FAQ

What payment options are there?

You can pay by bank transfer or by credit card. The amount of the deposit can also be payed directly on the website.

How can I book?

You can book directly on our website. You will also find a registration form on the last page of our travel catalogue (only in German). We are happy to send you the registration form also by mail.

Can I book at short notice?

Depending on the region and capacity, spontaneous bookings are possible. Just contact us and we will see what solution we can find for you.

What are the cancellation conditions?

• • up to the 42^nd day before the start of the trip: 20% of the travel price,
  • from the 41^st to the 22^nd day before the start of the trip: 25% of the travel price,
  • from the 21^st to the 15^th day before the start of the trip: 40% of the travel price,
  • from 14^th to 1 day before the start of the trip: 60% of the travel price,
  • in case of cancellation on the day of departure and no-show: 90%

Is it possible to make changes after the booking?

It depends on what changes are involved and if they are on short notice. Please contact us in this case.

How soon will I get a confirmation after the booking?

You will receive a booking confirmation from us within two working days.

Which additional costs may apply to me?

The trip you booked contains the services listed. All other expenses during the trip must be considered as additional costs.

What kind of bikes can be rented?

We offer touring bikes specially built for France à Vélo as a women’s and men’s model. We also have a large fleet of very high-quality e-bikes. Racing bikes can also be rented on request. If you are traveling as a family with children, you can rent children’s bikes, trailers, child seats and wheel followers from us.

Can I use my own bike?

You are welcome to bring your own bike.

How do you ensure that my bike suits me?

During the booking you are asked to state your height. This is how we ensure that your bike is perfectly adjusted to you.

What happens in the event of a breakdown?

If you have rented a FAV bike, we offer free breakdown assistance. We are happy to provide assistance with your own bike, but all costs are to be borne by yourself. With a flat tire, we assume that you can fix it yourself. Repair material is supplied with rental bikes.

Is wearing a helmet compulsory in France?

Children and young people under the age of 12 are required to wear a helmet when cycling, regardless of whether they are driving or are simply being taken along. Helmets are not mandatory for people aged 12 and over. However, we recommend wearing a helmet for your protection.

What is the difference between guided tours and individual tours?

On the unguided bike tours, you will receive maps and detailed descriptions from us on arrival. We book the hotels for you and, if you have booked half board, also dinner. Luggage is transported every day so you can cycle from place to place with ease.

On the guided tours a tour guide from France à Vélo guides you through the respective region with a lot of knowledge. At lunchtime you can enjoy an excellent picnic and in the evening you will be spoiled with a delicious dinner.

On both tours, you can rent high-quality touring bikes or e-bikes.

Who accompanies the guided tours?

On every guided tour an employee of FAV accompanies the group.

Who is there in the beginning of an individual tour?

An employee will greet you in the various regions on site and explain the tour and the process.

What kind of routes are used, and which degree of difficulty do the tours have?

This depends on the region and duration of the trip. We offer for example tours specially adapted to e-bikes, where the number of kilometres is increased. Other bike tours that go along rivers or canals, can be mastered at any level. You will find the relevant information on our website.

How fit should I be?

It depends on the respective trip and region. You will find the relevant information on our website.

Do we cycle in rainy weather conditions?

Yes, if there is no severe storm, we ride our bikes.

Can change requests be considered concerning the tour?

Yes, if you let us know in time, we will try to implement it.

Can I take my dog with me?

If you would like to travel with your dog, please let us know when booking and we will book hotels that are dog friendly. Any fees incurred must be paid at each hotel (between € 7.00 and € 10.00 per night).

Where can I leave my car during the whole tour?

Most hotels have parking or there are car parks nearby where you can leave your car for the week. However, prices can vary widely depending on the region.

How is the arrival and departure organized?

Unless otherwise stated, the arrival and departure must be organized by you. We are happy to assist you. For oversees destinations, the outward and return flight is of course included in the price and in the organization.

How does the luggage transfer work?

An employee will transport your luggage from hotel to hotel. Leave your luggage in the hotel lobby in the morning with one of our luggage tags and we will take it to the next hotel for you.

How many pieces of luggage are allowed?

1-2 pieces of luggage per person

Are any special things required to be brought with?

You should bring enough suitable clothing for cycling and also weatherproof clothing. Otherwise, nothing special is required in addition to your personal things.

Can a tour also be booked without luggage transfer?

The trip can also be booked without luggage transfer. Please contact us in this case.

Can I get an information about the hotel selection before the booking?

We are happy to send you a sample list. However, the hotels may differ from the hotels booked.

Can I specify desired hotels?

You are welcome to tell us your desired hotel. We will then inform you of the availability.

What facilities do the hotels have?

We carefully select your hotels and guest houses. These are personally managed accommodations, far from impersonal chain hotels. Depending on the trip and selection, you can look forward to charming hotels of the 2, 3 or 4-star category. The specific facilities vary from hotel to hotel.

Which travel documents do I receive?

You will receive your final travel documents with all information as well as a description for your arrival with your global voucher about three weeks before the start of the trip.

When do I receive the travel documents?

All travel documents will be sent to you about three weeks before the start of the trip. The route description and maps will be handed to you in the hotel.

How is FAV insured against bankruptcy?

As a French tour operator, France A Velo is insured against bankruptcy with the insurance company GROUPAMA. This insurance is recreated every year after verification by the insurance company and guaranteed to the company. Without this insurance, no French tour operator can exercise.

Can I book a travel cancellation insurance with you?

No, we do not provide a travel cancellation insurance. However, in the case of a booking, we refer to providers for travel cancellation insurance.

Is there a discount for children?

• • The following discount applies to advertised children’s trips:
  • 0-2 years 100%
  • 2-11 years 50%
  • 11-16 years 10%

In a room with 2 fully paying guests

Is there a group discount?

When registering a group of 8 or more people, there is a group discount of 3% on the base price for our unguided bike tours.

Is there an early bird discount?

Until 31^st January each year we offer a early bird discount of € 25.00 per person for one tour.

Is there a quantity discount?

If you book more than one tour for the same season, you will receive 5% off the base price of the cheaper trip.

I do not speak French. Can I still book with France à Vélo?

That’s no problem at all. All employees speak English, German and French fluently. The route descriptions are available in English, German and French and a guided tour always includes an English-speaking guide.