Luxury Cycling Holidays in France

Cycling for Softies - What our holidaymakers say about us in Loire

“Cycling for Softies enables you to escape everything associated with work and to appreciate everything at a much simpler level. - It was a brilliant hoilday. It exceeded all expectations. We would never have made the visits We made in a car but were more than happy to be guided by the experiences of others. everything went without a hitch - amazing.”
- MR HUGHES 1ST HOLIDAY

“The organisation was spot on, both before and during the holiday. The hotels and restaurants were excellent. We liked the freedom to do just as we pleased between hotels. Very good bicycles and panniers just the right size. - We found the french people ”
- MRS HUGHES 1ST HOLIDAY

“When another grey and threatening day dawned, as it wasn't actually raining, we decided to take a day trip from Montsoreau to Saumur on our bikes. Soon after leaving Montsoreau we were lost and found ourselves cycling round a damp and soggy campsite in the by now pouring rain. We were about to ask the way of a man with his back to us when we realised that he was clad only in a t-shirt. We had strayed into a naturist campsite! Our exit was hurried. Maybe if it had been sunny we'd have spotted our mistake sooner! ”
- MR & MRS REEVES 4TH HOLIDAY

“Seeing photos in your brochure of varying age groups gave us the encouragement that we can cycle in our '50s' even though we haven't cycled since our teens!! ”
- MR & MRS STEVENS 1ST HOLIDAY

“No problems or hassle with bikes, hotel or restaurants reservations - it does exactly what it says on the tin!! Good locations, fabulous food and great choice of friendly hotels. We wanted fairly easy cyclilng on flat(ish) terraine for novice wife cyclist - now and expert cyclist!! Best honeymoon we've ever had! ”
- MR & MRS PHILLIPS 1ST HOLIDAY

“The holiday was brilliant. We will definitely have more cycling holidays in future. ”
- MR & MRS NAPIER 1ST HOLIDAY

“Discussions with Susi gave me the confidence that the holiday would be as planned - her experience was crucial. A most successful and happy holiday. ”
- MR R RANDALL 1ST HOLIDAY

“Children aged 15, 13 & 11 coped well, especially as we don't cycle much at home. We enjoyed playing around in the rowing boat at Chateau de Brou - an unexpected pleasant diversion. We felt very satisfied at the end of the cycling day and a big sense of satisfaction as we finished the week. ”
- MRS W DIXON 1ST HOLIDAY

“From past experience, we had confidence that our Cycling for Softies holiday would be first class. Every one of the small French towns at which we stopped for coffee, cool drinks or just to have our water bottles filled, were welcoming and jolly! ”
- MR & MRS ROBERTS 3RD HOLIDAY

“Hotel Diderot is excellent, lovely setting, friendly staff and Laurent's jams exquisite - just the kind of 'Susi' hotel we love. ”
- MR & MRS COOK 8TH HOLIDAY

“The perception tends to be that such holidays are always 'group' endeavours. People really pay attention when they realise this is not so. The toast of the trip is the countryside of Touraine, which is stunningly beautiful. It's part vineyard with tidy rows of vines, part breadbasket (wheat, barley, corn-on-the-cob, canola) and part deep green forest to cool you down and refresh you with bird song. You pass through cream-coloured villages - a main street of dignified houses, a church chiming the hours, a school with the voices of children rippling in the air, gardens full of roses, geraniums and 10 foot hollyhocks and the best baguette and cheese you'll ever eat. This is paradise for the body, mind and spirit. I would go back tomorrow. ”
- J GUTHRIE 1ST HOLIDAY

“As in my previous holidays, choice of hotels was very good and in beautiful locations; food was lovely. Home office in Manchester was extremely helpful in putting together our itinerary. ”
- V WOROSZ 3RD HOLIDAY

“Well organised, no pressure, hoteliers knew who we were immediately we mentioned 'Susi Madron. Several options of places to visit. Could pick or choose routes. Travelling with the panniers was a lot easier than I would have expected. The listed items to bring was very appropriate and helpful. ”
- A MYERS 1ST HOLIDAY

“We booked this holiday in July 2001. Your organisation since then through periodic e-mails and snail mail made us confident that our holiday was being well organised. Thanks! Thank you very much for a wonderfully organised holiday - perfect for our anniversary. We're telling our friends all about this - I hope someone will enjoy doing business with you in the future. ”
- MR & MRS TOCHTERMAN 1ST HOLIDAY

“The welcome at Le Vieux Chateau d'Hommes was exceptional; Madame's son played the piano before dinner on Saturday - it set a good evening off to a flying start - made to feel almost part of the family. ”
- L HODGKIN 3RD HOLIDAY

“Met all my expectations and often exceeded them. Very good to excellent hotels, cuisine very good to heavenly. Do not come on this cycling holiday expecting to lose weight - the hospitality, food, wine and the good times will ensure that you add, not subtract. ”
- G RAFFAELE 1ST HOLIDAY

“A wonderful way to spend a week - and I wish it could have been longer. ”
- E RAFFAELE 1ST HOLIDAY

“You are master of your own destiny, making days as full and challenging as you desire. Several cycling holidays are offered 'down under' but your seemed better prepared with more variables. ”
- MRS R HAYWOOD 1ST HOLIDAY

“Excellent reception on arrival, good recommendations of what to try. No rush, no push, just enjoy with minimum of fuss. Holiday was chosen for me. As a reluctant somewhat starter, am now an avid supporter. ”
- MR G HAYWOOD 1ST HOLIDAY

“One Sunday after a good 40km cycle and a quiet vist to some silkworms, we sat down to a very nice meal in Saumur. We tied the bikes up just outside and had a very nece meal. As we went to untie the bikes, my father managed to drop his padlock key down the drain. For a minute, I though he was joking but as a I looked down, I saw the key a few inches down. My father's first idea was to lift the drain up but the huge concrete block with a big holly bush inside was stopping us from doing so. He next went into the restaurant and the manager came out with a piece of wire and a pair of pliers. Because of my fathers 'bad back', I had to get down on my hands and knees and fish around for the key after about 5 minutes of sewage being pulled out, finally I got the key and we were able to go home. ”
- A SOLOMAN 1ST HOLIDAY (AGED 14)

“We enjoyed the variety of scenery – forests, along the banks of the Vienne, Loire & Indre rivers and felt very safe everywhere.”
- MR & MRS PRICE

“Fabulous way to see a glorious part of the world and to burn off all that food and wine!”
- MR JONES & MS KELLY

“Good scenery wonderful hotels and friendly people. So much to do in the area.”
- MR & MRS CAMERON

“This area of France was particularly beautiful and the rides were enjoyable.”
- MR & MRS STONE

“Different holiday from normal - we usually go walking. The holiday location gave differing landscapes and the accommodation, food and wine were super. Purely by chance we met up with another couple ‘on the road’ who had done 12 of your holidays. It was great to hear their enthusiasm for your organisation which we now share – a fitting compliment to you.”
- MR BOYCE & MS ASHTON

“Fantastic food, accommodation, hospitality and tour.”
- MR & MRS BEDSER

“Great value for money, accommodation and meals exceeded expectations. Very well thought through.”
- MR WEBBER

“I wanted to let you know that I had an absolutely wonderful holiday! It was sunny, hot, restful, with a delicious dinner to end each day - just what I wanted.As a single traveller I could not have been looked after better. The bedroom was luxuriously comfortable and I was given the best people watching table in the restaurant.”
- Louise Welsh

More holidaymakers comments :

Alsace
Burgundy
Champagne Ardennes
Cognac
Dordogne
France
Gascony
General Comments
Loire
Mayenne
Provence
Tarn
Venise Verte

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