Cycling through 5 UNESCO world heritage sites.

Active4Adventures and GARMIN designed this amazing itinerary made for those of you looking for adventure and out of the ordinary biking experience. This is the perfect tour ever. It starts and end in two UNESCO World Heritage sites, St Guilhem-le-Desert and Carcassonne. It’s all about breathtaking landscapes, unique gastronomy, and abundant historical sites in this beautiful part of Languedoc-Roussillon region.

Located in the most southern part of France on the Mediterranean coast, the region of Languedoc is an area rich with scenic landscapes and a beautiful climate. It borders the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Pyrenees Mountains to the south, and Provence to the northeast, the region provides visitors a lovely contrast of terrain to explore and countless activities in which to partake. There are rivers and lakes, with amazing thermal springs, ancient abbeys and cathedrals, castles and fortresses and so much more to explore, not to mention the incredible coastline with its gorgeous beaches for those seeking beauty and relaxation. There truly is something for everyone in Languedoc. Among the many things to do and see here, here are five particularly compelling reasons to cycle Languedoc, 5 amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites that Active4Adventures and Garmin linked in an exclusive itinerary.

You will start your tour in Saint Guilhem le Desert, a beautiful French village with one of the most amazing cloister in the world. The Metropolitan Museum in NY shows a replica of this architectural master piece. From there you will ride on the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the resting place of St James (UNESCO World Heritage site). From St Guilhem-le-Desert to Moureze, famous for its beautiful dolomitic Cirque de Moureze, you will travel through rural and quiet countryside with several stops possible in charming villages along the way before reaching the enchanting village of Moureze, an area reminiscent of the famous Italian Dolomites. Don’t overlook the wineries in this area as this is one of the most important wine producing region in the world.

The Causse and Cévennes will be the next step of this unique adventure. In this exceptional natural setting, the shepherds and flocks of the South of France, have carved out “cultural, organic and living” landscapes.

The roads will lead you to the Canal du Midi. Pierre-Paul Riquet was responsible for opening the Canal du Midi, waterway between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic in the 17th century. Unesco calls it “one of the modern era’s most extraordinary achievements.” And finally you will arrive in the City of Carcassonne. Carcassonne leaves you speechless the first time you see it. Its huge medieval defense system, the perfect restoration by Viollet le Duc, the castle, Gothic cathedral and narrow streets fill you with admiration.

… and yes, all this in one week!

Also to make sure that you’ll find your fantastic hotels and restaurants, a Garmin GPS will show you the way during this self guided holiday, and Active4Adventures guides will always be at your disposal.

check our Tour here

Self guided… not just a map!

3 Reasons to Cycle Bordeaux

While the country of France is chock-full of exciting and incredibly beautiful opportunities for cycling enthusiasts, perhaps the one destination that tops the list is the breathtaking city of Bordeaux.  With a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that seems somehow frozen in time, Bordeaux features a wide variety of ideal terrain, lovely views and plenty of memorable stops along the way.  Here are 3 reasons you should grab your bike and head to Bordeaux.

Wine

Perhaps the one thing that has put Bordeaux on the map is the ample supply of fine wine produced there.  This is marked by the countless vineyards found throughout the city, which provide an enticing reason to take a break and enjoy a sip or two of some of the best wine in the world.  There are some 60 appellations of Bordeaux wine, and the huge variety of styles they represent can typically be categorized into to six main families – two of them being white wines and the other four being red.

Bordeaux wine runs the gambit, from inexpensive everyday table wines to some of the most expensive wines in the world – so there really is something for everyone, whether a wine connoisseur or someone who just enjoys a nice glass of vino from time to time.  Cyclists can explore the beautiful vineyards and enjoy a nice picnic in the sun, paired, of course, with a lovely glass of Bordeaux wine.

Architecture

Aside from its massive wine production, Bordeaux is also home to some incredible architectural finds.  In fact, it’s known by some as the “City of Art and History” because it offers such a fascinating testimony to the area’s rich past.  Many of the buildings in Bordeaux were designed with unique architectural styles and techniques, making them even more interesting to behold.  For example, the Basilica of St. Michael was built during the 14^th and 15^th centuries and has been affectionately referred to as “flamboyant” because of its spectacular design and adornments.

The Grand Theatre de Bordeaux, which was officially inaugurated in the year 1780, boasts an exquisite neo-classical façade and a portico with 12 impressive Corinthian style columns.  It remains one of the oldest standing wooden framed opera houses in all of Europe that didn’t require rebuilding.  Today, the Grand Theatre is home to both the Opéra National de Bordeaux, as well as the Ballet National de Bordeaux.

Finally, the Saint-André Cathedral, located south of Bordeaux’s old town, is often compared in size and style to the magnificent Notre-Dame in Paris.  The cathedral’s north doorway is one of its finest features, having been richly decorated with exquisite sculptures depicting such events as the Last Supper and the Ascension.  This entrance is flanked with two massive towers and there are a number of other sculptural and artistic finds throughout the building, which was constructed and modified during the 12^th, 13^th and 15^th centuries.  It’s truly a historical gem.

Rue Sainte Catherine

Once you’ve had your share of wine and architecture, park your bike and take a stroll down the Rue Sainte Catherine, one of the longest shopping streets in all of Europe.  This 1.2 km pedestrian street is absolutely jam-packed with quaint shops and friendly little cafes, providing visitors with the opportunity to partake in world-class shopping while also experiencing the true heart and personality of Bordeaux.  If the many shops and stores lining the street itself aren’t enough to satisfy you, continue on to the top of the street, where you will find one of the entrances to the Galerie Bordelaise, a shopping mall which has been open for business since 1834. It’s the perfect place to find a treasure or two to bring home to remember your journey.

Bordeaux is often counted among France’s loveliest places to visit – and for good reason.  There’s enough culture, history and adventure there to satisfy even the most finicky of travelers.  Add cycling to the mix and you’ve got the perfect destination for exploring, experiencing and discovering everything this beautiful city has to offer.  These are just 3 of the many reasons you should add Bordeaux to your cycling itinerary.  What reasons will you find?

5 Reasons to Grab Your Bike and Head to PACA this Spring

PACA is one of France’s 27 regions, but many people don’t realize just how vast the PACA region truly is or that it actually includes six departments.  Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Buches-du-Rhone, Var, and Vaucluse make up PACA, short for Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Historians, artists, as well as wine enthusiasts flock to this region for the ancient culture, breathtaking scenery and beautiful villages. All departments are equally worthy of a visit and cyclist’s find the best time to visit is in the spring. Why does a springtime bike vacation have all level cyclists raving?

1.) Spin out your winter legs

As the winter weeks drag on it is hard to think of anything other than clear skies filled with abundant warm sunshine. This is what awaits you in southern France as early as March and April.

2.) No summer crowds yet – shorter lines

The summer travelers are still packing at home allowing you to enjoy the city’s favorites with fewer lines and crowds. Visit the famous museums without waiting in line all day or get a table at that restaurant which is always booked.

3.) Off season prices

In general, summer is considered “peak” travel time meaning the “off season” time, like spring, may offer lower fares. Select hotels, airlines and restaurants have been known to reduce prices during this time.

4.) Charming towns

Provence certainly has its fair share of inviting towns include Arles, Gordes and Avignon, among other traveler’s favorites. The beautifully preserved medieval town of Avignon offers one of Europe’s most impressive buildings, the Palace of the Popes, while Arles has been called “the soul of Provence,” to which art lovers, archaeologists, and historians are especially attracted.

5.) Sunny beaches

Beach-goers will be in their glory amid the miles of coastline located along the Mediterranean Coast. For those seeking beauty and relaxation while dipping your toes into the wet sand than the PACA region is waiting to make your dream come true.

The PACA region is a great option when looking for an adventure tour and what better time than spring. Everyone, especially cyclists, enjoy this region because of the quaint atmosphere, warm and inviting climate, and rich history. With something new to see down every road, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur offers an unforgettable experience second to none.

5 Reasons to Cycle the Midi-Pyrenees

Buried within the high mountains in the Midi-Pyrenees region of France there is history to unveil, towns to explore and exquisite meals to try. This region, widely known for its Tour de France appearances, is a treasure for cyclists looking for tough climbs and superb scenery. Less advanced riders will enjoy biking along rivers running through charming towns and enjoy seeing the magnificent architecture dating back centuries. Like all regions in France, the Midi-Pyrenees has more to offer travelers than one could imagine, including these five:

Roots of Tour de France

The Pyrenees cols were introduced in the Tour de France itinerary in 1910 at the insistence of Tour organizer Henri Desgrange’s colleague. These cols have played an influential role in deciding the outcome of the tour in previous years. The most note-worthy of these is the Col de Tourmalet, which has set the record for tour appearances with 75 summit crossings. The road to the peak can be reached from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan on the east or from Luz-Saint-Sauveur on the west. Both difficult routes have been cycled by biking fanatics who relish in seeing the statue of Octave Lapize, first competitor over the summit in 1910, at the top of the Tourmalet.

Toulouse

Toulouse, referred to as Ville Rose (pink city) for its buildings made of pink brick that seem to change color as the day passes, has a great deal to explore and discover.

• Museums, with one-of-a-kind collections, are in no short supply in this city. A few worth visiting include Contemporary Art Museum featuring works by many of the most famous artists, Musée St Raymond with art and archaeology dating up to the Middle Ages, and Musée du Vieux Toulouse devoted to the history of Toulouse.
• While visiting be sure to cycle down the banks of the Garonne River lined with trees giving you the perfect opportunity to escape from the city commotion. The river passes by the charming “old Toulouse” where grand houses dating back to the 18^th century line the streets.
• Toulouse is filled with famous sights as well. For example, the Place du Capitole, located in the middle of the city, houses the town hall, an opera theater and tourist center. The Saint-Sernin church, widely recognized by its octagonal five-level tower, has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Canal du Midi.

Lourdes

Lourdes is a town of Roman Catholic pilgrimage and alleged miraculous healings. Once reports of the Virgin Mary, referred to as Our Lady of Lourdes, appearing to a young peasant girl numerous times went public, millions of people began migrating to Lourdes in search of a spiritual encounter. For this reason, Lourdes is filled with countless churches and sanctuaries which are worth visiting if not for the holy aspect, than for the sheer beauty. The Basilica of Saint Pius X seats 25,000 people, making it one of the biggest in the world. Le Pic du Jer has a large cross that is accessed by a chair lift providing you with wonderful views of the Midi-Pyrenees region. However, spiritual experiences are not all Lourdes has to offer, many tourists enjoy the mountain biking trails as well as cycling along the lake in the town’s center.

Cassoulet

The Midi-Pyrenees region is known for many things, one of which being their cuisine, particularly their cassoulets. The cassoulet is not only one of the most popular dishes in France, but also one of the oldest dating back to the 100 Years War. Many visitors enjoy finding different variations of cassoulets because the possibilities are endless. Most ingredients include white beans, pure pork sausages, and duck confit. Lamb and goose confit are also well-liked components of this delicious stew. This timeless favorite is a must-try for all food-lovers.

Cordes-Sur-Siel

Located in the Tarn department of the Midi-Pyrenees, this hilltop town emerges from the clouds in the valley below taking your breath away at first sight. The town’s narrow streets offer visitors more than they could imagine. With many local art and craft shops ranging from pictures to sculptures to glasswork, no one will leave empty-handed. This town is a sweet-lover’s paradise with its Museum of the Art of Sugar and Chocolate. Cordes-Sur-Siel festivals like the Medieval Festival of the Grand Fauconnier, the Classical Music Festival and the Jousting Tournament will entertain any traveler.

Millions of travelers journey to the Midi-Pyrenees region every year, for numerous reasons. Some enjoy the unique towns and their history, like Lourdes and Toulouse, while others take pleasure in the views at the top of famous summits, like the Col du Toumalet. No matter what the reason for going, everyone leaves the same way, in awe at everything they experienced.

Why France in the Fall?

Location, adventure, and timing – the three ingredients that make the perfect vacation. Our clients have found the answers to these ingredients to be France, biking and fall. The first two are pretty obvious, but you may be wondering why fall? Although France is wonderful to visit year round, most people have come to love the fall season for the following reasons:

Summer crowds are gone – The summer travelers have returned home leaving you the city’s favorites to enjoy with fewer lines and crowds. Visit the famous museums without waiting in line all day or get a table at that restaurant which is always booked.

Changing of the seasons – Not only does the temperature drop from the 90’s to a more comfortable 70’s and 80’s, much more enticing to the outside adventure traveler, but the scenery colors change also. The leaves and hills of France, especially Provence, turn golden leaving visitors in ahh.

Wine harvest – Wine lovers appreciate this time of year perhaps the most because the grapes are harvested and the season’s wines are released. Many festivals are held throughout the towns; a celebration that is sure to always be remembered.

Gastronomy – To go with a nice glass of freshly harvested wine, you must try the seasonal mushroom and truffle dishes. France is well known for their truffles and fall is the best time to taste them.

Off season prices – Since fall is considered the ‘off season’ many hotels and airlines offer lower fares.

I think it is safe to say that fall is a great option when looking for an adventure tour. I bet you will also find it easier to request time off, since everyone fights for summer vacation. There are so many reasons fall is the best time to grab your bike and head to France. What are you waiting for?