Compare Atlantic France Biking by Butterfield & Robinson vs Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera by Exodus Travels
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 5,795 | $ 2,235 |
| Price Per Day | $ 966 | $ 279 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A | N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
All Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 4 Dinners |
Seven breakfasts are included. There is a nearby supermarket and boulangerie to buy packed lunches and Menton is brimming with restaurant choices for your evening meal. There is plenty of choice for all budgets and tastes, including traditional French cuisine, fresh seafood and excellent Italian restaurants (influenced by the town's proximity to the Italian border). |
| Description |
Among those in the know, the Ile d’Oléron and Ile de Ré are the most famous and fashionable islands along the French Atlantic Coast, nestled secretly between Brittany to the north and the vineyards of Bordeaux to the south. From our rendezvous in the medieval harbour city of La Rochelle, with its two imposing towers, we’ll take you for an unforgettable journey of wonderfully flat biking along the sea, picnicking on sail boats and tasting oysters at one of the most respected growers in the world. B&R is proud to be the first active travel company to offer you the opportunity to be in the vanguard and experience this unique itinerary. |
On the Franco-Italian border, by the warm Mediterranean sea, Menton is a delight for any visitor. It is easy to see how the city earned its nickname 'the Pearl of France', combining gardens, seaport, beach resort and a hiker’s paradise into one. With the Alpine chain dropping into the sea at the France-Italy border, it is also an ideal location for a guided walking holiday. Many of the trails start directly from the town and gain altitude in a short distance, offering some of the finest views of the French Riviera.Enjoy coastal walking on the Cote d’Azur |
Day 1
Beginning in the protected pine forest of Ile d’Oléron, ride along quiet bike paths through the oyster fields and farms of the bay. Arriving in Le Grand Village, enjoy lunch in the famous Relais des Salines by Chef James Robert followed by a short ride to the protected sand beaches of Vert Bois and La Rémigeasse.
Day 2
Cycling through the little fishing villages of La Cotiniere and Saint-Pierre d’Oléron, savour the contrasting landscape of pine forests and ocean front. Stop in the afternoon at the untouched oyster producers' village of Fort Royer and learn how to produce the best oysters in the world!
Day 3
Enjoy a catamaran cruise across tranquil waters to the Ile de Ré, and depending on the tide, we’ll stop on Ile d’Aix. This National Park sits in the middle of the bay and offers an exceptional environment for a light hike
Day 4
Discover the south of the Ile de Ré by bike along a stunning seaside route. Spend the afternoon poolside at Villa Clarisse or explore the village of St Martin de Ré before an evening walking tour.
Day 5
Arguably the best ride of the week, follows the ancient Route du Sel to the top of the island, stopping in some of the most beautiful villages of France. Challenge yourself with the Century Ride, or return to St Martin before an incredible last evening in a secret location: a classified historical monument privatized just for us!
Day 6
After breakfast catch the TGV to Paris from the La Rochelle-Centre Ville train station, and say au revoir to the Charentes Maritimes!
Day 1 Start Menton
Our start point is a comfortable three-star hotel in Menton. Situated just a short stroll from the railway station, beach and shops, it is ideally located for a week of walking. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.
Day 2 Walk to and around Cap Martin Peninsula, through Menton and Carnolès
Starting from the hotel, we stop at the market where we discover local food ingredients, then take the train or public bus to Carnolès. In the grounds of the Palais Carnolès and Musée des Beaux-Arts, we find a renowned collection of citrus trees. After time exploring the gardens, we start our walk around the beautiful Cap Martin Peninsula where we stop for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we visit the Cap Martin olive groves then walk or take the bus back to Menton.
Day 3 Discover Eze; visit the Exotic Garden. Walk down the Nietzche path to join Eze Plage
We begin our day with a 20-minute train journey to Eze Plage, and carry on by bus to Eze, a medieval village established in the 14th century with magnificent coastal views. From here, we can walk up to the Mont Bastide castle ruins to admire amazing views before we visit the Exotic Garden, which is built 1,407ft (429m) above sea level on the site of an ancient fortress in Eze village. It overlooks the Provençal hill village providing home for cacti, succulents, xerophytes and various Mediterranean species. After free time in the village, we walk down the Nietzsche path to join Eze Plage, before taking the train back to Menton.
Day 4 Train or bus to Carnolès; walk to Roquebrune. Take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour; discover Monaco old town
Today we take a train or bus to Carnolès, followed by a walk to Roquebrune where we enjoy stunning views over Monaco. Then we walk down to Monaco where we take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour. We discover the old town with tiny streets and beautiful buildings and the casino, before returning by train to Menton.
Day 5 Free day to explore Menton old town, take a trip to the chic principality of Monaco or visit one of the many exotic gardens in the area
On your free day, you could choose to explore Menton old town. During the 19th century, the British and Russian aristocracy met here in fabulous palaces and villas. The architecture is stunning with the unique baroque style of the Saint-Michel and Conception squares plus the Saint-Michel Basilica façade. Alternatively, you could visit one or more of the eight gardens in Menton or head further afield to Nice by train or bus and visit its renowned market and the Promenade des Anglais. Monaco also has much to offer despite its diminutive size, and is renowned for the luxurious lifestyle afforded to its residents.
Day 6 Train to Villefranche bay; walk to Cap Ferrat and to Saint Hospice peninsula
This morning, we take the train to Villefranche from where we walk to the Gavinette point to admire the spectacular view of Villefranche bay. We continue our walk to Cap Ferrat where we can marvel at the beauty of Villa de Rothschild and its gardens.
Day 7 Visit to Serre de la Madone garden showcasing rare subtropical plants, followed by a visit to Sainte Agnes
In the morning we take the public bus to the Serre de la Madone garden for a visit. Created by Sir Lawrence Johnston, it was turned from terraces of vines and olives into a garden bright with drifts of agapanthus and strelitzia. After our visit, a private bus will collect and take us to the village of Sainte Agnès. High above Menton town, it is registered as “one of the most beautiful French villages”. It hides picturesque streets and artist studios and, at 2,625ft (800m) above sea level, offers a breath-taking view over the blue Mediterranean Sea. We then take the bus or walk back to the hotel.
Day 8 End Menton
After a relaxed breakfast, we say our goodbyes and begin our return journey home. If you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
