Published by Lyn on 30 October 2018
Browse our listings to find guided or self-guided cycling holidays in the French Alps to suit your budget and your ability.
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French Alps cycling holidays
4-day cycling tour on ViaRhôna from Montélimar to Avignon
Ride from the orchards of the Drôme to the vines in Provence
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
4 days
Price:
From €410
Take a short 4-day self-guided biking trip to discover the ViaRhôna from Montélimar – a city famous for its colourful and tasty nougats – to Avignon and its Palais des Papes. Cycle 30km to 50km on three consecutive days with the day off on arrival allowing you to get your equipment and prepare at your leisure. Follow the ViaRhôna bike path to Pont-Saint-Esprit before enjoying small typical roads of Provence. Your ever present companion will be the wild Rhône river snaking through orchards and vineyards. Your trip ends in the gorgeous historical cities of Orange and Avignon. The price of this tour includes bikes, GPS routes, maps and tourist leaflets, accommodation and panniers. Ebikes and luggage transfers if necessary can also be added as extras.
A 7-day bike trip on the ViaRhona from Seyssel to Lyon
Follow the Rhone river as it meanders to magnificent Lyon
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
7 days
Price:
From €799
For the vast majority of this ride you will follow the Rhône river on the ViaRhona, exploring by old towpaths and quiet roads. If the river views aren't enough, there's the beautiful mountain bikedrop as well. Discover traditionals hamlets and fishing ports such as Chanaz or Groslée as well as the lively spa town of Aix-les-Bains and its lake of Bourget. Taste local specialities along the way: from Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers and the Cité du Gâteau to the medieval streets of Pérouges (and its sugar pie) to Lyon's famous bouchons, this is a bike ride for foodies, wine enthusiasts, history buffs and nature lovers. The price of this self-guided ride includes bikes, GPS routes, maps and tourist leaflets, accommodation and panniers. Ebikes and luggage transfers can be added on as extras.
Alps Challenge: Geneva to Alpe d'Huez
6 famous cols en route to the Alpe – are you up for the challenge?
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
5 nights / 6 days
Price:
From €955
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.
Alps on Gravel – Geneva to Aix-les-Bains
Discover some of the amazing gravel rides available in the Alps
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0) 4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
2 nights/3 days
Price:
From €495
Somewhere between road cycling and mountain biking, gravel cycling is the ultimate in flexible riding. It has really taken off over the past few years and the Savoie region has some brilliant routes. If you want to enjoy some of the best scenery the area has to offer, then this is the tour for you. Start in either Geneva or Gaillard on the French side of the border and head south, skirting along the Swiss border and wind your way down to Annecy. Leaving the ‘Venice of the Alps’ the next day, this self-guided tour continues south along the stunning Lake Annecy, arriving in Saint Pierre d’Albigny. After an overnight stay in the magical Château des Allues, will ride west towards Lac du Bourget through Chignin and Apremont, some of the most famous wine growing areas of the Savoie region. After passing through Chambéry, the tour concludes by riding along the banks of Lake Bourget and arriving in Aix-les-Bains. The price of this tour includes 2 nights' accommodation (deluxe guesthouse and 3-star hotel, breakfast) plus 1 dinner with drinks, luggage transfers, marked maps and roadbook, GPX files or GPS pre-loaded with the itinerary and one-road assistance if needed.
An Alpine Riviera Cycle Tour
4 days of mountain scenery, charming villages and swimming spots
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
4 days
Price:
From €429
This 4-day self-guided bike tour starts and ends in Aix-les-Bains and showcases the treasures of Lake Bourget. Whether you ride on the dedicated cycle paths around lake, take the ViaRhona or meander along small countryside roads, you'll adore the stunning scenery and mountain backdrop. Stop at small wine producers along the way to sample regional wines, take a canoe on the Savière canal or take a dip in the largest natural lake in France. The price of this tour includes bike and pannier hire, accommodation, and full route notes and maps.
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 €995
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:
5 nights/ 6 days
Price:
From €1145
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 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 €540
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.
Cycling week along the ViaRhôna from Vienne to Avignon
Relaxing bike trip for all abilities (including kids) along the Rhône
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
8 days
Price:
From €1049
The ViaRhôna is a 815km long cycling route connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. This 8-day stretch between Vienne and Avignon follows the marked and secure path from the Côtes-du-Rhône vineyards to the Provence lavander fields. From the antique theatre in Vienne to the Palais des Papes in Avignon, including the château de Rochemaure and the Thriumph Arch in Orange, experience a trip through the ages. The lanscapes are always changing from the abrupt Ardèche to the lavander fields, from the Côtes-du-Rhône vineyards to the ones in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. You will be impressed by the many bridges crossing the Rhône river, exceptional pieces of art. The itinerary is either on green paths or shared lines and crosses 5 very different departments. Daily distances 36km-74km. Price includes all accommodation, bike hire, full route notes and maps, plus luggage transfers.
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.
From Geneva to Lyon – a cycling adventure on the ViaRhona
A fantastic journey along the ViaRhona cycle route
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
8 days
Price:
From €989
Starting in Geneva, Switzerland and finishing in Lyon, this is a great adventure following the now well-established ViaRhôna cycle path. Discover wild nature and authentic hamlets in the Savoie and Isère regions. Cycle along the Rhone and relax on the lakeside beaches in Léman and Bourget, stroll the lively streets of Belley or Crémieu, enjoy the brioches of Saint-Genix or try out the "bouchons", the traditional restaurants in Lyon. The Rhone route offers a majestic river experience, interspersed with Swiss reliefs and tunnels specially adapted to cyclists. Are you ready for this formidable cycle adventure nestled between the Rhone and the mountains? The price includes bikes, accommodation, detailed route information and luggage transfers.
Geneva to Annecy: Famous climbs and lesser-known passes
A self-guided tour around lakes and over mountains for serious cyclists
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
5 nights / 6 days
Price:
From €775
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.
Geneva to Lyon on the Via Rhona
Follow the Rhone River between two of Europe's great cities
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
5 nights/6 day package
Price:
From €845
If you’re dreaming of "la bonne vie" but are short on time, this 6-day package could be the perfect fit! Meander along the 'Via Rhôna', a new bicycle path that follows the Rhone River as it flows towards the Mediterranean Sea. Ride past farmers' fields, through ancient villages, and around lush vineyards as you make your way at a leisurely pace from Geneva, Switzerland to Lyon, France's third-largest city. Castles, churches, caves and Roman ruins – they are all yours to visit on this self-guided holiday. This tour is tailored for all cycling abilities, with daily rides ranging from 41-68 km (25-42 miles) on mostly gentle terrain. Price includes 5 nights' hotel accommodation, 3 dinners, marked maps and route notes, a GPS device (subject to availability), and luggage transfers between hotels. Bike rental can be arranged on request.
Geneva-Annecy-Geneva: Rivers, Lakes and Mountains
Cross the Swiss border into France to take in two countries in one trip
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
2 nights/3 days
Price:
From €390
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 dinners, luggage transfers, marked maps and route notes, a GPS device (subject to availability). Bike rentals available on request.
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.
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 €775
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.
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