From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
An inimitable cradle of history, culture and style, and quite possibly the world’s most beloved city — Paris is hardly in need of introduction.
Here you can admire some of the world’s most significant art and architecture, taste-test endless patisseries, boulangeries, bars and bistros, and tick the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame off your list.
Trawl tiny boutiques for vintage treasures, visit light-filled ateliers, shop the flagship stores of some of fashion’s most luxurious brands or simply park yourself in a café along the Seine and watch the passing parade of chic Parisians.
The Ile-de-France region covers Paris and her outskirts, including the sumptuous royal palace of Versailles, and to the south, the magnificent 12th century Château de Fontainebleau and its surrounding forests. With its bounty of cultural riches and natural beauty, this is a small pocket of France that packs a serious punch, and begs to be explored on foot or by bike.
From Paris, cycle out of town along scenic towpaths and quiet back roads to the Seine valley, passing lush woodlands, charming villages, medieval towns and splendid castles.
Tack on a trip out into the Champagne region, or join one of our exciting multi-country adventures—including Paris to London, Paris to Bruges or Amsterdam to Paris—and discover the city highlights and backcountry treasures of Europe by bike and barge.
15Days
Moderate
8Days
12Days
Moderate to Challenging
Trips only include what you need like accommodation, meals, bikes on cycle trips, luggage transfers, maps and route directions on self guided trips and an experienced local guide for group trips, as well as the peace of mind that comes with complete backup and support.
On self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.
Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.
In Paris we use a range of 2-3 star hotels, often family run. These charming hotels provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose hotel locations that add to your experience.
Simple yet rich in local character, the B&B’s chosen are clean, comfortable and run by hosts that help add to your experience.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Boasting monument-lined boulevards, galleries, rustic bistros and world-class attractions including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, there’s no wonder that Paris is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations
Visit the islands, parks and picturesque towns that were a source of inspiration for many famous Impressionist artists on the Promenade Bleue
Sample delicious cheese in Meaux, one of France’s Towns of Art and History, which is best known for its Brie cheese
Head to the gardens of Le Nôtre in Saint-Germain for magnificent vistas of Paris
Take a break from the bustling city in Parc de la Vilette, Buttes Chaumont or Belleville in north-eastern Paris
The capital of France’s inland waterways, Medieval Conflans’ picturesque harbour is lined with hundreds of barges
Fall in love with Avers-sur-Oise, the picturesque town that seduced van Gough and other Impressionists
Marvel at the symmetrical Royal Gardens and gain some insight into France’s regal history at Fontainebleau
Follow the mostly traffic-free Avenue Verte cycle route all the way to London
With so many walking and bike trails, it’s easy to explore the Vexin Natural Park’s picturesque towns, castles, farmhouses and Théméricourt with its spectacular Maison du Parc
Inaugurated by Napolean III himself, the Château de Ferrières has passed into the hands of a string of famous families and is considered to be the largest and grandest 19th century château in the country
Perched on a rocky peninsula, Château-Landon boasts almost 20 prehistoric sites and is a former pilgrimage site
The months of June to August are busy times with temperatures ranging between 15 - 25 degree Celsius (59 - 77 Fahrenheit) and sometimes slightly higher. You should be prepared for hot temperatures during the summer months and you will need to drink plenty of water during the day.
France is +2 hours ahead of GMT/UTC
French (official)
In most areas some English will be spoken
Euro
+33
Electricity in France is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).
Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.
Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.
We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.
We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.