148 | Cycling World
“ After cycling the routes , there ’ s still a lot that needs to be done ,” explains one of the guides . “ Describing the routes , mapping , answering questions , booking , organising , checking , printing and counting so that everything goes smoothly , and our guests keep unforgettable memories of their holidays !”
To take care of all these essential details , this very feminine team has grown since Eugénie and Bérangère set off on their great adventure in 2011 . Josselyne joined from the very beginning , followed by Chloé and Sarah . And most recently , the first man , Dimitri from Lille , joined this previously all-female team .
All of these well organized guides prepare work non-stop to build each guest a road book with detailed maps , a description of the tour that includes directions for each intersection , and a factsheet , containing practical information ( opening time , price , contact information ) about the points of interest along the way . As all European trips are selfguided , there are no fixed departure dates and you are completely free to ride at your own pace and stop anywhere you want .
What ’ s more , you can come on one of these pre-planned trips alone , as a couple ( a weekend in the Loire Valley with a massage at the end of each day , anyone ?), as a group , or even as a family to see some of most remarkable sights on this blue Earth . Their family itineraries are designed with short stages , leisurely passing mostly through cycling paths and small quiet country roads so that each the kids can enjoy the scenery and mom and dad can enjoy the ride .
Some of these tours might seem daunting to the more recreational cyclists , but they are happy to discuss your level of fitness and desired exertion to get a holiday that is exactly what you picture in your head . They offer difficulty levels from one to five , with one being the easiest . The first level is open to people of any age , including children seven and older . The second level usually comprises some climbs , but they are still easy to ride . The third level routes are hilly but manageable due to the short distances . Only the two last levels require more advanced fitness . In most regions , they can even provide tandems and electric bikes if you want help with the pedalling . And , if by chance you overestimate your fitness level and find you don ’ t want to ride your bicycle anymore , they will organise a taxi to collect you for only the cost of the fare .
To keep everyone comfortable , they provide the appropriate children ’ s equipment , including
• trailer bikes for children between 5 and 7 years old ,
• bike trailers for your babies or children under 40 kg , and baby-seats
If moving from village to village every day isn ’ t your idea of a relaxing vacation , they can suggest a centre based tour , where cyclists take day trips from a central location .
“ We have decided to offer cycling holidays only because we like to be expert at what we do and because we have many ideas to offer : more ( and always better ) cycling holidays , many discoveries , exchanges , stunning things to see , exercise , good food and plenty of rest .” – Eugénie and Bérangère
You can book any of these delightful tours online , where they offer over 80 incredible pre-planned routes . The site has a great search engine to help filter through all the options – you can even sort by themes such as nature-focussed , wine-centric , historical , and so on . The team are quick to respond to any communications with prompt answers to help you plan your holiday . So , if you ’ re looking to spend some time enjoying life amid the pleasures of the French countryside , visit them at www . levelovoyageur . com ; it ’ s well worth it .