Compare Atlantic France Biking by Butterfield & Robinson vs Highlights of France and Barcelona (Barcelona) by Trafalgar
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 6 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 5,795 | $ 2,867 |
| Price Per Day | $ 966 | $ 287 |
| Highlights |
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N/A
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| 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 | No |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
All Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 4 Dinners |
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| 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. |
One of our most popular France and Spain trips, this jam-packed journey from Paris to Barcelona is a feast for every sense, from lunch with locals and elegant châteaux in the Loire Valley, to the buzz of Avignon’s Place de l’Horloge and the irresistible French Riviera. |
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: Welcome to Paris
Glittering Paris is your launchpad for an epic adventure through the highlights of France and magnificent Barcelona. Spend your first day in the 'City of Light' exploring the art, architecture and culture of this romantic city on your own. Visit a renowned gallery, shop up a storm or relax in manicured gardens watching the world go by. Later, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner and orientation drive past some of the city's most impressive sights, including the grand Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.
Pullman La Défense
Dinner
Day 2: Explore the Sights of Paris
Spend the morning in the company of a Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighborhoods of Paris, to see where the locals live and shop. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Walk along the Seine and admire the talents of street artists and performers, amble through the scenic hilltop village of Montmartre or relax with a café au lait watching the world go by. This evening, consider soaking up the pageantry of Paris with an Optional Experience to a popular Parisian cabaret.
Pullman La Défense
Breakfast
Day 3: Chartres and Châteaux in the Loire Valley Connect with Locals
Visit Chartres, an important place of pilgrimage on the 'Way of Saint James', and see its inspiring French Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained glass windows and two contrasting spires. We journey through the rolling landscape of the Loire Valley, past beautiful villages and castles. View the impressive Château de Chambord, a marvel of French Renaissance architecture, then visit Château de Chenonceau. Later, Connect With Locals, joining your travel companions and the de Montferrier family on their farm for a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner experience with local wines.
Mercure Tours Nord
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Onwards to Lyon
Traveling through the heart of France, we arrive in the gastronomic capital of Lyon where we'll join a Local Specialist for a tour of the old city, revealing its rich cultural heritage. Wander through the traboules and marvel at the magnificent skyline from Fourvière hill, followed by free time to explore this city between two rivers.
Crowne Plaza Lyon Cite Internationale
Breakfast
Day 5: Journey to Papal Avignon and on to the French Riviera Dive Into Culture
From Lyon, we drive to Avignon, a Papal Seat in the 14th century. See the Popes' Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, and the remnants of the famous bridge immortalized in the French song – Sur le Pont d'Avignon. Later we continue to the French Riviera, arriving in the seaside retreat of southern France, favored by aristocrats for centuries. With an evening at leisure, perhaps stroll around the Bay of Angels and join the Promenade des Anglais. Or sit and enjoy a glass of wine while the sun sets and listen to the blue Mediterranean waters lap against the shore.
Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Breakfast
Day 6: Enjoy Monaco and the Cote d'Azur
A fun-filled day includes a visit to the tiny Principality of Monaco where you’ll view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married. See the superyachts in the port and catch a glimpse of the famed grand prix circuit. Enjoy relaxing on the sun-kissed shores of the Côte d'Azur, retreat to the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers, or perhaps embark on an Optional Experience to the medieval hill-top village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Breakfast
Day 7: Off to Colorful Arles and Carcassonne
We travel west to the Camargue center of Arles, with its honey-colored façades and Roman ruins, enjoying some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city, or perhaps choosing an Optional Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Vincent van Gogh and local history with our resident expert. Later we continue through the landscapes of Provence, immortalized in the works of Cézanne and Van Gogh, to the fortified city of Carcassonne. A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.
Tribe Carcassonne
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Pass the Pyrenees to Barcelona Dive Into Culture
Driving past the foothills of the Pyrenees, we stop in Figueres to visit the Dalí Theater and Museum where we will Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the fascinating world of Salvador Dalí. See his work in this impressive building, before arriving in Barcelona this afternoon for an included sightseeing tour. We’ll see the Columbus Monument and Antoni Gaudí's unfinished La Sagrada Família, with a Local Specialist. The evening is yours to explore this Mediterranean gem. Consider an Optional Experience to enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine and entertainment, or enjoy a delicious tapas feast on your own at one of the city's fine restaurants.
Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
Breakfast
Day 9: Discover Lively Barcelona
Spend the day soaking up the vibrant spirit of Barcelona. Perhaps pay a morning visit to mystical Montserrat to visit its Benedictine monastery and see the mysterious Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. Ramble up Las Ramblas and people-watch in the Plaça de Catalunya, explore the whimsical architecture of Gaudí dotted across the city or consider an Optional Experience to discover the fascinating Gothic Quarter. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a memorable Farewell Dinner with wine at a vibrant Spanish restaurant.
Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Journey Home
It's time to close the curtain on an unforgettable holiday in France and Barcelona. Say adiós to the bustling streets of Barcelona and your travel companions.
Breakfast
