From quaint villages along the Loire River to seaside towns on the Atlantic coast, we'll ride our way through history crossing paths with Jules Verne, Napoleon, and others.

ATLANTIQUE - BIKING THE FRENCH COAST

A refreshing ride along the Western Coast of France

June 11-17, 2010 or June 28-July 4, 2010

Our newest bike tour starts in the Loire River port city of Nantes, then winds through picturesque woodlands to the coast of southern Brittany. Rivers, islands and the Atlantic Ocean form the backdrop for our invigorating ride. We'll also explore quaint villages and seaside towns as we ride through history on our way to La Rochelle, where we finish our journey. Along the way, we can stop to admire chateaux, monuments, cathedrals and stunning vistas.

Highlights:

• Ride to the tip of Noirmoutier-en-l'ile, a tiny island in the Atlantic.
  
• Explore the coastal beaches and placid wetlands of Western France.
  
• Enjoy dinner on a typical bateau on the beautiful Erde River near Nantes.
  
• Visit the Jules Verne Museum.
  
• Tour La Rochelle, the beautiful port city of limestone and light.
  
• Discover new tastes in French wine and cuisine in lower Brittany, south of the Loire River.
  

Dates and Price:

• June 11 to 17, 2010: $2,390: A trip for gay men.
• June 28 to July 4, 2010: $2,390: A trip for gay men and lesbians.
  
  Prices are per-person, based on double occupancy. Tours often fill up months before departure. We regularly update our travel schedule to show the status of this and other trips.

E-mail: info@gaytravelpros.com

Travelling Alone?
So are most of the people who travel with us. You do not need to pay extra to travel by yourself. Prices are per-person, and the single supplement applies only if you'd like a room by yourself. For selected trips, including cruises, we will charge half the single supplement if you request a roommate but we can't match you with someone.

Location: Starts in Nantes and ends in La Rochelle

Price includes: Comfortable hotels each night; Services of two tour guides; All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 4 dinners with wine included at dinners; Transportation to get luggage (and tired cyclists!) to destination; Use of bike; A wine-tasting; Map and routes.

Not included: 3 lunches; 2 dinners; Souvenirs, snacks, admissions; Gratuities for guides.

Our ride from Nantes to La Rochelle will take us through a fascinating mix of cities, towns, inland valleys and coastal vistas. We will meander alongside rivers, catch stunning vistas of the ocean, and ride to the islands of d'Yeu and Noirmoutier, as we pedal past innumerable beaches and finish our route at the port of La Rochelle.

The following itinerary is typical of the week we will spend on this tour, but we may vary the route based on weather and road conditions, and interests of the riders.

1: Nantes

Fly or take the train to Nantes, once the capital city of Brittany. The city is located on the banks of the Loire River at the confluence of the Erde and the Sèvre Nantaise, just 35 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It is the 8th largest city in France, and was once called Europe's most liveable city by Time Magazine.

Time permitting, we will explore a bit of this picturesque city known for its lovely architecture, see its classic cathedrals and perhaps make a stop at the Jules Verne Museum. Our Welcome Dinner will either be at one of Nantes' finest restaurants or aboard one the the quaint boats that sail the Erde River.

2-3: Noirmoutier-en-l’île & Ile d’Yeu

Today we take the train a short distance to Bouaye, where we will pick up our bikes and begin our ride to the coast. Our destination is Noirmoutier-en-l’île, a stunning island off the Atlantic Coast. Along the way our route will take us to Lac de Grand Lieu, Saint Mars de Coutais, Machecoul, Bouin and Beauvoir-sur-Mer. And if the tide is low we will be able to ride across the flats straight to the island. Otherwise we'll take a longer route and cross a bridge to the island.)

Our accommodations for the next two nights are at a quaint inn in the main village of Noirmoutier-en-l’île on the northeastern shore of the island.

We'll spend the following day on the island where you have several options. You can explore Noirmoutier-en-l’île on your bike, and perhaps visit the twelfth-century castle that now houses museums and the Eglise St-Philbert. Or you can take a ferry from the small harbor of Fromentine at the neck of the island to Port Joinville on even more remote Ile-d'Yeu. You can then ride around this remote and fresh island known for its crayfish and tuna fishing, medieval churches, granite cliffs and neolithic carvings.

4-5: To Challans and Les Sables d’Olonne

The area we will ride through over the next couple of days goes back in history to the beginning of human habitation. Much of the coastal area was once covered in water, but as the water receded the harbor became a crossroads for travellers, and later for skirmishes between the ethnic British and the French. The area was ruled by the Normans for centuries, and became a favorite spot for King Richard the Lionhearted. We may even get a chance to visit his castle.

During the day we ride inland toward the city of Challans, famous for its AOC duck and for its wines, particularly Muscadet. We spend one night in Challans.

The next morning we head southwest to the stretch of coast called Côte de Lumière (Coast of Light), due to its exquisite colors. Enjoy a peaceful ride along lovely stretches of coast and dunes filled with sublime delights. We will spend a night in Les Sables d’Olonne, famous for its long sandy beaches and the many sports activities that take place in the area. Nearby Port Olona is the starting point for the Vendée Globe, a round-the-world yacht race which takes place every four years.

6: La Rochelle

Our final riding day includes a long and invigorating ride (100 kilometers) to the lovely city of La Rochelle. La Rochelle has a wonderful historic center with a variety of interesting stores, boutiques and restaurants, perfect for last minute shopping for a remembrance of the trip. It also has an outstanding market area and one of the finest selections of fresh seafood you're likely to find anywhere. With its arcade streets lined with medieval houses decorated with tiles and slates, it is an ideal place to stroll and see the sights. Tonight we will enjoy our Farewell Dinner in one of La Rochelle's fine restaurants.

7: Departure Day

Our Atlantique tour is complete. We hope you will remember the wind at your back and the sand in your shoes. Breakfast will be available at our hotel.