Tour Details

Languedoc France TourGuided Med to Atlantic Biking Tour

11 Nights / 12 Days

Click here for more info on Languedoc

Dates 2008

Custom - on request for groups of 6 or more

Price


TBA euros per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: TBA euros. (convert)

Bike Rentals: 105 euros (click to view) Scott Sportster P3 hybrids; see link for full details and picture. Helmets and add on materials included. Merckx racing bikes available also see Cycling Classics for specs under Rental Bikes. LaPierre tandems also available for rent on this tour for 205 euros. See link.

Scott Sportster P3 hyrid rentals - the best rental bike available in the region for 2008, certainly so for self-guided travelers!

Level

Level 2-3-more challenging
Day 2: 65 miles
Day 3: 32 miles
Day 4: 50 miles
Day 5: 75 miles
Day 6: 47 miles
Day 7: rest day
Day 8: 47 miles
Day 9: 50 miles
Day 10: 38 miles
Day 11: 72 miles

Headwinds can impact level as Atlantic approaches.

The Trip Includes
11 nights accommodations in charming 3 star inns, all breakfasts, 11 dinners, bag transfers, routes, maps and descriptions, guide support service and SAG support van, arrival transfer from Narbonne and departure transfer to Bordeaux. We also include free travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers.

Supplemental Nights: to be determined - please inquire.

Book this Tour
Book a Hotel in Languedoc
What is self-guided touring?

Details

Arrival train station: Narbonne - we will transfer the group at one time in late afternoon. Departure from Bordeaux airport or rail station, nothing before 11:00 am.

Misc Info

Guided trip - includes vehicle support; riding can be adapted each day if necessary for some group members. No major difficulties or heavy climbs but hilly riding throughout; ride time is estimated at 4-6 hours.

You are important to us; so we make you thoroughly prepared and include:
Pre-trip travel documents: you will receive extensive information as a customer prior to your departure. Upon confirmation we will send you some general information about preparations including passport info, training tips, and reading lists. As a customer you can also Purchase product from Hammer Nutrition, get 2 FREE issues to Velo News, and much more!

Upon final payment, we will send to you a complete list of documentation by email including Hotel List, contact numbers, itineraries, sites to see and information about sites and culture of the region. We include road signs, packing lists, travel tips, language phrases, holiday info, tour details, culture and customs tips, and much, much more!


Mediterranean to Atlantic

A wonderful cycling tour experience across all the south of France. This 12 day long guided bike trip will take you from Gruissan to Arcachon and expose your to a kaleidoscope of beautiful landscapes, wine areas, cultural highlights, gastronomy, bike fun and nice weather.

The tour starts in Gruissan, a scenic and authentic former fishing village near Narbonne. After a last swim in the Mediterranean Sea we hit the road through the Corbières wine area to the Medieval City of Carcassonne. The next day will take us for a ride through the southern hills of the Montagne Noire to the Lake of St Ferréol. Gaillac will be our next destination. The valley of the Tarn and the slightly wooded Montauban area will lead us to the Moissac region and its traditions. After an overnight in charming Monflanquin, located between forest hills and the Lot river, we will pedal through the scenic Dordogne area to Sarlat-la-Canéda, capital of Black Périgord. More gentle bike routes through multi-faceted landscapes will bring us to Bergerac. The Dordogne river will be our guide to lead us to St Emilion. We leave the Bordeaux vineyards behind us and cross the Garonne river to reach Arcachon, our final destination at the Atlantic and dip in the sea to authenticate your traverse!


"The trip exceeded my expectations in just about every way. It was awesome and challenging to be alone on a bike in a foreign country. I would recommend it to anyone with a sense of adventure who is in good health." - B. Van Hook

Virtual Tour

See more of this region by clicking below for the virtual tour

Itinerary

Click on a day to see that days itinerary.

DAY 1

Day 1:Arrival day. A transfer from the Narbonne TGV station will take you to the initial accommodation in Gruissan. Bike fitting and check by bike mechanic. Welcoming drink and briefing on the program. In function of the time left, you can enjoy the charming old village of Gruissan, proud of its history and tradition. The village is located in a natural site surrounded by salt lakes and a deserted beach. (D)


DAY 2

Day 2: Gruissan – Ile Ste Lucie – Port-la-Nouvelle – Sigean – Portel-des-Corbières –Ripaud – Thézan-des-Corbières – Ferrals-les-Corbières – Fontcouverte – Moux – Capendu – Marseillette – Trèbes – Carcassonne.
A gentle ride w/o any difficulty through the Corbières wine area to the Medieval City of Carcassonne. The Cité (Walled City) is a fortified medieval town, included by UNESCO in the World Heritage List. After a walk through the Cité, we’ll enjoy a regional dish in an authentic local restaurant. Our hotel is located at about 500 m from the Porte Narbonnaise, being the main access to the Cité. (B,D)


DAY 3

Day 3: Carcassonne – Canal du Midi – Montolieu – Saissac – Durfort – Saint Ferréol
The Canal du Midi, included by UNESCO in the World Heritage List, is a fantastic engineering work. The idea was to link the Garonne river (Atlantic Ocean) with the Mediterranean Sea, a 240 km long canal, built with the topographical know-how of the XVII th century ! The ride takes us through the smooth hills of the western Montagne Noir National Park. (B,D)


DAY 4

Day 4: Saint Ferréol – Puylaurens – Graulet – Lasgraisses – Gaillac
A gentle ride to Gaillac, a more than 1000 year old town, surrounded by wine areas. (B,D)


DAY 5

Day 5: Gaillac – Bruniquel – Aveyron valley – Lafrançaise - Moissac
Bruniquel « one of the most beautiful villages of France » is a unique castle town, renowned for the Offenbach festivals. In Moissac, a scenic pilgrimage town on the Compostella route, we will be accommodated in a former mill. (B,D)


DAY 6

Day 6: Lauzerte – Tournon-d’-Agenais – Fumel – Monflanquin.
Nature is characterized by forests, hills and picturesque valleys. A sporty ride, awarded with a stay in a small vacation resort with a nice pool. (B,D)


DAY 7

Day 7: Rest day - time to explore or take your bike out on a short loop ride. (B,D)


DAY 8

Day 8: Monpazier – Belvès – Castelnaud – La Roque Gageac - Sarlat.
Scenic landscapes will accompany you to the Dordogne valley and the historical town of Sarlat-la-Canédà: an exceptionally preserved city with more than 1000 years of history and an exceptional number of classified historical houses. Our accommodation is located on the outskirts of the old town. (B,D)


DAY 9

Day 9: Sarlat – les Eyzies – Mauzac – Bergerac
Les Eyzies is the world capital of pre-history and hosts the National Museum of prehistory. Bergérac, a place of dreams, is famous for its wines, local specialities and recipes. The Périgord area is characterized by vineyards, castles, walled cities, regional products, fortresses, grottoes and gardens. The area has a strong reputation for its “art de vivre”. (B,D)


DAY 10

Day 10: Bergerac – la Force – Villefranche-de-Lonchat – Lussac – Saint-Emilion
Scenic routes through the Périgord Regional National Parc and vineyards will bring you to St Emilion. St Emilion: a beautiful medieval town, steep hilly cobblestoned streets, ancient limestone buildings and exquisite wines (B,D)


DAY 11

Day 11: Targon – Tourne Langoiran – La Brede – Saucats – le Barp – Facture -Arcachon
We leave St Emilion on heading for the Landes. Arcachon, our final destination at the Arcachon Basin (hotel on the beach promenade). A seafood meal on the terrace in front of the beach promenade is the best place to review your bike adventure. (B,D)


DAY 12

Day 12: Departure after breakfast. Return transfer to Bordeaux airport or rail station in the morning. (B)


Optional Services:

Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services.

Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.