Everything you need to know about cycling in France your independent guide
Tours: All France
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Search for tours:3 Days in the Languedoc - Come ride with me
Short break package with plenty of quiet back roads – and sunshine!
Offered by:
Vie et Vélo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 48 08 42 00
Tour length:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
€295
This is a lovely little package for all abilities. 'Come ride with me' is a perfect introduction to the Languedoc – an often overlooked region in the south of France that's magnificent for cycling, offering the beauty, landscapes and history of Provence but without the crowds. (Think quiet back roads, vineyards, and plenty of sunshine – great for year-round riding, with winter temperatures rarely dipping below 10 degrees). Local cyclists Denise and Bruce are keen to introduce more people to this super area. Their price includes 2 nights’ B&B accommodation, airport transfers for you and your bike (or bike rental if you need it), and personalised guided rides based on your riding level and interests.
3-day Tour des Charentes
Discover the 'real' Charente Maritime with a local guide
Offered by:
Charente Maritime Cycling
Phone number:
+44 (0)779 245 3349
Tour length:
3 days
Price:
£595
You are in safe hands with local cyclist Adrian, who has extensive experience as a cycle guide, including a stint on the often treacherous roads of South America. By contrast, the roads in his backyard in Charente-Maritime on the west coast of France are positively idyllic. This three-day, 350km ride is perfect as an introduction to the back roads of the Charente Maritime region. While it starts in La Rochelle, with its popular harbour and link to te Ile-de-Re, it also heads inland to explore some of the lesser-known routes of the Charente-Maritime. You'll soon be pedalling along quiet lanes taking in the open scenery, sea air and salt marshes, stopping along the way to eat at local restaurants (with seafood and the region's famous oysters being a particular specialty), and sample the famous Pineau wine. This tour covers the heart of the region and the quieter back roads away from the main coastal EuroVelo 1 route. This is a fully supported and guided ride that's perfect for road bike riders or fit cycle tourers, with daily distances of between 90 and 120km (can be tailored for you). The price includes guided support, accommodation and stacks of local knowledge. Bike hire can also be arranged.
4-Day D-Day Beaches Tour
Cycle to and along the D-Day Beaches
Offered by:
World At My Cleats
Phone number:
+44 (0)7799 894073
Tour length:
4 days
Price:
From £600
2020 marks the 76th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. On June 6, 1944 – 150,000 British, Commonwealth and American troops waded ashore and confronted the German guns. Within the month, one million Allied troops had landed in France. This tour commemorates the landings via a series of special rides taking in the beaches of Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah. Today these beaches are a picture of tranquillity. To cycle the coastal road here is a real treat enhanced by turning inland and taking in country lanes, rustic villages, remote dairy farms and orchards. The experience dinners and strategic lunch stops. Peter at World At My Cleats has ridden in Normandy and Brittany for more than 10 years. He runs a London-based travel agency and has now branched out to offer cycling holidays. This trip is flexible – it's offered self-guided with Garmin routes and maps, or fully guided if you prefer having someone to ride with. Either way, a support vehicle with spare parts and replacement bikes are on hand in case you need help. Ride from a fixed base – a restored Norman farmhouse in rural La Manche – where breakfast and dinner will be provided every day. There are three double rooms that comfortably accommodate six riders, making this trip ideal for solo riders or small groups. The price includes accommodation, breakfasts and dinners, support vehicle, meet from ferry/airport, and a guide (optional).
5 classic alpine climbs near Bourg St Maurice
Ride some of the best big cols in the Alps on this good-value holiday
Offered by:
Alpine Velo
Phone number:
+33 (0)6 26 80 77 67
Tour length:
3 to 7 nights
Price:
£355 to £595, depending on length
Cycle from the door and onto some of the epic climbs of the Tour de France from your base in the mountains near Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Mix and match ride lengths, altitudes and gradients according to your appetite and stamina. There are 14 different climbs within striking distance of this fixed base holiday – including four often in the Tour de France: Col du Petit St Bernard, the Iseran, Cormet de Roseland and the Madeleine. Price includes ensuite accommodation in a dedicated cycling chalet with breakfast, dinner and return airport transfers. Plus there's stacks of local cycling advice on hand – choose your own routes or ask the Alpine Velo guys to help you plan your day’s adventures.
A cycling jaunt through Upper Provence and Luberon
Ride Provence's villages, vineyards and flower fields (and tackle Ventoux)
If you have only a short time in Provence, Cyclemundo offer this tour which is an adapted version of one of their best-loved tours for a taste of the best Provence has to offer. Cyclomundo indulges avid cyclists’ need for a brief escape from reality with a complex route that is exhilarating and beautiful. You will ride from the sharp peaks of the Dentelles-de-Montmirail to the heights of Mont Ventoux and finish in the rolling heights of the Luberon. All over Upper Provence you will see pristine villages cling to hillsides, while vineyards and flower fields cover terrain of all types. Price includes 3 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, 1 dinner, luggage transfer, detailed maps and route notes, a GPS device (subject to availability), and transfers to and from Avignon. Bike rental can be arranged on request.
A guided tour of the Tarn gorges and Grandes Causses
Let the locals guide you around the stunning Tarn gorges
Offered by:
Mellow Vélos Aventures
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 66 47 35 03
Tour length:
7 nights / 6 days
Price:
Price on request
This is a week of spectacular guided riding based on Geoff and Tessa's 20 years of experience riding this 'hidden' region of France to the north of Montpellier. Ride into the Cevennes National Park or out to the stunning Millau viaduct, or explore the deep gorges and valleys of the Tarn. The tour starts by using a local three-star hotel in Ste Enimie as your base. From here, join local guides (male and female available) to see the best of the relatively unknown Gorges du Tarn and Grandes Causses with their unique terrain. Ride six days out of the seven, with the rest day yours to enjoy off-road riding, walking, kayaking, pot-holing or relaxing with a book! This should be a really rewarding trip that introduces you to a side of France so few get to experience.
A ladies' road cycling and yoga holiday in the Lot-et-Garonne
Guided cycling with luxury accommodation, pool and nutritious food
Offered by:
Lamamotte Gite Cycling Holidays – Promoting Women’s Cycling
Tour length:
4 to 7 nights with guided rides
Price:
From €300 per person
This is a ladies-only, guided road cycling holiday with stunning scenery, nutritious food, luxury accommodation and yoga. Sisters Jess and Penny will lead you on quiet country roads, visiting beautiful river valleys, chateaux, medieval hilltop Bastide towns – including two of the prettiest villages in France (Pujols and Monflanquin). You can take in French culture with a visit the Water Lily Gardens, local markets and a wine tour. Typical rides (tailored on request) range from 50km to 80km per day. This holiday is for groups of 4-8 staying in a beautiful, converted farmhouse. The price includes luxury accommodation. Yoga sessions, breakfast, delicious meals prepared with local ingredients, wine, guided rides, bike maintenance course, transfers and bike hire can all be arranged. Self catering option is available. You can find more on Facebook here.
A luxury bike tour staying at Relais & Chateaux hotels
You won't want to leave Provence after this cycling holiday
Offered by:
Ride & More
Phone number:
+33 (0)6 76 35 50 96
Tour length:
6 days / 5 nights but can be tailored for you
Price:
€300 per person per day
This is a special holiday for cyclists who appreciate the finer things in life. It's the 'Route du Bonheur' on a bike, with accommodation provided by Relais & Châteaux – benchmark hotels in France for luxurious breaks. It's a 6-day itinerary put together by Christophe at Ride & More. He grew up in the Vaucluse in the shadow of the Ventoux, so he knows its road better than most. He can tailor the itinerary to make it longer or shorter, with the trip costed on a per-day basis. Discover the French 'art de vivre' by bike or electric bike as you pedal through the vineyards, across hills and through fields of lavender. Price includes transfers on arrival and departure, all baggage transfers, B&B accommodation in 5-star hotels, bike rental, all itineraries loaded onto a GPS for you, 24/7 on-call assistance, concierge service for restaurant advice and booking. Available guided or self-guided.
A Northern Alps Weekend
Alpine weekend road cycling package out of Geneva
Offered by:
Bike Weekender
Phone number:
+44 (0)845 557 5983
Tour length:
4 days, 4 nights
Price:
From £445 per person
Just an hour from Geneva airport and you're into one of the world's true cyclists' playgrounds. This weekend break is based in the beautiful Aravis mountain range, home to the Tour de France cols of Aravis, Colombière, and Croix Fry. This is an area of incredible climbs, spectacular views and breath-taking descents. For gentler rides, the roads around Lake Annecy are second to none. This package provides an easy, convenient long weekend of road cycling that can be tailored to your legs. Offered guided or self-guided. All you need to do it turn up in Geneva and enjoy.
A Provence & Mont Ventoux Weekend
A weekend exploring the Luberon and tackling Ventoux
Offered by:
Bike Weekender
Phone number:
+44 (0)845 557 5983
Tour length:
4 days, 4 nights
Price:
From £645 per person
Spend a fabulous weekend cruising past olive groves and through vineyards in Provence. Clear sunny days, quiet smooth roads, stunning views and scenery with just the right amount of climbing and descending. It doesn’t get much better than this! This weekend can be whatever you want it to be: ride through rolling hills in the morning before realxing by the swimming pool in the afternoon, or spend the whole day out on the bike. Then, of course, there's the opportunity to conquer Mont Ventoux and ride the Luberon wine region. This short break offers a convenient, hassle-free road cycling holiday – 4 days of relaxation and fun. Offered guided or self-guided – it's up to you.
A Provence Discovery Tour by Electric Bike
A tour that allows everybody reach Provence's pretty hilltops villages
Offered by:
Ride & More
Phone number:
+33 (0)6 76 35 50 96
Tour length:
6 days / 5 nights
Price:
From €1495
This self-guided cycling discovery tour of Provence on an electric-assisted bike is a great way to ensure everyone – regardless of ability – can make the most of the beautiful Vaucluse area. Between the vineyards and the lavender fields, e-bikes open up new horizons, gorges and hilltops villages. Vaucluse is a cycling paradise but it can be hilly. E-bikes are the perfect tool to reach the charming villages often perched on hillsides so you can enjoy the sweetness of the Provence art de vivre. This tour is designed by local riders so you can experience it through local eyes. The price 5 nights' 3* and 4* boutique hotel accommodation, e-bikes and full route notes and bagagge transfer support. You'll visit Bédoin (with the option to climb the Ventoux), Dentelles de Montmirail and the Côtes du Rhône wine area, the beautiful Gorges de la Nesque, the markets of L'Isle sur la Sorgue and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, and Avignon, the Pope City. The itinerary can be customised for you to make it longer or shorter, or to take in any special highlights you have on your wishlist.
Alpine Vista Cycling Tours
Enjoy cycling in the Alps whatever your ability
Offered by:
Alpine Vista Cycling Holidays
Phone number:
+44 (0)7793 813 823 or +33 (0)6 65 47 67 74
Tour length:
From 3 nights
Price:
From £275
Test yourself against classic Tour de France climbs such as the Col de l’Iseran, Col du Petit St Bernard, Col de la Madeleine and the Cormet de Roseland on this fixed base cycling holiday set in the valley just outside Bourg-St-Maurice. Cyclists Ben and Maddison specialise in catered, self-guided cycling holidays for all abilities – test your fitness and cycling prowess by day and relax in luxury by night. You'll have sole occupancy of their 5 bedroom chalet and grounds throughout your stay – ideal for groups of between 4 and 10 riders. The Savoie region of the French Alps is a real hot spot for road cycling and their chalet is located right in the heart of it. Whether you're looking to test yourself up some of the incredible climbs, or have a gentle cycle through the valley, you can do it straight from the door. Ben will help you plan your itinerary to match you interests and fitness level.
Alps Challenge: Geneva to Alpe d'Huez
6 famous cols en route to the Alpe – are you up for the challenge?
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Tour length:
5 nights / 6 days
Price:
From 865€ self-guided or 1395€ with a support vehicle
Voted Outside Magazine's 'Trip of the Year', this tour starting in Cyclomundo's own backyard in Geneva can be taken as a guided or self-guided option. From the shores of Lake Geneva you'll ride to the switchbacks of Alpe d'Huez, climbing some of France's most famous cols en route: the Colombiere, Aravis, Saisies, Madeleine, Telegraphe and the mighty Galibier are all here. This tour can be booked as a self-guided ride or organised for cycling clubs and private groups. Itineraries and support can be tailored to your fitness levels. This tour can be combined with cyclosportives such as La Marmotte, Etape du Tour and the Time-Megeve-Mont-Blanc. Price includes 5 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, 4 dinners, luggage transfers, transfer from Geneva to start of day 1, marked maps and route notes, a GPS unit (subject to availability). Full carbon road bike hire available on request.
Anyone for Corsica? My bespoke cycling service
Let me help you sort your cycling holiday with this personal service
Located off the southern coast of France, the island of Corsica is a MAGIC place to cycle. It's diverse and beautiful and isolated, yet within reach. You can fly in or get the ferry across, you can ride guided or unguided, in the hills or along the coast. If you want to find out more about Corsica, or if you need a hand planning your cycling holiday there, then the my bespoke Freewheeling France service could be for you. I can help you tailor your trip to your budget, your time and your ability. Just check out the info in my blog here and drop me a line. Whether it's road riding or mountain biking, whether you're cycling solo or in a group – just email me through your requirements and I'll help take the hassle out of planning a super cycling holiday in one of France's most amazing corners. Lyn @ FWF.
Aude and Pyrenees Cycling Holidays
Locally run guided and self-guided rides from the Pyrenean foothills
Offered by:
Cycle Aude
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 68 20 66 08 or +33 (0)7 86 70 43 15
Tour length:
You decide
Price:
From €50 per night
From his base at the foothills of the Pyrenees, local cyclist Martyn runs guided and self-guided rides in the Aude, one of the Languedoc's cycling delights, as well as rides into the Pyrenees themselves. From his door, there are wonderful roads out into the countryside, with routes for all abilities. Take a gentle family ride or head off into the hills to challenge yourself against the cols of the Tour de France. Martyn can help tailor your stay to your ability, and provide local maps and route notes. Rides are available guided or unguided, with flat-rate nightly rates offered to keep things simple.
Auvergne's Mountain Areas
Round trip cycling holiday in the Auvergne mountains
Offered by:
Les Camélias Cycling Accommodation
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 73 65 04 67
Tour length:
7 days
Price:
From €500
Choose from one of 5 different routes covering varying levels of difficulty and distances (50, 60, 69 and 78 miles). In six stages, you can cycle through three middle mountain areas of Auvergne: the Massif du Sancy, the Livradois-Forez and the Cantal. The climbs reach up to 1589m with on average 300 to 400 metres of climbing per climb (700m maximum). Climbs within reach of your door include the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert, the Col de la Croix-Morand, the Col de Guéry, the Puy de Dôme and Col du Chevalard. This trip can be tailored for groups of varying sizes. Prices include luggage transport, apartment accommodation and all meals with the exception of 3 evening meals. Prices may vary depending on the availability of accommodations and the season.
Aveyron Gorge - Self-Guided Cycling Breaks
Explore one of France's 'forgotten' corners
Offered by:
Saint Antonin Noble Velo
Phone number:
+33 (0)5 63 02 23 88 or +33 (0)6 65 97 61 81
Tour length:
2 nights minimum
Price:
Varies - you can take a set package or have one tailored for you (please enquire)
A custom fixed base holiday tailored to your ability and budget in the medieval village of St Antonin Noble Val, deep in the Aveyron gorge in south-west France. Visit for as long as you like and at any time of year (subject to availability). Peter will put a package of rides together based around your fitness levels and interests. Groups welcome – there is space for up to 10 people in Peter and Natalie's 16th century auberge. Discover the fantastic cycling terrain in this forgotten corner of France with its dramatic gorges, oak forests, vineyards and limestone plateaux, all on very quiet roads. Often overlooked in favour of the Dordogne to the north or the Pyrenees proper to the south, this region is also home to some of the best preserved medieval villages in France.
Aveyron Gorge – Gravel Cycling Holidays
Get off the beaten track to explore gorges and river valleys with locals
Offered by:
St Antonin Noble Velo
Phone number:
+33 (0)6 65 97 61 81
Tour length:
4 days / 5 nights, or bespoke packages can be put together
Price:
Varies depending on your package - please ask
These gravel cycling holidays in the Aveyron Gorge area of SW France are ideal for adventurous groups wanting to ride trails usually only experienced by locals. Following routes designed by local cyclist Peter, the riding here does not follow sanitised, graded biking trails. Peter has struggled along trails that are blocked or non-existant so that you don’t have to. Expect forest trails, river rides and trails that follow gorges and cliffs. This really is an exceptional area for gravel riding – the sheer volume of good trails is staggering, as well as wild and largely little-ridden. Rides can be challenging at times but they will be designed for you and your ability, and no one will be left behind. B&B accommodation is in an award-winning 16th century auberge in historic St-Antonin-Noble-Val, with vegetarian or vegan evening meals on request. Choose a set-date gravel holidays or ask for a trip to be designed for you. Ask Peter also about his 100-mile/160-km gravel challenges.
Avignon to Nice: Visually Stunning
Villages, vineyards and Ventoux on this holiday for road cyclists
Ride through low-lying vineyards and across mountain passes to the Mediterranean on this self-guided tour aimed at fit riders accustomed to long distances on road bikes. Average distances are around 100km a day, with 1,500m of climbing. Follow the Rhone River as you head from Avignon into Languedoc to see the famous Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct before cycling on to the wine regions of Tavel and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and to the foot of Ventoux. From here, it's up to hilltop villages and through lavender fields to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, near Nice and the Mediterranean coast. Top-quality full carbon road bikes available on request. Price includes 7 nights of hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, 3 dinners, luggage transfers between hotels, detailed maps and route notes, GPS device (subject to availability). Tour offered May 25- September 3 but can be tailored for private groups of 6 or more outside these dates.
Bespoke Provence Cycling Holidays
My bespoke service to help you plan your Provence cycling holiday
Provence is one of the most popular regions for cycling in France, but decided where exactly where to ride can be hard (there's so much to see and do). So I've set up this special reader service to help you find the right guided or self-guided ride for your ability and budget. If you can't find the right tour for you on these pages, I can hook yo up with experts on the ground to help you arrange luggage transfers, bike hire and accommodation, or to recommend routes and provide maps. It may help take the stress and worry out of your trip, as well as save you some pennies on booking eash element separately. (I have a similar service for Corsica and one for Ventoux – for other French cycling destinations, just email me at lyn@freewheelingfrance.com).
Brittany and Normandy – A Combined Guided Cycling Holiday
A relaxing ride through pretty countryside and seaside scenery
Offered by:
Green Jersey French Cycling Tours
Phone number:
+44 (0)1300 350 555
Tour length:
9 days
Price:
From £1295
This nine-day tour aims to give you a flavour of the north-west of France, with its proud history. While geographically adjacent, these two regions of France have very distinct identities – but the one thing they have in common is their cycling heritage: both are well-developed in terms of cycle tourism and are friendly and welcoming places to ride. Brittany occupies a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean and is strong in seafaring traditions. It has wonderful beaches and pretty harbours, with its interior giving way to forest and ancient history. Normandy is a lush and verdant landscape, with agriculture at its heart – here, apple orchards feed cider and calvados production, while cattle are grazed for beef and cheese. Normandy is also dotted with impressive chateaux and manor houses, and historical villages. This tour starts in St Malo and heads west into Brittany before turning east for Normandy.
Burgundy Bike and Wine Tour - 1-Day Tour
A gentle guided bike ride through Burgundy's beautiful vineyards
Offered by:
Active Tours
Phone number:
+33 (0)3 80 26 17 12
Tour length:
1 day
Price:
€135 adults (ask about discounts for kids aged 6-16)
Enjoy a gentle guided bike ride through Burgundy's beautiful vineyards with Florian and his team of local cycling experts. Take in the vineyards south-west of regional capital Beaune, including a stop at a local chateau, with the winemaker himself opening his doors just for you. This is a great chance to try local wines and learn more about viticulture in Burgundy (and, yes, you can have any bottles you buy sent to your hotel or shipped home). This is an easy circular route between St Romain and Pommard via Volnay, Meursault, and Puligny Montrachet, with minivan transfer from Beaune. It's suitable for all abilities, including kids. Private and custom tours available on request. Price includes bike hire, all wine tastings, lunch in a local restaurant plus a local guide.
Champagne Region by Bike - Fully Guided
A relaxing and varied tour of the world famous Champagne area
Offered by:
Green Jersey French Cycling Tours
Phone number:
+44 (0)1300 350 555
Tour length:
7 days
Price:
From £1495
Enjoy a fully supported tour of the Champagne vineyards. Visit some of the biggest Champagne houses in the world as you soak up this famous vineyard region. With daily distances at the lower end of 40-55 miles (60-80km) there is plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed pace and stunning views. Stay in comfortable hotels, benefit from full on-road back-up and luggage transfers, and enjoy leisurely refreshment stops. The route follows the quietest roads possible to make for a memorable cycling holiday. It's worth noting that Reims is a wonderful city and it would be well worth adding a day at the beginning or end of your tour to enjoy its spendour.
Charente, Dordogne and the Haute Vienne – Cycling Tours for All Abilities
Explore the beautiful countryside south-west of Limoges with local riders
Offered by:
Cycling Chez Nous
Phone number:
+33 (0)5 55 75 33 41 or +44 (0)7538 344076,
Tour length:
6 days riding (can be tailored for you)
Price:
From €532-€832 depending on your preferred accommodation (gite or farmhouse)
Sue and Phil at Cycling Chez Nous offer fixed base tours on a guided or self-guided basis (with gpx files provided) in their own backyard. The Haute-Vienne is a much lesser cycled area of France and takes in the triangle on the Dordogne/Charente border within reach of Limoges, Angouleme and Thiviers. It is a true – and very 'local' – cycling paradise with mainly traffic-free roads that run through a landscape of fields and forests. The roads are a pleasure to cruise along, the sun on your back as the beauty of the region slides silently past you. Prices include accommodation based on 7 nights, daily continental breakfast, afternoon tea and 6 three-course evening meals with wine, cheese and coffee (one night is reserved for you to enjoy a local restaurant). There's also canapes and fizz on first and last evenings. Shorter or longer tours can be tailored for you. Airport transfers from Limoges can also be arranged.
Coast-to-Coast France – St Malo to Nice Fully Supported
Traverse France from end-to-end with help all the way
Offered by:
Green Jersey French Cycling Tours
Phone number:
+44 (0)1300 350 555
Tour length:
18 days with 16 days of riding
Price:
From £2495
This is an ultimate France coast-to-coast ride, fully supported and guided. Two-thirds of days are in the 50-60-mile (80-90-km) bracket – with a few shorter ones thrown in – so it's achievable but still challenging, especially as your luggage will be carried for you (no panniers!) This trip highlights the wonderful diversity of France and is suitable for all recreational cyclists. It passes through simply stunning countryside and visits some of the most famous sites in the country – from Mont St Michel to an optional ascent of the iconic Ventoux. Price includes fully guided on-road support and luggage transfers, 14 nights' B&B, and most meals. Can be tailored for groups. St Malo to Sete and Calais to Nice also available.
Cols Tour in Pyrenees - Ride 6 (or 7!) cols
Cyclist-run supported rides from the foothills of the Pyrenees
Offered by:
Cycle Aude
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 68 20 66 08 or +33 (0)7 86 70 43 15
Tour length:
Tailored for you
Price:
From €50 per night
Ride the cols of the Pyrenees from cyclist Martyn's base in the beautiful Aude at the foothills of the mountains and within reach of all the big-hitters: Col de Portel, Col De Portet d'Aspet, Col de Peyresourde, Col de Mente, Col de Aspin, Tourmalet and the Hautacam. Airport/train transfers or luggage and bike bag collection included (you can cycle from the airport or train station if you like). To keep things simple, the trip's priced at a flat per-night rate that includes B&B, evening meals and on-road nourishment. Available guided or self-guided if you prefer to go off and do your own thing with maps and route advice from Martyn.
Cote d'Azur and Nice guided rides
See the sunny south coast of France with a local guide
Offered by:
Lifesparkz Bike Tours
Phone number:
(+33) 6 40 52 94 39
Tour length:
Single or multiple day options to suit your needs
Price:
Tailored for you
The Côte d’Azur really is an area that comes into its own with some local knowledge. Discover the hidden treasures of the Côte d’Azur by bike with local guides. Tina at Lifesparkz Bike Tours can customise day tours for single riders or organise longer tours for larger groups or clubs. Routes can be tailored to all abilities, from moderate to very challenging rides that take you into Les Alpes-Maritimes, or leisure ride along coastal routes that can often be crowded with tourist traffic. Ride from Nice into the lower Alps or venture into the Var. Day or multi-day rides available. Guiding in English, French, Danish or Hungarian. Bike rental also possible, along with support cars and mechanics for larger groups.
Cycle to Oberammergau Passion Play 2020
Ride to the incredible Oberammergau Passion Play, held every 10 years
Offered by:
Green Jersey French Cycling Tours
Phone number:
+44 (0)1300 350 555
Tour length:
14 days
Price:
£2995
Every 10 years since 1634, the residents of this small Bavarian village give thanks for being spared from the Black Death by performing a Passion Play, based on the events surrounding the death of Christ. The whole village is involved, with the actors themselves needing to have been born in Oberammergau to win roles – but this is far from an amateur production. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cycle to see the famous Oberammergau Passion Play, passing many interesting and historic places in France and Germany en route. The Green Jersey team rode from the Portsmouth to Oberammergau in 2010 – the last time the play was performed – so this route is tried and tested. Whether you wish to visit for religious reasons, to witness one of the most historic cultural events in Europe or to re-create the happenings in Jerome K Jerome's Three Men on a Pilgrimage, this is an event you will always remember. The route takes you north of Paris then across France to the southern Vosges, via Verdun, and into Germany passing the source of the Danube, Lake Constance and, finally, to the little village near the famous ski resort of Garmsich-Partenkirken. It covers 12 days' cycling and is not to be missed. Covers between 50 miles (80km) and 80 miles (130km) each day, clocking up a total of 706 miles (1131km). Price includes tickets to the play in the highest category of seats (worth almost £200), 13 nights' accommodation, all breakfasts except on on one ferry crossing, and 9 evening meals. Fully guided with on-road vehicle support.
Dates: May 24 to June 6, 2020
Cycle touring in the Tarn gorges – Self-guided
Explore the incredible scenery of the deep Tarn gorges
Offered by:
Mellow Vélos Aventures
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 66 47 35 03
Tour length:
7 nights / 6 days
Price:
From €430
The gorges in the Tarn and Lozere departments are some of the deepest and most spectacular in Europe – and they are surprisingly undiscovered and rarely cycled. The area is set to the north of Montpellier at the western edge of the Cévennes National Park. This self-guided tour is based at Mellow Velo Aventures' own our self-catering accommodation, so you'll have a familiar base to return to at the end of each day without having to worry about luggage transfers. Tessa and Geoff have over 20 years of local knowledge to call upon and have planned these varied and interesting routes based on their local favourites – and on your preferred daily mileage. You'll head out for six rides over a period of seven days. On the rest day you can cycle off-piste, try MTB-ing or electric biking, go canoeing, walking, pot holing, or simply relax. You'll be provided with a pack of rides with maps and full route notes, and a GPS device with turn-by-turn instructions for each ride. You'll also receive a breakfast hamper for seven days and a bike box with spares, tools, gels, hydration tablets and everything else you need to get the most out of your cycling holiday.
Cycling + French Lessons in the Alps (Morzine)
Learn French while riding in the Alps – a perfect combination
Offered by:
Alpine French School
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 79 08 38
Tour length:
6 nights (5 half-days and one full day free for cycling, 5 half-day French classes – longer courses available)
Price:
Packages and prices can be tailored for you
Learn French while indulging in a French cycling holiday in the Alps. This French language course – tailored especially for cyclists – includes three hours a day of intensive French lessons over five days. When you're not in the classroom you'll be out on the bike in the Morzine area climbing Joux Plane, Avoriaz, Ramaz and much more. The cycling – over five half-days and one full day – is unguided, so ride as much or as little as you like. Helen (an avid rider herself) and her team will be on hand to help with local route advice and maps. The price includes self-catered accommodation in a shared apartment or lodgings with a local host family. Ask Helen about options if you'd like to take a longer package of French lessons, or if you need more time on the bike.
Cycling from Mont Ventoux to Alpe d'Huez
A guided or self-guided ride conquering two of France's icons
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
5 nights/ 6 days
Price:
From 860€
Forget watching the Tour de France on television – experience some of the most famous climbs in south-western France for yourself on this 6-day journey from Mont Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez. Cycle up the 'Giant of Provence' – twice if you want! – and follow Cyclomundo's tried-and-tested Alps itinerary. Encounter mind-boggling vistas, gorgeous gorges, and the charming towns of Sault, Orpierre, Guillestre, and Briançon, among others. This is a challenging self-guided tour passing over such legendary cols as the Izoard and climbing the famous 21 hairpin bends to Alpe d’Huez. The amazing views are an added bonus. Available self-guided or fully guided with on-road vehicle support. Price includes 5 nights' accommodation, daily breakfast, 2 dinners, luggage transfers, marked maps and route notes, a GPS device (subject to availability). Bike rentals available on request.
Cycling Holidays for Vegetarians and Vegans
Eating need not be a trauma on your French cycling holiday
Offered by:
St Antonin Noble Velo
Phone number:
+33 (0)6 65 97 61 81
Tour length:
Minimum of two nights
Price:
Varies - you can take a package on a set tour weekend or have a tour tailored for you
Cycling in France can sometimes be tough for vegetarians and vegans. The solution? Local knowledge. Peter and Natalie are local vegetarian experts and know all the best (and friendliest) places to eat. They offer guided and self-guided rides that are based around pre-arranged restaurant stops that ensure the chef is aware of your dietary requirements. All restaurants have been tested anonymously to help guarantee you won't just be served an omelette or a plate of vegetables. You’ll be based at their award-winning 16th century auberge in the medieval heart of St Antonin Noble Val, nestled in the spectacular Aveyron gorge. Fabulous vegetarian and vegan evening meals can be prepared inhouse, or use the guest kitchen to self-cater. The riding in this part of France is fabulous – quiet roads and stunning, varied scenery. The routes are not for beginners, but the climbing is rarely steep and there are plenty of routes to keep things manageable. Prices include B&B accommodation, rides, a rescue service and unlimited local knowledge. Just an hour from Toulouse airport, this is an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans wanting to explore SW France. Group discounts available.
Cycling Holidays in the Lot et Garonne – Fixed base tours for small groups
Discover the Lot Valley on a guided bespoke cycling holiday
Offered by:
Lamamotte Gite Cycling Holidays
Tour length:
4 to 7 nights (with guided rides)
Price:
From €300 per person
Jess and Mark are keen road cyclists and offer fully tailored and guided road cycling holidays for groups. The tours operate from their luxurious fixed base accommodation, complete with pool. The Lot et Garonne has quiet country roads and rolling hills, making it ideal for intermediate cyclists in particular. Typically the rides are between 50km to 120km per day with climbing of 300-1600m. The area has superb scenery, including river valleys, chateaux and castles, medieval hilltop Bastide towns and rural landscapes. All rides are organised to stop at scenic destinations for photos and refreshments. Local destinations include Monflanquin, Pujols, Penne d’Agenais and Nerac. These holidays are for groups of between 4 and 10 people staying in a beautiful converted farmhouse with a pool in a rural setting. There are 5 bedrooms, a mix of doubles and twins, some with ensuite. The price includes luxury accommodation. Continental breakfast, 3 course evening meal with wine, guided rides and transfers from Bergerac Airport can be arranged. Self catering is an option available on request. Hire of quality carbon road bikes can easily be arranged or you can bring your own. You can also see Jess and Mark's Facebook page here.
Cycling in the Drome River Valley
Ride the quiet backroads of the undiscovered Diois
Offered by:
France Bike Trips
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 58 14 04 35
Tour length:
6 days
Price:
From €515
Ride the backroads of the beautiful Diois area of the Drôme Provençale. The area is a superb mix of the Alps and Provence, full of orchards, vineyards and sunflower fields, plus rolling hills of boxwood, pine and lavender. You'll ride alongside clear rivers and streams, with plenty of opportunities to stop for picnics and swims, or stop in a sleepy hamlet or village for a coffee in a shaded café terrace. The Diois is also a major wine producing area, famous for the sparkling Clairette de Die. (Don't worry – you'll have plenty of opportunities for wine tasting). Price includes B&B accommodation, most evening meals, baggage transfer, detailed road book, maps and GPS tracks. Available guided or unguided.
D-Day Beaches and the Battle of Normandy
A enjoyable and though provoking tour around Normandy
Offered by:
Green Jersey French Cycling Tours
Phone number:
+44 (0)1300 350 555
Tour length:
5 days
Price:
From £850
Accompanied by experienced battlefield guide, this trip allows you to gain a unique insight into the D Day landings and the subsequent battle for Normandy while also enjoying some very fine cycling. It meanders from Caen through the Calvados, Orne and Auge departments, which all saw heavy fighting in the summer of 1944. The trip – fully guided and supported – provides plenty of time to stop and look at sites and for moments of reflection and remembrance. You don’t have to be a veteran to appreciate what went on here. The itinerary includes the site where the only Victoria Cross was awarded on D-Day; where Panzer ace Michael Wittman caused havoc on a British convoy; the smallest Commonwealth War Cemetery in France; and where a fleeing army desperately tried to escape. The hotels are all friendly and family run. Days 3 and 4 have some hills but you can ride at your own pace. Sword Beach, the Merville Battery, Omaha Beach and the Pointe du Hoc are all on the route, which can be tailored to take in sites specific to your nationality or family history. Other options across the Western Front also available, including the Somme and Ypres.
Geneva to Annecy: Famous climbs and lesser-known passes
A self-guided tour around lakes and over mountains for serious cyclists
Designed for serious cyclists, this self-guided tour links three of Europe's most beautiful lakes: Geneva, Bourget and Annecy. Follow in the tracks of the Tour de France as you climb thrilling mountain passes and cruise through picturesque Alpine villages with stunning mountain scenery shadowing you the entire way. The ride takes you into the heart of the Savoie wine region, and through wine-growing villages such as Apremont, Abymes and Chignin, famous for light, crisp whites that carry the scent of Alpine flowers. Daily distances range from 95-111km. Price includes 5 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, 2 dinners, detailed maps and route notes, a GPS unit (subject to availability) plus luggage transfers between hotels. A more leisurely option along a similar route is also available on request. Full carbon road bike hire available on request.
Languedoc: Vineyards, Markets and Roman Ruins
Supported week of riding with local cycling experts
Offered by:
Vie et Vélo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 48 08 42 00
Tour length:
7 days / 6 nights
Price:
From €1050
A fully supported, point-to-point cycling tour through the vineyards and historic towns of the Languedoc region – an area full of quiet back roads that wind through the rolling countryside and small independent vineyards. In addition to some magical scenery (and largely traffic-free roads), you'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of St Guilham le Desert and the Pont de Gard, plus you'll have time to explore the historic market towns of Uzes and Pezenas. Price includes 6 nights’ B&B accommodation, airport transfers for you and your bike (or help with rental if you need it), and guided rides with support vehicle for luggage and supplies. This is a local tour run by local cyclists who know these roads well.
Mont Ventoux Challenge
A challenging weekend of road riding in Provence
In the space of a single weekedn this tour will take you up the iconic Mont Ventoux via two different routes and you will ride some 300km over three days, mainly uphill! On day two you will tackle the climb from Bedoin, passing the Tommy Simpson memorial along the way. On day three you will climb from Malaucene with its spectacular views over the Rhône Valley below. The price of this tour includes meals, transport, accommodation in Sault, flights from the UK and airport transfers.
Need planning help? Use our bespoke service
Let Freewheeling France help you plan your French cycling adventures
If you want to cycle in France but you're not sure where to go or how to sort it – maybe you're strugglng to find accommodation or the right self-guided or guided ride for you – then this service is for you. It's my own bespoke service that matches your holiday wishlist to the right tour operator or accommodation option for you. This is for riders who need a little support on the road – anything and everything from accommodation advice and route planning to hiring bikes and luggage transfers. I'm working with a network of cycling specialists across France to offer you the best cycling holidays possible – and tailored just for you, your dates and your cycling ability. Hit the brown button below or see this link for details.
Ride Through the Upper French Alps
Conquer cols with Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc as your backdrop
This is one of Cyclomundo's best-selling trips. With Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc as picture perfect backdrops, ride 50-112km a day through the Chablais mountain area and skirt the southern shore of Lake Geneva. En route, conquer the area's best climbs, including Col de la Forclaz, Col de la Croix-Fry, the Colombiere, Col de Joux-Plane, Col de l'Encrenaz, Col de la Ramaz, Col de la Faucille, Col de la Givrine and Col du Marchairuz. On your last day, cross the Lake in Yvoire – an impossibly photogenic Medieval village – and ride through the Swiss Jura. Price includes transfer between Geneva airport and your first/last place of stay, 4 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, 2 dinners, luggage transfer between hotels, a GPS device (subject to availability) and detailed route maps and notes. Bike rental can be arranged on request.
Road - Le Tour de La Provence
Explore the ups and downs of the beautifully varied Provence region
Offered by:
BSpoke Tours
Phone number:
+44 (0)20 3411 0632
Tour length:
6 nights
Price:
From £1095 per person
Provence is one of France’s cycling heartlands. The landscape is a mix of wide valleys, small mountain ranges, such as the Alpilles, and dramatic gorges. The landscape’s majesty is matched by the charm and beauty of the towns and villages that sit within it, where French café culture is at its finest and the cuisine is built on the region’s excellent local produce, served alongside refreshing local wines. Whilst soaking all of this in, the silhouette of Mont Ventoux is never far from view. Will you go for the summit? Highlights include the twisting climb up the Val d’Enfer and the views from Baux-de-Provence at the top, the picturesque hilltop villages of Provence and the climb of Mont Ventoux (or at least a visit to Bedoin!) The price of this tour includes fully serviced aluminium road bikes (carbon fibre upgrade available), water bottle and accessories, 3 & 4 star B&B/hotel accommodation, tour information pack upon arrival, detailed navigational material, often including GPS maps, local support whenever needed. Flights and transfers available on request. Full financial protection through ABTA and ATOL.
Upper Provence, Ventoux, and Luberon
Get right to the heart of beautiful Provence on this self-guided holiday
This six-day, self-guided bike tour allows you to explore the heart of Provence at a more challenging level than other tours of the region. Beginning in Bédoin and ending in Gargas, the itinerary features relatively short daily rides, allowing you to fully experience Provence rather than just see it as you pass by. With options to climb legendary Mont Ventoux, or snake through the Gorges de la Nesque, your efforts will be rewarded with numerous spectacular views. Highlights include visits to some of Provence’s most acclaimed wine-making towns (Vacqueyas, Gigondas, Beaumes de Venise), stops in several of France’s “most beautiful” villages (Séguret, Gordes, and Roussillon), and options to climb legendary Mont Ventoux or snake through the Gorges de la Nesque. Each night, you’ll stay in comfortable, character-filled hotels set in utterly charming towns. Price includes 5 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, 1 dinner, luggage transfer, detailed maps and route notes, a GPS device (subject to availability), and transfers to and from Avignon. Bike rental can be arranged on request.
Ventoux Cycling Holidays
My bespoke service to help you plan your Mont Ventoux cycling holiday
It's the icon of Provence, a Tour de France legend. I get loads of enquiries each year about Ventoux cycling holidays and accommodation – to help give you the info you need, I've set up this bespoke service to help you find the right tour for your ability (and budget). Just send me your wishlist and I'll suggest some local options to help take the stress and worry out of your trip. I'll point you to guided or self-guided rides, plus accommodation and support services such as bike hire and transfer services. (I have a similar service for Corsica – for other French cycling holidays, just email me at lyn@freewheelingfrance.com). Photo thanks to Adam Bird.
All accommodation has been checked to ensure it meets our cycle-friendly criteria. We also deal with tour operators personally before adding them to the site. To recommend a great French cycling holiday or a nice bike-friendly place to stay, please email lyn@freewheelingfrance.com
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