10 Nights 11 days Cycling Paris, Burgundy, Champagne and the River Seine Valley

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1 10 Nights 11 days Cycling Paris, Burgundy, Champagne and the River Seine Valley. The River Seine, with a length of 776 km is the third longest river in of France and is an active commercial waterway. It is navigable for seagoing vessels for a distance of 120 km and by recreational boats for a distance of 560 km. The Seine watershed is quite vast, encompassing Paris, Rouen, Le Havre and Rheims. On this cycling holiday we will start at the source of the River Seine at the historical ducal territory that was once the Grand Duchy of Burgundy and cycle into French metropolitan Paris, in five easy stages. This is a fascinating cycling holiday that wanders through pastoral stretches of land and familiarizes us in a rather special way with a the city of over a million people Paris. At the beginning of this route our cycling paths will lead us through gentle hilly areas with modest gradients. The topography is mostly flat, which makes this tour perfect for all skill levels. Franklin & Frobisher Travel Service. 1 Water Street. Box 436. Little Current. Ontario. Canada. POP 1PO. Tel Sburnett@kingston.net

2 Day 1 arrival Switzerland Overnight-stay in the area of Western Switzerland Day 2 Switzerland Burgundy Direct route via Basel to Burgundy. Overnight Couchey near Dijon. Day 3 Beginning at the Source of the river Seine We commence our cycle tour of France, North-west of the capital city in Dijon where the River Seine rises from its source at this capital town of the Burgundy region, best known for its epicurean varieties of Mustard and its fine Musee de Beaux Arts. This first of five stages has as its highlight the famous Abbey of Fontenay. This former Cistercian Abbey is one of the oldest in Europe and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.It was built with a curious mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The Cistercians often built Abbeys in remote areas, were absolutely self sufficient and refused to employ servants. Overnight Montbard. Day 4 South Champagne After a quick transfer by coach we will retrieve our bikes and follow the path of the river s course. Today s goal is to cycle the lake scenery of the Champagne- Ardennes region and specifically the 170,000 acres Foret d Orient National Park. The reservoirs in the park were developed to ameliorate potential flooding in the Seine river region and to supply the taps and spigots of metropolitan Paris. Unintended or not - one consequence of this development has been the creation of created a diverse eco system. For the next two nights we will be accommodated close to nature. Overnight Rouilly Sacey

3 Day 5 Lake-circuit Lac d Orient We will use the beautiful shorelines of Lac d Orient, Lac du Temple and Lac Amance for an amazing day of cycling. According to the weather and the mood of our group the length of the tour can be altered to include the pristine sand beaches for a welcome swimming break. In the late afternoon we will continue by coach to Troyes for a visit to this historic city. Overnight Rouilly Sacey. Day 6 From Palace to Palace We will travel by coach to the elegant Ile de France outskirts of Paris and the magnificent 16 th century Palace of Fontainebleau. It is adjacent to the diverse Forest of the same name and was once the Royal hunting reserve. Once more unloading our bikes we will cycle along the River Seine, from the Palace of Fontainebleau to the Palace of Vaux-le-Vicomte - a classical Baroque French Chateau surrounded by a protective moat. The chateau has been showcased in several well known movies including the James Bond film Moonraker and The Man in the Iron mask. After these two palatial visits we will call it a day Overnight Evry. Day 7 Beneath the Eiffel Tower Our final stage will begin outside our hotel and will travel along the now familiar River Seine into the pulsating city of Paris. Passing by the magnificent facades of the Musée d Orsay and the National Assembly. We we will arrive at the pinnacle of our cycling tour, The magnificent Eifel Tower which presides over the river Seine. A group photo in front of the Eiffel Tower as a souvenir is obligatory Overnight Paris-Bercy. Day 8 Paris In the morning for three hours we will discover the city of Paris accompanied by a local cycling guide. We have left the afternoon free for personal unguided adventures and discoveries. We have also left this evening free so you can explore Paris and dine in a restaurant of your own choosing. dinner on your own. Overnight Paris-Bercy.

4 Day 9 Paris Besançon Today we will leave Paris and our old friend the River Seine. After a varied and exciting cycling tour we will start our journey back to Switzerland. Our overnight stay is in the French city of Besancon which is known for its excellent art museums and is currently the center of the French watch manufacturing Overnight Besançon Day 10 Besançon Switzerland On our return journey we travel past Mulhouse and Basel to arrive back in Switzerland with fond memories of France and the River Seine. Day 11 Switzerland flight back After breakfast, we transfer to Zurich s Kloten airport for the flight home.

5 Included features Bus Transport in our custom designed luxury bus Custom built bike trailer and traveling workshop Bikes sized to your specifications on arrival in Switzerland either pedal bikes or electric assisted (E-Bikes) Cycle tour in the Foret d Orient National Park Cycle tour in Troyes Cycle tour in Paris Admission fee and Audio-Guide tour in the Palace Vaux-le-Vicomte 10 night s accommodation in superior three star and four star hotels 1 Night Western Switzerland region 1 night Couchy 1 Night Montbard 2 Night s Rouilly Sacey 1 Night Evry 2 Night s Paris Bercy 1 Night Becanson 1 Night Western Switzerland region Sightseeing features mentioned in the itinerary Luggage service Cycling guide throughout Dinner and breakfast daily while on this holiday (except Paris) Accommodation and Breakfast in Paris Picnics, fresh fruit or refreshments during the trip Complete street fees, tolls and parking cost, taxes All toll and parking fees and local taxes Not included: Admissions for sightseeing not mentioned Additional meals and all beverages Gratuities Prices CA$ net Valid March 01 Oct persons persons persons persons Single supplement E- Bike supplement Documents required: Valid passport Currency: Swiss Francs. Euros Recommended travel dates July - August Edited Dec