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)