Diverse Directions
Self-Guided Cycling Tours in France

Tour Package Components

Tour packages purchased from Diverse Directions include the following items:

Tour Documentation

1. Route Instructions & Route Map

2. Pre-Trip Preparation Guide

Provides in-depth coverage of a variety of topics including:

  • Tips for preparing physically, mentally & spiritually for your tour.

  • Tips for packing, including a packing checklist.

  • Information regarding French language and culture, knowledge of which will help you to maximize the joy of your French experience.

  • On the road cycling tips and safety guidelines.

  • Details regarding transportation via train from your gateway city to your tour's starting point.

3. On-Road Reference Guide

 This handy booklet fits in your handlebar bag for ease of access while on the road, providing
  information at a glance on the following topics:

  • All Diverse Directions support services

  • Emergency instructions

  • Security and safety guidelines

  • Instructions for changing a flat tire

  • Rail tips

  • Pre-ride checklist and pre-ride stretches

  • Essential French Vocabulary

4. Sights Guide

Brief descriptions of notable sights along your route, complete with hours of operation.

5.  Personalized Itinerary.

A single source for referencing the critical details of your tour, including:

  • A summary of each day's activities.

  • The name and cell phone number of your tour support person.

  • Instructions regarding the delivery and pick-up of your rental bikes.

  • The names, addresses, and phone numbers of each of your hotels.

  • Information related to air and train travel, including blanks for you to fill in the details or your flight and train reservations.

  • Note: Your personalized itinerary is also sent electronically so that you can easily provide a copy to loved ones who made need to contact you while on your tour.

Bicycle Rental

All rental bikes include:

  • handlebar bag with map carrier

  • cyclometer

  • lock

  • water bottle cage (water bottles not included)

  • rear rack (not available on racers)

  • air pump, tire irons, and a spare tube

  • helmets

  • choice of pedals (regular or cages) *

Bicycle models and options are different for each tour region. To view the standard and supplemental rental bike options for each region, click the appropriate link below:

* For those choosing to ride with clipless / automatic pedals, we recommend bringing your own pedals for installation on your rental bike.

Hotel Arrangements

With the exception of our Partner Tours, Diverse Directions does not bundle the cost of accommodations into the tour's price. Instead, you may choose any combination of hotel categories, leaving you free to splurge some nights while economizing on others. You pay each hotel at checkout, as you would had you booked your accommodations independently. 

When you book your Diverse Directions tour, we will ask you to rank the hotel options for each of your overnight destinations in order of preference. Diverse Directions then reserves your accommodations and provides you with copies of your hotel confirmations. If special rates or offers are available for the time of your stay, we will take advantage of these on your behalf. See Accommodations Options for additional details.

Baggage Transfer

For tours requiring a change of hotels, Diverse Directions will transport two pieces of luggage per person from / to the hotels at which you have confirmed reservations. Additional items may be transported for an additional cost.

Basic SAG Support

Basic SAG Support is whenever a change of hotels is required, with the exception of our Loire Valley Châteaux Circuit Tour. With Basic SAG Support, should you elect not to cycle on one or more days due to weather, illness, etc. AND you notify your Diverse Directions support representative in advance so that you and your bikes can be transported along with your luggage, no additional charges will apply.

For those doing the Loire Valley circuit tour, there are fast and frequent trains available between all overnight destinations should you choose not to cycle.

English-Speaking Support Staff

Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that help is just a phone call away. Should you experience a mechanical breakdown, you simply call your English-speaking, local Support Team Manager at Diverse Directions for assistance. Note: Flat tires are not covered under the support program.

In the event of a mechanical failure in which your bicycle can no longer be ridden, it will be replaced by your local Support Team.