Loire Valley cycling holiday in France

Planet

Protecting the environment includes using less water, as well as reducing single-use plastic. The hotels we use actively minimise their water consumption by reusing towels rather than washing them every day. In addition, our local leaders encourage refilling and reusing bottles with the safe tap water throughout the trip.

The most sustainable way to travel is by bicycle, but it also provides many opportunities to explore parts of lesser-known France and visit remote villages. This, in turns, gives us a great opportunity to try real French cuisine, which is usually made with locally sourced ingredients as many of the smaller villages grow much of their own produce.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

People

To provide you with the opportunity to enjoy real, fresh, local cuisine to your liking, only breakfast is included. This means you are able to directly support the local economy but visiting small cafes and local markets. In the off the beaten track locations there are no chains, which gives you an authentic experience.

Through the optional extras including the wine tasting in Chenonceaux, you have the opportunity to buy fresh local produce in the form of their fine wines. In addition, the cost of the tour helps keep the local business running which in terms provides jobs for those living in the village.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of UK travel industry bodies Tourism Concern and AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.