Hello,
We are traveling to France/Switzerland this summer for 3 weeks. We have about 2/3 of our trip figured out but were looking for something a bit different to do for a couple of days toward the end of our trip. One idea we had was to explore the option of a 2-3 day biking trip, preferably with a company who would arrange accommodations and the route so we wouldn't have to haul luggage. Our children are ages 9 & 11 so clearly we would not be going very far each day. I am not quite sure if this something that people do....or where to even start looking. Appreciate any insight...good and bad.
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
689 posts
We did a bike tour in Provence last summer with Outfitter Bicycle Tours (www.OutfitterTours.com); it was excellent! Ours was guided, but I know they have self-guided tours throughout France. In our experience the customer service is wonderful, as is the support along the way. For the self-guided they make all the accommodations, haul your luggage, and establish the route. I believe they even meet with you each morning to ensure you have the route and your bikes are ready to go. If the tours on the website don't meet your needs, I would still e-mail them as I believe they will customize tours for you. Check them out!
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
rhonda, you might try making contact with Adventure Tours France. He posts on Trip Advisor, and may have bicycle day trips and more, local to Paris-he is based in Rambouillet. He's a good resource and is probably willing to just pointing you in a direction if you are not interested in what he offers, or want a different locale. Sounds great, good luck!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-forums/AdventureToursFrance
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Rhonda, biking anywhere in France is great, but given your itinerary I'd suggest Burgundy or Alsace.
Many local bicycle rental shops will add services such as itinerary planning, reservations, and luggage hauling; both of the rental shops I dealt with in Burgundy offered to do so.
You might also consider day loops out of a single location, such as Beaune, to minimize logistical hassles. You won't run out of places to go.
So I would focus on the type of experience you want to have rather than finding the perfect touring company.