With just weeks to go until cycling’s biggest event, the Tour de France, kicks off in Bilbao for its 110th race, it’s the perfect time to plan a cycling getaway. From riding along the dramatic coastline of Murcia where Alejandro Valverde trained, to exploring Spain’s historic Parador hotels by bike or taking it at a more leisurely pace in the wine regions of France, LOTUS has both the cycling inspiration and know-how to keep travellers safe on their two-wheel getaways
FOLLOW THE OFFICIAL ROUTE WITH SPAIN’S HISTORIC PARADOR HOTELS
The Tour de France is set to kick off in true Basque Country style, a largely hilly landscape that makes for both a challenging and scenic cycling adventure, and the setting for this year’s Grand Depart. Starting in the bustling port city of Bilbao, holidaymakers looking to follow the official route stage by stage, can pass through the Basque region’s medieval capital Vitoria-Gasteiz, the historic town, Amorebieta-Etxano, by the banks of the river Ibaizabal, before finishing up in the beach front gourmand paradise of San Sebastián.
After long days spent cycling, cyclists can seek refuge at Paradores’ historic hotels in Limpias and Argomaniz, lesser-known Spanish towns conveniently located along the Tour de France route. Especially equipped for cyclists, both hotels have a bike storage area and tailored cycle routes to explore the vicinity. And for those without their own bikes, staff are on hand to point guests towards the nearest rental service.
Paradores (www.paradores.es) offers accommodation at Parador de Limpias from €100 and Argomaniz from €85 per night, in a standard double room based on two people sharing.
JOURNEY TO THE GRAND CRUS OF BORDEAUX AND JOIN CYCLISTS FOR A WINE OR TWO
As the Tour de France exits the Pyrenees, its route passes through the Bordeaux wine region, an area when, in 1903, the Tour de France stopped in Bordeaux and where cyclists could enjoy a glass of wine.
This self-guided tour offers holidaymakers varied cycling routes, as well as many opportunities for wine tasting in stunning wine estates, sampling the different varieties. Riding through the most prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux, cyclists can follow the entre deux mers itinerary, which is a fantastic way to take in the atmosphere of the region. There’s also the chance to explore the UNESCO-protected medieval town of St Emilion and stay in its heart at the Auberge de la Commanderie, offering panoramic views of its monuments and spectacular landscape dominated by vineyards.
Headwater (Headwater.com) offers the six-day trip Cycling the Grand Crus of Bordeaux from £1,669 per person and includes flights, all accommodation, breakfasts daily, high quality bikes, route directions and maps and luggage transfers. Departures every day.
TACKLE THE FINAL STAGE OF TOUR DE FRANCE WITH EXPERIENCED CYCLIST SUSANNE
After a frenetic three weeks, the cyclists push for home and salute the winner of the coveted yellow jersey gathering at the Champs-Elysées Avenue. Before the champagne celebrations on the boulevard, holidaymakers can take a panoramic city tour with experienced local guide Susanne to uncover iconic sights such as the Seine River, Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and The Latin Quarter.
Coinciding with the event itself, the tour can be customised to end just in time to witness the grand finale and salute the winner of the coveted yellow jersey.
ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers the Paris bike friendly city discovery! from £489 per tour, for up to ten people (prices vary on group size). The tour includes guiding services, bike rental, taxes.
CONTINUE THE FUN WITH A SELF-GUIDED TOUR IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
A landscape suited for more relaxed cycling after the Tour’s toughest climbs, the Loire Valley provides an incredible and mostly flat network of signposted cycle routes and bike paths that passes through vineyards, medieval villages and exceptional chateaux including Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau, all accessible by bike along quiet lanes and traffic-free paths.
Passing throughthe appellations of Saumur, Bourgeuil and Chinon, holidaymakers can enjoy light, easy-drinking reds, crisp whites, and sparkling wine served with meals including excellent local cheeses, mushrooms and fruits. And after a day out on the bike, they can relax and cooloff by apool.
HF Holidays (www.hfholidays.co.uk) offers the eight-days the self-guided cycling tour from £1,345 per person and includes accommodation (shared twin / double ensuite rooms) in 3 and 4* hotels on a B&B basis, an English-speaking local representative, detailed route notes as well as maps and luggage transfers.
FLY TO BILBAO TO GLIMPSE THE GRAND DEPART
Holidaymakers looking to watch on as cyclists take to the road for the first leg of the 2023 Tour de France, can fly out to Bilbao with Vueling.Offering connections between the UK and Spain, direct flights are available to Bilbao from London Gatwick 21 times each week. Return flights from London Gatwick start at £190 on 30th June, giving a day to soak in the city before heading down to the start line for the Grand Depart on 1st July.
Vueling currently offers 23 direct European routes on sale from the UK this summer. For more information, visit www.vueling.com.
TOP TIPS FOR A SAFE CYCLING HOLIDAY FROM WORLD NOMADS
There are many great opportunities for cycling adventures abroad, but even for the most experienced of cyclists it’s important to be prepared in case mishaps happen. According to claims data by travel insurance provider, World Nomads’, the average medical costs incurred by UK travellers abroad since 2021 is almost £500 (£493).
When planning cycling holidays, World Nomads recommends to:
1. Choose cycling destinations and activities responsibly
It’s important to ensure cycling tour plans suit experience level, medical advice and are with accredited tour provider or operators, if relevant. Equally crucial is checking whether there are any travel or weather alerts along cycle routes and whether people can get in touch if needed.
2. Take the right gear
While it might be common sense, it’s important to take appropriate safety measures, including wearing a helmet, in case of incidents. Equally, if planning to ride at night, high-vis clothing is key to ensuring visibility to other road users.
3. Take out comprehensive insurance
In case an accident occurs, it’s important to take out coverage. When doing so, listing the destination and cycling activities planned e.g., ‘cycling – independent cycle touring’, and paying any applicable additional premium when buying a policy is paramount for complete protection.
4. Keep all documents
It’s important to remember that any claims require supporting documentation such as receipts of purchases. It’s recommended to check policy documents carefully to ensure there are no surprises.
5. Apply for a GHIC
While not a replacement for travel insurance, applying for a GHIC, the Global Health Insurance Card, can provide crucial access medically necessary state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.
