Frequently Asked Questions
In this FAQ section, you will find the most frequently asked questions and our answers. If you have a question that requires a more specific answer, or a topic that has not been covered, please contact us. We are always happy to help!
Why choose ACTIVE TOURS ?
Our team, steeped in local knowledge and experience, handpicks exceptional itineraries and charming accommodations that will make your French adventure truly remarkable. Whether you prefer the flexibility of an independent trip or the convenience of a guided tour, we will tailor your experience to your unique preferences and budget.
How do I book a tour?
There are two possible ways:
1. Fill in the form on the selected product and pay a 30% deposit or on www.active-tours.fr/custom-made/ . Together we will finalize the details and adjust the final price if necessary.
2. By phone on +33 (0)3 80 26 17 12 (Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm.)
How far in advance should I book my vacation?
The earlier you book, the better. You will have a better chance of getting the exact tour you want and to personnalize it.
Am I fit enough for a bike tour?
Our tours are not races or marathons. They are self-guided or small group journeys composed of people who share the same vision of the world, looking to do something special during their vacations! You can go at your own pace.
Whether you are a casual cyclist or an experienced hiker, traveling with family, couples, or solo, there is a tour in our offer for you.
Also, all of our tours are available with the electric bike option, which guarantees you comfort and less effort to travel longer distances.
What does the route look like?
Most bike tours take place on small country roads with very little traffic. Or even Voies Vertes dedicated exclusively to non-motorized vehicles. For hikers, the routes follow the GR (Grande Randonnée paths) and small hiking trails.
How many people will be on the bike tour at the same time as me ?
If you book an individual “self-guided” tour, you will be on your own (unless someone else has chosen to go on the same dates, which is rare). In either case, you will be free to cycle or walk at your own pace.
What are the "half-board" and the "wine tasting" options?
Our tours include accommodation and itineraries. Relax and rely on us by adding some options to your vacation. You can enhance your stay with half-board and tastings. These options are booked at a fixed time to guarantee you quality service. We will give you vouchers in your welcome pack, which you will need to present at the different places.
Half-board refers to dinners, generally 3-course menus (starter-main course-dessert) in local restaurants. Drinks and extras are at your own expense, to be paid directly to the restaurant. Dinners are generally booked at 7:30 pm.
Tastings are held at selected wineries renowned for their warm, multilingual and enthusiastic welcome. With a few exceptions, times are fixed to ensure you receive the best possible welcome.
What is inside the welcome pack?
Upon arrival at your first hotel, you will receive a welcome folder containing all the essentials for your stay:
- Your itinerary: This will outline your daily schedule, including hotels, activities, meals, and transportation.
- Vouchers: These will be good for exchanging for meals at restaurants, activities at various sites, and hotel stays.
- Luggage tags: If you’ve opted for baggage transfer, these tags will ensure your bags make it to the right destination.
- Road book: Maps and touristic information for the tour
As part of our eco-responsible approach to reducing our footprint, we offer you the option (free of charge) to receive maps and tourist information in paper format. In all cases, all information is provided in paperless format.
If I am vegetarian or allergic to certain foods, how will my meals be arranged?
If you are a vegetarian or have a special diet, we can of course adapt your meals. Just let us know when you make your reservation and we will let the restaurants know.
Is it mandatory to wear a helmet?
Helmets are not compulsory for adults in France, but are recommended. However, they are mandatory for children under 12, even if they are riding in a trailer attached to the bike.
What does the bikes look like?
These are either hybrid bikes (city bikes) or electric bikes. They are serviced before each tour and rigorously inspected. The electric bikes are equipped with Bosch motors and 400Wh batteries with enough range for all our tours. We will provide you with a charger so you can recharge the batteries.
All bikes come with a front and rear pannier, a helmet, a phone mount, a repair kit (including a tire lever, patch kit, and small pump) and a lock.
I have a problem with my bike. What should I do?
All bikes rented for our tours are serviced before departure.
The bikes are supplied with a puncture repair kit and a pump. For any other repairs, please call our emergency number provided at the start of your tour to arrange a breakdown service.
In the event of breakage or theft, we recommend that you contact your insurance company in advance.
What do I do if it is raining and I am on my bike?
If you find that the weather is not to your liking before setting off on your bike tour, you can contact our local support team or ask your hotel to book a taxi. This transfer is at your own expense. Please note that transferring bikes by taxi can be very tricky and can be expensive!
Can you make a change to a tour for me?
Our tours are like an all-you-can-eat buffet of travel experiences! You can customize them to your heart’s content: add extra nights, gourmet meals, relaxing massages, taxi or train transfers… Want a longer or shorter tour? No problem! And if you’re a wine lover, we can arrange tastings to immerse you in the world of vineyards and unveil the secrets of winemaking.
If you can’t find your dream holiday on our website, please fill in the custom-made form.
Can you transfer my luggage from one accommodation to another?
Yes, luggage transfer is an optional service on all our packages. The price will be displayed when you select the options for your stay.
What time will my luggage be transferred?
Your luggage must be ready and left at the reception desk of your accommodation by 10am. Your luggage will be available at the reception of your next accommodation by 4pm at the latest.
What is the booking process?
You select the tour of your choice, paying a deposit of 30% (D+30) or 100% (D-30);
-If the chosen services are available, registration for a tour with ACTIVE TOURS is definitive. In this case, the customer may only cancel the tour in accordance with the provisions of the General Terms and Conditions.
-If the services are not available, alternative solutions will be proposed, and if necessary the final price will be adjusted (upwards or downwards). Acceptance of these modifications constitutes registration. In the event of refusal of the modifications, the contract is automatically terminated and the sums paid are refunded in full.
What is included in the price ?
Check the product description. The price of a tour usually includes: accommodation, breakfast, tourist taxes, detailed itinerary, maps, tourist information and telephone assistance in case of problems. Hotel upgrade, Half board, luggage transfers, bike rental, tastings and additional insurance are optional extras. Dinner does not include drinks.
What methods of payment do you accept?
You can pay for your reservation either :
-By credit card on the website or via a secure online payment link we will send you (Eurocard, Visa, Carte Bleue, Mastercard).
-By bank transfer, indicating your name and trip reference in the subject line.
-By cheque (€uros only) within 7 days of placing your order, by writing to us at “Active Tours, 5 Allée du Docteur Bouley, 21200 Beaune, France”.
Can I offer this vacation to someone else? Do you make gift certificates?
Birthdays, holidays, thank-yous – there are so many reasons to gift something special to the people you love! Once your reservation is finalized, we’ll send you a beautiful gift certificate to print out.
What are the cancellation terms?
Any cancellation, even partial, will incur the following cancellation charges:
– more than 30 days prior to departure: 10% of the total price
– 30 to 15 days prior to departure = 25% of total price
– 14 to 8 days prior to departure = 50% of total price
– less than 8 days before departure and after departure date = 100% of total price
For any modification request :
– up to 8 working days before the planned date will be invoiced at 5% of the tour price (with a minimum of €50/file), if ACTIVE TOURS can accommodate it.
– less than 7 working days before departure will be treated as a cancellation followed by a new registration.
I would like to purchase additional insurance. How do I do that?
When paying for your stay, you have the option to subscribe to one of the two insurance plans, in partnership with Chapka Assurance. The general and specific conditions of these insurances can be viewed under the Insurance section or via this link:
Cancellation Insurance (or multi-risk) in English for European clients:
The Cancellation Insurance is offered only to residents of the EU, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Andorra, and Monaco.
Assistance insurance in English for non-European clients coming to Europe:
Before or during your trip, it is your responsibility to personally contact Chapka Assurance or any other company that covers your trip to activate the insurance.
For the proposed insurances, the insurance premium, visa fees, registration fees, and cancellation fees more than 60 days before the departure date are non-refundable by ACTIVE TOURS or the insurer.
The cancellation insurance reimburses you for 24 guaranteed cases of trip cancellation: illness, accident, job loss, summons to a retake exam, modification or cancellation of your leave by the employer.
The cancellation insurance (or multi-risk) covers stays of less than 60 days for assistance and cancellation insurance. It allows you and your family to be protected throughout the duration of your stay.
The contract allows you to benefit from the following guarantees during your stay:
Cancellation or multi-risk insurance (Cap Explorer for Europeans)
Cancellation Plan:
- Cancellation insurance before departure
- Trip interruption
Multi-risk Plan:Cancellation Plan plus the following guarantees:
- Repatriation assistance 24/7
- Medical expenses (up to €150,000)
- Baggage insurance
- Flight delay
- Private liability abroad – Accident capital
Assistance insurance (Cap Schengen for non-Europeans coming to Europe)
- Repatriation assistance 24/7
- Medical expenses (up to €30,000)
