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Bicycle Tour Europe - Top 6 Cycling Regions of France

By Tom Oxby

Any one who has watched the Tour de France quickly recognizes the French are passionate about cycling. When considering a destination to bicycle tour in Europe France should be near the top of your list.

The top 6 regions for bicycle touring in France:

The Dordogne - located in southern France a bicycle tour along the River Dordogne provides plenty to see along the way. In Montignac visit prehistoric caves; the fortress at Beynac; Castelnaud, the English castle from the 100 years war is across the river and Rocamadour built on the side of a huge ravine. You will have some steep climbs but the views from the quaint towns at the top are worth it. The food is superb in an area known for its foie gras, walnuts and fine wines.

Alsace - also known for its fine wines with vineyards surrounding medieval villages such as Colmar. Located near the German border when bicycle touring you will also find some hilly terrain the further you travel from the Rhine River.

Loire Valley - located just south of Paris this route offers the gentlest route when bicycle touring of the regions listed here. Many cyclists on their first visit to France visit a few of the 300 magnificent chateaux such as the Chateau de Chenonceau built along the Loire River.

Brittany & Normandy - located in the region north of Paris. A highlight is to cycle the causeway to historic abbey at Mont-Saint-Michel. Also along this route you will pass a rugged coastline and some white sandy beaches. Inland your bicycle touring takes you past apple orchards, cows on rich pastures and picturesque medieval towns.

Burgundy - offers some of the best wines in the world and is also known for its great bicycle touring. There will be some steep climbs, pretty medieval towns with cobblestone streets to keep you alert. Cycling between Dijon and Nuits-St Georges you will have the opportunity to enjoy some the prestigious wines and cuisine which has made Burgundy so famous.

Provence - offers a contrast when bicycle touring. The Rhone delta area is quite flat while the Luberon is hilly and finally some villages filled with artists perched on top of hills requiring a steep climb. You will also want to see some of the historic sights such as the Pont du Gard built by the Romans.

The best time bicycle tour in Europe including France is in late May, June or September. Avoid the heat and crowds you will find in the summer. Any of these bicycling adventures in France will provide you with a great 2 to 3 week vacation.

And every year Tom Oxby visits Europe on bicycle touring and hiking trips. He has found that proper planning is essential to get the most from your trip. For more fascinating information about bicycle touring in Europe and the regions of France visit his website at http://www.easybicycletouring.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Oxby http://EzineArticles.com/?Bicycle-Tour-Europe---Top-6-Cycling-Regions-of-France&id=3488947

Visiting Europe For the First Time on a Tight Budget

By Tom Oxby

Every year I plan my own visit to a different European country. People ask "do I have family in that country?" or "do I speak the language?" Actually neither, I just love the history, scenery, people, different customs and the ability to explore with ease.

First timers planning a visit to Europe should consider:

• Avoiding the crowds by planning your own itinerary. The mistake most people make is just visiting a major city such as London, Paris or Rome and ignoring some of the smaller towns and villages where you have a greater opportunity to meet the local people.

• Trying to visit every country as I find most first timers wanting to do. They spend a lot of their holiday just going from one place to another. Last year I went to only western Switzerland for 18 days, people were amazed when we stated we didn't have time to cover the entire country. You too should consider just covering a small are as well which will cut your costs and travel time. Area's such as Provence, Tuscany, Bavaria, The Cotswold's each deserve time to really explore.

In Tuscany we stayed in San Gimignaro for 4 nights using it as a base to visit the area. By day the town was full of tourists and in the evening we had the town practically to ourselves. The same thing happened when we stayed in St.-Cirq-Lapopie in southern France.

• Staying in small hotels or B & B's. I love to stay in small guesthouse and pensions where you get to know the owner and reflect the architecture of the country. Generally in Europe 2 or 3 star hotels are sufficient as long as they are centrally located so you can walk to nearby attractions.

• Getting around by bicycle and/or train. I love the speedy, always prompt European trains and subways. They go almost anywhere and provide a great way to see the scenery. Europeans rail passes provide great value and should be purchased prior to leaving North America. Recently in Switzerland the conductor announced in German and English the train was running 5 minutes later and apologized.

A great and inexpensive way to travel is to rent bicycles and travel along the well signed long distance routes found in most countries. I find European drivers very considerate of cyclists and hotels always have a place to store your bike in the evening. The paved bike path along the Danube from Passau, Germany to Vienna, Austria is great for beginners.

• Sightseeing for free or a good discount..yes, really. Take a good look at what is included with your rail pass. For example the Swiss rail pass includes free admission to most castles, museums and a discount on mountain railways and cable cars. Each country has different offers so take a look.

In Monteux, Switzerland free admission to the medieval Castle Chillion is included along with the English headsets. Poets Bryon and Shelley were past visitors. Arrive early at major attractions and museums. We arrived at King Ludwig's castle in Bavaria about 30 minutes before it opened and immediately booked the English speaking tour. About 2 hours later there must have been 40-50 buses in the parking lot. Same thing happened in Florence when we went to visit the famous statue of "David", it pays to arrive early to beat the crowds.

• Travel Guides - purchase a travel guide in North America and plan your activities in advance so as not to waste time when you arrive in a city. In Rome I didn't follow my own advice as we arrived at the Vatican on a hot summer day and were refused admission as we were wearing shorts.

• Breakfast is included at most European hotels . It may just be a continental breakfast of rolls with jam and coffee, but in many countries including Germany, Switzerland and Italy you get a buffet breakfast of boiled eggs, cereals, yogurts, sliced cold meats, rolls and more... a great way to start your day.

• Lunches. Your best bet is to head to a grocery store to keep costs down. In some countries like Germany they will even make a sandwich for you.

• Dinners. You will want to experience the local cuisine including the fine European wines or beer.

• Can't speak a foreign language - I wish I could speak a dozen languages, but I don't. Yes, I do study a small list of local words such as hello, please, thank you, etc. I have never had a major problem in all my time as most Europeans also know a few words of English, especially school children. II find the Europeans love to practice speaking English and it is rare when someone is not helpful.

I was outside the Budapest train station looking at a map and soon a small crowd formed with everyone pointing me in the right direction. Restaurant menu's can sometimes be a challenge but I've had local diners realizing this come to my table to assist with the translation.

Many people traveling to Europe purchase a tour or just visit the major cities, but there is a better way

The author recommends visiting for more information http://www.walking-holidays.org.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Oxby http://EzineArticles.com/?Visiting-Europe-For-the-First-Time-on-a-Tight-Budget&id=1917776

Bicycle Tour in Europe - Top 5 Cycling Routes of Switzerland
By Tom Oxby

When you consider a bicycle tour destination in Europe, Switzerland most likely does not come top of mind. Yet you may be amazed to learn the Swiss are great cyclists. The country is crossed by a network of 8,300 km (5,157 miles) of bicycle paths on 9 national and 55 regional routes. Does it not have mountains? Well yes, but there are also valleys where many of the bicycle paths are located.

The top 5 routes for cycling in Switzerland:

Rhone Route - this is the most popular of the Swiss cycling routes. Starting in Geneva with a combination of bicycle paths and dedicated lanes along the roads you cycle along the north shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman). Along the way you pass through Lausanne and the Olympic Museum and numerous vineyards before reaching Montreux.

Montreux is home to the lakeside Castle de Chillon, the number one historical attraction in Switzerland. Take the excellent tour (in English) and find out why Lord Bryon and others found it so fascinating. The bicycle path continues the banks of the Rhone River passing the International Cycling Association velodrome and wine center of Sion before ending in Andermatt. This route is gently rolling and can be handled by any level of cyclist.

Rhine Route - this route starts near Andermatt and heads over to the Austrian border before turning north to the Bodensee (Lake Constance) and Basel. You may decide to continue along the Rhine through Germany and the Netherlands if you wish. The Swiss cycling is over gently rolling terrain.

Lakes Route - if you are looking for a hilly and scenic Swiss cycling experience across the entire country this is the route for you. Starting in Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) you have a very steep climb at first taking you into the cheese making town of Guyere. The route continues over hilly terrain passing through scenic Lucerne.

Mittelland Route - This route also starts on the shores of Lake Geneva and heads across northern Switzerland and along the shores of Lake Neuchatel, the watch making town of Biel and eastward into the Zurich area and finally Lake Constance. A few hills at the start although most of the route would be considered gently rolling terrain.

Bodensee (Lake Constance) Route - offers an easy cycling experience around the lake with the benefit of visiting three countries - Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

The best time bicycle tour in Europe including Switzerland is in late May, June or September. Avoid the heat and crowds you will find in the summer. Any of these Swiss cycling adventures will provide you with a great 2 - 3 week vacation.

And every year Tom Oxby visits Europe on bicycle touring and hiking trips. He has found that proper planning is essential to get the most from your trip. For more fascinating information about bicycle touring in Europe and the regions of France visit his website at Easy Bicycle Touring

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Oxby http://EzineArticles.com/?Bicycle-Tour-in-Europe---Top-5-Cycling-Routes-of-Switzerland&id=3539282

Bicycle Tour Europe - Top 4 Cycling Routes of Austria

By Tom Oxby

Bicycle paths cover Austria like a blanket. The top tour cycling routes of Austria listed here are for foreign visitors who want to see the country while on a bicycle tour of Europe.

Route 1 - Danube Bike Trail

The Danube Bike Trail starts in the Black Forest of Germany and after passing through Budapest ends at the Black Sea. The most popular and best section is in Austria. Actually it begins in Passau, Germany right on the border and continues for 326 km (202 miles) to Vienna. The route itself is paved and well signed the entire distance on

a bicycle trail or quiet roads over flat or gently rolling terrain. Bicycle rentals are available from the train station in Passau.

Hotels and campgrounds are used to cyclists. There are ferries across the Danube just for those bicycle touring and many restaurants also cater especially to cyclists.

Highlights include the slender river boats on the blue Danube; the cathedral in Passau with the largest organ in the world; Melk Benedictine Abbey; the Wachau wine region; and Vienna with Schonbrunn Palace and more.

Route 2 - Tauern Bicycle Trail

This route is as well known in North America, but you have seen it if you have ever watched a movie titled, "The Sound of Music". Those who are bicycle touring can start in either Krimml with the highest waterfalls in central Europe or Bad Reichenhall in Germany. The Tauern Bicycle Route then follows the Salzach River Valley surrounded by the majestic Alps into Salzburg, before continuing to Passau on the Danube.

Highlights include the waterfalls at Krimml; one of the largest caves in the world at Werfen; the historic fortresses and old town area of Salzburg. A gentleman named Mozart lived here once and you can also visit his home.

Route 3 - Salzkammergut Bicycle route

The Salzkammergut is the Austrian lake district with several different gently rolling bicycle routes around the various lakes. The lakeside village of Hallstatt is a world heritage site; St. Wolfgang is very picturesque with the mountains in the background. The bicycle ride down a gradual hill into Salzburg at the end is one of the greatest cycles in the world.

Route 4 - Inn Bicycle route

This route actually starts near St. Moritz in Switzerland and continues through famous Innsbruck. The bicycle route goes into Germany and passes through the resort area of Rosenheim until it reaches the Danube at Passau.

Highlights include the alps in Switzerland; Olympic city of Innsbruck; and Lake Cheimsee in Germany. Easy bicycle touring route along the River Inn Valley.

The best time to bicycle tour in Europe including Austria is in late May, June or September. Avoid the heat and crowds you will find in the summer, particularly during the Salzburg music festival. Any of these Austrian cycling adventures will provide you with bicycle touring vacation.

And every year Tom Oxby explores North America and Europe on while bicycle touring and hiking. He has found that proper planning is essential to get the most from your cycling adventure. For more information on cycling in Austria visit http://www.easybicycletouring.com/bikeaustria.php

For more fascinating information about bicycle touring visit his website at http://www.easybicycletouring.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Oxby http://EzineArticles.com/?Bicycle-Tour-Europe---Top-4-Cycling-Routes-of-Austria&id=3571441

By Tom Oxby

This is surprising to me but the European country I get the most requests for bicycle touring route information is Germany. Maybe I should not be as surprised about the request of cycling routes in Germany as the country offers over 200 bike routes which receive lots of bicycle traffic from local citizens and visitors alike.

The top 7 routes for bicycle touring in Germany:

Romantic Road Bike Route The Romantic Road bike route is not well known by North American cyclists, this is easily my favourite. The route starts in Wurzburg near Frankfurt and winding along quiet farm lanes and bike paths to the Austrian border at Fussen. Along the way you pass by three walled medieval cities, the fairy tale castles of King Ludwig II, vineyards and much more. The terrain is rolling with a few big climbs along the 420 km (261 mile) route.

Rhine Cycle Route This is the route everyone has heard about. The Rhine Cycle Route starts in the Netherlands and ends in Switzerland but the most scenic section lays in Germany. The main German section is 330 km (205 miles) long although doing the whole route will more than double that distance. The route is fairly flat along well maintained paved as you pass interesting castles and the river traffic.

Moselle River Trail A two country route, the Moselle River Trail starts in Germany at the Rhine River and ends in France at the Metz River. Along the way this 304 km (189 mile) route follows the river valley passing through vineyards and historic towns

Bodensee Bike Route North American's know the Bodensee Bike route as Lake Constance. Take this route to visit three countries on one tour, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The route itself is quite gentle with interesting towns as you circle the lake.

Danube Bike Trail This is the premier bicycle touring route in Europe, the best there is for beginners. The German section starts at Donaugschingen in the Black Forest region and takes you 525 km (326 miles) to Passau on the Austrian border. Do continue to Vienna, Budapest and the Black Sea. Your bicycle touring through Bavaria takes you through picturesque town, medieval cities such as Regenburg.

Mozart Bike Route The Mozart Bike Route visits the southeastern corner of Germany around Berchtsgaden, before crossing into Austria and looping around the Austrian lakes district and Salzburg. Although mostly cycling over rolling terrain expect a few major climbs. Highlights include the Salzburg fortresses, the palace at Chimsee and Austria Lakes District.

German Border Bike Route This route is also not as well known to North American's. It starts in eastern Germany at the Czech border and where the German Border Bike Route meanders for 1,400 km (870 miles) before reaching the Baltic Seas.

When considering a Bicycle Tour of Europe consider these seven cycling routes in Germany.

And every year Tom Oxby explores North America and Europe on while bicycle touring and hiking. He has found that proper planning is essential to get the most from your cycling adventure. For more fascinating information about bicycle touring visit his website at http://www.easybicycletouring.com

For more information on cycling in Germany visit http://www.easybicycletouring.com/germanyromanticroad.php

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Oxby http://EzineArticles.com/?Bicycle-Tour-Europe---Top-7-Cycling-Routes-of-Germany&id=3618450