Come discover our Auvergne
A region with endless vistas, enchanting forests, and regal castles, with a beauty which can be seen in every season. A region known for its healing spas and, lest we forget, unknown ancient vineyards. The Auvergne, situated in the heart of France, is yours to discover!
How we started
Josette van Gemert (Dutch by nationality) and Daniel Berze (Canadian and Dutch by nationality) started Discovery Trails in 2009, leaving successful careers behind them in the Netherlands. After conducting an intensive search for a place to establish a nature oriented bike and hike company, we were overwhelmed by the natural beauty and peace that the Auvergne region has to offer. We located our own home here, and spent a year to find the most charming and hospitable accommodations, the best restaurants, and charted out the best bike and hike routes, far away from the madding crowd. Let us show you the priceless beauty of this region and all that it has to offer.
What can the Auvergne and Discovery Trails offer you?
The Auvergne is a region separated by four departements, the two southernly characterised by mountainous and ruggesd topography. The two northernly departments are known as a region of friendly hillsides, royal heritage (the Bourbon royals eminate from here) endless vistas, enchanting forests, regal chateaus and enticing cuisine (and let's not forget the wines!).
Discovery Trails provides customised bike and hiking vacations. Each day one bikes or hikes a different route and every night one stays in a different hotel or chambre d'hôte. You can start your vacation on any day of the week. When you are en route you can always request our assistance when and if needed - it is our aim to please. No need to worry about your baggage as we ensure that is transferred from place to place. You can enjoy lunch at a local auberge or you can always buy a loaf of bread by the boulanger or at the supermarché. In the evening, you can dine at your accommodation (à la table d'hôte) or in a local restaurant. Your dietary restrictions are taken into consideration in advance. The accommodations where you will be spending the night have all been selected on the basis of their hospitality, quality, ambiance, and location. Our main focus is that you have a comfortable, carefree vacation; your pleasure is our priority!
With this in mind, we have charted out the quiet country paths which will open your senses to an undiscovered part of France. Mount one of our 27 speed hybrid bikes and be whisked away for a week of adventures. Or don your hiking boots and experience the peace and quiet of forgotten country trails. Either way, we know that you will come to love this forgotten part of France - northern Auvergne. We have created custom routes that will allow you to forget the hectic pace of the modern world and go back in time to a place where nature still reins, with all the conveniences that you would expect on your 'get-away' vacation. Our tours are flexible, to accommodate your timing preferences and to provide options to meet your budget.
Self-guided or Group tours - Level of difficulty
While our tours are designed as self-guided, it is also possible to arrange group tours upon request. Our routes have been designed to accommodate recreational bicyclists and hikers. Bike route distances are between 35 and 65 kilometres per day with some hill climbing (no mountains!). Hiking distances average around 18 km per day. We urge non-frequent cyclists or hikers to practice up on their biking or hiking condition in advance of the tour. If you love biking, but could use an extra boost we also have available electric bikes. For seasoned cyclists or hikers, we have built in optional ‘extensions' in several of our routes for those bike or hike enthusiasts who wish to increase their daily distances.
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