Seek Travel Ride Newsletter May 2021 Edition

A man cycling in Bordeaux on a hire bike

Seek

When you mention Bordeaux many people instantly  think of wine, and while this city is synonymous with the surrounding wine region, there is so much more to see and do here.  We also think one of the best way to explore what is on offer is by bike.  Bordeaux rates as no 6 on the Copenhagenize index of bike friendly cities and for good reason.  The cycling infrastructure in the city is fantastic making it easy to navigate your way around and take in the city sights.  In our latest article we go through things to do in Bordeaux using a bike as your mode of transport.  Read more about it here.

Which airlines fly to France

Travel

Europe gearing up for a summer holiday season with EU Digital Covid Certificate

In France, COVID lockdown restrictions have been further eased, with the reopening of cafes, bars and restaurants for outdoor dining. There has also been much progress made on the EU Digital Covid Certificate which is set to be ready for the European Summer holiday season. Details of how the system will work are starting to firm up with the 27 member states and the European parliament agreeing on its implementation which they are hoping will allow for more seamless travel throughout the bloc. 

There is also discussion that vaccinated Americans may also be allowed entry into the EU although details on how a scheme allowing travellers from the US is still being worked through. For UK travellers the the new ‘Indian variant’ may mean travel between the UK and the EU is not so straight forward. You can read more details on the EU digital COVID Certificate and how it will work here.

Lady getting ready to ride an e-bike

Ride

Have you considered an e-bike tour in France?

Always wanted to take a bike tour in France but worried you don’t have the right amount of fitness to do so? Then why not consider an e-bike tour? They are a really popular mode of transport and so it should come as no surprise that there are many e-bike tours you can choose from. We have compiled a list of 8 great e-bike tours on offer in France. From the French Riviera to the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, and everywhere in between, there is something for everyone. Discover more in our article here.

Rail trails in France – a list of 11 to for you to ride on your next holiday

Over the years the amount of rail trails being developed has grown globally and France is no different. Turning disused rail lines into a piece of infrastructure that people can enjoy a car free cycle on has been a real hit and France has some fantastic rail trails – known as ‘Voie Verte’ in French – for you to discover. They are a perfect option for people of all fitness levels, owing to the fact the trails do not have very steep gradients. It is also a stress-free way of travelling as you are riding on paths totally separated from motorised traffic.   So with this in mind here is our article on 11 awesome rail trails to ride in France.

French 2021 Cyclosportifs

Sadly we bring you the news that yet another Cyclosportif has been cancelled in France this year due to COVID-19. For the second year in a row the L’Etape du Tour organisers have had to call off their premier event which was due to be run in Nice on 04 July. This event hosts 7500 riders each year and no doubt organisers were disappointed to not be able to hold the event. In the meantime below are cyclosportifs which are scheduled to run.

2021 Cycling season begins

This time of the year the access to many of the high mountain passes re-open as the snow from the winter is finally cleared away.    In the recent weeks many of the famous climbs in the Pyrenees and the Alps have been declared open.  Climbs such as the Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque in the Pyrenees have reopened.  In the Alps the Col de la Croix de Fer and Col de Sarenne are also clear of snow.  The route to the higher peaks such as the Col du Galibier are expected to reopen in the next few weeks.  The reopening of the cols is also a symbol of the start of the cycling season.

If you are considering a cycling holiday to take on some of these high mountain passes then check out our articles regarding the Pyrenees and the French Alps.