Guide to Cycling Travel & Holiday Packages
Choosing the Perfect Destination
Discover all-in-one cycling holidays and deals that promise not just a holiday, but a French escapade like no other.
Unravel the beauty of France as you pedal through its varied landscapes. Your choice of destination should align with your interests and fitness level:
- For wine enthusiasts, the vineyards of Bordeaux are the top choice.
- Seekers of historic charm can venture through the lanes of Normandy and Brittany.
- Those looking for a challenge will find the mountainous terrains of the Pyrenees invigorating.
- Coastal lovers will be drawn to the breezy tracks of the French Riviera.
Benefits of Booking Cycling Holiday Packages
Booking cycling holiday packages offers numerous advantages. These packages provide tailored experiences that cater to both novices and adept cyclists, ensuring a journey tailored to every rider's comfort level. Cyclists can effortlessly navigate routes enriched by guides who share not just the path, but also captivating stories of the region's history. What’s more, the convenience of these packages means all logistical aspects, from plotting routes to arranging accommodations and meals, are handled for you, allowing you to focus solely on the joy of the ride.
Activities and Excursions
Beyond the exhilarating experience of cycling through picturesque landscapes, our packages offer various enriching activities to immerse you further into the French culture and environment:
- Wine Tastings: Dive into the world of French viticulture by savouring the flavours of regional wines amid local vineyards.
- Historic Tours: Navigate through time as you step into mediaeval towns, castles and ancient ruins understanding the stories that shaped them.
- Local Cuisine: Indulge your taste buds with authentic French dishes, from creamy cheeses to mouthwatering pastries, all served in rustic bistros and cafes.
- Nature Walks & Canoeing: Swap your bicycle for a canoe paddle or sturdy boots. Paddle through serene waters reflecting the sky or hike nature trails to discover the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
- Workshops: Engage in hands-on learning experiences, be it a local craft session or a French cooking class, and take home more than just memories.
Tips for Booking the Best Package
Consider these tips to book the best cycling holiday:
- Define Your Interest: Whether it's history, nature or gourmet delights, choose a tour that aligns with your passion.
- Check Reviews: Opt for tour operators with positive reviews and testimonials.
- Inquire about Support: Ensure there's logistical support, like a backup van or first-aid arrangements.
- Consider Duration: Match the tour's duration with your availability and stamina.
- Consult Experts: Speak to experts who can provide insights and help tailor your experience.
Packing Essentials
Stay safe and comfortable during your bike tour by packing these essentials:
- Appropriate Attire: Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes and a waterproof jacket.
- Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable cycling shoes or sneakers.
- Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses and a good quality helmet.
- Hydration: A refillable water bottle or hydration pack.
- Navigation: Maps, compass or a GPS device.
- Repair Kit: Basic tools, puncture kit and spare tubes.
- Personal Items: Identification, necessary medications and a small first aid kit.
Europe Destination Tours
Europe is the birthplace of the bicycle, the Tour de France, and an outstanding cycling infrastructure. We have perfected the art of self-guided travel, designing itineraries in France and Europe with the spirit of independent travel in mind. We offer a full selection of European destinations to satisfy your desire to travel and see more. Looking for spectacular natural landscapes, interesting cultural sites, or new culinary experiences? Our European bike tours give you the opportunity to explore at your own pace.
Choose to ride the dramatic landscapes of Ireland, or explore the festive eccentric culture of northern Spain. Want sea and sun? There are a lot of choice rides along our Mediterranean destinations in Italy and France bike tours. Seeking a cycling challenge or an easy ride along a river or canal? Europe has it all. Whatever the European destination, we are there for you with the support you need along the way.
How To Choose a Tour
Regarding our cycling tours, below is some information about Tour Ratings and your ability:
About the "Level" rating system we use:
- Casual: Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient. Average distance less than 45 km, maximum elevation less than 300m and average 3-4 hours per day.
- Hobby: Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs. Average distance 30-55 km, maximum elevation 300-550m and average 3-5 hours per day.
- Active: Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with a reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty. Average distance 50-100 km, maximum elevation 550-1000m and average 4-6 hours per day.
- Pro: Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols. Average distance more than 100 km, maximum elevation more than 1000m and average more than 5 hours per day.
Types of Bikes
BIKES - Professional mechanics are employed to look after all rental bikes. Below are just few examples of the types of bikes used.
Hybrid Bike - Standard SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - (or equivalent)
The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Road Bike - Standard SCOTT ADDICT 20 - (or equivalent)
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
Road Bike - Standard SCOTT SPORTSTER 40 - (or equivalent)
Our SCOTT Sportster 40 hybrid bikes are a suitable choice for all our routes in Central Europe. They are comfortable, yet fast with 27 gears. The front suspension makes them capable of more rugged terrain.
