Cycling with the kids in the Ardeche
Cycling with kids in France is a win-win. France is bike and kid friendly. For this special tour, we offer two versions - one for families with kids, one for adults only. The family tour offers less distance, more time off the bike and discounts for children. Adult tours offer longer sections but you can choose either to suit your preference.The tour offers only a few hills, while most of it is on a converted rail track that hugs the two beautiful canyons nestled in the Ardeche region of France.

Your journey begins on the banks of the Rhone River valley with a ride on a steam train which chugs up a deep-cut river canyon to the starting point in a bustling village high up-country. The views en route are simply outstanding as the train trundles from one side of the narrow valley to the other. For the next 7 days you'll descend from one village to another, following the river on the old rail line that hugs the side of the canyon. The railroad was deactivated and the line has been turned into a superb track made for cyclists only.

The route crosses and recrosses the river as you cycle over bridges, by terraced orchard fields and chestnut forests. Because you start high, most the tour is on a gentle downhill, as you wend your way down towards the Rhone River valley. There are loop days to rest, picnic, hike, bike or explore the hidden side canyons.

Many of the towns you stay in have bustling markets worth exploring. At night your lodging will be an auberge, chambre d'hotes or hotel. Dining is on the premises. The views never cease to amaze as the canyon folds into itself repeatedly. Parts of the old rail path are carved right out of the rock face dropping to the water's edge.

This tour is great from May to October but is especially stunning in the spring when the valleys are full of vibrant greens or in the fall when the trees explode in yellows and reds.