Below is just a short list of the many good comments we have recieved at Pure Adventures, Cycling Classics, and Discover France from people returning from one of our trips; current from 2008 and prior:
"Russ and I are home from our wonderful France vacation. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it was by far one of the best vacations we’ve ever taken. I’ve attached a few pictures of our biking tour in Provence. The hotel in Gordes was wonderful. I would definitely stay there again. The location was perfect. The staff was very helpful and kind. The meals that they offered were to die for and were a great deal at 28.50 Euro per person. We drank delicious Rose every afternoon after biking and enjoyed watching the tourist activity in the center of Gordes from the privacy and seclusion of our courtyard." - Julie & Russ P.
"The whole experience was fantastic. This was our first cycling tour and our first visit to France. From the very start, meeting with Jean Marc for the orientation, to the last day that we left our bikes in Avignon (with tears in our eyes) we were absolutely blown away." - Paul & Martina P.
"The route notes and the bikes were one of the best. Our favourite rides were in the western portion near Chambord and Blois - which we rode into. The bike routes are outstanding." - Margie M.
"We had a great time cycling through Tuscany. All the places we stayed at were great. Couldn't have been better. Thanks for making our 20th anniversary a wonderful experience." - Robert C.
"Just to let you know that the trip was incredible, we all really enjoy the routes, the food, the bikes, etc. Julien was a really great guide, he made the experience even more great. Maybe a news paper here in Mexico will make a travel article about our experience with club de cingles, if it happens I will send you a copy.
Thank for everything and hope to take another tour with your company soon.
' - Alejandro B.
"She (travel agent client) could not say enough good things, and we wondered since their flights were so messed up, we wondered how they would do....but was a great report....thanks so much for your help and we will certainly use you again"....Sue (travel agent)
'I had the best time of my life.Teenage son even loved it. No problems at all. Taxi driver very helpful. Would be very happy to recommend tour to others.' - Elizabeth B.
'The bikes were rented were great, well tuned with no problems at all, only one flat. Our compliments to the staff in Lunel, pick up and drop off was easy. The guy in charge was great to talk to with my limited French. All aspects of the rental were excellent, a definite repeat when we do this again.' - Richard S.
'Today we rode our bicycles in France for the last time during this trip. Everything was absolutely perfect. This tour and your services that made it possible greatly exceeded our expectations. We have nothing but praise for you and the people who took care of us during our stay in this beautiful country. Personally and on behalf of my three brothers, I must express our deepest gratitude.' - Cesar O.
'Our recent trip to France was a wonderful trip, one of the best we have ever taken. All of your arrangements were great, and the French were especially warm and welcoming under current political and economic circumstances. Your arrangements were wonderful, thanks again for the wonderful trip--it was perfect! ' - Tim B.
'We had an excellent time....we define rolling hills (had the level beginner-moderate tour) a bit differently (yikes!!) but we just walked when it was too tough. We are recommending it to everyone we know. Thanks...it was a blast.' -Deena D.
From a group leader of almost 30 - Australians in France for World Cup Rugby 2007 (Thank YOU Michael!!):
"Rather than just fill in the form, I thought I would just send you an email.
Our overall impression of the tour was excellent. We all had the time of our lives and loved almost every minute of it."
Your assistance was fantastic. Your recommendations were clear and useful and you dealt with our numerous changes graciously.
The flexibility of the tour. You changed things to suit us and it all worked well.
Willie. He is a good guy and nothing was too much trouble for him. What he lacked in knowledge of our route or the area, he made up for in his efforts to look at the route before we did it. We was very useful, particularly so on a number of occasions.
The route. I know you can't take credit for this being a beautiful part of the world, but the paths you took us were picturesque and not overly heavy with traffic - and about the right distance.
Some of the accommodation. Manoir de Bellerive and Grand Barraill were superb. Hotel de Madelaine also was very good.
The dinners. We were surprised every night by the quality of the meals provided. The dinners in Hotel de Madelaine, Manoir de Bellerive and Grand Barraill were particularly good.
The Maitre'd at Manoir de Bellerive - think his name was John Rodriguez. I know it is unusual to single out such a person, but he was unanimously voted the best we have ever come across. Classy, friendly and knowledgeable with a good sense of humour - in retrospect we should have tipped him more.
Value for money - Gemma and I have done the Loire with Butterfield and Robinson and the eastern Dordogne with Alternative Travel Group and found that your company provided us with service in areas which made the holiday better, without overdoing it. The B&R tour was really something. All accommodation, bikes, organisation, guides etc were first class. There was a guide who cycled with us and a guide in the van which was like a travelling bike shop and cocktail cabinet. It was however outrageously expensive and the extras they provided didn't make it worth the extra money. ATG was the opposite to B&R - they gave us mountain bikes (not that good), directions and not much else. Willy made a big difference. We met a group from Backroads, also an expensive company, and agreed that they didn't get anything of value that we didn't get.
A restaurant in St Emillion called Le Clos du Roy. It was recommended by the hotel and turned out to be an extraordinary meal - probably the best of our tour.
'I wanted to thank you so much for all of the help in planning and organizing my cycling trip with my sons. The trip was great and you and the other staff were very instrumental in organizing it. Thanks so much.' - Gary E.
'hi discover france, just a note to let you know we have completed our cycle tour & loved it; wonderful scenery;food,accommodation; you have done a wonderful job in planning this; thank you; jill & norm'
'The trip was the most relaxing time I've spent in 20 years. I learned how to slow down. There were no TVs, radios, phones, internet or clocks. Just listening to the birds chatting outside the window was the music for the evening. We spent a lot of time speaking Spanish (and Catlan) while getting to know the hosts and other B & B world travelers. Thanks for a memorable vacation!' - Mark M.
'Thanks for the trip of a life time!' -
Bob W.
'I wanted to write and let you know how marvelous out trip to Tuscany was and thank you for arranging such a wonderful biking tour. Giuliana and Marco were terrific and made sure we had everything we needed. The route maps were easy to follow, our hotels were terrific and the bikes satisfactory for our Tuscany adventure!' -
Julie S.
'back now two weeks and wanted to give you a quick assessment. the tour was GREAT, every day was like a treasure hunt, great new places to discover! the food, of course was unbelievable, and the best meals we had were at little places we discovered along the way for lunch, mostly three star cafes. the scenery was also unbelievable, the coast is great and the foothills were also fun and beautiful.' - Daniel G.
'We had a wonderful time---You are on top of my list to call but by the time I get home from work these last couple days it's been too late---You really arranged a wonderful trip for us. Saskia was just wonderful---as was Dave (bicycle mechanic)----Your itinerary was really excellent and we all felt we got a true feeling for Northern Spain--the interior with the medieval villages and then the costa brava was wonderful. Loved the Can Ceret---the owners are special people----Mas Ros was beautiful and we were so glad to have the lovely swimming pool as the two days we biked around Olives were the hottest. Cal"aguila was very simple---the owner is warm and delightful and we were so glad to be near Peretallada (a beautiful medieval town)---I hope to speak to you on the phone soon. Meantime--Thank you, thank you---' - Jan T.
'We had a great experinence. Terrific support and info from Maggie, Saskia and Dave.' - Al B.
'Gail and I returned home today --- the trip was wonderful and it was great fun to have our bike. Just one flat --- from a small thorn puncture. The hotels were great / friendly -- and the food was outstanding. We loved the hotel in Figueres.' -
Chris B.
'Our bike tour through Connemara was fabulous and Wilma was wonderful in every way -- thank you so much!' -
Jane T.
'Everyone in Czech Republic was very helpful and accomodating. One suggestion; When in Czechy-Krumlov be sure to buy the bus ticket to Prague in advance from the info center in town. We did and got a reserved seat on a very crowded bus. Thanks for a great trip!' - Joe M.
'Fantastic Trip! You folks really have this bike trip thing down.' -
Tom M.
'The trip was great! I lived in France for 5 years and took many great trips around Europe, but this may well have been the most memorable!' - Andy C.
The biking tour of the Loire Valley was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Everything was so well organized. From the selection of accommodations to the luggage being at each hotel when we arrived. I saw a part of France as it was hundreds of years ago. With all the poppies and irises in bloom, the birds singing, the beautiful Cher River and partaking in the exquisite food and wine, I was able to get in touch with myself as never before. I have been crying ever since I returned. The French lifestyle is one I should be leading. As a matter of fact, we all should have this lifestyle. Now I fully understand the "French Paradox". Please send me back!!! - L. Tongue
'You and your staff did an outstanding job of selecting hotels and restaurants. Everything was very well coordinated. We hope to take another tour next year!' - Ann A.
'We were very impressed with the maps/guidebook that we were presented with. Everything was easy to follow and the hints, suggestions were super! Also, the hotels/restaurants that were chosen were great!' Molly E. 'For the third time, we have been thrilled with our trip. We continue to plan future travels with Discoverfrance and recommend your services to everyone who is interested.' - Sue R.
'Though we managed to schedule this trip for the hottest week in the hottest summer in French history, we nevertheless had a glorious time! The arrangements were perfect. The accommodations were superb. We especially loved the B&B at the end, the people were extremely nice and the food was wonderful.' - Cynthia W.
'Just wanted to thank you for arranging a great trip for us...despite the heat! Our Chenonceaux Tour was terrific! Loire Valley Tours did a great job. The bikes were at the hotel in Blois when we arrived and except for a minor seat tightening, they worked great. The bags were delivered without problems. Hotel Le Blason was very nice in Amboise but our favorite was Le Bon Laboureur in Chenonceaux. Fabulous place, incredible food. We upgraded the food menu at most places and paid a small fee. Nice, accurate maps and descriptions too. We rode early in the 106-degree heat and drank tons of water. All in all, a fabulous part of our trip to Europe. Thanks,' - Dave & Sarah.
'My boyfriend and I had a wonderful tour with you guys in Sept. I clicked on your web site and see that you've altered the standard itinerary, actually making it more like the route you customized for us, kudos on that. Chataneuf du Papes is not to be missed. The hotel you booked us, La Mere Germaine, was phenomenal, as was the food. Thanks for everything it was a fabulous trip.' - Julie J.
The trip exceeded my expectations in just about every way. It was awesome and challenging to be alone on a bike in a foreign country. I would recommend it to anyone with a sense of adventure who is in good health. – B. Van Hook
'Thanks for a wonderful time in France. We heard about Discover France from other satisfied customers and we will be telling others about your great service and wonderful tours. When you go to the time, trouble and expense to plan and take a vacation you hope for a great experience. Your staff in the US and contacts (hotels, etc) in France made for a GREAT experience. THANKS.' - Sandy & Joe P.
It was possibly the most well planned trip I have ever taken, every detail was figured out. I couldn't say enough about Loren and DF to other bike tourists. I gave out your cards and numbers.' - Brian B.
'Overall the whole trip was just incredible! We LOVED all the biking through vineyards and places we wouldn't have found ourselves. The food was so delicious. And of course the wine! We want to return already! Thank you.!' - Marika E.
'Overall the experience was wonderful; I never want to take another kind of vacation. ' - Henry G.
Recent Customer Stories
Customer Photos - read an account by Honi Edmondson on this page.