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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! Please have a look at our detailed itinerary for a day by day breakdown of the riding. 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 26 May - Thurs 4 June 2009 (Trip code RFC I21)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.This price includes: 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 travelling with a bike |
