Everything you need to know about cycling in France your independent guide
Tours: All France
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Search for tours:Across the border and Across the Lake – From Geneva on Gravel
A gravel ride on French and Swiss back roads and forest trails from Geneva
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 450 872 109 (France); +1 (646) 233-1354 (US/CA)
Tour length:
4 nights / 5 days
Price:
From €760
Remember the feeling of freedom you had when you first learned to ride a bike as a child and were able to ride by yourself? Who wouldn't want to experience that great feeling again? The gravel bike is like a time machine! It will take you there! This self-guided trip is designed not only for riders who enjoy gravel biking, but also for riders who would like to try it for the first time. There's nothing technical, just a few metres of singletrack and one or two spots (depending on the weather) where you might have to push your bike. The rest is on a mix of back roads and forest trails. Away from traffic, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Geneva, the Jura mountains and the Alps, and ride through beautiful lakeside villages, vineyards, and farmland – some in Switzerland, some in France. The price of this self-guided tour includes 4 nights' accommodation in 3-star hotels, breakfasts, 1 dinner, a meeting with a local tour representative, luggage transfers, roadbook via an app (doubles up as GPS), roadside assistance if needed. Daily mileage of approx. 40km with 50% of the ride off-road. The trip starts and ends in Geneva.
Alps and Mont Ventoux Road Cycling Holiday
Experience some of the toughest cycle climbs in France
Offered by:
Discover France
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 67 15 82 04 (US/Canada: 1-800-929-0152 or Australia: 1-800-823-710)
Tour length:
8 days / 7 nights
Price:
From €2785
Learn how the pro riders suffer on this self-guided road bike holiday that passes over some of the most spectacular mountain passes in the world. Ride to the top of Alpe d'Huez, touch the monument to Henri Desgranges at the summit of the Galibier, climb Les Deux Alpes, the Col de Lautaret and many more. If you are an experienced and passionate rider looking for the ultimate challenge, then come and experience the cols where cycling legends made their marks. Upon arrival to the charming village of Freney d'Oisans in the Alps, you'll get a detailed briefing about the cycling possibilities in the area, the best routes and other tips to make the most out of this great cycling holiday. After the rides, you can relax at comfortable mountain hotels and enjoy hearty Alpine dinners to fuel you for the next mountain challenge. Price includes 7 nights' accommodation in superior hotels with breakfasts and 7 evening meals. Road bike hire is included as well as a detailed road book, a meeting with a local guide and access to a 24/7 helpline. You’ll also receive a complimentary Discover France water bottle.
An Epic Mont Ventoux Road Cycling Trip
Conquer the mighty Mont Ventoux with local experts
Offered by:
Ride And More Travel – Provence
Phone number:
+33 (0)6 76 35 50 96
Tour length:
5 days/4 nights
Price:
From €785
This is a cycling holiday for avid roadies looking for a challenge on arguably the most iconic of the Tour de France climbs. Three roads depart the plains to reach the lunar landscapes of the summit, from where the views extend to the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. From your accommodation at the foot of mighty Ventoux, Christophe, a local cycling expert who grew up in the shadow of the Ventoux, has created no less than 10 rides, including a leisurely ride through the plains, to the coveted Cinglés du Ventoux challenge: an exclusive club for those who have completed all three climbs in a single day. Explore breathtaking roads, enjoy villages that are off the usual beaten Provence track, and restore your energy with delicious Provençal fare. Stay in carefully selected hotels and B&Bs – you can choose between 2/3* or 5* options. Each one is sourced personally by Christophe and the run by owners who are used to welcoming cyclists. The price of this tour includes 4 nights' accommodation with breakfast, 5 days of riding itineraries on a GPS app, a welcome briefing, all luggage transfers, private transfer to Avignon on the final day, on-call assistance, concierge service for restaurant and activities, 24/7 emergency assistance and a brand new helmet and water bottle. Bikes are not included but high-end road bikes can be rented if required. Each day you'll ride between 60km and 100km and climb between 675m and 4600m.
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.
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 deciding 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 you 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 each 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).
Cross the French Pyrenees by Bike – Guided
Ride the great cols of the Pyrenees from the Med Sea to the Atlantic
During the Tour de France, the riders cross the two biggest mountain ranges in France: the Alps and the Pyrenees. This fully supported tour offers the chance to ride the length of the Pyrenees from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. The route alternates between mythical Tour de France cols and lesser-known passes so that you can discover the many facets of the Pyrenees – from dense forests and jagged peaks to the lush green mountains of the Basque country. The price of this tour includes the assistance of a trip leader in a support vehicle (breakdown assistance, daily luggage transport and catering), 7 nights in 2* and 3* hotels in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities, 7 hearty breakfasts, 7 picnic lunches prepared daily with fresh, regional products: high-energy salad (pasta, rice, lentil), cheese, cold cuts, fruit and muesli/cereal bars, 7 dinners (3 or 4-course menus), carefully designed itineraries on 2 levels of difficulty (80-110km per day or 100-150km per day), navigation app, detailed road book with maps (digital format) and GPS tracks. See here for the regular departure dates.
Cycle Through the Upper French Alps
Conquer cols with Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc as your backdrop
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
6 nights / 7 days
Price:
From €1050
One of Cyclomundo's best-selling trips has been revamped for 2022 to take-in even more of this stunning area. With Lake Geneva, Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc as picture perfect backdrops. Ride between 50 and 100km 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, 6 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, 3 dinners, luggage transfer between hotels, a GPS device (subject to availability) and detailed route maps and notes. Bike rental can be arranged on request.
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:
6 nights/ 7 days
Price:
From €1285
Forget watching the Tour de France on television – experience some of the most famous climbs in south-western France for yourself on this 7-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 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 €575
Water is a major feature in this self-guided tour as it follows the Drome River as it winds its way between the plateau of the Vercors and the small mountains of the Diois. It's a delicious mix of the Alps and Provence. Ride through quiet valleys full of orchards, vineyards and sunflower fields, and through rolling hills of boxwood, pine and lavender. Imposing mountains and cliffs loom overhead, in an alpine decor of beech and spruce forests. Crystal-clear rivers and streams abound, offering plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim. Cross numerous sleepy hamlets and villages full of traditional stone-built houses and pretty squares and fountains. Small, shaded café terraces offer a welcome break from riding. The Diois is a major wine-producing area (famous for the Clairette de Die), and you will see plenty of "caves" offering wine-tasting opportunities. Price includes B&B accommodation, most evening meals, baggage transfer, detailed road book, maps and GPS tracks. Two difficulty levels are offered: 25-35km per day with an altitude gain of around 500 metres; or 35-50km per day with altitude gains of 800 metres.
Cycling in the Jura Mountains
Cycle through the forests, orchards and vineyards of the French Jura
From Lons le Saunier to Besançon, this 6-day self-guided cycling trip takes you through the rolling Jura mountains that separate the Swiss from the French, and also borders Burgundy. It is a wonderful alternative to cycling in the Alps or in the more touristy areas to the west. Montbéliard cattle graze peacefully in the pastures, famous mainly for the cheese made from its milk, the delicious Comté. They will be our ever-present as you make your way through the wonderful countryside: forests and wild gorges, lakes, wildflowers, orchards, vineyards and rich green meadows, unspoilt traditional villages and hamlets. Explore the classified wine villages of Arbois or Château-Chalon, the imperial abbey of Baume-les-Messieurs, the royal salt pans of Arc et Senans and the picturesque village of Ornans. All that's missing is a typical aperitif: a bite of fruity Comté cheese paired with a good glass of vin jaune. The price of this tour includes accommodation in 2* and 3* star inns and hotels, breakfasts, baggage transport and a detailed road book, maps and GPS tracks.
Cycling the Route des Grandes Alpes - Supported Road Biking
Lake Geneva to the Côte d'Azur via the big cols of the Tour de France
Cross the French Alps from Lake Geneva to the Côte d'Azur on this fantastic 8-day tour. Ride from the Northern Alps and the Mont Blanc range right to the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea via some of the most mythical cols in road biking: L'Iseran, Le Galibier, Le Lautaret, L'lzoard and many more. Road biking doesn't get any better than this! The price of this tour includes the assistance of a trip leader in a support vehicle (breakdown assistance, daily luggage transport and catering), accommodation in 2* and 3* hotels, hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches prepared daily with fresh, regional products: high-energy salad (pasta, rice, lentil), cheese, cold cuts, fruit and muesli/cereal bars, dinners (3 or 4-course menus), carefully designed itineraries on 2 levels of difficulty, navigation app, a detailed road book with maps (digital format) and GPS tracks.
Epic Provence Road Cycling Holiday
Locally designed road biking itinerary taking in the best of Provence
Offered by:
Ride And More Travel – Provence
Phone number:
+33 (0)6 76 35 50 96
Tour length:
7 days/6 nights
Price:
From €1265
Local cycling expert and guide Christophe, who was born in the Vaucluse, has personally designed this itinerary to take in Provence's best landscapes. Discover a rich and varied region, accompanied by the sound of cicadas and the scents of the garrigue. Provence is a land of poetry and gastronomy but also a true cycling paradise. Visit some of the prettiest villages in France, ride through vineyards and fields of lavender and enjoy fascinating stops along the way. On your own or with a guide, experience a handcrafted trip designed by locals to take you off the beaten path. For self-guided riders, routes are provided on a GPS, with lots of great insider information on the dedicated Ride And More app. There are several ride options each day, so you can easily adjust what you decide to do on a daily basis. Stay in carefully selected hotels and B&Bs – choose between 2 or 3-star or 5-star. The price includes 6 nights' accommodation and breakfasts, 5 days of riding with itineraries/GPS, a welcome briefing, luggage transfers, private transfers to Avignon on the final day, a concierge service for restaurants and activities, 24/7 emergency assistance and a new helmet and water bottle. Bikes are not included but high-end road bikes are available for rent. Each day you'll ride between 60km and 100km and climb between 650m and 2000m.
French Classes + Mountain Biking (Morzine)
Learn French while mountain biking in Morzine – a perfect combination
Offered by:
Alpine French School
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 79 08 38
Tour length:
6 nights' accommodation (3 half-day biking sessions, 5 half-day French classes – longer courses available)
Price:
Packages and prices can be tailored for you
Combine mountain biking in the incredible Alps with intensive French lessons. This course – tailored for mountain bikers new and old – 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, exploring the Morzine, Châtel and Les Gets trails in the High Alps. This is prime mountain bike country with a plethora of cross-country and downhill routes on offer (more than 650km of marked trails in total). Your mountain biking can be guided or unguided, and routes can be tailored to your experience and ability. 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.
Geneva-Annecy-Geneva: Rivers, Lakes and Mountains
A self-guided tour in the shadow of the beautiful Swiss Alps
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
2 nights / 3 days
Price:
From €405
Ride from the Swiss Alps, across the border and into France (and back again), experiencing two great cycling countries in the one trip. Ride from Switzerland's global city, Geneva, along the waterways of the Rhone, across farmlands and through vineyards. This trip can be tailored to your ability – you can tackle more mountains and longer distances, or take easier and shorter routes at your own pace. Distances a day range from 38km to 90km (you decide). On the French side of the border, you'll pass through Seyssel, a picturesque village by the banks of Rhône River, en route to the Fier River and its gorges. Explore medieval Annecy's cobbled streets and canals (it's not called 'the Venice of the Alps' for nothing) before taking in sweeping views of Lake Geneva on your way back to Switzerland. Price includes 2 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, 1 dinner, luggage transfers, marked maps and route notes, a GPS device (subject to availability). Bike rentals available on request.
Giants of the Alps - Road Cycling
Ride the iconic cols of the Tour de France between Savoie and Dauphiné
For over 100 years, images of the mythical climbs of the Tour de France and their heroes have fed our imagination. And these legendary mountain roads of the Savoie and Dauphiné regions have lost none of their fascination. This is a 7-day loop to discover these giants of the Alps. Set off for the Cormet de Roselend and the Iseran, Galibier, Glandon, Croix de Fer and Madeleine passes. Tackle the mythical climb of Alpe d'Huez and its 21 bends, that of La Toussuire and finally the famous Montvernier laces, magnificently clinging to the cliffs of the Maurienne Valley. A day's ride around Bourg d'Oisans allows you to fully enjoy the wild roads of this Alpine cycling paradise. This fully supported tour is for seasoned col-baggers as well as newer climbers. The price includes the assistance of a trip leader in a support vehicle (breakdown assistance, daily luggage transport and catering), accommodation in 2* and 3* hotels, breakfasts, picnic lunches prepared daily with fresh, regional products: high-energy salad (pasta, rice, lentil), cheese, cold cuts, fruit and muesli/cereal bars, dinners (3 or 4-course menus), carefully designed itineraries on 2 levels of difficulty, navigation app, a detailed road book with maps (digital format) and GPS tracks.
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.
Upper Provence, Ventoux, and Luberon
Get right to the heart of beautiful Provence on this self-guided holiday
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
5 nights / 6 days
Price:
From €1115
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 the 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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