Everything you need to know about cycling in France your independent guide
Tours - Self-guided: all france
Browse tours below or refine your search by using the search box.
Find cycling tours
Click on the map to search the regions for bike routes in France, cycling holidays, bike hire and lots of other inspiration for cycling in France.
You can use the map or the dropdown menu to select a region.
Search for tours:Normandy's Bayeux and Beaches
Vintage beach resorts, D-Day beaches and beautiful countryside
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44 (0)20 7471 7760
Tour length:
5 nights
Price:
From £1250
The Calvados region in Normandy is rich with places to visit, from moving World War Two memorials and medieval towns to ‘Belle Époque’ beach resorts. This self-guided tour allows you to discover them all while enjoying the tranquil countryside. Pay your respects at the D-Day landing beaches, visit the stunning Bayeux Tapestry and stop off at the colourful seaside towns of Cabourg and Honfleur. Not forgetting, of course, the chance to sample the regional cuisine and indulge in a glass (or two) of famous Calvados and cider. The price of this tour includes 3- or 4-star hotel accommodation on a B&B basis, one evening meal, support from a local representative, all route maps and ride instructions, luggage transfers, bikes and panniers, and puncture repair kits.
On the heels of the Impressionists in Normandy
Normandy by bike, from the Côte d'Albâtre to the Pays de Caux
Offered by:
France Bike Trips
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 58 14 04 35
Tour length:
3 or 4 days
Price:
From €275
Always on the lookout for contrast, light and atmosphere, painters never choose an area by chance – and these places tend to also be great places for holidays, places to wind down and relax. It wasn't just a few painters who fell in love with Normandy, but an entire movement. From the grey and blue hues of the English Channel to the ever-changing skies, the white chalk cliffs of Etretat, the traditional ochre cob of the houses and their abundant flower arrangements, the Côte d'Albâtre is far more colourful than one imagines. The Impressionists had stumbled upon a never-ending source of inspiration. It's an inspiration as well for this cycling tour: a superb mix of quiet coastal backroads, interspersed with charming fishing ports and small villages, the cliffs of Etretat, but also the wonderful Fécamp and Veulettes-sur-Mer. The price of this tour includes and 2* or 3* guesthouse or hotel accommodation, breakfasts, daily baggage transfers, a carefully designed itinerary, navigation app, detailed roadbook including maps (digital format) and GPS tracks. 25-50km a day depending on your preferred difficulty level.
Paris-Roubaix Challenge 2025
Tackle the cobbled classic yourself this spring
Offered by:
Rêve de Vélo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 67 15 82 04
Tour length:
2 days / 1 night
Price:
From €120
Take part in the Paris-Roubaix Challenge this year – the cyclosportive that runs in conjunction with the classic pro event. Rêve de Vélo will provide you with a race number and organise a night's accommodation, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience of riding the legendary Paris-Roubaix on the same roads – and cobbles – and under the same conditions as the professionals. You'll arrive on April 11 and stay in Roubaix before taking part in the event itself on April 12. Bike hire not included, but can be arranged. Please note that at the time of writing the website for this tour was in French only but the team at Rêve de Vélo will be happy to answer any of your questions in English over the phone or by email. (See also their other Monuments trips).
Pearls of Provence
From Avignon to Arles under the gaze of the mighty Mont Ventoux
Offered by:
France Bike Trips
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 58 14 04 35
Tour length:
6 days
Price:
From €755
What better way to explore the heart of this charming corner of Provence than on a bike? From bustling Avignon and the Palais des Papes, cross lush orchards and wine estates – including the famous Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas and Beaumes de Venise. The route offers breathtaking views of the Dentelles de Montmirail and the majestic Mont Ventoux. A network of quiet roads with little traffic will take you from village to village as you discover the local architecture and cultural heritage. Further south, reach the white rocks of the Parc des Alpilles before heading towards the medieval perched city of Les Baux de Provence, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. To finish the week, gently descend to the ancient city of Arles, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The price of this tour includes 5 nights in guesthouses and 2* or 3* hotels in double rooms with en-suite facilities, 5 breakfasts, daily baggage transfers, carefully designed itineraries with different levels of difficulty, navigation app, a detailed roadbook including maps (digital format) and GPS tracks. Ebike available. Two difficulty levels to choose from: 25-50km per day with 500-800m of elevation.
Provence & the Camargue by Bike & Boat
Explore the rivers and vineyards of Provence by boat and bike
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44 (0)20 3944 8857
Tour length:
7 nights
Price:
From £1335
Enjoy a week's bike-boat cruise to explore the beautiful rivers and vineyards of Provence and Camargue. Cruise through lagoons, olive groves and limestone cliffs, and enjoy cities full of hidden treasures and glorious Provençal wine. This is France as it should be discovered. The MS Caprice and MS L'Estillo are 2-star to 3-star vessels. See the famous flamingos of the Camargue regional nature park, the picture-perfect villages of Les-Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Vallabrègues, and, finally, the spectacular Pont du Gard aqueduct. The price of this tour includes flights and transfers from the UK (price can be amended if you are coming from elsewhere), en suite accommodation on the 2-star to 3-star boats, full board dining arrangements, daily semi-guided cycling tours and excursions, welcome cocktail, touring bikes with panniers, route maps and instructions and local support and friendly crew.
Provence in Luxury
A 5-star treat to explore the part of Provence that inspired Van Gogh
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44 (0) 20 3944 4822
Tour length:
5 or 7 night packages available
Price:
From £1795
This pocket of Provencal perfection inspired Vincent van Gogh through the most productive period of his career, with the beauty of the region, both natural and cultural, captured in more than two hundred of his works. The route will let you experience your own starry nights in St-Remy-de-Provence, soak up the colours and culture of Arles and explore the glorious Provençal countryside, with 5-star hotels to look forward to at the end of each ride. The price of this tour includes delightful 5-star accommodation with 3 evening meals, fully serviced touring bikes with panniers, water bottle and repair kit, detailed route information through the Ride With GPS app, expert on-the-spot support, luggage transferred between your hotels. E-bikes available upon request. 100% financial security through ABTA and ATOL.
Provence Single Centre
Cycle in Van Gogh's backyard on this self-guided tour
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44 (0)20 3811 2685
Tour length:
4 nights
Price:
From £695
Base yourself in a luxurious hotel in charming Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for this single-centre cycling holiday. A single base takes the hassle out of moving every day, allowing you to enjoy day rides and fully explore and get to know the area. Cycle as much or as little as you like. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the town where Van Gogh found inspiration for some of his most famous works. It's a vibrant and interesting town – don't miss the famous Wednesday morning market (the largest in Provence), with its regional specialities and beautiful crafts on offer. The surrounding region is filled with olive groves filled with the symphony of cicadas, lavender fields wafting aromas through each breeze, and charming towns full of intrigue.
Starry Nights in Provence
Cycle through the landscapes of Van Gogh
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44 (0)20 7471 7760
Tour length:
5 or 7 night packages available
Price:
From £1205
The beauty of this part of Provence inspired Vincent Van Gogh through the most productive period of his career, with both the natural and the cultural captured in more than 200 of his works. This route will let you experience your own starry nights in St-Remy-de-Provence. Soak up the colours and culture of Arles and explore the glorious Provençal countryside. Soak up the atmosphere of Arles from one of its charming cafes, explore the hilltop haven of Baux-de-Provence, with its vast panoramas, and go flamingo-spotting in the Camargue nature reserve. The price of this self-guided tour includes 3*/4* hotel accommodation on a B&B basis, 3 evening meals, luggage transfers, bikes, panniers and puncture repair kits, route maps and instructions, plus local support whenever needed. Electric bikes are available on request.
The Atlantic Coast cycle route from Arcachon to Biarritz
A relaxing ride surrounded by nature and the seaside
This self-guided ride will take you down the Atlantic Coast of France from Arcachon to Biarritz. It's an easy coastal bike ride for all abilities. Start from the beautiful old seaside town of Arcachon and head south towards the highest dune in Europe, the Pilat dune before following the southern part of the Atlantic cycle route, Euro Velo 1 Velodyssee. Along the way, ride through quiet pine forests and nice villages, typically just a few steps away from a lake or the beaches. Stop at any time to chill out on a beach, take a dip or relax with an ice-cream. The final part of this cycling holiday takes you along the Basque coast, first to Bayonne and then to Biarritz, the famous seaside town of the Basque country.
The best of Provence in 5 days
Discover the beautiful and varied region of Provence by bike
Offered by:
Rêve de Vélo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 67 15 82 04
Tour length:
5 days / 4 nights
Price:
From €872
This leisure cycling holiday in Provence from Avignon is a combination of many of the holidays – the Côtes du Rhone, the Drôme Provençale, the Vaucluse, the Luberon Nature Park, the Alpilles Nature Park, the Camargue Nature Park and the Gard. You'll cover a huge geographical area and sumptuous landscapes. It's all here: world-famous vineyards, olive groves, lavender, oak forests and the Camargue. The region's heritage is unrivalled, with 2,000 years of history and UNESCO-listed sites such as the Pont du Gard. The price of this self-guided tour includes bike hire, baggage transfer, accommodation, breakfast, a personal welcome on the first day by a local guide, navigation and tourism guides, a smartphone app and 24/7 hotline. Please note that at the time of writing the website for this tour was in French only, but the team at Rêve de Vélo will be happy to answer any of your questions in English over the phone or by email.
Three Lakes: Geneva, Bourget, Annecy
Cycle in the French Alps without climbing any mountains
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
5 nights/ 6 days
Price:
From €805
Experience the magic of the Alps without having to struggle up its famous mountains on this self-guided cycling holiday linking Lake Geneva, Lake Bourget and Lake Annecy. Follow paths and back-roads along the Rhone and Isere rivers, take in historic villages and stop to admire those famous cols from a comfortable distance. Daily distance: 48km-68km. Choice of either hotel or B&B/guesthouse accommodation. Price includes 5 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, 2 dinners, luggage transfers, detailed maps and route notes, a GPS device (subject to availability). Bike rental can be arranged on request. If you would like to take on the climbs, a more challenging version of the same tour can be organized. Bike rental can be arranged on request.
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.
Vineyards and castles: 10-day bike tour from Bordeaux to Sarlat
A beautiful ride through some of the finest landscapes in SW France
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
10 days
Price:
From €1249
This 10-day self-guided cycling holiday is a delightful mix of vineyards and history. From Bordeaux, start by discovering the vineyards of Saint-Emilion and its famous village and then onto the vineyards of Bergerac and Monbazillac, famous for its sweet white wines. From there, you'll take medieval villages like Limeuil, Les Eyzies, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, Terrasson-Lavilledieu and Saint-Genies. Then there are the prehistoric sites that mark the route – visit, among others, the National Prehistory Museum, the Font-de-Gaume cave, la Roque Saint-Christophe and of course the famous Lascaux caves. This cycling trip offers you the opportunity to spend two nights in Bergerac, Montignac and Sarlat to fully explore them. For your last day, you can exchange your bike for a canoe to explore the Dordogne River and its famous castles including Beynac, Castelnaud and La Roque Gageac. This is a complete and varied holiday that leaves time to appreciate all the gems of Périgord.
Vineyards of Bordeaux
Enjoy the stunning vineyards around the vibrant city of Bordeaux
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44 (0) 20 3944 9225
Tour length:
7 nights
Price:
From £1570
The city of Bordeaux, the sixth largest in France, offers a heady mix of rich history, world-class architecture, excellent gastronomy and of course, fine wines. This tour takes offers the chance to explore this magnificent metropolis and to spend time among the vast vineyards of the Entre Deux Mers appellation. From the city, you’ll ride a loop to the east, taking in famous wine towns like St Emilion, Sauternes and Cadillac. The price of this tour includes delightful 3-star and 4-star hotels, delicious restaurant meals each night, fully serviced touring bikes with panniers, daily route maps and cycling instructions, expert on-the-spot support, luggage transferred between your hotels. E-bikes available upon request and 100% financial security through ABTA and ATOL. Available with or without flights from the UK.
Vineyards of Champagne
Discover the charms and bubbles of the Champagne region
Offered by:
Cycling for Softies
Phone number:
+44 (0) 20 3944 2157
Tour length:
4 or 7 night packages available
Price:
From £975
Pedalling in Champagne is a treat for both the eyes and the tastebuds. This self-guided tour helps you to see the beauty of Champagne through its countryside, stunning towns, and its cosy villages. Some of the places you’ll visit, like Reims and Epernay, are home to some of the most famous wine houses in France. A tour of these is the perfect reward to a day’s cycling. Experience cycling through a mix of landscapes, from canal-side paths to backroads through rolling vineyards. Your tour will start in the town of Epernay, where you can experience first-hand the rich history and delicious wine that Champagne has to offer. The routes from here will take you past charming towns and beautiful vineyards where a glass of golden fizz awaits you at every turn. The grand Reims and charming Châlons-en-Champagne are both points of call, with many smaller towns and villages also tempting you to stray from the path. Enjoy the wonderfully easy ride from Epernay to Châlons-en-Champagne along the excellent Veloroute de la Marne. The price of this tour includes delightful 4-star hotels on a B&B basis, 4 evening meals, fully serviced touring bikes with panniers, water bottle and repair kit, detailed route information through the Ride With GPS app, expert on-the-spot support, luggage transferred between your hotels. E-Bike upgrades are available on request. All bookings provide 100% financial security through ABTA and ATOL.
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
Popular articles
- Bespoke planning help
- Help with bike hire
- Buying bikes in France
- Shipping bikes to France
- Cycling insurance
- Easy way to buy train tickets for bikes
- Taking bikes on Eurostar
- Ferry tickets to France
- Canal de Garonne itinerary
- La Velo Francette itinerary
- Paris bike routes
- French dictionary for cyclists
- How to choose a cycle tour
- How to choose a bike route
- Cycling with a GPS
- MTB in France
- Cycling for charity
© 2011-2024 Freewheeling France | Copyright, Cookies, Privacy and Advertiser T&Cs | Supported by GEL Studios