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Our Responsible Travel Policy

Cycling for Softies has been promoting holidays by bicycle for over 35 years, encouraging this environmentally friendly activity is at the core of our business. We are committed to encouraging responsible travel and hope to make travel sustainable for the long-term by encouraging our staff and clients to support the environment and local economies.

Responsible Travel Icon

Eco-friendly options available

Did you know that over 30% of our clients choose the greener option of travelling to their destination by train? Many of our tours can be reached by train or car, so talk to tour Cycle Experts today to find out more about how you can make the more sustainable choice for your next cycling holiday.

Offsetting flights

We are working with Mossy Earth and are committed to offsetting all staff travel through planting trees.

Every little helps and you can do your bit by planting a tree at one of Mossy Earth’s current projects in either Ireland or Romania. They only plant native trees and always in a rewilding or conservation project. If you’d like to offset your flights, you can do so here: Mossy Earth. A typical short haul flight is 3-4 hours return and a long haul flight is 18-20 hours. 

Our environmental policies

We are always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact both at home and abroad. Here are some of our initiatives:

  • We provide refillable water bottles from our local bases to try and reduce the use of disposable plastic bottles
  • Our cycling tours are designed to ensure minimum impact on the environment by encouraging visitors to visit these regions by bike, often it also encourages them to cycle more at home too
  • We share information with our clients before they travel on ways to help protect the environment and reduce water consumption. Speak to our cycle experts if you’d like to see this information
  • All of our Travel Documents are sent using recyclable materials
  • We recycle paper, cardboard, plastics and metal cans in our office and at our tour bases in France. We also encourage staff to continue this at home and use reusable bags when shopping
  • We do not print documents or emails unnecessarily
  • Almost all of our data is stored electronically rather than on paper printouts
  • Clients book over the phone and we’ve reduced the need for paper-booking forms
  • All staff members take public transport, cycle or even walk to work. We’re also part of the cycle to work scheme to encourage more people to take up cycling

Our economic policies

Our tours are designed to offer the best possible economic output for the local area, with all supporting local businesses and investing in local communities:

  • Whenever we purchase new bike equipment, we donate redundant equipment to local businesses or charities
  • Our tours offer the opportunity to discover lots of destinations that are off the beaten track, visiting smaller, local communities and supporting local businesses
  • When we’re creating new itineraries and supporting new destinations, we try to ensure travellers always enjoy the local area and natural environment, meeting locals and supporting the economy directly
  • We offer fair wages and conditions for all staff involved in our holidays
  • We support several cycle charities and often take part in charity cycle races both as a business and individually

Our social responsibilities

When travelling, at home or at work we continually encourage our staff and guests to be socially responsible:

  • Before our guests depart, we share pre-departure advice on how to support local communities, wear appropriate dress when necessary, travel and make purchases responsibly
  • We recommend that our clients learn a few words in the local language to encourage more interaction with locals and a deliver a more authentic experience
  • Wherever possible we work with locally owned hotels, apartments and suppliers and encourage our clients to visit smaller, often family-run restaurants, bars and shops to enhance their experience by truly seeing the destination as the locals will see it
  • We continually monitor the government travel advice website (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) to ensure that the destinations we visit are safe for both our clients and our staff
  • We support the charity World Bicycle Relief who provide access to reliable, affordable transportation in rural areas of developing countries

This policy details our ongoing commitments to responsible travel. We’re always looking for ways to refine our policy and we welcome and suggestions on how we can further improve our strategy to travel responsibly.

Please contact us here if you have any suggestions.

How will we do this?

  • Offsetting flights
  • Our environmental policies
  • Our economic policies
  • Our social responsibilities
Steven, Head of Cycling - Expert Quote Image

Steven, Head of Cycling

We are committed to encouraging responsible travel amongst our staff and clients. Exploring a destination by bicycle is a brilliant step towards sustainability on its own, but it doesn't have to stop there. We promote a range of schemes and incentives to help move towards positive change.

Eco-friendly tours

  • Cycling Holidays in the Loire

    Indulgence | The Loire in Luxury | Self Guided

    Famed for its grand châteaux, leftover from its past as a preferred home for French royals and aristocrats, few other regions in the world exude the same sense of class as...

    • Chateaux hotels fit for royalty
    • Historic towns and chateaux views
    • Optional e-bikes for added leisure
    From
    £1,325pp
    Ease
    Duration
    4 or 7 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September, October
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    view details
  • Cycling in Champagne

    Indulgence | A Taste of Champagne | Self Guided

    Cycling in Champagne is always an indulgent experience. An iconic and famous region, their golden wine is known the world over.

    • Stunning landscapes of rolling vineyards and ancient cities
    • Peaceful canal-side routes and villages
    • The famous champagne houses dotted throughout the region
    From
    £1,135pp
    Ease
    Duration
    3 or 5 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    view details
  • Cycling in Champagne

    Classic | Leisurely Cycling in Champagne | Self Guided

    Experience the rich history and delicious wine that Champagne has to offer. Our cycle tour will take you past charming towns and beautiful vineyards.

    • The grand Cathedral of Reims
    • Charming villages between gorgeous vineyards
    • Tasting exceptional wine and exploring the historic wine making sites

    Offer available

    Champagne House visit on us when you book an April or May departure for 7 nights

    From
    £995pp
    Ease
    Duration
    4 or 7 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    view details
  • Cycling Holidays in Provence

    Indulgence | Starry Nights in Provence

    This pocket of Provencal perfection inspired Vincent van Gogh through the most productive period of his career, with the beauty of the region, both natural and cultural,...

    • Soaking up the atmosphere of Arles from one of its charming cafes.
    • The hilltop haven of Baux-de-Provence, with its vast panoramas.
    • Flamingo spotting in the Camargue nature reserve.

    Offer available

    £200 off per person when you book an April or May departure

    From
    £1,795pp
    Ease
    Duration
    5 or 7 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September, October
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    view details
  • Cycling Holidays in Provence

    Indulgence | Côtes du Rhône Vineyards | Self Guided

    Explore the Côtes du Rhône by pedal power and sample some of the region’s finest landscapes, most charming towns and most highly rated hotels. Cycle between...

    • Luxurious châteaux hotels
    • Delicious wines at iconic vineyards
    • Gourmet experiences in local bistros

    Offer available

    £200 off per person when you book an April or May departure

    From
    £1,145pp
    Ease
    Duration
    3 or 6 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September, October
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    view details
  • Cycling Holidays in Provence

    Classic | Avignon & Côtes du Rhône| Self Guided

    Explore the Côtes du Rhône by pedal power and sample some of the region’s finest landscapes, most charming towns and most delectable wines. The highlights of...

    • Papal palaces on hilltops 
    • Vineyard cycling between gorgeous towns
    • Handpicked hotels, catered to your comfort

    Offer available

    £200 off per person when you book an April or May departure

    From
    £1,965pp
    Ease
    Duration
    7 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September, October
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    view details
  • Cycling Holidays in Provence

    Indulgence | Around the Alpilles | Self Guided

    Take a tour of the garrigue, olive groves and vineyards that cover this gorgeous corner of Provence and stay in our selection of the area's finest 4 and 5 star hotels. We...

    • Cycling alongside beautiful olive groves
    • The region's most indulgent hotels
    • Wine tasting available

    Offer available

    £200 off per person when you book an April or May departure

    From
    £1,625pp
    Ease
    Duration
    4 or 7 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September, October
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    View Details
  • Cycling Holidays in Provence

    E-Bike | Provençal Discovery | Self Guided

    Provence is famed as one of Europe’s most iconic destinations thanks to its mix of spectacular scenery, rich history, vibrant cultural identity and exquisite food and...

    • Charming hilltop towns
    • Vibrant lavender fields
    • Views of the Rhone valley

    Offer available

    £200 off per person when you book an April or May departure

    From
    £1,315pp
    Ease
    Duration
    4 or 7 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September, October
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    view details
  • Cycling Holidays in the Loire

    E-Bike | Loire Valley Discovery | Self Guided

    Based on our classic Châteaux of the Loire itinerary, this tour harnesses the power of e-bikes to make it easier for you to see even more of this beautiful corner of...

    • E-Bike included for a leisurely adventure
    • Historic towns and Château
    • New for 2020Historical sights hidden amongst vineyards
    From
    £1,195pp
    Ease
    Duration
    4 or 7 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September, October
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    view details
  • Cycling Holidays in Bordeaux

    Classic | Vineyards of Bordeaux | Self Guided

    The vineyards of Bordeaux are exciting to explore, with a rich abundance of culture and world-class architecture, gastronomy and of course, wine.

    • Bordeaux City – Its architecture, culture, food and wine
    • Tasting the world-class wines as you ride through the vineyards and villages
    • The spectacular World Heritage site of St Émilion

    Offer available

    Free E-Bike upgrade when you book an April or May departure

    From
    £1,425pp
    Ease
    Duration
    7 Nights
    Available
    May, June, July, August, September
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    View Details
  • Cycling Holidays in Bordeaux

    Classic | Bordeaux City & Beach Break | Self Guided

    The city of Bordeaux offers a heady mix of rich history, world-class architecture and a fantastic collection of fine wines. This tour aims to show off the best of Bordeaux, from...

    • Bordeaux City – Its architecture, culture, food and wine.
    • The grand wine chateaux of the Margaux appellation.
    • The sand, sun and seafood of the Arcachon Bay.
    • The spectacular views from the top of Dune du Pilat.
    From
    £1,195pp
    Ease
    Duration
    5 or 7 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    View Details
  • Cycling Holidays in the Loire

    Classic | Châteaux of the Loire | Self Guided

    The magical region of Loire; world-famous for its marvellous châteaux, magnificent rivers, delicious wines and fabulous cycling holidays, of course!

    • Chateaux hotels
    • Easy cycling
    • Historic towns and chateaux
    • Hotels with pools
    • Michelin-starred
    • Optional e-bikes
    From
    £1,015pp
    Ease
    Duration
    4 or 7 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    view details
  • Cycling Holidays in Provence

    Classic | Starry Nights in Provence | Self Guided

    Our route will let you experience your own starry nights in St-Remy-de-Provence, soak up the colours and culture of Arles and explore the glorious Provençal countryside.

    • For food and wine lovers
    • Stunning vineyards en route
    • Handpicked boutique hotels

    Offer available

    £200 off per person when you book an April or May departure

    From
    £1,280pp
    Ease
    Duration
    5 or 7 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September, October
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    View Details
  • Cycling in Provence and Luberon

    Classic | Picture Postcard Provence | Self Guided

    It’s impossible not to be seduced by the beauty and glamour of cycling Provence. On your cycling holiday take in the best that this glorious region has to offer.

    • The charming streets of St Remy, brimming with culture and class
    • The lavender fields and ochre cliffs around Roussillon
    • The emerald green water of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

    Offer available

    £200 off per person when you book an April or May departure

    From
    £1,165pp
    Ease
    Duration
    4 or 7 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September, October
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    view details
  • Cycling Holidays in The Loire

    Single Centre | Chateau de Candes

    A fantastic single centre cycling holiday in the stylish and sumptuous apartments of the Chateau de Candes.

    • Châteaux visits
    • Wine tasting
    • Canoeing
    • Walking itineraries
    • Cycle routes
    • Self-catering
    From
    £610pp
    Ease
    Duration
    3, 5 or 7 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September, October
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    View Details
  • Cycling Holidays in Bordeaux

    Single Centre | Bordeaux City Break | Self Guided

    This amazing single centre holiday is perfect for those looking to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bordeaux. This city break will allow you to explore the streets and...

    • Bordeaux City – Its architecture, culture, food and wine.
    • The grand wine chateaux of the Margaux appellation.
    • The sand, sun and seafood of Arcachon Bay.

    Offer available

    Free E-Bike upgrade when you book an April or May departure

    From
    £1,075pp
    Ease
    Duration
    4 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    View Details
  • Cycling Holidays in The Loire

    Single Centre | Marine de Loire

    The Hotel Marine de Loire is a boutique hotel set on the bank of the River Loire in the village of Montsoreau. Choose from one of the four lovely self catered apartments.

    • The ancient abbey at Fontevraud, with its mix of historical and contemporary attractions.
    • Sampling the produce of the regions different wine appellations in one of the many local caves.
    • Paddling along the Vienne river between Chinon and Montsoreau in a canoe.
    From
    £550pp
    Ease
    Duration
    3, 5 or 7 Nights
    Available
    April, May, June, July, August, September, October
    Travel
    Eco-friendly options available
    Carbon Footprint
    View Details
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