We were satisfied with a.v. services and may use them again
Good experience ridding in France with abicyclette voyages
Review of a friend's (over 60) bike trip in France on June 2024, using abicyclettes Voyages (a.v.) in the Loire Valley (Blois to Tour) and Normandy (Rennes to Mount Saint Michel), about a week for each. Despite the complexities of arranging a semi-personalized trip, a.v. provided us with a good experience and were always responsive to our requests. If I ever decide to make another bike trip in France, I would consider using a.v. again, as well as recommend them
After researching and logistical/financial calculations, we chose to pursue the assistance of a “velo tour” company vs. organizing the trip ourselves. They provided the equipment, luggage transport, 3rd party travel, and equipment insurance (never used), and accommodation arrangements at a good value.
a.v. gave us options and responded to our questions to our satisfaction. Although neither the equipment or the accommodations completely matched the descriptions or fulfilled our expectations, we were mostly satisfied. The hotels are booked only after the deposit of 30% is done which may be the cause for changes because of unavailability.
The contract indicated that the charges were based on a group contract, not individually as I was expecting. Therefore, it made one person responsible for the group instead of each person being responsible for him/herself. There are synergies in which participants share the costs (luggage transportation and GPS are what come to mind) shared between the participants. Also, for savings and no lapse in coverage, it is best to purchase the insurance for all segments together
The bikes and equipment were brought to us in vans by a.v. staff to be accepted as delivered. There were no options/choices (high season). We experienced 2 deliveries. On noth staff members were pleasant but in a hurry. Not much time is given for fitting and trying the bikes or for GPS instructions. One must take the time to have questions answered, be properly fitted, and test the bike after each fitting or adjustment, including going through all the gears. Make sure the helmet fits properly.
Insist in similar bikes for all group members which makes it easier to ride together, especially on hilly segments. From their selection, the Velo de Ville and Scott bikes with straight handlebars were the only acceptable ones, as described on the Internet. To a.v. credit they always worked hard to accommodate my requests. The bikes (Velo de Ville and Scott) although heavy (17 kg) were surprisingly effective and sturdy. I suggest bringing chain lube and finding a powerful hose to wash the gears/chain when dirty. The tires, despite the beating, survived with no flats!
The other supplies, such as a pannier, cable lock, bell, repair kit, pump, and helmet were standard. Suggestions: bring a lock to lock the pannier’s contents and secure it to the bike frame when parked unsupervised. Bring riding gloves, flashing red tail/white front lights, a rearview mirror, and a cell phone tray. Bring a pair of dark and clear glasses. Unless bright, it’s hard to read the GPS with dark glasses. Bring rain gear, it can be miserable riding in cold rain. a.v. schedule is firm, and riders must make it to the next hotel, rain or shine. Keep a change of clothes in the pannier. In the case of inclement weather or sickness a.v. can help in arranging transportation at extra cost. Pack lightly. Fancy clothes are unnecessary. Laundromats are available in all big cities. They are easy and inexpensive to use.
a.v. provided nice booklets with useless maps and other information (restaurants, museums, stops). They provide one GPS per group, and online access to an internet site to download the GPX routes to a cell phone. My recommendation is to download to the cell phones the GPX files with the routes so you may use Strava, Garmin, or any GPX Viewer. Someone in the group used the phone app to navigate while I used the GPS. The GPS, when it works, it does a good job, but it is not always reliable.
To comment on the accommodations is the hardest because of personal preference issues. Some people like older “charming” accommodations while others prefer modern ones. Since we opted for the higher level of accommodations offered by a.v. (privilege), we had high expectations. The hotel stars system in Europe is quite unreliable. Thus, review a.v. choices and ask them to change if you know what you want.
I found that staying 2 nights in each location was better than having to move every day since it robs of the fun and relaxation time. There is always more than one route option to justify spending 2 nights.
All in all, my friends and I were satisfied with a.v..