SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- As independent travel grows in popularity,
self-guided biking and hiking tour specialist Discover France here
hopes to "walk away" with more travel agency business, thanks to a
unique low-priced product.
The 9-year-old company, which pays agents 8% commission, peddles
bicycle and walking tours to remote and less-traveled parts of
France, said Loren Siekman, president.
"We're happy to work with agents," he said. "But, traditionally,
walking tours haven't been something agents were selling much of,
though our volume from agencies is picking up."
Agents now book just 15% of the operator's reservations. To spur
bookings, Discover France took the wraps off two land-only walking
packages, to Brittany and Provence.
The six-night Brittany deal -- priced at $750 per person, double
-- takes hikers through the Finistere peninsula along the Atlantic,
a historical Celtic region dotted with fishing villages, country
churches and ancient Druid constructions.
Meanwhile, the Aix-to-Cassis five-night walking tour of Provence
-- at $975 per person, double -- takes in forests, valleys,
mountains and France's Mediterranean coast.
Discover France also offers self-guided walking tours to other
French regions, including Alsace, the Loire Valley, Languedoc and
the Dordogne.
"Our tours are a real off-the-beaten-trail type of experience
and a good way to encounter regional cultures," Siekman said
Packages include accommodations; luggage transfer; local
contacts for emergency assistance; and most meals, including
breakfasts, dinners and the occasional picnic lunch.
Clients also are furnished with a "road book" containing route
information and maps for self-guided explorations.
Departures -- available any day of the week from April through
October -- are subject to hotel availability.
For information or to book, call (800) 960-2221 or visit www.discoverfrance.com.