Thanks for getting back to me. Erik went to Europe years ago but I've never been. I actually don't even know enough to know what part I want to focus on but Erik thinks we'll focus on the southern part mostly. We'll be in France for about 2 weeks in July (will probably spend at least a couple of days in London and 4-5 days in Denmark visiting his family.) We likely won't do any organized bike tours - it would be nice but I don't think we can afford it. We want to see at least part of the Tour, and then rent bikes and ride, probably out-and-back trips from whatever town we happen to be in. Erik definitely wants to do one of the hard cimbs - maybe I will try too, who knows. We want to stay in B&B's, hostels, maybe rent something for a short term, whatever... but not 5 star hotels We're just starting to do some planning so I'm not even sure what to ask at this point. However, I don't want you to have to type tons and tons. I can probably tell you more about what we envision doing and you can perhaps point me in the right direction? Thanks!!