For the first—and probably last!—time in my life, I got what felt like VIP service, because the amazing and honorable company that Exodus is, let this trip run even though I ended up being the only guest! From what I could tell, the trip was run almost exactly how it would have had there been a full complement of guests, and I think I even got a few extra perks that I may not have been afforded otherwise. The cycling was fantastic with great routes, and only a handful of stretches that really tested my limits, otherwise it was mostly very manageable. There were a few cultural stops during the rides and in the evenings that were a nice change of pace and provided interesting insight into Romania’s past. The guesthouses ran the gamut but always provided nice cozy places to rest each night. Finally, food was perfect for me—breakfasts were pretty consistent, and lunches and dinners had a nice range of soups, sandwiches, salads, main courses, and desserts that hit the spot after a nice day of cycling!
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Cycling Holidays France
Cycling Holidays in France
Top 5 Destinations for Cycling France
Loire Valley: The Loire Valley is renowned for its fairytale castles, lush vineyards and scenic riverside cycling paths. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to over 800 castles, each with its own unique charm and fascinating history to uncover. As you ride along the Loire River, explore the charming villages, rolling hills and historic towns that pepper the landscape. Stop off at the famous Château de Chambord or the romantic Château de Chenonceau to delve into France’s royal past. The Loire Valley also boasts world-class wineries where you can sample the region’s famous wines, such as Sancerre and Vouvray.
Corsica: The island of Corsica is home to a rugged and wild landscape that provides a thrilling backdrop for cycling in France. With its dramatic cliffs, emerald waters and winding mountain roads, Corsica is a paradise for anyone seeking a challenge. The island’s diverse terrain includes everything from challenging mountain climbs to gentler coastal routes, making it suitable for riders of all levels. Explore the historic town of Bonifacio perched on limestone cliffs, pedal through the dense forests of the interior or enjoy a leisurely ride along the sandy beaches of Porto-Vecchio.
Dordogne: The Dordogne region in southwestern France boasts the most beautiful countryside, strewn with charming villages and prehistoric caves. Cycling through the Dordogne Valley, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of green rolling hills, meandering rivers and lush forests. Visit the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda with its cobblestone streets and imposing architecture or pedal along the Dordogne River past fairytale castles and vineyards. The region is also a paradise for foodies, with its famous foie gras, truffles and walnuts. Don’t miss a visit to the Lascaux caves to see ancient cave paintings dating back thousands of years.
Provence: Provence is one of the most scenic regions for cycling France, known for its sublime landscapes, colourful markets and sleepy hilltop villages. Riding through Provence, you’ll encounter fields of lavender in full bloom, olive groves stretching to the horizon and vineyards that produce world-class wines. Explore the quaint villages of Fontaine-de- Vaucluse and Roussillon perched on rocky outcrops or explore the ruined castle of Lacoste. Provence’s sun-drenched countryside, delicious cuisine and vibrant culture give you a true taste of the authentic French way of life.
Burgundy: Located in eastern France, Burgundy is renowned for its vineyards, historic sites and pretty canals. As you ride through Burgundy, you’ll pass through charming villages such as Beaune, famous for its hospices and fine wines. Explore the vine-covered hills of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, where some of the world’s most prestigious wines are produced. Pedal among the wine villages of Oeuilly and Fleury la Rivière en route to Hautvillers, where the Benedictine monk, Dom Pérignon, once worked. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to sample the famous red wines, such as Burgundy, Chambolle Musigny and Vosne Romanée.
Belinda Oh Cycle Romania
Christopher Mather Cycle Indochina & AngkorThis was a good adventure through three countries, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Starting with Thailand, the first day’s cycling had a mix of temples to see as well as cycling but I felt that day 2 and 3 we were just cycling to get out of Thailand with not much to see and was a bit boring. Cambodia was amazing with not just the amazing Angkor complex, but also the more sombre sights of Phnom Penh, S-21 and the Killing Fields, where our local guide’s personal stories really made you think. Vietnam was different again, with much better scenery for cycling and a lovely stay in the Mekong Delta. Saigon, you are left to explore on your own. I visited the War Remnants museum and the Independence Palace, which both were an interesting visit. The local teams who organised the cycling, were well organised with a special shout out to the Vietnam team, though their roads were the bumpiest.
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