Youth Biking Trip

For 14yr olds and up – THIS TRIP  WILL BE REVISITED IN FUTURE YEARS when cost competitive insurance can be secured

Since 2009, Expérience Authentique’s partnership with the oldest language school in Biarritz provides opportunities for youth to study in French in the morning, stay with a host family and enjoy surfing classes or cultural activities in the afternoon, all with a diverse  group of international students. Check the linguistic stay page for more info on the program.  Since I work in Southwest France for half of the Summer and also organize  French camps in Canada with the younger crowd, I decided it would make sense to supplement those linguistic stays with a distinct French vacation experience that would appeal to youth. The Aquitaine coast is the playground of many teenagers, young adults and families coming from various parts of Europe.  I look forward to welcoming and guiding North American students through my region of birth, on a bike ( + some light train travel).

Calling on youth keen to improve their French while having fun! The trip is scheduled and structured  in such a way that the French immersion experience can be extended into a 2 or 3wk linguistic stay in Biarritz, prior to or after the biking adventure . This 7 day trip further showcases the beauty and contrasts of the coastline while biking through what is called the “Californian” coast of Europe.  Biking  is on flat dedicated cycling paths, with 10 to 35km  of biking a day. The routes are set between ocean facing sand dunes and forests as well as in dedicated lanes in the center of Bordeaux. The laid back holiday pace and setting  along the coast is bound to please the younger crowd who gets tired of old buildings after awhile, although the initial arrival in majestic Bordeaux lets travelers explore  wonderful architecture and rich history. Stops along the way include Bordeaux, Arcachon & Dune du Pyla, Moliets, Hossegor/Capbreton with a wrap up in Biarritz.  Accommodations are in campgrounds by the beach and in a hostel in Bordeaux, with local transportation by bike and train . Minimum/Maximum group size : 8/16 students.

Given the small number of participants this trip is customized for, ie 8 to 16 students, Expérience Authentique needs to have a minimum # of 8 interested youth to justify further time investment in product development. The detailed itinerary , registration form and terms and conditions will be published once at least 8 prospective young cyclists, already  signed up for a linguistic stay in Biarritz,  have expressed keen interest to learn more about the biking trip. The research to build the day-by-day itinerary is already done, the budget is estimated at 1,500euros for the week,  service providers have been all identified with the exception of the insurance policy that is  being finalized.  YOUR NEXT STEP: touch base with Evelyne to confirm your interest so we reach the critical mass to justify the final steps in trip presentation and communication.