The Tour de France cycling tour was a dream come true. It’s amazing how much can be packed into one day. After descending Ventoux, and taking a hot shower, we were off to a magnificent winery and the most involved, personable wine tasting I’ve ever had. Our location at Alp D’Huez put us right in the middle of the action. It would be hard to overstate how big a party the Tour is. My favorite part of the Alps was cycling up through the Dutch Corner as the roadside fanatics gave me the tunnel treatment as their arms part as if you are Moses going through the Red Sea.
The Tour de France cycling trip through the Pyrenees with GCT was beyond words; it was such a fantastic trip! As a non-cyclist, GCT was the only tour group advertising the non-cyclist version at the time I was planning my trip. After talking to Simon on the phone, I was ready to go!
Simon and Jon were excellent with taking care of both the cyclists and non-cyclists in the group. Jon made sure that I got my sunflower pictures as well as to try foie gras, at my request! Between seeing 4 of the TDF stages, eating fantastic food, seeing the countryside in the south of France and our group’s camaraderie, I couldn’t ask for a better trip. Thank you Simon and Jon for some great memories and stories to tell for years to come!
I’ve gone on 2 trips with Gourmet Cycling Travel (the 2015 Tour de France and the 2017 Giro d’Italia). Both trips have been excellent. First off, the GCT team are super nice, accommodating and helpful. The selected rides are some of the most iconic in Europe: in France, Mont Ventoux and Alpe d’Huez, in Italy, the Passo dello Stelvio. Lastly, the food, wine and selected accommodations are top notch. GCT designs their trips for both bicyclists and non-riders – each having a great time and experience. If you’re looking for a great trip, I would very much recommend GCT. Personally, I look forward to riding / traveling with them again!
Gourmet cycling trip was exceptional! Very well planned, fantastic guides, quality food and cycling routes. Would recommend to anyone as an active vacation. Simon provided top notch service and expertise.
This trip encompassed my 2 favorite hobbies…eating and riding. The food/wine was fantastic and the riding, albeit difficult at times, was amazingly beautiful. Jon did a fantastic job curating our eating/drinking experience and answering even the most random questions we could devise. Simon, Neil, and Jean Michel were fantastic guides, encouraging us during difficult climbs, introducing us to some of the most beautiful terrain I’ve ever experienced, and always there for support just in case we bonked. This trip will forever be one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
Cyclists of any level will appreciate Simon’s knowledge of the classic climbs in France. Who better to lead you up Mont. Ventoux than a former pro racer? For the non-cyclist who wants to experience the culture, wine and cuisine of France, Jon is your man, as he will whip you up a gourmet meal while you sit poolside sipping your wine. Simon and Jon, Thanks for the trip of a lifetime.
Expectations for our gourmet cycling holiday in Provence were high, but our expectations were surpassed by the experience. Jonathan used his culinary expertise and extensive contacts in the world of French food and wine to ensure that the cuisine we enjoyed was the best. Local cyclist Jean Michel was excellent company and the perfect guide on all of our rides, which took in some spectacular sights. Chateau Rochegude and La Verriere were wonderful places to stay, and La Verriere is now one of our favourite places in the world. We would not hesitate to recommend Gourmet Cycling Travel to anybody looking for the perfect holiday.
I have to tell you how much I enjoyed the trip. The trip is something I will never forget. I have so many great memories. I spoke to my friend who did a TdF trip with one of the big companies. He didn’t have the kind of experience I had. You and Jon should be very proud of the business you have built. My buddy had nothing good to say about the food or the housing. My experience was quite the opposite. We stayed in great places and the food was absolutely the best I could ever imagine. I would not hesitate to recommend your tour to anyone going to France or anywhere your tours go.
Thanks for such a memorable travel experience to my first (and hopefully not last) Tour de France. Everything was simply amazing from the accommodations to the cuisine, the incredible views on the rides, the ability to get so close to the Tour riders and the fun & laughter of such a great group of people. This was one of the best vacations I’ve ever experienced! Gourmet Cycling Travel truly did an impeccable job!
I had the trip of a lifetime with Gourmet Cycling Travel. Simon and Jon put together an amazing trip with fantastic food, beautiful accommodations, and spectacular riding. The trip from start to finish went very smooth and was packed with fun. Simon with his cycling expertise and Jon with his gourmet chef background were excellent hosts taking us through an extraordinary journey.
Even though a non-rider, I had an amazing time on the TdF tour. There were fun activities every day, from market tours to cooking class to hikes, I really enjoyed it all. Additionally, each meal was planned and chosen with care – it was truly indulgent. A big thanks to Jon, Simon and the full team for providing such a wonderful trip and memories for my husband and me!
Jenny and I have done 3 trips with Gourmet Cycling and Simon, Jon and the team deliver guests the best of everything, from great food and wine to luxury accommodation and amazing cycling experiences. You wont be disappointed