Cycling holidays in France - Freewheeling France

Coronavirus and cycling in France

The coronavirus pandemic and cycling in France - the latest guidance and local advice.

Is Freewheeling France the best French cycling website? You betcha!

Regular readers will know we're not ones to brag at Freewheeling France, but cut me some slack just this once.

Supporting independent businesses in the time of COVID

It's a bad time for the travel industry – here are a few ways you can help support independent businesses that offer the best service.

Down the Lascaux Caves by ancient tandem

An amusing and instructive look at cycling with a young baby in the Dordogne more than 40 years ago.

Product review: Reynolds New Classics cycling shoes

Bob Zeller's favourite cycling shoes, New Classics, from Reynolds, are still made by hand in England.

In praise of ... toe clips

What type of pedals do you prefer? Bob Zeller sings the praises of his tried and tested toe clips.

Finding accommodation near the Tour de France route

French cycling hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation near the Tour de France route

Tour de France 2021 route: Stage-by-stage guide

All the stages of the 2021 Tour de France route, including stage maps and profiles, plus links and advice to help you follow the race as a spectator.

Euro Velo 8 - Mediterranean Cycle Route

The Euro Velo 8 Méditerranée à Vélo bike route connects Spain to Italy via the south of France. It also links with the Canal du Midi.

Cycling in Paris in the post-COVID world

The perfect storm is brewing for cycling in Paris, with the coronavirus and concerns over air pollution combining to boost cycle commuting.

Véloroute de la Vallée de la Baise (V82 bike route)

The Véloroute de la Vallée de la Baise bike route from the Canal de Garonne to Nerac, Condom and Valence-sur-Baïse.

Review: Hippocketwifi mobile hotspot

We road-test the Hippocketwifi mobile hotspot, a handy device designed to keep you connected no matter where you are cycling in France or Europe.

Circuit Coteaux de Garonne

A circular bike route from the banks of the Canal de Garonne at Tonneins.

Île d'Oléron Vineyards bike route – St-Pierre to St-Georges d’Oleron loop

A lovely bike route through the vineyards in the north of the Île d'Oléron, off the west coast of France.

La Gironde à Velo

From Bordeaux to beaches and vineyards, La Gironde à Velo is a lovely bike route that takes in all the highlights of the Gironde department of south-west France.

The Ardennes to Reims via the Vineyards of the Champagne

A lovely cycle touring route that links the Ardennes to Reims, the gateway of the Champagne vineyards.

Voie verte de la vallée de la Marne (Marne Valley Greenway)

The Voie Verte de la Vallée de la Marne (Marne Valley Greenway) makes an ideal day bike ride to explore the vineyards of the Champagne.

La Coulée Verte de Reims (Reims Greenway)

La Coulée Verte de Reims follows the Aisne river from the capital of the Champagne region to the Marne canal.

Cabrerets and the Chemin de Halage on the Lot River

Cycling from Cabrerets to the Chemin de Halage on the Lot River, near Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Pech Merle.

La Véloroute de la vallée du Dropt, the Dropt Valley bike route

La Véloroute de la vallée du Dropt is a one-way bike route following the river Dropt in south-west France.

Circuit Rembrandt bike route from Le Mas d'Agenais on the Canal de Garonne

Circuit Rembrandt is a lovely circular day ride from the Canal de Garonne in south-west France.

La Voie Verte des Gaves is Lourdes to Pierrefitte-Nestalas via Argelès-Gazost

La Voie Verte des Gaves is a converted railway line route from Lourdes to Pierrefitte-Nestalas via Argelès-Gazost in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

My French cycling holiday bespoke planning service

Need help arranging your cycling holiday in France? Then this page is for you.

Cycling B&B and gite review: Accommodation In Provence, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt

I stayed with David and Karen at Accommodation In Provence en route to the Ventoux. It was so nice I didn't want to leave.

Cycling B&B review: The Free Range Chalet, Bagnères-de-Luchon, Pyrenees

We've stayed at many places over the years in France, and The Free Range Chalet is one of our favourites.

7 D-Day Museums for Cycling in Normandy

Here are 7 fascinating museums and sites that help tell the story of the D-Day Landings.

Cycling computer review: Garmin Edge Explore GPS

Bob Zeller has recently started using the Garmin Edge Explore GPS unit on his cycle tours. He discusses its relative merits.

Cycling the Côte du Rhône vineyards - road book and maps

Download the full road book for cycling the Côte du Rhône vineyards in the Vaucluse area of Provence.

Guidebook for cycling the Canal de Garonne from Bordeaux to Toulouse

There is now an English-language guidebook from a mainstream publisher for cycling the Canal de Garonne from Bordeaux to Toulouse.

Map of official cycling lanes in Paris

Cycling in Paris? Here is a map of all official bike lanes in Paris, plus tips and links to help your planning.

Taking bikes on trains in France

I thought I'd post a short blog with some quick tips on finding French trains that take bikes.

Tips for planning your first bicycle tour

Mike Barry was one of Canada’s most respected frame-builders and a regular visitor to France. Here, we share his tips for your first cycling tour.

Maps for cycling in France

Here is an overview of IGN and Michelin maps for cycling in France – and how to choose the best one for your cycling holiday in France.

10 Epic Canal Bike Routes in France

If you are looking for an epic canal bike ride in France, then these 10 ideas from Richard Peace might provide the inspiration you need.

Cycling accommodation review: Clos du Magnolia, Orb river valley

Clos du Magnolia is a gem of a B&B. It's run by cyclists near the Orb River, just 20km north of Beziers.

Cycling the wine regions of France

There are so many French wine areas to explore by bike – Caro Feely has this guide to help you decide where to start.

Canal des Deux Mers à Vélo - Route report for between La Reole and Agen

Britta Sorensen takes a springtime ride along the Canal des Deux Mers à Vélo and reviews the route between La Reole and Agen.

Itinerary for cycling for La Flow Vélo

La Flow Vélo is one of France's newest bike routes. Here's our itinerary from when we cycled from the Atlantic Coast at l’île d’Aix to Thiviers in the Dordogne.

V90 Véloroute Voie Verte de la Vallée de l'Isle - Moulin-Neuf to Perigueux

The V90 Véloroute Voie Verte de la Vallée de l'Isle goes from Moulin-Neuf, near Montpon-Ménestérol on the Dordogne/Gironde border, to Perigueux.

English guidebook for the Veloscenic bike route

An English guidebook has now been released for the popular Paris to Mont-St-Michel Veloscenic bike route.

Cycling on Île de Ré

Everything you need to know to enjoy a cycling holiday on Île de Ré, an island off the west coast of France.

Bike route for cycling from Calais to Paris

Richard Peace has this bike route suggestion for cycling from Calais to Paris.

Bike carriers and car racks for cycling in France

What you need to know about hiring or buying a car rack for your bikes while cycling in France.

Medical certificate for cycling in France

You may need a medical certificate for all cycling competitions, sportives and even some local leisure rides in France. Here's a template you can use.

Accommodation for cycling in the French Alps

B&B, hotel and chalet accommodation in the French Alps, Morzine, Grenoble, Alpe d'Huez, Galibier, and on other Tour de France cols.

A self-guided cycling holiday on La Velo Francette – a DIY itinerary

La Velo Francette is one of France's hottest cycle routes. Here's a DIY itinerary for the route.

Cycling in the Bois de Vincennes in Paris

The largest public park in Paris, the Bois de Vincennes, is an absolute delight for cyclists. Here's how to enjoy it by bike.

Circuit du Duc de Lauzun bike route

The circular Circuit du Duc de Lauzun near Eymet south of Bergerac is a gem of a bike route through vineyards, bastide towns and valleys.

How to take your bike on Eurostar

Here's a step-by-step guide to getting your bike to France by Eurostar.

Advice for vegetarians cycling in France

Cycling in France hasn’t always been easy for vegetarians – we have these tips to help make it a bit easier.

Itinerary for cycling the Canal de Garonne

Here is a do-it-yourself itinerary for cycling the Canal de Garonne from Bordeaux to Toulouse.

10 things for your Burgundy cycling itinerary

Need ideas for your Burgundy cycling holiday? Vineyards, canals, Beaune, cathedrals and ancient ruins – here are 10 things to put on your must-see list.