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Atlantic to the Mediterranean, gentle road cycling holiday, FranceA classic coast to coast cycling trip through the heart of rural France on back roads and canal towpaths |
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OVERVIEWA classic coast to coast voyage using a network of quiet back lanes and canal tow paths. Our 530km (330mile) route links picturesque villages, medieval cities, ancient forests, vineyards and fields of sunflowers as we head slowly east through this historic land.This fully supported cycling trip is about discovering the highlights of Southern France by bike, and is suitable for anyone who enjoys cycling. The riding, which is mostly flat, will be done at a leisurely pace with an average daily distance of about 66km. This leaves plenty of time to relax or explore the many natural and man made sights of interest en route. Our overnight stops are taken in sleepy towns, cosmopolitan cities and everything in between. We stay in comfortable hotels, selected for their French charm and fine restaurants. You will not get a more varied insight into the region and its culture than this trip! IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?The cycling is mostly flat except for 3 days in the middle, where we undulate over the watershed. Even then, none of the hills are very long or high, the maximum height reached is 264m. Throughout the journey we stick to quiet back lanes, cycle paths and the canal tow path (which is un-surfaced in sections). Daily distance averages at about 65km, except for the final day (87km). If you enjoy cycling at a leisurely pace then this trip is for you. There is always the support vehicle if you fancy a day off. Those wanting more of a workout can take a few detours en-route. It is important to us that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts.DATESTues 2 Sept - Thurs 11 Sept 2008 (Trip code RFC H35)Tues 26 May - Thurs 4 June 2009 (Trip code RFC I21) September 09 dates to be confirmed HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The holiday costs £699, starting at Biarritz Airport and ending at Carcassonne Airport. Flights can be picked up very cheaply if booked in advance. Expect to pay £80 return. Allow a further £120 for the meals not included and drinks (depending on your thirst). There are no other local payments or hidden costs. Please note that we offer a 5% discount if you book more than 3 months before the departure date. We also offer group and loyalty discounts. More Info >>WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?8 days fully supported riding. Airport Transfers (at specified times). 9 nights based in comfortable 2 star Hotels. 7 evening meals, and 9 breakfasts.WHERE DO WE STAY?Everyday we move onto an different Hotel. Where possible these are small but comfortable 2* hotels, which reflect the character of the region. The only exception to this is in Toulouse, where we stay in a big chain hotel next to the Canal. All rooms have private facilities and are allocated on a 'Twin Share Basis'. If booking alone it is possible to book a single room throughout the trip, there is a charge of £170 for this and you must inform us on booking.FOODThis trip could be looked at as a 'gourmet cuisine' trip with a bit of biking to work up an appetite! The French are deservedly proud of their regional specialties, so we will be spoilt by the various taste sensations as we head east. All breakfasts are included and are continental style. 7 evening meals will be taken in the hotels or local restaurants. In Toulouse and Carcassonne, you are free to sample from the many fine restaurants in town where you are spoilt for choice. As people like to eat very different things when exercising, we have left options for lunch open and you are invited to buy snacks and a pack lunch from the grocery shops close to all our hotels, or to stop at cafe's and restaurants en route. No drinks (wine / tea / coffee) are included.GUIDING AND INSTRUCTIONYou are accompanied by our guide, Cathy Thompson who has been working with Marmot Tours since 2005. She is a keen cyclist, qualified first aider and basic bike mechanic. She will be at hand to assist in any way throughout the trip. She will drive the support vehicle which will intercept the group from time to time throughout the day. You will be provided with comprehensive route notes and maps, meaning you can ride at your own pace.GROUPThere is a maximum of 16 people (minimum 4) plus Cathy on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as activity holidays are a great way to make new friends.TRANSPORT / SUPPORTThroughout the trip you are supported by a minibus fitted with a bike rack. It will intercept the group from time to time offering refreshments, mechanical assistance as well as a lift up the hills (if you would like it). Bags are naturally transported from hotel to hotel.BIKE HIREIf you do not want to have the hassle of bringing your own bike, you can hire one from Marmot-Tours (and return it dirty at the end of the holiday!). For more information on hiring or packing up your own bike for travel please see the Bike Hire section. The cost of hiring a bike for this trip is £105. All bikes hired on this trip will be fitted with slick touring tyres, a speed / mileometer and a 15 litre handle bar rack. Please note that the bikes are mountain bikes, and do not have adjustable handlebar heights. Bikes must be paid for on booking.HOW DO I GET THERE?The trip starts at Biarritz Airport and ends at Carcassonne Airport. A minibus transfer will be arranged to tie in with the most suitable flights.Please see the Transport section for all travel options (air, road, rail), plus getting to the start point independently. Please see our guidelines if traveling with a bike |
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HOLIDAY ITINERARY |
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DAY 1 |
Transfer from Biarritz Airport to our tour start point at Hossegor. The beach here is one of the best on the Atlantic coast and a Mecca for surfers from around the world. The old harbour town maintains many charms and is a nice place to 'people watch' in a cafe before drinks and dinner. |
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DAY 2 |
We start by heading north on the picturesque coast road through the ancient tropical pine forest. This region is a deservedly popular holiday destination, the well restored villages welcome us with cafes and bars. For part of today's ride we follow a purposely designed cycle path, taking us into the heart of the Landes Forest. Our destination is the ancient hamlet of Lesperon. Here the traditions of Bull fighting and 'pelot' (a ball game played with a scoop shaped racket) continue. (57km, 35miles) |
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DAY 3 |
Today we start our journey east into the Parc Natural Regional des Landes De Gascogne. This is Europe's largest forest and is home to many species of rare birds. The ride is mostly flat and the forest is punctuated with lovingly maintained wood beamed farmsteads and villages with imposing churches. Tonight we stay in the picturesque market town of Roquefort (nothing to do with the cheese). (74km, 46miles) |
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DAY 4 |
Leaving the plains behind us we head into the rural heartland of France. We undulate our way through meadows and untouched villages, crossing many small rivers and through some breathtaking scenery. Our aim is the town of Condom, in the heart of the Armagnac region. The town itself has many charms including the Benedictine Abbey and wine making museum. We can expect a feast of regional specialties tonight, like 'Foie Gras' and 'Confit de canard', naturally washed down with a few of the regions brandies. (70km, 44miles) |
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DAY 5 |
One of the hillier days: A beautiful back road takes us over the watershed and to a high point of 264m where we are rewarded with some great views and swooping downhill sections. We stay in the sleepy town of Beaumont-de-Lomagne, famous for its annual Garlic Festival!! (60km, 37miles) |
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DAY 6 |
We head down into the picturesque flood plain of the mighty River Garonne. Where a network of quiet lanes and cycle paths takes us alongside the canal and into the heart of Toulouse. Toulouse is a multicultural, multifaceted city which needs no real introduction; there is fine Art and Architecture throughout. You will have time to explore whichever avenue you fancy in this fantastic place. (66km, 41miles) |
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DAY 7 |
We will have time to watch Toulouse slowly coming to life before heading out of town on the Canal Du Midi. This amazing feat of 16th Century Engineering links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and is shaded with Plane trees for its entire length. The tow path has now been surfaced, making this one of the most pleasant bike rides anywhere in the world. We stay in Castelnaudary and will no doubt have the opportunity to sample the famed 'cassoulet' - a meat and bean stew. (70km, 44miles) |
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DAY 8 |
A leisurely ride along the Canal takes us to Carcassonne in time for lunch. The afternoon is free for you to relax or to explore the many delights of this uniquely preserved Medieval City. Officially Europe's largest Fortress it is flanked by 26 towers and 3000m of twin walls! You will be impressed. In the evening you are free to sample one of the many open air restaurants in the main square. Don't miss seeing the beautifully lit Cité by night. (43km, 27miles) |
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DAY 9 |
Fully rested, we set out on our final and longest day of the trip. The route takes us through vineyards and fields of sunflowers, marking our approach closer to the Mediterranean. A final (40m) climb gives us a panoramic view of the great sea - Its all down hill from here! We end in the resort town of St Pierre-sur-Mer where a well deserved swim and celebration are in order. (87km, 55miles) |
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DAY 10 |
Time to leave. We can enjoy a leisurely morning swimming or packing up the bikes, before transferring to Carcassonne Airport (1.5hrs) in time for the midday flight. |
