France Bike Tour Reviews (page 8)
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★★★★★ KathiD October 20, 2016We began in Avignon and ended in Avignon!
· Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
We came to Avignon 2 days early so that we could become acclimated to the time zone difference. The tour operator very nicely delivered our rental bikes the day after we arrived. Therefore, we had the bikes for travel in and out of Avignon before we started our sel-guided tour.\. This was great because the wonderful Hotel La Ferme was about 3 miles outside of the city.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 11th to 18th 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- 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
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★★★★★ freemand2b June 13, 2017
Provence Bike trip
· Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
We arrived a day early and the tour operator provided us bikes to use that day which we spent riding through and around Avignon. France is a very bike friendly place. We were the first of the season and the tour operator came in person to orient us. We were self guided group of four. Two of us speak French but one could easily do this with English only. We have been to Europe many times (first time on a bike ride) and in the past some 3 star hotels could be marginal but I have to say the quality of the hotels exceeded my expectations. Hotel operators were very nice and welcoming. We were given a recommendation for dinners. Some we used others not depending on how we felt that evening. The landscape and tour route was excellent and we were able to visit many different sites and points of interest. We took a few wrong turns but in general the provided maps and instructions were good. Google maps was a good compliment. The luggage was there waiting at each of the next hotels with no issues. The only thing I wish is that we had extra days at each of the stays to explore the towns more. Had a great time.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- 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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★★★★★ Ellen June 30, 2017
Everything We Dreamed Of!
· Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
This bike tour was perfect in every way. The guide was helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and fun! The food was superb, the hotels delightful, and the scenery was amazing. We rode mostly on smaller, off-the-beaten-track roads - some paved, some gravel - which was easy on the hybrid Trek bikes. Each day brought new vistas, small cafes in tiny villages, and great camaraderie among the travelers. It was very hot when we did this trip, but we stopped often which, for us, made the trip even better as we got to really see and experience each place along the way. I would say that this tour is not for the novice bike rider, as some of the climbs in the mountains were challenging but it was exactly what we had hoped for - lots of smooth, flat and lots of uphill into the scenic old villages of the Alpilles and in Luberon. Some training is suggested for the long days in the saddle or if you go during the hottest part of the summer. Overall, this trip was exactly what we dreamed of!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 17-24
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Stepbro July 4, 2019
Brilliant! Everything I would want in a bike trip
· Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
This was an excellent way to experience southern France. The ride was on quiet roads and byways through fields of sweet smelling herbs and lavender
- What was the date of your tour?
- 15.06.19
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Tracey August 1, 2019
More than a Bike Tour Company
· Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
Unfornuately our self guided bike tour of Provence was cut short when I broke my ankle sightseeing in Orange! Bernard was amazing - he rearranged our hotels and arranged for a transfer back to Avignon where our hotel host organised mini van tours so we could still see the Pont du Gard and other Provence highlights. We felt like we were being looked after by family the whole way.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9 July 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- One
- 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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BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe August 2, 2019
So sorry to hear that you broke your ankle! Hope you are healing quickly and glad to hear you were taken care of!
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★★★★★ Christine August 18, 2019
Provence bike tour
· Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
This bike tour is a great way to see southern France. It was very hot when we did this trip and some of the climbs in the mountains were challenging. It was also rewarding to make the climb since the downhill after was amazing! Some training is suggested especially if you go during the hottest part of the summer. Enjoyed the scenic old villages of the Alpilles and in Luberon. Benefits of the guided tour is the great camaraderie among travelers around the world and eliminating the planning and decision making.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 3-10, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- 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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★★★★★ tsn3808 September 10, 2019
Provence Bike Tour with the Chain Gang
· Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
We just completed the Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park guided bike tour. This tour provided outstanding scenery and an opportunity to visit several wineries and do some wine tasting. The food was outstanding and the selected hotels met our expectations. The hotel hosts were very friendly. We had 2 guides due to the large number of cyclists. The Chain Gang guides were very friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable with the route areas. There was great camaraderie among the cyclists and the guides. We enjoyed this tour tremendously and recommend this tour for other cyclists.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 8-31 thru 9-6, 2019
- 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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★★★★★ Erin ELE September 18, 2019
Wonderful Trip, Picturesque days and Beautiful Evenings with Great Company
· Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
This was a wonderful way to see and experience Provence. The countryside is beautiful and a bike tour allows you to actually be a part of it. Mike, our guide and Bernie (his helper!) were fantastic and really made the trip special. Their personalities were very low key and low stress, yet they were unbelievably accommodating. The company focuses on ensuring your meal experience is amazing and that definitely did not disappoint. Each meal was just lovely from a service and a quality perspective.
We had a large group of 22 which made the management a little challenging, but they responded very well. Ideally, a group of 15 would be perfect, but the people on the trip were wonderful as well. This is a trip for someone that is decently fit. Some of the hills were challenging - but they were doable if you took your time. If you aren't cyclist I would recommend the ebikes for sure.
Our stops were fantastic and allowed for time to relax and enjoy the scenery. As a shopper we had a great day shopping in a small town which made it even more of a plus.
The hotels we stayed in were very quaint. I don't use that term as a way of saying old and tired. They aren't large 5 star hotels, but we didn't want that winding our way through Provence. They were beautiful and clean and perfect hotels that had everything one would need. And they were what was in my mind's eye of a hotel in Provence.
I would highly recommend the trip, but I would be prepared for the rides and a few hills. The wine became that much sweeter that evening! As did Bernie and Mike! Thank you for a perfect trip!
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 31, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was the first
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- 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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★★★★★ Auskang September 19, 2019
Great Food, Wine, and Views
· Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
We had a great time touring around the Avignon area and rode through very different terrains from average city streets to farm back roads, through historic cobble stone streets and narrow highways. Mike and Bernard were expert at guiding our tour group through difficult paths and to get to beautiful views and interesting attractions such as the Roman ruins at Glanum and the projection art show in a quarry.
The hotel styles varied in space and quality but they were comfortable, and they all had nice European breakfast options. The cantaloupe served in Cavaillon was the sweetest I tasted.
The wine tasting and winery tours were welcome stops on the rides. Eric at Cave Jamet was very friendly and colorful and treated us to a great spread at the wine tasting.
Evenings were spent relaxing at the pool at the hotels on the route and having beautifully created dishes at dinner. The best part of the trip making friends with other riders from around the US and UK. Their company made the trip fun and enjoyable.- What was the date of your tour?
- 8/31/2019
- 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
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ BadgerBiker October 6, 2019
Provence self-guided
· Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
Excellent tour through spectacular scenery & history. Good hybrid bikes & hotels. Only complaint is self-guided directions are a little sketchy. GPS routing definitely a big help, but had a couple glitches too (e.g. bridge out on one back-road trail!). Highly recommend this tour, would be perfect if GPS routing was spot on.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- 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
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★★★★★ griffin vulture October 16, 2019
· Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
- How many tours have you completed?
- 7
- 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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★★★★★ Diana Helmbrecht September 19, 2022
Beautiful tour through vineyards.
· Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
This was a very beautiful and fun tour. Our guides Sam and Tim were excellent - knowledgeable and pleasant to be with. Riding paths through the vineyards were absolutely gorgeous, and wine tasting a definite plus :). Every day ended with a gourmet dinner, wine and good company.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- 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?
- France
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★★★★★ Mark Johnson 8 months ago
Avignon loop
· Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
Sam is an excellent guide. Good size group:5.
Good mix of scenery and activities.- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2023
- 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
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Charles Hammer 7 months ago
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
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★★★★★ Greg3904 June 30, 2016Best Vacation Ever!
· French Alpes Tour: Alpes and Ventoux
My wife and I were blown away with the trip. We had never been to Europe and had no idea what to expect. Our expectations were exceeded beyond belief. It was a fantastic experience!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/18/2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- First time
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much 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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★★★★★ Doktar July 2, 2016
· French Alpes Tour: Alpes and Ventoux
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/25
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1st one
- 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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★★★★★ Garmin July 5, 2016
Outstanding
· French Alpes Tour: Alpes and Ventoux
Trip was personalized to everyone's needs. Guides were excellent!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/25/16
- 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 young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Hillbilly July 8, 2016
Bubba Goes to France
· French Alpes Tour: Alpes and Ventoux
After many months of training, our local group, Team Bubba, went to France to take on the Alps and Ventoux. I can't say enough good things about the local guides and the hospitality they showed us, as well as our wives, who went with us. Having local guides was definitely a distinct advantage. We are already planning our next trip to the Pyrenees.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/19-6/25
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Romeo July 29, 2016
Bubba Goes to France
· French Alpes Tour: Alpes and Ventoux
Guides were Fantastic! The Accomodations were great! The food was Tremendous! The guides were able to adjust our rides on the "fly" to accommodate our hunger for more suffering. They made it so easy for us. The all inclusive aspect of this, meant we could focus on our riding only without worry about eating, transferring from place to place, etc. I can't wait for Bubba France 2!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- This is my First
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- 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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★★★★★ oldjoe June 19, 2018
Fantastic scenery!
· French Alpes Tour: Alpes and Ventoux
A great mix of Alpine and Provence scenery. Wonderful small hotels with charming hosts and gourmet food! Challenging but not intimidating terrain with easy navigation. Would love to go back!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/1-7/18
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
