2 min summary Best time to go Map & highlights Types Raid Pyrenean Burgundy Provence Mont Ventoux Chateau to chateau Loire Valley Tips See all our France guides

Types of cycling vacations in France

Although riding a bike is somewhat easy, and unforgettable, there are numerous types of cycling vacations in France to help you decide upon an experience to suit you down to the ground. Leisurely touring, moderate distances or a challenge that wouldn’t look out of place on the Tour de France; decide which type of cycling vacation in France best suits you before pedalling off into the unknown.

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TYPES OF CYCLING HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE

Where you want to cycle in France is just as important as which style best suits your fitness levels and cultural expectations. You could become part of a guided, small group or might prefer self guided cycling. Point to point itineraries are great for seeing more of a region, although center based trips do alleviate the need to keep packing and unpacking. Short distances (25km to 50km) on flat terrain, along a riverbank, canal path or coastline, are really relaxing whereas longer routes, 50km+, over agricultural hillsides provide more of a challenge. Perhaps the Pyrénéan cols of the Tour de France or the peaks of the French Alps are more your thing? Be honest, enjoy yourself and choose a cycling vacation which appeals for all the right reasons.

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Leisurely

If you’re looking to pause a little longer in a Provençal market town or stow your bike and stroll over a cobbled castle courtyard, then choose a leisurely cycling vacation where distances are shorter and gradients are as flat as a crêpe. Canal towpaths, riverbanks, lakesides and coastlines are all ideal for pedalling daily distances of 30km without too much effort, as well as offering a whole heap of excuses to indulge during the afternoon and evening without feeling like you have to hit the hay.

Moderate

Taking your cycling vacation in France to a more moderate level (some steep gradients and daily distances of 50km+) doesn’t mean that you have to bypass historical sites and gastronomic delights – far from it. These types of tours appeal to cyclists who feel fit enough to enjoy a challenge without going OTT. Through the wine growing regions of Rhône-Alpes or Nouvelle-Aquitaine, for instance, or perhaps the hillsides and plateaux of Provence appeal, alongside all of that delicious, hearty fare?

Challenging

Set your sights on Col de St Ignace, Col d'Aubisque and Col du Tourmalet as you embark on a classic coast-to-coast furrow across the Pyrénées with gradients averaging 8 to 10 percent and ascents stretching to a staggering 20km. Alternatively, why not cycle a daily average of 90km from Lake Geneva to Alpe d'Huez over a six day odyssey in the saddle.

Historical or cultural

The French are renowned for preserving their heritage which is why we feel a cycling tour should always include at least a couple of châteaux – there are 1,500 to choose from in the Dordogne alone! Alternatively, seek examples of Roman engineering, with aqueducts and amphitheatres aplenty in Provence. In Normandy, pay your respects at the WWII cemeteries and memorials along the beaches. Sometimes you’ll simply cycle into a provincial market town or village, and just feel like you’ve pedalled through a portal into the past.

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Calling us from outside the US?

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Foodie

Let’s face it, the French do food remarkably well and just because you’re embarking on a bike tour it certainly doesn’t mean that you can’t fill your saddle bags with all manner of buttery, crumbly, creamy goodness. Whether you’re tempted by tarte flambée in Alsace, moules à la crème in Normandy or bœuf bourguignon in Burgundy, sampling the local grub, and the wine from its region of origin, is an opportunity too good for foodies to turn down.

Tailor made

Self guided, tailor made tours allow you to travel at a time of year that suits you, although cycling between April and October ensures you’ll get the best of the weather. Detailed trip notes, a choice of itineraries, luggage transfers, local guides and characterful, family-owned hotels add to the benefits of 24/7 assistance, if needed. These all combine to ensure you’re getting a cycling vacation in France that matches your interests and comfort levels, as well as increasing independence and confidence.

Small group

Small group cycling vacations aren't about being herded from pillar to post without the freedom to cycle independently – far from it. They are about inspiring confidence, learning from local experts and encouraging camaraderie for completing challenges or simply enjoying an evening out. Having a group leader enables stress-free cycling as you know you're safe and can rest assured that no one will get left behind – or pedal off too far ahead. Support vehicles are on hand to transfer luggage, supply mechanical assistance and offer a cheeky chance to duck out of a lengthy ascent if you'd prefer to rest.

If you’d rather stay in one place – without the need to pack and unpack – you can, as well as opting for a self guided, center based vacation as part of a small group. These let you go off cycling during the day before joining the rest of the group in the evening. If you're a solo cyclist you'll get the option to share a room with someone of the same gender or have your own space for a supplement. Some of the sterner routes, such as over the Pyrénées and around the Alps, are much better suited to guided small groups, as you need to follow a leader who knows what lies ahead as well as evoking esprit de corps to help you over a hump.

More about France cycling

Best time to go cycling in France

Discover the dates of the cycling season as you check out our best time to go cycling in France section with an easy to navigate temperature and rainfall chart and month by month guide as well as useful tips from our suppliers.

Cycling in France travel guide

Our cycling in France travel guide aims to open up the quiet country lanes, the coastline and the waterways of the westerly and central regions as well as the peaks and cols of the Pyrénées and the Alps.

Where to cycle in France

France is vast so you’d be wise to peruse our cycling in France map & highlights guide so as to make the most of your time in one of Europe’s richest and most varied cultural and naturally beautiful countries.

Raid Pyrenean cycling vacations

This coast to coast challenge isn’t for everyone and you'd best do your homework before signing up to an eight-day vacation leading from Atlantic swells to the rippling Med via the peaks, cols and scintillating scenery of the Pyrénées.

Cycling vacations in Burgundy

Beautiful Burgundy is one of France’s favourite regions for cyclists with hundreds of rural roads and greenway routes adding to the tranquility of pootling along a tow path on the banks of the Burgundy Canal.

Cycling in Provence

Discover the irresistibly charming landscapes and communities that have inspired everyone from Vincent Van Gogh to Peter Mayle when you go cycling in Provence.

Mont Ventoux weekend

The beast, the giant, call it what you will; the ascent of Mont Ventoux has been firmly cemented in cycling lore.

Chateau to chateau cycling

With a succession of monumental renaissance palaces and medieval masterpieces lining the Loire Valley, what better way to explore than on a chateau to chateau cycling vacation.

Loire Valley cycling highlights

Less of an athletic endeavour, more a gentle way to explore the châteaux, vineyards and cuisine of France’s Valley of the Kings, Loire Valley cycling vacations are the epitome of active relaxation.

Cycling in France training & climbing

We’ve hand-picked some key tips from our friends in France to ensure that when you undertake a cycling vacation here you can do it with the utmost care and confidence - it's as easy as riding a bike.

More relevant guides

Written by Chris Owen

ABTA member P7085 so you are fully protected

Photo credits: [Page banner: Thirsty South] [Intro: Steve Jurvetson] [Challenging: shirokazan] [Foodie : Lulu Durand] [Small group: Graham of the Wheels]

Types of cycling vacations in France