From vineyards and valleys to mountains and pretending you’re leading the peloton, France is is cycling heartland that shouldn’t be missed. Here are 7 of the Best Cycling Tours in France:
(Photo: tourradar.com)
France is a cycling country. Known for the world’s biggest bike race, The Tour de France, it is also a land of contrasting regions, including everything from winding picturesque valleys to cols that touch almost 3,000metres in altitude. There are dozens of ways to get to see France by bike, whatever your fitness level or motivation. Here are seven of the best cycling tours in France:
6 Day Classic Climbs of The Alps Cycling Tour in France
A true Colosseum of epic Tour de France battles, the Alps is a cycling destination where the soul of cycling runs deep. The climbs are often longer than the Pyrenees, which tend to be shorter and punchier, and the Alps are undoubtedly one of the most challenging places in the world to ride a bike. This tour’s checklist reads like a who’s who of the Tour’s most difficult stages, taking in the slopes of the Semnoz, the Madeleine, the Croix du Fer, the Glandon, the Telegraph, and the Galibier as you ride south to finish in style at the summit of Alpe d’Huez. Accommodation is a mixture of quaint B&B and alpine chalets as you traverse the mountains. Included is full-ride support from a professional guide team and support vehicle. From € 3,899.
Book at tripaneer.com
8 Day Cycling Holiday in Grand Brassac, in the Beautiful Dordogne
What makes this tour fairly unique is that it caters for everyone, with well-researched rides ranging from gentle scenic routes to hillier more challenging days in the saddle – you decide. That said, both options should be manageable for the more casual cyclist, this is about having fun rather than KOM hunting on Strava. Situated in the south west of France, The Dordogne is quintessential France, with time capsule villages, truffles, and incredible Bergerac and Bordeaux wines. After a day of cycling, there is a heated pool and onsite sauna to ease away the miles, before enjoying a lovely home-cooked, three-course meal prepared from local produce. From €900.
Book at tripaneer.com
7 Day Classic Climbs of the Pyreneés Guided Cycling Holiday in France
(Photo: eatsleepcycle.com)
Any avid cycling fan will know that the Tour de France is almost always decided in the Alps or Pyraness. This tour heads to the latter, taking in some of the toughest climbs in Europe, including The Tourmalet, the Peyresourde, the Aspin, the Hautacam, Luz Ardiden and more. As you’ve probably guessed, this is one for the more serious two-wheeler, racking up close to 100km a day on some days – plus plenty of vertical metres – but for those who want a taste of what Pogacar and Vingegaard’s day job looks like it is hard to beat. Seven days and six nights. From € 2,999.
Book at tripaneer.com
7 Day Cycling Tour of Provence in France
Packed with lavender fields, rolling vineyards and ancient Roman settlements, Provence is one of the most beautiful places on earth, let alone France. A warm Mediterranean climate and empty roads make it perfect for cycling too. However, this ride is not just about pottering through villages and lapping up the spectacular landscapes – there are some real testy climbs involved, not to mention finishing the week with one of the most difficult and infamous ascents in cycling, Mont Ventoux. Beware there are also some big distances to tackle, up to 130km a day, but the organisers make sure it stays relaxed and aimed at intermediate riders. Breakfast and lunch is included but it’s still an expensive tour. From €4,699.
Book at tripaneer.com
WWII Normandy Tour
(Photo: tourradar.com)
For those looking to combine history with the freedom of cycling, this is the tour. It’s worth noting, this is a self-guided tour, so you get a Garmin to lead the way but the organisers are on hand to help personalise the routes each day. Breakfast is included each day as well as two dinners. The tour involves cycling along the beaches where the famous landings took place and through cities full of history, visiting the WWII Memorial, and cycling the Calvados region to the famous Pegasus Memorial and Museum. There is also the chance to visit Bayeux, famous for its 11th century tapestry. You do get technical and emergency support, but for the price the lack of a guide might be a sticking point. From €2,030.
Book at tourradar.com
Alsace by Bike
Alsace can seem quite different to the typical France many visitors imagine. Bordering Switzerland and Germany, it mixes the culture of its neighbours with a distinct Alsation culture, with imposing castles and fairytale villages in the background. This tour takes in Strasbourg and Basel, as well as authentic villages, Baroque castles and Alsation vineyards. Accommodation is in three- and four- star hotels with breakfast included. For anyone looking for a gentler ride packed with culture, arts, and of course wine, it’s a perfect laid-back trip. From EUR 1.330.
Book at bookmundi.com
Loire Valley Cycle
The Loire Valley straddles the line between northern and southern France, packed with (you guessed it) vineyards and chateauxs. This self-guided tour takes eight days and takes a route from the historic city of Blois and back. The trip is all about making it as easy as possible, with a hybrid bike equipped with pannier and repair kit thrown in as well as an emergency hotline if you need assistance. Meals are only breakfasts and the hotels are two- to three-stars, with the option of an upgrade to chateau hotels. From EUR 1,130.
Book at bookmundi.com