We have all kinds of travelers; male and female; triathletes, roadies, mountain bikers, weekend warriors, masters racers, etc. Many of these exceptional athletes have a spouse who is not as passionate about the sport or activity as the other. So, how does one go on a trip to fabulous France and not take a spouse?
The most common way is probably to go as a guys or girls trip and then let your spouse do the same thing with their affinity pals another time. But, why not both go to 'Fabulous France' and do your own thing? It is possible.
IN a self guided offer it may not be so evident, but still very possible. For example, several of our trips are relatively short at 4 nights. So, a week trip could be 3 nights in Paris and then 4 nights on a cycling trip. The Paris part is obvious, but here's how your spouse who doesn't care to ride big cols can come along.
1. In the Alpes: the location is pretty remote, so if your spouse isn't an outdoor person at all the best is to let him/her find activities in a nearby town or city for 4 nights. For example: Annecy or Lyon offer arts, culture, museusm, shopping. If your spouse is outdoor oriented, but not a big cyclist; then how about some hiking, glacier skiing, rafting. Or even simply very tame but spectacular is to take the various gondolas that operate in the ski areas up to the high peaks to see the panoramas and have lunch/coffee and perhaps be inspired to write, read, draw, etc.
2. Mont Ventoux - its Provence, there is much to do away from the cycling. Lavender museums and producers, wine related visits, antique markets, arts and culture of many types. From Avignon you can join numerous guided minivan trips that are single day tours. Private drivers exist for a personal day tour.
Just some examples. Another even more complete idea is to get your friends where your non-riding spouses are also friends. We can organize two separate groups and you can hook up at the end of the day, or at the end of 4 days or 7 days.
Everyone can go, nobody feels guilty, and all have a good time! What more is there?!
L
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