Organized bike travel: where to turn?

Choosing the ideal organizer for a cycling trip involves considering several key factors. Safety, especially for family or group trips, remains the top priority. Well-thought-out, safe routes ensure a memorable experience.

The assistance offered by the organizer is also important. In the event of a glitch (not in the grape eh, a real one! 😅 ), knowing that prompt help is available brings invaluable peace of mind. This includes everything from technical troubleshooting to medical assistance, as well as practical advice on navigating varied terrain.

Luggage management is another aspect not to be overlooked. For a carefree stay, the organizer may take charge of transporting luggage from one point of departure to another. In this way, travelers can concentrate on discovering magnificent landscapes, without the burden.

Accommodation options also deserve special attention. Whether it's a night under the stars in the Alps or a cozy château in Burgundy, accommodation choices contribute greatly to the charm of the stay. A good organizer has a range of options to suit all levels of comfort and budget.

The trend towards bicycle travel, particularly electric, is gaining in popularity, making cycling adventure more accessible and rewarding (and less breathless! 😰).

A striking example of this revolution is a trip by VAE (electrically assisted bicycle) in Provence, highlighted by Le Figaro. This journey through the picturesque landscapes of Provence, with its lavender fields and centuries-old castles, demonstrates how the VAE enables in-depth exploration without undue physical strain. These adventures have flexible travel times, ranging from a few nights to several weeks, giving travelers the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the region.

"We chose the electric bike, because it allows us to appeal to anyone who wants to embark on the adventure of traveling by bike, without necessarily being accustomed to it or practicing it regularly." Alexandre, for Le Figaro.

At the same time, the new economy of slow travel and micro-adventure continues to grow in popularity, finding a perfect echo in cycle tourism. This trend favors slower, immersive and environmentally-friendly travel. France Inter is showing a growing interest in this form of travel, highlighting the appeal of cycling escapades along canals and less-traveled paths.

It's against this backdrop that this article presents three bike tour organizers, among many others.

Poco Loco and its Europe-wide adventures

The Poco Loc o concept? Responsible bikepacking expeditions, combining sport, discovery and encounters, all with a minimal carbon footprint. The agency organizes trips ranging from a weekend to a full week, adapted to all types of bikes capable of handling tires over 30 mm.

Routes range from 200 to 1,000 kilometers, inviting you to explore a variety of regions, from the gentle Loire to the rugged landscapes of Normandy. The routes chosen by Poco Loco are neither totally road nor completely gravel. It's a harmonious blend that offers total freedom of discovery.

The routes pass through charming villages, impressive canyons, vertiginous cliffs and sumptuous waterfalls. These routes are an invitation to plunge into the heart of Europe's most beautiful regions, such as Brittany, Italy and the northern countries, while enjoying unforgettable experiences.

Poco Loco is characterized by its commitment to sustainability. Each event is designed to minimize CO² emissions, with a carbon footprint published after each edition. This approach enables us to enjoy an intense adventure while respecting the environment.

The spirit of Poco Loco is to savor every moment. It's not a race, it's an invitation to fully appreciate the scenery, listen to the sounds of nature and meet the people you meet along the way. Each itinerary is a guide to a vacation where you can reconnect with what's essential, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

BivouaK, its Odysseys and Echappey

BivouaK stands out in the world of bicycle touring with its Odyssey and Echappey bikepacking adventures. These experiences combine adventure, discovery and autonomy in the midst of breathtaking landscapes.

The "Frite Odyssey", from Lille to Liège, is an invitation to explore 700 km of the French and Belgian Ardennes. The route, available from June 8 to 15, 2024, promises a unique roaming adventure, punctuated by mud and cobblestones characteristic of the territories of the Far North. At the finish, participants gather for a festive Big Bivouak. Several distance options are available, ranging from 60 to 700 km, to suit all levels of cyclist, from beginners to the most experienced.

The "Tapas Odyssey", from Montpellier to Girona, scheduled from September 28 to October 5, 2024, begins with a Gravel Festival in Montpellier. This Odyssey takes participants through the Pyrenees to sunny Catalan Girona, a region renowned for its ideal gravel terrain (and for tapas lovers, of course! 😋). Shorter loops of 60 and 200 km are also available, allowing you to discover the beauty of local landscapes, such as the Lac du Salagou.

The "Échappey Bivouakus", a collaboration between BivouaK and Desertus Bikus, is a 400 km adventure through the Pyrenees and northern Spain. The expedition, which runs from April 13 to 16, 2024, is guided by experienced adventurer Maximilian Schnell. Participants will explore unique gravel routes and benefit from expert advice on finding the best bivouac spots.

La Trace, coming soon

La Trace, a new bicycle travel agency, is actively preparing its launch. Although its official website and app are in the final stages of development, the excitement surrounding the opening is already palpable. In the meantime, La Trace is not standing still. Corentin Richard, a key figure in the agency, is already sharing his passion and expertise for cycling itineraries.

Every month, Corentin proposes enticing tours on Lokki.rent, giving a foretaste of what La Trace will soon offer. His suggestions, like the route from Quimper to Plouguerneau, illustrate La Trace's commitment to providing unforgettable cycling experiences. These routes traverse a variety of landscapes, from tranquil canals to winding trails, majestic mountain passes and bucolic French byways.

La Trace's ambition is to fully meet cyclists' expectations when it comes to organizing their cycling trips, from mountain bikers to enthusiasts of roads and paths less traveled.