Getting to know the real France
The best way to get to know France is - without doubt - on two wheels.
France has staunchly held its position as the world’s number one tourist destination for decades. Visitors from all over the world flock to check out the Eiffel Tower, glimpse the Mona Lisa and soak up the glamour on the Cote d’Azur.
And whilst you should definitely see these sights before you pop your clogs, for us, France is SO much more than a place to tick off your bucket list.
Choose a guided cycle tour to understand the essence of France
Cycling past medieval villages perched on craggy hilltops, sipping coffee in a sun-soaked square, cruising down shady avenues of plane trees, the scent of pine forest or salty sea air before settling down for a lazy lunch… Experiencing little moments like this is to appreciate and get to know the ‘real’ France.
And the best way to absorb the je ne sais quoi that makes France so special? On two wheels, of course!
Visiting Chateau Chambord, Loire Valley, France
Whilst a decent guide book and map will help you see the main sights and avoid getting lost, a little local knowledge goes a long way in France.
And our riders understand the difference between a guided cycle tour and just having an itinerary sent via email…
“Henry and David, the guides, were great – key to the great experience.” Said Diane and Tom who came from Connecticut, USA. Sandie from Alberta agrees, “We loved every minute of our trip with French Cycling and our guides were amazing! Can't say enough about how wonderful an experience it was! We met some great people from all over the world and shared a wonderful time together!”
Why choose a guided cycle tour, over following an itinerary?
If you’re still wondering whether to opt for a guided of self-guided cycle tour, here are five points to help you decide!
5 reasons to choose a guided cycle tour
1. The best cycle routes
Putting together a bike tour schedule takes time… Here at French Cycling Holidays, we have three priorities when we plan our routes: a) Safety b) Comfort c) Showcasing the best of the region
From the landscapes to the aromas, from the weather exposure to the photo opportunities, we tailor our routes to suit our riders and show them the highlights of the area we’re exploring.
We choose minor roads and opt for cycle paths where we can, and ensure that each day’s ride fits the description for the pace and level required.
2. Get to know the real France
Yes, there are some great tour itineraries out there, which are described well, suit different levels of rider and point out the top sightseeing spots in France.
But when you’re with a French-speaking cycle guide, you’ll see a side to the French culture and regions that you could easily miss if relying on a guidebook/self-guided tour. Our guides take you away from the main tourist traps to see an authentic side to the country, meeting people, sniffing out interesting experiences, asking the locals which bakery is best, and generally sharing their understanding of the region’s climate, local produce and the unique terroir on which it is cultivated.
When you choose a guided cycle tour, the depth of experiences you’ll have, the memories you’ll make and the stories you’ll tell afterwards, will be so much richer.
Our guides help select the best restaurants (because they'll be joining you for the meal!)
3. Technical support
Punctures, chains, pedals… Niggles with your bike sometimes crop up and when they do, they can completely spoil your day.
Riding with a guide means any problems can all be dealt with smoothly and swiftly to keep you and the group on the move.
And if your riding guide can’t fix it, our driver with backup is never far away. Our minibus (which carries your luggage to the next hotel) is equipped with tools, e-bike charging, spare inner tubes… Everything you could possibly need, plus bananas, snacks and water to top up your energy levels!
4. French speaking guides
Not only can our bilingual guides handle any issues with ease, they can also interpret the winemakers’ mouthwatering descriptions, the café owners’ tall tales, the cheesemaker’s cow’s names… The amusing nuggets and locals’ recommendations you could easily miss without a translator on hand. And if you’ve run out of suncream, need to buy a stamp, want to ship a case of wine back home, they can help you communicate in the pharmacy, post office, restaurants etc. and get things done, hassle-free.
5. When the going gets tough
If there’s a climb ahead and you’ve indulged in one too many croissants at breakfast, or if you’ve tweaked a muscle or are just not quite feeling up for it, your guide will give you tips and techniques to conquer those hills so that you know exactly what you’re up against, when to dig deep, and how to power on up.
Really not feeling it? The driver can pick you up and you can take a seat in the minibus for as along as you want, if the challenge is just too great.
Bonus reason: our legendary picnics!
Our guides are masters of the art of the pique-nique! Our riders rave about the marvellous spreads they rustle up in scenic, shady spots. The beautiful cheeses, cold cured meats, indulgent quiches, colourful salads, the crusty French bread… There’s nothing like a picnic when you’ve earned it by pedalling all morning.
Convinced? We hope so! The next job is to choose which area of France you'd like to explore with us, so browse our Tours page and see which terrain, sights and cuisine tickle your fancy.
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to get in touch, we're always very happy to chat.
- fch@frenchcyclingholidays.com
- +44(0) 1923 894305 or +44(0)20 8357 8934