France Bike Tour Reviews page 12
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★★★★★ Celina
Gorgeous and Delicious! (but not for the faint of heart)
Champagne Getaway: Charming Villages & Regional Wine Cellars
WOW was this ever a gorgeous trip! We pedaled through beautiful forests and along serene rivers. The food along every stop was OUTSTANDING. I loved that the Champagne region is a popular destination for French and European tourists, but you rarely see Americans. I felt truly immersed.
The tour starts in beautiful Reims, which is the most bustling of the cities you will visit. Check-in was simple, and the hotel had a beautiful view of a park and excellent air conditioning. There are plenty of great restaurant options nearby, and it's fun to wander the nearby city streets. Of course champagne is plentiful wherever you go!
The first day's ride is a long one, but gorgeous. Prepare for some uphill climbs. I also recommend buying snacks and even lunch food in Reims, because restaurants become scarce in the second half of the day. If you run slow, you may miss the meal altogether! (We did...). The hotel in Matouges is in the tiniest town with only a few blocks and no stores or restaurants to be found. You'll be eating in the hotel restaurant if you didn't grab food elsewhere. The hotel restaurant is delightful, though, so you won't be disappointed. There is also a POOL! It was great to take a dip after a long day's ride and cap of the night with a delicious meal.
The next day you ride to Epernay, which is a piece of cake compared to day 1. Epernay is an AWESOME city. You must make a stop in the town along the way for lunch (you'll see it in the guide book). Really, take the rides as slowly as you want. The point is to savor and enjoy! You may want to book tastings ahead of time, as it was difficult to figure out how to access some of the smaller champagne houses along the way.
You're in Epernay for a few days, and the rides out are loops. We chose to take one day off and just relax in Epernay, since we definitely did not train enough, and our legs had become a bit jello-y by day 3. There is plenty to do and see in Epernay, and we were very fortunate that the city was hosting a block party one of the nights we were there.
The ride up to the champagne tasting in Hautvillers is also steep! But WOW Is it ever a gorgeous view. And the steep ride down is also a treat. Definitely sign up for the optional tasting--the town and view and tasting room are all not to be missed.
The return to Reims is challenging but doable, and mostly beautiful. Navigating the city roads leading back to the hotel can be a bit annoying, but the map app is incredibly helpful. Treat yourself to a last night of delicious food before heading off. You could even catch a train out to Paris that night if you wanted to see it before heading home. The ride is quick and almost too easy.
Minor downsides were that the hotels did not have air conditioning, which made sleeping a bit uncomfortable. Also, the uphills climbs are TOUGH. If you are not training for this type of cycling, it may be quite the shock. SHOW MORE
This trip made me fall in LOVE with cycle touring. The pace is perfect for seeing little stops you would never get from a car or see from a major city. Every turn was a new adventure. Be brave! Try it! This was hands down one of the best experiences of my life.
SHOW LESS- What was the date of your tour?
- June 26, 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- 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
-
★★★★★ Charles Hammer
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
-
★★★★★ Kathleen Cook
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
-
★★★★★ 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
-
★★★★★ Kenneth Clements
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
-
★★★★★ Albuquerque, M
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
-
★★★★★ Colonel Biggy
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
-
★★★★★ Constance Cornwell
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
-
★★★★★ ALEX BERESNIEWICZ
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
-
★★★★★ 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
-
★★★★★ CJ4EY
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
-
★★★★★ Richard Olson
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
-
★★★★★ Annie C
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!
-
★★★★★ Greg C.
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
-
★★★★★ Amy Lynch
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
-
★★★★★ Amy Lynch
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
-
★★★★★ Amy Lynch
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
-
★★★★★ Granny Annie
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
-
★★★★★ Allen
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
-
★★★★★ Amy Murphy
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.
