The Best Cycling Holidays in France

Aside from the warm temperatures, fine food, exquisite wine, impressive architecture and romantic culture, the cycling itself is simply enjoyable. You'll typically follow 'voies vertes' (greenways cycle paths) and 'véloroutes' (a mix of cycle paths and minor roads), and on the rare occasion you're on a road without a cycle path, you'll notice a real respect for cyclists from the local drivers. This makes it particularly good as a destination for families with kids of all ages and cyclists of all abilities.

Below you'll find our pick of the best cycling holidays in France. For personal advice and recommendations from our team, call us on +44 (0)1273 224065 or enquire online. Whether you have dates or a specific tour in mind, or you're just looking for ideas, we're here to help.

If you're looking to see the best that the Loire Valley has to offer in a few days, this flexible three or five day tour is ideal. Staying in the riverside city of Amboise, either in one of two charming 10 room hotels with spa and stunning views of the castle or an historic, 17th-century house converted into a lovely hotel (all with outdoor pools for the summer months), there are four self-guided tours to choose from each day.

Pedal along flat riverside paths and scenic cycle routes through rural landscapes of green forests and vast vineyards to the stunning chateaux that earned this region its World Heritage status. Completely flexible, you can cycle every day or take a day off to sunbathe by the pool and sip world-class local wines.

Freedom Trekkers say: "Amboise is a perfect place to relax and luxuriously set out on daily jaunts into the countryside enjoying the chateaux and delightful scenery and food. The pace was leisurely and relaxed the entire time. This trip was a nice change from the town-to-town tours we have enjoyed in the past. The rides were easy with only a few short hills. As we were always returning to the same town our rides took detours and stops and alternate routes when we felt like it." - George Lichte, USA

View tour: Loire Valley - Vineyards & Chateaux Bike Tour From One Hotel

Although all of our French tours take you through sumptuous vineyards with opportunities to enjoy a glass or two, if you really want to get to know the Champagne region, this tour includes the option to add visits and tastings at major (£30) and smaller (£23) Champagne houses. You'll even visit the village of Hautvillers where Dom Pérignon pioneered his sparkling wine.

When you don't have a glass in hand, you'll pedal through rolling landscapes and vineyards, including the Montagne de Reims National Park, and spend time exploring the World Heritage architecture, Roman remains and art deco cafes of Reims. The three days of cycling are fairly leisurely but there's the option to choose an e-bike for an extra boost.

View tour: Champagne Bike Tour - Bike & Bubbly

If you'd like to pedal the Loire Valley at a more relaxed pace, look no further. The gentle daily rides, none more than 28 miles (45km), are along cycleways and quiet roads and, fairly unique for our programme, you'll have plenty of time to cool off as every hotel features a swimming pool. You can even reduce the rides with optional train journeys and rest days around the pool. This also makes this tour ideal for families, with a full range of bike hire options from child seats and trailers to follow me bikes, child bikes and even family tandems!

Majestic chateaux, imposing castles and beautiful gardens all feature regularly, with highlights including Amboise Château, Clos-Lucé Manor (home to both Charles VIII and Leonardo da Vinci!), Château de Chenonceau and Chambord Castle.

View tour: Loire Valley Leisurely Bike Tour

Our longest tour in both time and distance on the saddle, follow the Loire River from Joan of Arc’s home city of Orléans to Saumur with its storybook castle. You'll pass dozens of chateaux along the way, and you'll truly be able to say that you've seen the best that the Lore Valley has to offer.

The region’s gourmet cuisine adds an extra dimension to this trip, thanks to the rich farmland, green vineyards and dense woodland. Goat's cheese, game and wild boar are local specialities, tarte tatin is available in every patisserie and the chocolates and fruit cakes in Blois are delicious.

Freedom Trekkers say: "My wife and I did this tour with our two sons aged 9 & 12 years. The route is excellent with the majority of the cycling on traffic free cycle paths or very quiet roads. There is the odd short section of busier road, mainly on entering the towns. Although route maps and directions are provided for most of the route it is very well signposted. The hotels were pleasant, and all provided cycle storage. Overall one of our best ever family holidays!" - Michael Smith, UK

View tour Loire Valley - Orléans to Saumur Bike Tour

With short daily distances and mostly flat terrain, largely on the Voie Verte (Green Way) cycle paths, this is one of our easiest cycle routes and is ideal for all ages and levels. The safe routes make it particularly good for a first cycling holiday, while the leisurely pace gives plenty of time for long picnic lunches or a spot of wine tasting for those old enough.

The kids will feel like they're on a real adventure as you cycle past rocky outcrops and flowing rivers, stopping off at chateaux to stroll around their magnificent gardens or take a peek inside at their grand interiors. For the adults, the Burgundy region is home to some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards and wine villages - a glass of Pinot Noir or a chilled Chablis in the evenings is the ultimate way to unwind.

Freedom Trekkers say: "The route, mostly along old railway lines and canal towpaths, was amazing. It was almost all flat, which suited our family very well, and the surrounding countryside was beautiful. The distances each day were just right for children." - Paul Butler, UK

View tour: Leisurely Wine Trails of Burgundy Bike Tour