France à Vélo

This is Holland at its wettest and flattest! This part of North Holland province fits the image that most foreigners have of Holland. The polders, often consisting of many rectangles of damp meadows separated by ditches, are encompassed by dikes and canals. When you cycle on a dike you’ll be able to see the difference in water levels between the canal on the one side and the lower lying ditches in the polder on the other side. This cycle tour will also take you to the dunes on the North Sea coast which not only protect the hinterland from the sea but also the harbour and many species of dune flora and fauna. You will certainly enjoy the coast of the former Zuiderzee (now Lake IJsselmeer) and the small towns of Edam and Volendam.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Cycling along rivers,
• Historico-cultural landscapes,
• Pictoresque villages,
• Metropolis Amsterdam,

Grade: 90 % on asphalted cycling paths or side roads with little traffic. Mainly flat.

Its romantic castles, churches and famous gardens make the Loire Valley a unique, enchanting area where the harmony between nature and architecture becomes an unforgettable journey. The Kings of France chose this area to live and left their historical imprint. Your route will take you not only along the longest river of France with its wild sides, but also among the famous vineyards of Anjou, picturesque villages, and the valleys of the Indre and Cher.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Châteaux Villandry, Chenonceaux and many, many more
• Cycling along rivers & valleys
• Abbey of Fontevraud
• Vineyards
• Tours – capital of the Touraine

Grade : Partly on cycle paths and little side routes, always asphalted, between the valleys slight climbs

The Loire Valley owes most of its charm to romantic châteaux, castles, churches and gardens. The connection between architecture and nature is an unforgettable experience. The main attraction of this cycle trip is, without any doubt, France longest river, the Loire. Along its natural finished banks this journey brings you through historic sides to the Atlantic sea.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Cycling along the Loire
• Varied landscape
• Seaside resort La Baule
• Art & History cities Angers & Nantes

Route characteristics: From time to time on cycle paths, calm side roads, always bituminized, flat to slightly steep.

This easy cycling tour along the Swiss lakes spans from the Mediterranean flair of Lake Constance to the Churfirsten Mountains. You will experience the Schaffhausen Rhine Falls on an exciting boat trip, get to know the cosmopolitan city of Zurich on the lake of the same name and cross Lake Walensee at the foot of the Churfirsten Mountains. In the Rhine Valley you will be treated to excellent wines and finally you will take a train to the Appenzeller Region where a picturesque landscape awaits you. You will spend the end of your trip on the beautiful Lake Constance.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Cycling on cycling paths along the Rhine
• Zürich
• Lake of Constance
• Fortress Munot
• Boat Trip on the Rhine Falls
• Schattenburg
• UNESCO Heritage Site Saint Gallen
• Appenzell

Grade: Mostly level ground along paved cycle paths and quiet side roads. Some sections are a little hilly.

Its romantic castles, churches and famous gardens make the Loire Valley a unique, enchanting area where the harmony between nature and architecture becomes an unforgettable journey. The Kings of France chose this area to live and left their historical imprint. Your route will take you not only along the longest river of France with its wild sides, but also among the famous vineyards of Anjou, picturesque villages, and the valleys of the Indre and Cher.

HIGHLIGHTS: – Châteaux Villandry, Chenonceaux and many, many more – Cycling along rivers & valleys – Abbey of Fontevraud – Vineyards – Tours – capital of the Touraine

Grade : Partly on cycle paths and little side routes, always asphalted, between the valleys slight climbs

Burgundy is a land of great art and good living, pastoral and peaceful. During the cycling trip you will discover great abbeys, elegant châteaux, medieval half-timbered villages and fortified towns. The vineyards of Chablis and the Auxerrois will accompany you, tastings are planned and the fine food will round off your days. This itinerary reveals northern Burgundy’s main treasures.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Wine-growing villages & wine tasting
• Cycling along rivers,
• Abbey of Fontenay,
• Abbey of Pontigny
• Basilica of Vézelay
• Noyers-sur-Serein & Semur en Auxois

Grade: Slightly hilly routs without long climbs. Asphalted side routs. Cycling path along the Canal du Nivernais and the Canal de Bourgogne.

The Loire Valley owes most of its charm to romantic châteaux, castles, churches and gardens. The connection between architecture and nature is an unforgettable experience. The main attraction of this bike trip is, without any doubt, France longest river, the Loire. Along its natural finished banks this journey brings you through historic sides to the Atlantic sea.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Cycling along the Loire
• Varied landscape
• Seaside resort La Baule
• Art & History cities Angers & Nantes

Route characteristics: From time to time on cycle paths, calm side roads, always bituminized, flat to slightly steep.

This is a unique cycle tour through a land whose history and nature fascinate every day. The mild climate of the southwest of France enables a great variety of plants. The newly created coastal cycle path offers a fantastic mix of stops from the city of Biarritz and its historic villas to Saint Jean de Luz. The ride on the “La Rhune” rack railway from 1924 and the wine growing area “Jurançon” near the town of Pau are also part of the program. Every day is rounded off with the exquisite Basque cuisine.

Fertile green valleys, castles and bastides, fortified villages, gently meandering rivers, lush pastures, wine, walnuts, geese for foie gras and the warm southern sun – this is Dordogne!

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Medieval city Sarlat
• Picturesque villages & valleys
• Caves & Canyons,
• Rock Painting,
• Castles

Grade: On side routs, flat to hilly terrain

This itinerary takes you on a loop from the medieval town of St Malo taking you along the picturesque Emerald Coast, including stops at the awesome 8th century abbey Mont St. Michel and the charming ‘city of the sea’, St. Malo. The coastal section includes a ride along fine sandy beaches interspersed with rocks, reefs, granite headlands and sheer cliffs, which are dappled pink and grey in the sunlight. The area is famous for its rich cultural heritage and architecture. There are châteaux, feudal fortresses and abbeys that are waiting to be visited, and a variety of flora and fauna in protected wildlife zones.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Picturesque Dinan & Fougères
• Mont St Michel
• City of the pirates St Malo
• Cycling along the river

Grade :
Flat up to hilly terrain, always asphalted on side routs and agricultural routes; #EV4