France Bike Tour Reviews (page 6)
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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
-
★★★★★ 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
-
★★★★★ 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, 2016
Surpassed 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
-
★★★★★ 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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BikeTours.com staff reply from Lindsay Nash October 19, 2016
Wonderful to hear! And, thank you!!
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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
-
★★★★★ Mia0620 September 24, 2018
Easy and relaxing
· Burgundy Wine Trails: Beaune to Macon on the “Voie Verte”
We loved the pace and the voies vertes were fabulous. This is biking without stress. The company people are terrific and helpful.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 11 - 17
- How many tours have you completed?
- More than 15
- 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
-
★★★★★ ewarren574 June 7, 2019
Trip of my dreams!
· Burgundy Wine Trails: Beaune to Macon on the “Voie Verte”
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- First one
- 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
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★★★★★ Chuck54 July 26, 2019
· Burgundy Wine Trails: Beaune to Macon on the “Voie Verte”
- What was the date of your tour?
- 7-12-18
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Lori Schwartz 6 months ago
Self guided
· Burgundy Wine Trails: Beaune to Macon on the “Voie Verte”
Great tour options on self guided. Made many stops in towns and did wine tasting.
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Julie Paoli-Stern 6 months ago
Excellent Trip!
· Burgundy Wine Trails: Beaune to Macon on the “Voie Verte”
First bike trip and we really enjoyed it! Routes were well laid out and lodgings were varied and of good quality. Tour company was very attentive to our needs and responded immediately when we encountered a problem along the way.
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Kenneth Clements 5 months ago
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
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★★★★★ Go Legs Go April 26, 2016
Excellent Company to use for Cycling in France.
· South of France: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
My husband and I did this self guided cycle tour. I can not recommend this tour highly enough. The bikes were in perfect condition. Extremely well maintained. The maps and GPS provided made for easy navigation - we did however get lost once. The cycling was sensational. Discover France had obviously put a lot of thought into the routes chosen to avoid main roads and show case the amazing scenery. Accommodation provided was perfect (even stayed in Chateaus). The food variety and quality available was exceptional. We generally ate where we were staying if they had a restaurant in house. At Carcassonne we ate at the Michelin star restaurant in the old town. This was fantastic food and outstanding value. On a personal note I had a day where I "hit the wall" and couldn't continue cycling for fear of fainting. We were in the middle of nowhere and it was 39 degrees.. I rang Discover France and they had us and our bikes picked up within 30 minutes and took us to our accommodation. Now that is service!
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Jessicarae July 3, 2019
Wonderful trip and incredible moments!
· South of France: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Bike trips are such an incredible way to see a country. This trip did not disappoint. The rides were definitely hilly - as hobby cyclists with not enough time to bike at home before the trip - we did great, but did walk a few hills. The hotels we stayed at were INCREDIBLE, each in their own way. All and all - I'd recommend this trip to any one that wants to really see and experience the south of France.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
-
★★★★★ Htim November 10, 2019
Beautiful and Fascinating
· South of France: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Beautiful routes, fascinating history, quaint, picturesque towns, grand castles and walled cities. Lodging ranged from excellent to very good. Bicycles and computer were great—we opted for carbon road bikes. Only negative was that the tour was short—one day had to be cancelled because of very heavy rain, and the last day was just a loop from Carcassonne to Limoux and back.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- 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?
- No
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
-
★★★★★ Helen Beban 9 months ago
Languedoc Adventure
· South of France: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Did this tour as a couple in our early seventies. We have done many cycle trips mostly self guided carrying our own luggage. This time we hired ebikes. Bikes were perfect. Hotels stunning. The trip notes comprehensive and the GPS really excellent. We had good communication. Meals average.
We have feedback for Adventure France about the route: on the Canal day MIDI Day the trip notes and GPS gave different routes. This was unexpected and a bit confusing.
We followed the Canal du MIDI using the trip notes it worked well. The route to the hotel in Carcassonne used many small roads with 4 way intersections. Difficult. Also used the traffic bridge and main roads. Using the cycle/ pedestrian bridge would have been much better. We loved the routes especially the fascinating rock formations on the first cycling day and the high route above the lake. Magic.- Countries included in this tour?
- France
-
★★★★★ Eric Meer 6 months ago
Great Trip for September!!
· South of France: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Trip went very smoothly. Towns were beautiful and quaint, hotels were accommodating as advertised, ebikes were brilliant and easy to use. Would definitely recommend standard bike seats or gel seats vs. the wider ones. 4-5 days takes a toll on the sitting muscles :). Would recommend adding a 2nd night in Bezier and doing only 1 night in Carcassonne.
Also, would recommend the company update it's map of Montpellier train station. The meeting point didn't match the map, but we figured it out.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- 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, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
-
★★★★★ Celina October 13, 2018
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
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★★★★★ Robyn Larkin 9 months ago
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
-
★★★★★ Crewdog10 April 4, 2016
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