French Pedals was started in April 2008 by Bob Davidson, who discovered his love of cycling tours at the age of ten. By fifteen, with two school friends, Bob had cycled a round trip from northern England to the Scottish Highlands and back home taking all his camping equipment and luggage in a large saddle bag Since then he hasn't looked back and now has considerable experience of cycling tours through many parts of the UK and Europe.

He has drawn on his personal experience to offer 4 well planned, interesting tours which will give you a real taste of the French experience. What better or greener way to discover the area or to get some gentle exercise, ending each day with a well-deserved French supper in delightful surroundings, a comfortable bed and a hearty breakfast to set you up for the next exciting day of discovery.

French Pedals cycling holidays are geared towards a comfortable and relaxing break, allowing guests to gently explore the delights of Normandy and the Ardennes and enjoy the friendly local hospitality, with all the hard work of planning, bike maintenance and luggage carrying taken off your hands.

There are two tour options in Normandy and three options in the Ardennes. On the Normandy tours the cycling routes follow gently undulating country lanes through small villages, past beautiful abbeys, and the D-day Beaches. Cycling on cycling paths alongside quiet and attractive canals and rivers is also a feature.

The Ardennes tour follows the amazingly beautiful river Meuse and through quiet forests all on flat cycle tracks. There is also the possibility to cycle through the Thierache, an area rich in fortified towns and churches.

Normandy
•    A week’ tour - includes seven days (six nights) on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. You can really experience the best that Normandy has to offer without long days in the car or train.

•    A short break - tour includes four days (three nights) on a dinner bed and breakfast basis. This tour will certainly tempt you to return to Normandy for a longer holiday in the future.

The Ardennes

The Ardennes occupies a very large area in France, north east of Paris and Rheims. French Pedals has chosen a beautiful cycle path along the river Meuse between Charleville-Mezieres and Givet. Part of the route is in Belgium.

Your comfort and enjoyment are important to us - Each day your luggage will be transported by us, leaving you free to enjoy the cycling between locations”.

Your French Pedals accommodation

The accommodation we offer has been specially selected for its comfort and typically French atmosphere
The hotels are all three or two star standard, offering en suite accommodation in single, twin, triple or double rooms, and all are conveniently situated at the end of each day's cycle route. Enjoy the convivial atmosphere and share your day’s experience with other guests or enjoy a quiet Calvados or eau de vivre after dinner in the comfortable lounge.

Eating and drinking
Fine cuisine is an important part of any holiday in France, so dinner is a three or four course meal each evening. All meals are taken in the hotel restaurants. With our Ardennes tours some meals are taken at a nearby restaurant and are included in the holiday price.

"A Normandy Menu from one of our hotels"

Terroir Menu

Hot cheese terrine with apples,
Smoked ham and green salad
(Laureat final, chefs of Logis de France)
Fish soup and its garnishes
Taboule of cauliflowers, broccoli and smoked salmon
served with beetroot chips
The sea plate
(tartar of sea bream, “villettes” of salmon and
marinated shrimps)
Starter of the day

Norman apple sorbet with calvados

Duck fillet in “Hippocras” style
Small round steak of monkfish in vallee d’Auge style
Poultry breast in the “Orloff” style
with heart of Neufchatel
Dish of the chef
Fish of the day

A choice of cheeses from Normandy cheese producers
Or
A sweet temptation from our dessert menu

Breakfast each morning is a large buffet, to make sure you are set up for a day's cycling ahead.

Each cycling tour is self-guided and circular. Each day, you will be provided with a route map, along with any additional advice from our representative that may help you through the day. The bicycles we provide are hybrid-style bikes manufactured by Giant or equivalent, with 18 or 21 speed gears, a pannier, lock, lights, map and map case, water bottle and puncture repair kit.

Your hotel can provide you with a French piquenique”. Simply let them know when you arrive the night before and pay for this separately.

(There is a €30 returnable deposit, payable locally, for use of ancillary equipment).

7 Day Normandy Tour

4 Day Normandy Tour

Ardennes Tour