Ten Top Cycling Holidays in France

Here are ten recommendations for how to enjoy the best scenery in France from the comfort of a saddle, from the dramatic coasts of Brittany and the picturesque villages of the Dordogne to the scented lavender fields of Provence and the stunning Côte d'Azur. 

Cyclist taking a break to enjoy the view on the Mountain Bike Weekend in Cevennes

1. Mountain Bike Weekend in Cevennes

This 3 centre based biking holiday explores the great rolling tracks of Cévenne's high plains and the lush wooded trails of its valleys. Discover the area's wild natural beauty and diversity of the landscape while developing your mountain biking skills and enjoying some fantastic local hospitality.

Duration: 7 days
Start point: Le Bez

See full itinerary and booking details (and how to get there by train): Mountain Bike Weekend in Cevennes

Cycling along the rivers and through picturesque villages of the Alsace2. Cycling in the Villages & Vineyards of Alsace

Set off on this leisurely cycling holiday through ancient villages, through country lanes and up hills with breathtaking views of the valley below. Explore the rich culture of the region by sampling local fare accompanied by excellent wines. The cycle routes are flexible - take your time wandering along quiet back roads through pretty villages or choose a more challenging day by cycling up to visit one of the many hill-top châteaux that have magnificent vistas across the valley.

Duration: 6 days
Start point: Kaysersberg, France

See full itinerary and booking details (and how to get there by train): Cycling in the Villages & Vineyards of Alsace

3. Bike Tour of the Pyrenees - Atlantic to Mediterranean

Cycling over the famous Tour de France cols in the Pyrenees, this is a classic, challenging journey from the Altantic to the Mediterranean for avid road cyclists. This version of the famous 'Pyrenees Raid' cycling adventure starts from the Atlantic resort of Hendaye and finishes in the historic port of Collioure on the Mediterranean. Amidst breathtaking scenery you will cycle some of the most challenging road passes in the Pyrenees, including the highest of all, the legendary Col de Tourmalet (2115m / 6939ft).

Duration: 9 days
Start point: Biarritz

See full itinerary and booking details (and how to get there by train): Bike Tour of the Pyrenees - Atlantic to Mediterranean

Brittany's Land's End Pointe du Millier4. Cycling to Brittany's Land's End

Enjoy the best of coastal cycling in the quiet side of Brittany. Finistère, literally 'land's end', is set on the rocky coast of north-west France, an area rich in churches, calvaries and chapels, hewn out of the granite rocks of this rugged land. Our undulating coastal route leads you from bustling fishing ports to traditional whitewashed farming communities, past menhirs and dolmens of an ancient bygone culture, and on to charming family-run hotels and restaurants where you will savour delightful regional cuisine.

Duration: 7 days
Start point: Douarnenez

See full itinerary and booking details (and how to get there by train): Cycling to Brittany's Land's End

Cycling on the quiet roads of the stunning island of Corsica5. Cycling Holiday in Corsica

Embark on an unforgettable cycling holiday to Corsica, one of the most impressively scenic places in Europe. Enjoy the journey to Cap Corse - the Island’s northern cape - a wonderfully diverse tour through an ever-changing landscape which allows you to discover both the rugged coastline and the beautifully traditional and unspoiled chestnut forrested interior of the Castagniccia.

Duration: 8 days
Start point: Bastia

See full itinerary and booking details (and how to get there by train): Cycling Holiday in Corsica

6. Dordogne Discovery: Canoe, Cycle and Walk Rural France

Discover tiny villages, ancient farms and a romantic château in some of the most scenic landscapes in France, by canoe, bike and on foot. You will see caves, gorges and there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the regional cuisine too. Paddling at a leisurely pace in your canoe, and following quiet country roads on your bicycle, you will be awed by the historical and geological richness of the region.

Duration: 8 days
Start point: Brive

See full itinerary and booking details (and how to get there by train): Dordogne Discovery

Cycling the challenging peaks of the Mont Blanc7. Mountain Bike Tour of Mont Blanc

Embark on this challenging mountain bike ride around Europe's highest peak, including a 5 day ride through France, Italy and Switzerland on classic Alpine singletrack. Starting out from your chalet base in the Chamonix Valley, you'll have 5 days to complete one of the world's greatest Alpine mountain bike adventure holdays.

Duration: 8 days
Start point: Chamonix

See full itinerary and booking details (and how to get there by train): Mountain Bike Tour of Mont Blanc 

8. Backroads of Burgundy - Cycling in the Wine Country

Cycle through beautiful Burgundy along the historic Canal de Bourgogne and tranquil backroads to fortified villages, chateaux and abbeys that show the splendid wealth and power of the church and state in medieval France. Winding your way through picturesque medieval villages and the elegant Chateau Commarin, you'll head deep into the heart of the Burgundy wine growing region.

Duration: 8 days
Start point: Montbard

See full itinerary and booking details (and how to get there by train): Backroads of Burgundy

9. Secret Provence Cycling

The ideal corner of Provence for a cycling holiday: historic villages, sleepy squares, olive groves and scented lavender fields combined with a range of superb hotels, tasty Mediterranean cuisine and world-renowned wines. The cycling is diverse and there's not too much traffic; abundant sunshine, yet cooling breezes; masses to see and do. You cycle through shady wooded hills, attractive towns, and discover “perched villages” with sites and monuments going back 2,000 years.

Duration: 9 days
Start point: Le Thoronet

See full itinerary and booking details (and how to get there by train): Secret Provence Cycling

Take a break and visit one of the stunning Chateaux in the Loire region10. Loire Gastronomic Cycling

This gentle and flexible gastronomic cycling holiday follows a triangular route through the heart of the great Loire Valley and features charming hotels, delicious cuisine and wine-tasting opportunities galore. You’ll come across many off-the-beaten-track delights as you pedal gently along lovely riverbanks and out through open countryside abundant with wildlife.

Duration: 7 days
Start point: Chissay

See full itinerary and booking details (and how to get there by train): Loire Gastronomic Cycling