NEW YORK CITY – As summer takes its final bow, we can’t be sad. All we can think about is how lovely France is in autumn, with the colors changing, cooler climes and sparse crowds. If you can’t squeeze in another adventure before winter, that’s ok. Dream about the perfect journey for that other glorious shoulder season, spring. Any of the Discover France bike tours can be customized to fit a desired itinerary and travelers choose the dates! Here are some great ideas to get the wheels turning:
Shellfish & Crustacean Festival
Normandy: October 4-5, 2014
Granville, the most important shellfish port in France, fêtes their oceanic bounty of scallops and other shellfish prepared by some of the region’s most renowned chefs.
PAIRING: Brittany to Normandy Tour
Bicycle through green pastures and seaside towns with beautiful coastline, discovering the history that has made this area so famous. Stop at Mont St. Michel, St. Mere Eglise and the D-Day beaches among other notable sites. On Day 3, wander through Granville, smelling and tasting all the fresh seafood your taste buds desire.
Le Festival du Périgord Noir
Dordogne: Through October 3, 2014
The region’s largest musical festival features classical music concerts in the truly unique architectural and natural settings in Sarlat and Chavagnac.
PAIRING: Best of Bordeaux & Dordogne
Discover this countryside mixed with vineyards, chateaux and the grottos of prehistory. Explore St. Emilion, filled with Romanesque churches and fascinating ruins stretching along the narrow streets. Travel through the forests and through small villages to Les Eyzies, home of the Font de Gaume, then end your journey in the charming, medieval town of Sarlat.
Festivities for the 154th Hospices de Beaune
Burgundy: November 14-16, 2014
During this three-day festival, merchant houses and family wine estates open their cellars and their bottles. Popular entertainment, both free and for a fee, fill the days, from a half marathon to street theater, wine tastings, bottle-opening contests and a carnival. The high point is the most famous charity wine sale in the world.
PAIRING: Burgundy Gastronomy and Wine
This cycling tour is the perfect combination of Burgundy's most important treasured assets: wine and cuisine. Starting in historic Dijon, make your way across the most famous vignobles. Stop for tastings at your leisure and explore the wine country villages along this route. The last two nights will be in Beaune, allowing for plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.
International Garden Festival
Loire: April-October
The former home of Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, hosts the world’s most lavish garden festival, boasting nearly 580 gardens designed as prototypes of gardens of the future.
Discover the rolling landscapes, unspoiled nature, beautiful gardens and breathtaking castles of the Loire Valley. You will explore the area between Chambord and Azay le Rideau, and indulge in the gastronomy of this region daily. Imbibe the sparkling white wine and savour sweet chocolates then stroll through the gardens Château de Chaumont.
Great Roman Games in Nîmes
Languedoc: May 2015
Antiquity comes alive with the largest historical re-enactment of Roman times in the exceptional Amphitheatre of Nîmes. The event will commemorate the accession of Augustus and the Battle of Philippi, scenes including: Emperor's parade, military parade, gladiatorial combats, distribution of bread, chariot races and a final great battle.
PAIRING: Languedoc Countryside & Heritage
Discover sunny Languedoc on a fabulous route that takes you way off the beaten tourist path. You will have loop tours on three separate days, with opportunities to hike around St. Guilhem, visit a glass blowing museum in its birthplace, visit the icon Pic St Loup, explore the gorges of the l'Herault and more. You will be in Nîmes on Day 6 to enjoy the Roman Games.
Weekend of the Grands Crus
Bordeaux: May 30-31, 2015
The Union of the Grands Crus of Bordeaux invites all fans of great wines to experience an exceptional weekend among the best wine labels of Bordeaux. On Saturday, enjoy a tasting at the historic port, followed by an evening of private wine and food pairings or opt for cocktails and music at local wine bars. On Sunday, visit vineyards around Bordeaux or play a round of golf while tasting prestigious wines.
PAIRING: Bordeaux Wine Country
Arrive in Bordeaux a few days prior to your self-guided tour to take part in the Grand Crus events. This cycling tour is centered around Bordeaux vineyards, including Saint Emilion, Entre Deux Mers and other small wine villages throughout the region. Travel through the vines and passed chateaux, around walled towns and along winding rivers. Leave time for wine tasting, shopping and visits to cultural sites throughout the tour.
Luberon Jazz Festival
Provence: May-June, 2015
The 22nd annual festival, featuring the new generation of French jazz musicians and numerous regional musical treasures. Plus, plenty of European and African discoveries too.
National Geographic Adventure named this the “Best 25 New Trips of 2009”. This tour combines several activities to provide you with a unique way to discover this beautiful part of France. You will cycle through the vineyards and forests of the region, hop on a canoe and paddle down the Gardon river, hike through the mountains, lavender fields and olive groves. You have the option to do a cooking class too!