E-bikes in Loire, Provence and Languedoc!

An innovative French touring company, Discover France, is taking the pain out of the gain when cycling up inclines. Guests now may partake of a new adventure travel trend, using hybrid electric bicycles with easy-to-charge battery motors.

“E-bike technology is finally both good enough and affordable for us to invest in this equipment,” said Loren Siekman, Discover France director.  “Couples often aren’t compatible endurance-wise when combining bikes and hills. E-bikes help level the cycling field by giving a boost to a cyclist concerned about not keeping up or slowing others down.”

To date e-bikes in small, medium and large models are available for both guided and self-guide tours of the Loire, Provence and Languedoc regions. The rental rate is slightly more than for regular hybrid bike rentals. The e-bike in use is the new Scott e-Venture 30, a model easily charged while sipping a glass of wine during a rest stop somewhere along the route in France. http://www.discoverfrance.com/rental_bike04.php

“It’s important to remember,” underscored Siekman, “that the E-bike is a boost and not a motor. People still ride, pedal and apply energy but with a little boost at times when it can be helpful to the rider. You have to pedal while using it and let the battery and motor give added and welcomed assistance to your efforts.”

France’s Unique and Delectable Wineries

When it comes to wine, we’ve all heard of such famous regions as Tuscany and Napa Valley.  But these aren’t the only areas that produce exquisite wine.  In fact, there are 3 surprisingly lesser known regions that happen to offer everything a wine aficionado could ask – from robust flavors to distinct styles to earthy aromas and everything in between.  These 3 regions include Alsace, Languedoc and Cote d’Azur – each featuring their own unique and delectable wine products.

Alsace

The Alsace region of France features a varied geology of soil types and a climate and altitude that is ideal for wine production.  Vineyards are sheltered from excess rain by the Vosges mountain range, creating a warm, dry and sunny atmosphere.  The seven grape varieties used to produce Alsace wines include Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Sylvaner, Muscat d’Alsace and Pinot Noir.

The wines produced in Alsace are predominantly of the white variety, with the exception of Pinot Noir.  Most of the white wines from Alsace feature the distinct characteristics of being floral, spicy and aromatic, particularly due to the use of aromatic grapes in their production.  Some are dry, others are sweet.  Sparkling wines, referred to as Crémant d’Alsace, are also produced in this lovely French region.

Languedoc

Given its massive production volume, it’s surprising that the French region of Languedoc is not more widely known.  In fact, the region is home to approximately 700,000 acres of vineyards and is the single largest wine-producing region in the world, responsible for more than a third of France’s total wine production.  And it’s been this way for quite some time, with the earliest known vineyards of the area having been planted in the 5^th century BC by the Greeks.  This mass production of high quality wines is due in large part to the region’s Mediterranean climate, which creates ideal growing conditions.

The most common grape varieties of the Languedoc region include Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.  White varieties also include Mauzac and Chenin Blanc.  Reds of Languedoc include Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre and Cinsault.  There are an enormous number of names, blends and varieties found throughout the region, many of which have earned the highest honor of achieving appellation or sub-appellation status.  All of the wines of Languedoc feature exquisite aromas and distinct flavors and are renowned among wine connoisseurs the world over.

Cote d’Azur

The Cote d’Azur includes the French region of Provence, which is known for its production of rosé wine.  Contrary to popular belief, rosé wines are not made from a combination of white and red, but are a unique variety in and of themselves.  In fact, it’s one of the earliest wines ever produced as well as one of the most difficult.  Some rosé wines of the Cote d’Azur regions feature light, fruity flavors, while others are more bold and robust.

Another fine variety of the Cote d’Azur area is Bandol wine, one of the most internationally recognized Provencal varieties.  Bandol wine is dominated by the Mourvedre grape, which has different characteristics depending on the particular “terroir” it is produced in.  Most Bandols feature flavors that are more on the spicy side with earthy undertones.

These three regions, while not as well-known as some others, are considered to be among the best places to grow and produce wine in France (and perhaps the world), particularly due to the perfect weather and ideal conditions.  Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a sip of vino every once in a while, the wines produced throughout these three regions are among the best in the world and make these destinations well worth a visit (or two).  Cheers!

Why Not Include the Whole Family?

Traveling as a family can be one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences.  It can also be one of the most challenging, particularly when that family includes young children or teenagers.  The good news is, it doesn’t have to be!  Here are some simple tips that will help ensure your vacation goes smoothly and is enjoyable for everyone involved.

Involve your kids in the planning process

Children love to feel like they are a part of everything.  It empowers them and gives them a sense of accomplishment and confidence.  Involve your kids in the whole process, from deciding on a destination to choosing different activities to include in the itinerary.  The more involved your children are in the planning and decision making process, the more cooperative and content they will be during the trip.

Pack less

Keep in mind that no matter where you go, your kids are probably going to end up with a bunch of souvenirs.  You’ll want to be sure to leave enough room to pack them for the trip home.  A good way to do this is to pack once, and then remove half of what you’ve packed.  Remember – you only need to bring just enough clothes to last the length of your trip.  Stick to the essentials and you won’t have to deal with any headaches for the trip home.

Invite a friend

Kids always have more fun when they can play with others, so if possible, consider allowing your children to each bring a friend with them on your next trip.  It will give them someone to interact with and help them to not feel so disconnected from their normal, everyday life.  This is especially true for teenagers. Test the waters first by letting your child bring their friend along on shorter trips like weekend getaways, to make sure everyone is compatible.

Split up

One of the biggest reasons traveling as a family can be challenging is the fact that it involves long stretches of time spent all together.  Too much time together can be overwhelming for both parents and children. Try to organize your trip so that you are able to split up for some activities – even if it’s just for dinner.  Many of the hotels featured on our tours have pools or offer other activities that allow kids who are old enough the chance to explore a little.  Teens can enjoy a little taste of freedom and parents get the chance to relax and enjoy some alone time.

Keep it exciting

Remember that children may not enjoy things like sightseeing or appreciate culture as much as adults do, so try your best to make these types of activities as exciting and fun as possible.  Multisport tours are excellent options for families with kids because they offer a wide variety of activities for different ages, abilities and skill levels.  For instance, our multisport tours offer things like canoeing, treasure hunts, hiking, biking and trips to adventure parks, just to name a few.

Also keep in mind that when you’re participating in activities like hiking or biking, your children probably aren’t thinking about just getting from point A to point B, but rather they see the activity as a chance to explore.  Allow ample time to make it an adventure and choose routes that are interesting, such as alongside a river.  You may be surprised at what you discover along the way.

Make it memorable

There are plenty of ways to make memories on a trip besides taking pictures.  Think of creative ways to commemorate your journey, like purchasing a post card at each destination and having your children write the date, their age and a single memory of that stop on the back.  Or, give each child a new journal and encourage them to write down their thoughts, feelings and memories during the trip.  Did they try a new food?  Perhaps they learned a new word in another language.  These are things that can’t be learned in a textbook or captured in a photograph, but that make a lasting impression on a child.  Encourage them to jot them down so they’ll always have those special memories of their trip.

Traveling as a family doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, if you follow these tips, you can create an indelible bond and experience unforgettable adventures that you and your children will remember forever.

A Foodie’s Delight

What do you get when you combine miles of breathtaking coastline, fascinating historical landmarks, lush farmland and lively market towns?  The Normandy region of France boasts all of these features and so much more.  But aside from the picturesque landscapes, friendly locals and cultural discovery, Normandy is also home to some gastronomical delights.  Whether you’re an experienced restaurateur or just a foodie that loves to experience the different tastes of the world, the cuisine in Normandy won’t disappoint.  If a visit to this lovely region is in your future, here are a few foods you won’t want to miss.

Cheeses

Delectably rich and sinfully delicious, the cheeses of Normandy rank among the best in the world.  While there are a number of kinds to choose from, there are three in particular that truly stand out as “must-tries”.  Livarot, the oldest cheese in Normandy, is a washed rind cheese made from cow’s milk that is soft, rich and is known for its earthy “barnyard” aroma. Another soft cheese, Camembert, has been enjoyed throughout the region since the 18^th century and features a creamy texture that is often compared to brie.  Finally, Brillat-Savarin, a triple cream brie cheese, features a luxuriously creamy texture and a taste that is perfectly pared with a glass of fine champagne.  These three cheeses provide an excellent sampling of one of the area’s most popular products.

Apples

Another well-known food product of the Normandy region is the apple, or more particularly, the cider that is made from locally grown Normandy apples.  Traditional apple cider is delightfully fresh and has helped put the region on the map, but it’s the alcoholic equivalent that has kept it there.  Calvados is an apple brandy that has won many awards over the decades.  In fact, in 1942 it was awarded the Appellation d’Origine Controlle, or AOC label which is a sign of the beverage’s high quality.  Pommea is another drink that is a bit of a combination of the two – 2/3 apple juice and 1/3 Calvados.  For those that are interested, there are a number of tastings and tours of the many distilleries found throughout the region.

Pork

One of the most interesting things about Normandy is that each area within the region features its own specialties or favorite dishes.  In lower Normandy, pork is among the popular foods, particularly what’s known as andouille de Vire.  This traditional chitterling sausage is based on the innards of the pig and is seasoned naturally with sea salt.  It has been produced in the area for hundreds of years and provides a unique rustic and simple example of traditional French food.  Andouille de Vire is generally enjoyed cold, sliced wafer-thin alongside farmhouse bread, or warm atop a salad or with cooked apples. It’s a favorite among the locals and tourists alike and is considered a gourmet treat.

The Normandy region’s scenic landscape, complete with rolling pastures and lush orchards, has helped to contribute to the unique and delectable food enjoyed there.  The peaceful cattle that graze along the hills are used to produce exquisite cheese while the local orchards produce bushels of fresh apples which are then turned into cider and brandy.  Meanwhile, pork butchers continue to pass down recipes that have been used for centuries.  These three foods providing a perfect sampling of the rich flavors of the region and offer an opportunity to enjoy a gastronomical adventure you won’t soon forget.