Normandy: A Blend of History and Coastal Beauty

Here’s why a self-guided bike tour in France should be your next adventure: Normandy, with its stunning coastline, historic landmarks, and charming villages, is a cyclist’s paradise. The rolling countryside provides scenic routes through lush green pastures and apple orchards, while the iconic D-Day beaches and medieval towns, such as Bayeux, add layers of history to your journey. And the food? Normandy is famous for its creamy Camembert cheese, rich butter, and mouthwatering apple-based dishes—don’t miss a chance to try the local cider! The best time for cycling here is late spring through early autumn when the weather is mild and the skies are clear.

Provence: Lavender Fields and Mediterranean Charm

Provence is the epitome of romance and charm. Famous for its vibrant lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards, this region offers routes that take you through quaint villages like Gordes and Roussillon. The Mediterranean climate ensures warm, sunny days, making it ideal for cycling between May and September.

Cycling in Provence also means indulging in its culinary delights. From ratatouille to bouillabaisse, and paired with local rosé wines, every meal feels like a celebration. Don’t forget to enjoy the bustling markets, where fresh produce and Provençal specialties await!

Loire Valley: Castles, Vineyards, and Timeless Elegance

Known as the “Garden of France,” the Loire Valley is a dreamscape of châteaux, riverside paths, and sprawling vineyards. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is perfect for leisurely rides, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty and architectural grandeur.

The Loire Valley is home to some of France’s most celebrated wines, including Sancerre and Vouvray, and you’ll find no shortage of wine-tasting opportunities. Pair these with regional specialties like rillettes and tarte Tatin for the ultimate experience. Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful times to explore the Loire, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Why Choose Pure Adventures?

At Pure Adventures, we specialize in self-guided bike tours that give you the freedom to explore at your own pace while enjoying the support of carefully planned itineraries. Our France bike tours are tailored to showcase the best of Normandy, Provence, and the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley, ensuring you experience the highlights of these incredible regions.

Whether you’re drawn to the historical allure of Normandy, the Provençal charm of lavender fields, or the regal elegance of the Loire Valley, we have a tour that’s perfect for you. Our self-guided packages include accommodations, route planning, and recommendations for local dining, so all you have to do is enjoy the ride.

Discover more about our unforgettable France bike tours here: Pure Adventures France Bike Tours

France Self-Guided Bike Tours

France – Loire Royal Valley Bike Tour
This 6-day self-guided France bike tour forms a scenic loop, starting and ending in Blois. Ride through the enchanting Loire Valley, staying in charming properties nestled in quaint villages. Discover some of France’s most iconic castles on this classic itinerary, perfectly paired with a Paris stopover. One of our most popular trips in France!

France – Best of Normandy Bike Tour
Embark on a 6-night self-guided France bike tour through dreamy Normandy, starting in historic Bayeux and ending at the iconic Mont St Michel. Explore stunning coastal routes, WWII landmarks and indulge in the region’s famous Camembert cheese. With great upgrade options and as a 2024 best-seller, this is the ultimate Normandy experience!

France – Provence Lavender Route Bike Tour
Experience the charm of beautiful Provence on this 8-day self-guided France bike tour, starting and ending in the picturesque Isle Sur La Sorgue. Cycle through iconic villages like Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin, with the option to tackle the legendary Mont Ventoux. With both moderate and challenging routes available each day, it’s the perfect trip for those seeking an adventure with friends or family of different cycling abilities.

Ready to Ride?

A self-guided bike tour in France offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From savoring exquisite food and wine to cycling through breathtaking landscapes, it’s an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime. So, pack your bags, tune up your bike, and get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

Contact us to get started planning your dream France self-guided bike tour!

Bon voyage! 🚴‍♀️🍷🏰

The post Why a Self-Guided Bike Tour in France Should Be Your Next Adventure appeared first on Pure Adventures.

Hands down we have THE best tour guides in the industry. We rely on them to be our eyes and ears on each of our biking and hiking tours across the globe. Guiding, in itself, is mentally and physically challenging. Working hard in extreme temperatures – making sure our clients have the best experience possible, needless to say Pure Adventures wouldn’t exist without our dedicated guides.

Nora & Angel guide our tours in Barcelona. With its wealth of art, culture and countryside…(and wine, don’t forget the wine) – it’s an incredible place to walk and ride, creating unique experiences with landscapes dominated by vineyards and wineries – did we mention the wine? We asked Nora & Angel where they like to kick back after a hard day on the Barcelona trails. Here’s what they said.

Botafumerio

If you like meat and/or seafood make sure you check out this place. Fresh, authentic Spanish food!

7Porte

These guys are famous for their traditional Paella. If you’re a fan of Catalan food you’ll definitely need to make a stop here.

Tickets Bar

Tickets Bar is famous because of the owner Albert Adrià who’s brother, Ferran Adrià, was named “Chef of the Year” for 4 consecutive years. It is very difficult to reserve so if you’re planning to visit in the coming months, book now!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA4B1zYPVQ8

Teresacarles

If you like vegetarian food be sure to swing by and re-fuel here!

Restaurantlasarte

These folks were awarded the Michelin star (highest award for a restaurant). You’ll need to change out of your riding gear –  formal attire only!

Grupotragaluz

One with nice see views and good food too!

The post Our Guides Dish On The Best Restaurants In Barcelona! appeared first on Pure Adventures.

Tiny Pienza is packed with history. Widely regarded as the “ideal” city of the Renaissance, Pope Pius II transformed the Italian village he was born in, into his vision of a perfect city. The Pope used his influence and affluence (assisted by architect Bernardo il Rossellino and humanist Leon Battista Alberti) to build a group of Renaissance inspired structures that are among the most photographed in Italy. Added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1996, we think that Pienza is pretty perfect too. Here are a few Pienza attractions to consider on your next trip.

Piazza Pio II

Perfect and harmonious are words often used to describe the trapezoidal layout of Piazza Pio II. While standing in the center of Piazza Pio II, admire Gothic and Renaissance inspired structures including Piccolomini Palace, the cathedral, the Well of the Dogs, the raised garden and the bell tower, with the herringbone paving tying this masterpiece together. Fun fact: Pope Pius II was born Enea Silvio Piccolomini in 1405 to an exiled Sienese family.

Palazzo Piccolomini

Palazzo Piccolomini served as the summer home of Pope Pius II. This stunning structure was built in 1459 and recently underwent major renovations to restore it both internally and externally. Visitors will first notice its relationship with nature and the surrounding

Pecorino di Pienza

Landscape, with the portico at the rear of Palazzo Piccolomini opening for a breathtaking view of the Val d’Orcia Valley and Monte Amiata. Fun fact: Palazzo Piccolomini is home to the first hanging garden of the Renaissance.

There’s pecorino, then there’s pecorino di Pienza. Revered by cheese connoisseurs around the world, pecorino di Pienza is made from raw milk from sarda sheep. The sheep roam the pastures surrounding Pienza, grazing on rare flora including wormwood, meadow salsify, burnet and broom. Cheese lovers may choose to age this tasty cheese for up eighteen months, so that the spicy flavor mellows and develops a tannic aftertaste and a soft, crumbly texture. Fun fact: In September during the Palio del Cacio, players in the ancient game of Palio del Fuso roll an entire round of pecorino cheese around a wooden spindle in the center of the square.

Pure Adventures

Want to experience Pienza for yourself? Many of our Tuscany self-guided cycling tours start or end here! On our 4-night Tuscany and 7-night Tuscany tours, travellers spend two nights in Pienza, and routes take you past where the movie The English Patient was filmed, through pristine streets and a memorable circular route around this pretty and perfect Renaissance city.

The post The 4 P’s of Pienza: Attractions in the Perfect Italian City appeared first on Pure Adventures.