France Bike Tour Reviews page 9
- Albania
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and H…
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- England
- Estonia
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Holland
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Scotland
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Turkey
- United States
- Vietnam
-
★★★★★ Robyn Larkin
A great week of biking & enjoying champagne!
Champagne Getaway: Charming Villages & Regional Wine Cellars
We have done several bike tours in Europe, with varying experiences. This was among our favourite trips, and we recommend this for anyone interested in cycling, chmpagne or visiting France!
First, the not so great part of the review: it is a challenging route! We did not use electric bikes, and that made it feel like every hill was a hard won accomplishment.
Also, having a specific map earlier in the planning process would have helped to make tasting reservations at wineries since many of them require advance bookings.
The things we loved about this:
- bags were always on time when we arrived
- accommodations where great with extremely helpful staff (although it helps at the Epernay chambre d’hotes if you speak French as the hosts do not speak English - but are super friendly)
- we did the dinner package & while we would have preferred choosing off the regular menu most nights, all but one place was a fabulous recommendation of where to dine each night (the Brasserie la Banque in Epernay was the place we didn’t enjoy at all)
- bike drop off in Reims was smooth - and the operator was there early to give us our initial briefingI guess my one idea for improvement was to offer additional bookings of champagne house tours/tastings/visits as it is not easy to research ahead of time. Early morning or late afternoon would allow for easier planning and there are options for both almost every day. I certainly would pay for that. At the very least, a list of some places that are friendly to tours/visits would be helpful if we need to plan our own.
But overall, it was a lovely, relaxing, and champagne filled experience - exactly what we wanted when booking this trip!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
-
★★★★★ Tad P.
Bubbles and bikes a great combination
Champagne Getaway: Charming Villages & Regional Wine Cellars
This self-guided tour was fantastic. The routes were well planned on lightly trafficked roads. The accommodations exceeded our expectations. And the champagne was extraordinary. We could not be happier with our selection of Bike Tours to provide services to us for our tour. We would not hesitate to recommend the company and this tour to our friends and family.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2025
- 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
-
★★★★★ Crewdog10
Great way to visit the Normandy coast and see first hand where it took place.
Coastal Normandy and WWII History
The hotel accommodations were great. Everyone that we came into contact with were wonderful .
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
-
★★★★★ HM
A Journey Through History on Two Wheels
Coastal Normandy and WWII History
My significant other and I just completed the Coastal Normandy and WWII History bike tour, and it was nothing short of unforgettable.
Cycling through the rolling countryside and along the dramatic coastline, we felt like we were pedaling straight into the pages of history. The sites—Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église, Pointe du Hoc—were powerful and humbling, evoking scenes straight out of Band of Brothers. Standing where paratroopers landed or where soldiers scaled cliffs gave us a visceral connection to the stories we’ve only seen on screen.
What made the experience even more meaningful were the people. The locals were incredibly welcoming—whether it was a café owner who insisted we try her homemade apple tart, or a farmer who pointed us toward a hidden memorial tucked behind his fields. Their kindness and pride in sharing their region’s history added a deeply personal layer to the journey.The balance of physical activity, cultural immersion, and historical reflection was perfect. Each day’s ride brought a mix of quiet rural beauty and poignant reminders of sacrifice. By the end, we felt both enriched and grounded—grateful for the chance to honor history while experiencing Normandy’s charm up close.
This wasn’t just a bike tour—it was a moving journey through time, one we’ll carry with us for years to come.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
-
★★★★★ Tony
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
-
★★★★★ Kscbythesea
Lots of riding, gorgeous scenery, simpatico group
Dordogne Valley: Between the Dordogne and Lot Rivers
My husband and I both very much enjoyed this tour. He especially appreciated the riding and the food; I especially delighted in the charming villages and French countryside. We both loved our guide, Mike, who was a lot of fun. We also liked the other 8 cyclists in the group. Of the 10 cyclists in the group, 8 were in good shape and we all enjoyed the riding. The two that were not expecting the riding to be challenging did not enjoy the hilly days. BikeTours got it right: you can manage without being fit, but you won’t enjoy the hills very much. The hotels were charming. The food was amazing! Gourmet multi-couse dinners were included every night, and breakfasts were very good - the croissants always fresh. We will definitely look into taking another Chain Gang tour.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 8 September 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1 other
- 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
-
★★★★★ Monica Zack
Wonderful French Countryside
Dordogne Valley: Between the Dordogne and Lot Rivers
This trip was beyond my greatest expectations. Chain Gang is an exceptional company. They checked in on us several times to ensure we arrived on our self guided tour. The hotels were lovely and the staff friendly and helpful. The bikes we had were in fabulous shape and were equipped with panniers, a computer mount and high quality rain gear. The route was lovely. We rode through a variety of small villages with beautiful hillsides, rivers and quaint countryside. I cannot be happier. I highly recommend both Bernard and Sam and their fabulous company. We are looking at another tour with them in 2024.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 16, 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- 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
-
★★★★★ Clark Woodland
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
-
★★★★★ Vanessa Van Sickle
Best cycle trip ever!
Dordogne Valley: Between the Dordogne and Lot Rivers
I have been cycle touring for over 20 years. We did this tour, as we do most, as a self guided tour. The bikes were excellent, the assistance from the bike tour company was fabulous. The bike route through the Dordogne was a lovely combination of changing countryside and medieval villages. It was planned well around various tourist sites. The road surfaces were excellent. The accommodation and included continental breakfasts were all good. I would definitely recommend this bike tour company and this particular tour.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 15 +/-
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
-
★★★★★ Alvaro Pacheco e Silva Filho
Great trip by the Dordogne Valley
Dordogne Valley: Between the Dordogne and Lot Rivers
The trip was great and our guide new everything about the places with visited. Highly recommended.
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
-
★★★★★ Rick O’
Wonderful experience
Dordogne Valley: Between the Dordogne and Lot Rivers
A beautiful trip with a wonderful guide! The scenery was amazing. It seemed there was a castle around every corner. Sam, our guide was exceptional! Stayed in a couple cool hotels and the food was really good. The French were very friendly and hospitable. I had a great time.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- While I have been on a couple of “Epic” tours in the states this was my first guided tour and first experience in Europe.
- 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
-
★★★★★ Hung K.
Delicious Rich Foods and Gorgeous Vistas
Dordogne Valley: Between the Dordogne and Lot Rivers
We had 7 days of warm weather as the backdrop to the tour of the beautiful countryside of the Dordogne region. The ride and several climbs which were challenging for me on a regular in the unusual warmth in June (especially on the 2nd day on Monday). My wife was on an electric assisted bike and was rather comfortable. We were mainly on small roads or farm roads, so we did not experience much car traffic.
We made a loop starting from Les Eyzies and went through 5 other small towns and cities. We visited mills, castles, and natural attractions such as the caverns at Padirac and prehistoric cliff dwellings in Roque Saint-Cristophe. The main attractions are the beautiful vistas over the Dordogne river valley.
We fueled our rides with full breakfasts at the hotel. For lunches we picnicked some days and ate at restaurants or cafés on the route. We were rewarded each evening with a dinner of delicious foods from the region which include duck, paté, and rocamadour cheese - all appetizingly presented.
Our guide was great: warm, conversant, and completely knowledgeable about the region. We had a rollicking time with our fellow tour members.- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2026
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
-
★★★★★ Roadbiker
Self guided Loire Valley Ride
Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 23-29
- How many tours have you completed?
- First bike tour
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
-
★★★★★ Jack Luther
Slow and Easy Cycling the Loire Valley
Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour
In the fall of 2016 my wife and I went on this adventure. This was our second Bike Tours vacation and again it exceeded our expectation in every way. Each day we enjoyed beautiful scenery and toured amazing chateaux followed by an evening relaxing with exceptional wines and cuisine in small French villages. As always the trip ended all too soon but the video I made and posted here helps us relive one of our best vacations ever.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- Three with Bike Tours. com
- 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
Video: Cycling in the Loire Valley
-
★★★★★ Cornelia
Absolutely wonderful trip with a tour guide extraordinaire!
Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour
I base most of my "Excellent" ratings on our guide, Bernard Dugdale, from The Chain Gang Tour Company via Bike Tours. He provided an excellent and problem-free bike trip for all 13 people on this Loire Valley Tour. He even pulled a rabbit out of a hat and secured train tickets for us while there was a train strike in France. He made sure everyone's bike "fit" them and was comfortable in every way. He was fluent in French, a lot of fun, and seemed to have his finger on the "pulse" of what was going on with each and everyone of us and made sure we were all looked after, whether ordering in a restaurant or having a minor difficulty with our bike. The castles were stunning and scenery beautiful. A+
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 30-July 6, 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- 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
-
★★★★★ Arti
Everything expected
Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour
Could not have duplicated the selection of hotels, restaurants, company, explanations, detailed trails, cultural explanations.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/30/2018 to 7/7/2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- 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
-
★★★★★ Rosie1633
Fabulous tour!
Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour
We thoroughly enjoyed our Loire Valley bike trip! We could not have had a better guide! He was attentive, incredibly knowledgeable, kind and funny. He even stopped to help another cyclist along the way who had a broken spoke. There was just the right amount of cycling, touring and eating. Our group is already making plans to do another trip next year in Europe.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 18-26, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was my first
- 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
-
★★★★★ JaneN
The Perfect Bike Tour
Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour
There was no guided Loire Valley Chateaux and Gardens Tour scheduled by the local tour operator in May 2019, which is when our group wanted to go. We asked, and the tour operator was happy to add our requested week since we were a group of 8.
In summary, the tour and guide exceeded our expectations and hopes.
May is a fabulous time to do this tour. The high temperatures were generally in the mid-60s (about 18 degrees C), perfect for riding, there were only a couple of times when we had very light rain for a couple of hours. The wild flowers and garden flowers are in full bloom and everything else is fresh and green as it is in mid-spring. This was prior to the start of the heavy tourist season, so traffic is lighter than in July and August.
Our tour guide was wonderful. He gladly accommodated a couple of special needs. He focused on giving us a local experience in the accommodations, food, sightseeing, and bike paths we never would have found on our own. While we were frequently on roads where cars could go, these were roads used mostly by local farmers or workers and there was almost no traffic. Frequently we were on bike/pedestrian only paths. Almost of the surfaces were paved and the few packed dirt paths easy for bicycles. Bernard gave us loads of information about the villages and sights we saw, the local history, and what is going on in the Loire Valley today.
The accommodations are very nice in that you stay in small 2- or 3-star hotels with character and charm run by independent owners. Breakfast was always varied and hearty enough for a good start to the day. Dinners were very good at selected restaurants that highlighted the wonderful and varied local cuisine. We frequently did picnics for lunch (not included in the tour cost), which is what our group preferred, and our guide steered us to local products which were fresh and excellent.
The bikes were in great condition, and we had confidence that our tour guide could readily fix anything that might go wrong along the way.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 18-25 May 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- 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
-
★★★★★ Rob4056
Just right!
Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour
A wonderful combination of sights, food, friends and fun! Bernard was the consummate host, helping us through the markets to buy group picnic lunches that everyone loved, finding routes that were uncrowded with traffic and scenic, answering all questions and smoothing out any bumps with a smile. The hotels were just right - comfortable and not too fancy given that we were only there to sleep. Bikes and equipment (rain gear, panniers, etc.) were excellent, and Bernard had the skills and carried the tools necessary to fix anything that wasn’t quite right. And the chateaus were stunning, as were the countryside and small villages along the way. May was a perfect time - dealing with summer crowds and heat would have been less fun. Occasionally we felt a bit rushed going through a large chateau, but we saw the highlights, and there were always many more things waiting for us down the road - like the small winery where the owner explained her many challenges and the cave which grows amazing mushrooms. And every day was capped off by a wonderful dinner, good wine and great conversation. Thank you Bernard and tour organizers for a wonderful trip!
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2019
- 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, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
-
★★★★★ Tonzo
The Loire Valley Chateau and Garden Tour
Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour
What a wonderful experience and a lovey biking trip. So enjoyed our guide Bernard and his vast knowledge of the area. The accommodations were excellent and the food was great. What more can I say other than my husband and I had a great time.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 18-25
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- 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
Email
Mailing Address
Office Hours