Embark on an immersive exploration of salt, gastronomy, and French culture!

This sensory adventure along the picturesque French Atlantic Coast combines the thrill of cycling with the discovery of the region’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.

Guided by a passionate local expert and a professional chef, this journey invites you to delve into the fascinating story of sea salt and its integral role in French cuisine and history.

Pedal through charming coastal landscapes, uncover the secrets of seaside Art Deco villas, and indulge in fresh, authentic flavors at exclusive locals-only restaurants. Highlights include visits to vibrant fish markets, foraging for shellfish and marine herbs, hands-on cooking workshops, and a pastry-making experience that will awaken your inner gourmand. Perfect for culture seekers and food lovers, this tour offers a unique, insider perspective on the treasures of the French Atlantic coast.

This is no ordinary vacation – it’s an authentic, off-the-beaten-path journey designed for those who want to connect deeply with a region, its people, and its culinary traditions.

Trip Highlights

Luxurious Accommodation: 5 nights in a charming historic 4-star boutique hotel, complete with exceptional amenities.
Gastronomic Delights: Savor 12 exquisite meals, including regional specialties and an unforgettable Michelin-starred dining experience.
Immersive Activities: Forage for marine herbs and shellfish to use in cooking.
Explore bustling markets and sea farms to uncover maritime treasures.
Participate in hands-on workshops, from pastry-making to tasting local delicacies.
Visit an ecomuseum to dive into the history of salt and its impact on French culture.
Seamless Travel: All round-trip transfers from Paris and local transportation included.

Practical Details

• Language: All activities conducted in English (translations available).

• Group Size: Minimum of 14 participants, maximum of 16 for an intimate experience.

• Skill level: Suitable for participants with some prior cycling experience and good mobility. You will be riding battery-powered bicycles, with an average of 22 kilometers (14 miles) per day on moderate terrain.

What’s Included

Round-trip travel from Paris to La Baule by train
Mini-bus from train station to hotel
5 nights accommodation in a 4-star boutique hotel, complete with exceptional amenities
12 meals, including regional specialties and an unforgettable Michelin-starred dining experience
Minimum of one group dining experience included each day
5 days of activities
Bicycle rental with helmet
All excursions (guided tours, tastings, entrance fees to museums, activities, workshops, classes, guided tours, boat ride)
Taxi to Michelin-starred dinner and back
Tips, taxes, & service charges for all group activities

What’s Not Included

Airfare to and from Paris
Transportation from / to airport
Individual dining and purchases
Beverages beyond what is included in group meals
Accident / luggage / trip cancellation insurance
Activities not scheduled for the group, optional activities
Laundry, dry cleaning, or other personal services
International phone plans
Additional tips
Other transportation not included in the itinerary (taxi, Uber, etc.)

Airline travel is not included in the cost of this trip.

Please be sure to check the validity of your passport and the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Autorisation System).

If you have any other questions, please drop us a line and we’ll be happy to help: contact@allisonzinder.com.

1. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BOOKING

The Salt Road is run through our tour partners, Bacchus & Clio.

The present General Terms and Conditions (hereafter the “GTC“) governs according to which KIRA (Bacchus and Clio), a French joint stock Company with a capital of 8,000.00 euros, registered at the PARIS company register under the number 878 994 300, whose registered office is 26 Boulevard Saint-Marcel 75005 PARIS, France (hereafter “KIRA” or “B&C“) offers Services to Client, which include Tourist Packages.

KIRA is also registered at the Travel Agents Registry under number IM075220023 and has taken out a financial guarantee with the APST.
It also has a professional insurance policy n°AR772877, with the GENERALI insurer, applicable worldwide and covering risks in compliance with the French Tourism Code, covering its professional civil liability up to 10,000,000.00 euros.

TOUR CANCELLATION AND ALTERATIONS

The Bacchus and Clio Travel Company reserves the right to cancel this trip if a minimum number of participants is not reached. In that eventuality, any payments made to the Bacchus and Clio Travel Company for this tour before the cancellation penalties dates begin, will be refunded without penalty and further obligation on the part of the Bacchus and Clio Travel Company.

The Bacchus and Clio Travel Company reserves the right to cancel the program if the tour cannot be conducted as outlined. The Bacchus and Clio Travel Company reserves the right to make minor alterations that do not significantly affect the tour’s content.

CANCELLATION FEES

Cancellation fees are per person and based on the cancellation dates, as follows:
1st deposit: 2035€ administration and booking fee per person due at the time of booking (1100€ of which is non-refundable).
Second deposit: 2035€ due before May 14, 2025.
Remaining balance of: 2030€ for double occupancy or 2330€ for single occupancy due before June 15, 2025.
Full reimbursement if the cancellation takes place before June 5, 2025, less the non-refundable deposit and/or irrecoverable fees.
Fifty (50)% of the total amount will be reimbursed if the cancellation takes place between June 6, 2025 and July 1, 2025, less the non-refundable deposit and/or irrecoverable fees.
Twenty (20)% of the total amount will be reimbursed if the cancellation takes place between July 2, 2025 and July 14, 2025, less the non-refundable deposit and/or irrecoverable fees.
No refund will be made if the cancellation is requested on or after July 15, 2025.

Cancellation charges also apply to additional charges for upgrades, transfers, and other pre-purchased services. After travel begins, there is no refund for unused services, or unused portions of the tour.

A Journey Through Taste, History, and Coastal Beauty

The Salt Road

Join us for a 6-Day Gourmet Cycling & Culinary Adventure Along France’s Atlantic Coast!

From September 15th to 20th, 2025

Embark on an immersive exploration of salt, gastronomy, and French culture!

Your Hosts

Elise Botiveau

A proud native of the Atlantic coast, Elise combines her expertise in gastro-tourism and history to offer a truly immersive experience.

As a French Ambassador for the World Food Travel Association and founder of Bechamels, Elise is dedicated to preserving and sharing her region’s rich culinary identity.

Allison Zinder

An American-born gastronomy guide and long-time French citizen, Allison brings three decades of culinary expertise and an engaging teaching style.

Her energy and passion make every moment dynamic, educational, and fun.

Trip Highlights

Guest Accommodations

All guests will be staying in a charming, local 4-star hotel located in a villa built in 1913 and lovingly restored and modernized for your comfort.

The villa is surrounded by flower-filled gardens and is located just steps from the beach and the local market.

Practical Details

Questions? Please contact us!

Pricing

What’s Included

What’s Not Included

Ready to Book?

1. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BOOKING

2. BOOKING FORM

3. DEPOSIT

4. You’ll receive a receipt via email and your spot will be confirmed. The tour management team will contact you in due course with further travel information and to collect the remainder of your balance.

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