My daughter, who goes to school in France, wants to take what she's calling ``a gentle bike tour of the Massif Central.'' I am negotiating for ``a grueling bike tour of Champagne country.''

Either way, we need bikes, and I'd rather not schlep my trusty Cross Check across the Atlantic. Does anyone know of a place in either Nice or Paris -- or somewhere else -- that would rent tourers and panniers?

Thanks in advance,

Steve