He says, ‘In France cycling is a very important aspect of life, and France does a lot to make it safe and enjoyable for everyone. Cycling is regarded as a life skill, pretty much the way we regard driving here in the UK.’
Most French people feel confident on bikes and this has been handed down and each generation demands more and better cycling facilities. As a result, people understand cyclists and their needs and there are thousands of kilometres of amazing cycle routes throughout France. This makes cycling holidays in France very attractive.
The routes include inner city 'voies bleues' or ‘blue ways’, which are cycle paths along rivers and canals in cities and large towns. These link up to 'voies vertes' or 'green ways', which are over 2,500 km of marked cycle routes on country lanes. These make up around 40 dedicated cycle routes that link towns and cities together. The cycle paths are very well maintained so cycling is smooth and easy.
Graeme Whyte adds, ‘There is great variety in France. You could find yourself on an old railway line, a canal towpath, or in a forest, which makes a cycling holiday there very enjoyable. There is a variety of countryside too and therefore there are many excellent holidays to choose from at the http://www.adventuretravelshop.co.uk.’
There are indeed many, from guided cycling holidays where you join a small group and are led by an experienced guide, to self-guided tours, where you are free to go at your own pace and take any detour you fancy. Either way, you will be supported, and supplied with fantastic routes to follow, taking you through the most beautiful places and making sure you miss nothing of interest on the way.
These companies will also give you advice about which type of holiday will suit you because parts of France can be very challenging for cyclists. There are amazing routes for the very energetic like the Classic Cols of the Tour de France. You will have a support vehicle to transport your bags to your next stop, but it is a most challenging ride.
Easier tours of beautiful regions with flatter terrain involve cycling about 25 miles per day, and give you plenty of time to stop at interesting places.
Companies hire out high quality bikes and everything else you may need so that you are properly equipped for the ride ahead. They also transport all you bags and take care of all the accommodation arrangements, leaving you free to enjoy your holiday without hassle.
A final point from Graeme, ‘Apart from being extremely good for your health, cycling has the added bonus that it gets you off the beaten track and deep into the real France in a way that driving just cannot compete with. Cycling holidays in France are marvellous in many ways, and France is a leader in Europe’.
Cycling is an important sport in France and home to the biggest of all cycle races, but perhaps even more important it is an activity that the French have embraced and support, and as a visitor you will be made welcome. There are great French cycling holidays to be found at the adventure travel shop and many other fabulous opportunities for overseas adventure travel.
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