Cycling Tours in France
Few would argue that France is the ‘spiritual home of cycling’, which is why we’re pleased to offer the option of guided and self-guided cycling tours across France. As well as gentle leisure and family cycling trips, exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes on offer, our French road range also features many sensational routes, including iconic rides made famous by the world's leading road race, the Tour de France. Discover the stunning French countryside and coastline as you enjoy some of the most beautifully unspoilt regions of France, experiencing the fresh air and peaceful surroundings as you cycle along on one of our tailor made French cycling tours.
Found trips
A journey of three regions, connected by wine growing, but uniquely different in terms of their history, architecture, food and indeed their wine. Alsace has had a varied, often troubled, history. Its German heritage is clear in the village names, regional dishes and architecture. We begin in the vineyards before heading into the foothills of the Vosges, where lush green hillsides and pockets of woodland have an almost alpine appearance, but in miniature. We take in the two most challenging and iconic climbs of this gent...
This incredible route takes us on a journey of spectacular gorges, beautiful forested National Parks, through the home of Roquefort cheese and onto the amazing fortified town of Carcassonne. This place to place ride starts at the bottom of the Gorges d'Ardèche and heads into the heart of the predominantly pine forested Cevennes National Park, which stretches across the Ardèche, Lozere and Gard regions, all of which we visit during the tour. From here, we then journey onto the Tarn Gorge, Gorge de la Jonte a...
The Dordogne region of southwest France has been attracting visitors for years and on this trip we offer the widest variety of rural French riding possible in a week long getaway! As well as cycling past classic Dordogne vineyards and over rolling green hills, this trip also takes us toward the Massif Centrale and visits the Auvergne, one of France's most deeply rural and undiscovered regions. The Dordogne area, famous for its gentle rolling hills and medieval fortified towns, is a dramatic contrast with the more rugged...
A beautiful road cycling tour in France, in one of the most popular and most visited regions, Provence. With its diverse landscape, ranging from snow-capped mountains, pancake flat lavender plains and a stunningly beautiful coastline it's not difficult to see why. All of this stunning scenery, combined with fantastic food, over 300 days a year of sunshine and an extremely agreeable climate make Provence an irresistible cycling vacation destination. Provence is home to some of the best road cycling in southern Europe. You...
Skedaddle's 'Channel to Med' odyssey takes us from Brittany's St Malo shoreline and doesn't stop until we reach the glamourous and warm Mediterranean waters of Nice on the French Riviera. Our journey of more than 950 miles takes us through no fewer than 19 of France's regional départements as we ride into some of the country's most striking and dramatic landscapes, discovering the true heart of rural France. Passing through a patchwork of subtle and striking changes in terrain and landscape this is a route of two dis...
Our journey of over 900 miles takes us through two of the world's most passionate cycling cultures; Belgium and France. As we ride we encounter a wide range of scenery from the infamous cobbled climbs of Belgium and the vineyards of Burgundy before the mountainous extinct volcanoes of the Auvergne and finally the gently meandering Dordogne river. We start our journey in the picturesque Market Square of Bruges, surrounded by cyclists, everyone in Bruges is riding a bike! From here we cross Flemish speaking Flanders, takin...
This road cycling holiday in France includes some of the most famous and most notorious Tour de France climbs. Most road cyclists dream of riding these great icons of the sport but if you've never ridden in the mountains before, the prospect can be quite daunting. Riding in the mountains brings different challenges when compared to all other types of riding and this tour has been designed specifically to ease you into mountain riding. Each day features one main challenging, yet manageable, ascent with the option of a second ...
The French Alps hold a special place in the hearts of most cyclists and for years our alpine tours have been amongst our most popular French road cycling vacations. This adventure combines a whole host of old favorites, including a pairing of two of the most iconic climbs in the sport of road cycling, along with a number of new challenges which really showcase the best the southern Alps have to offer. From Marseille we transfer to Bedoin, the most famous of the three Ventoux gateway villages. Bedoin is a bustling little ...
Our Trans Pyrenees coast-to-coast cycle Challenge has been one of our most popular road cycling tours ever since we started offering it, well over a decade ago. We updated this trip in 2015, and in its latest incarnation the tour is bigger and even better than it was before. In response to popular demand, our carefully researched route now takes in the entire mountain range. Starting on the shores of the Atlantic and finishing on the warm sands of the Mediterranean, it presents a unique opportunity to combine a coast-to-...
The Raid Alpine road cycling tour in France begins in Thonon les Bains close to the Swiss border and ends 740km later in Antibes by the shores of the Mediterranean. This is a real challenge which takes in some of the highest mountain roads in Europe and is designed to appeal to experienced riders. The route takes us over 43 categorized cols, naturally including many made famous by the Tour de France. After arrival in Geneva we transfer to Thonon Les Bains, a picturesque spa town located on the southern shore of Lake Gene...
A fabulous week of cycling on the Cote d'Azur, where the Alps meet the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the challenging climbs, stunning views and quiet roads that make this part of France so popular with the professional riders who base themselves here. From the glamorous coastline to the quiet mountain top villages this is a vacation of contrasts, variety and plenty of climbing. Visit the favorite climbs of the professional riders and allow us to share some of our own favorite hidden gems of the area with you. This is a tou...
Our Pyrenees Fitness Weeks are the perfect way to get yourself ready for the season ahead, or round off your summer of cycling, with departures in springtime and in the autumn. Your base is the picturesque medieval village of Chalabre, situated in the foothills of the stunning yet demanding Pyrenees, located a mere 44km from the historic city of Carcassonne, a fortified town that is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. On this center-based road cycling tour you'll enjoy riding out on a daily basis from a pleasantl...
Our Pyrenees Fitness Weeks are the perfect way to get yourself ready for the season ahead, or round off your summer of cycling, with departures in springtime and in the autumn. Your base is the picturesque medieval village of Chalabre, situated in the foothills of the stunning yet demanding Pyrenees, located a mere 44km from the historic city of Carcassonne, a fortified town that is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. On this center-based road cycling vacation you'll enjoy riding out on a daily basis from our ple...
One of our most popular road cycling tours in France visits Corsica; known to the ancient Greeks as 'Kalliste' - the most beautiful - and referred to as 'The Beautiful Isle' by generations of travelers ever since, Corsica is one of the most diverse places in Europe. Our place to place tour around the north of this Mediterranean gem takes in the very best of the many delights that this special island has to offer. Beginning and ending in the bustling historic city of Bastia on the eastern coast of the island, our tour is ...
In conjunction with our long-established and very successful tour of Northern Corsica; (The Beautiful Isle), we bring you another road cycling holiday in France which covers the magnificent southern region of Corsica. Keen to assert their own identities, Corsica is divided into 'Haute-Corse' (upper Corsica) and 'Corse-du-Sud' (southern Corsica). The diversity of the landscape allows both of them to shine in their own right and both deserve a separate visit to make the most of them! This tour of the south is an absolute g...
Forming a dramatic border between France and Italy, the Alps of the Haute-Savoie offer mind-blowing landscapes linked by a labyrinth of amazing trails. This is a true mountain biker's "Shangri-la". The grandeur of the scenery is truly breathtaking, on top of which you add the delights of twisting singletrack, high alpine snaking ridge trails, fun flowing trails through forests. We'll take you through two very contrasting regions and cultures as we ride in France and Italy, through pastures, along lakes sides, past ancien...
This circular family cycling tour in France starts and finishes in Tours and meanders through the Cher, Indre and Loire valleys taking in an array of the many castles, manor houses and dreamy residences. The route has been designed with families in mind and what better way to explore this fascinating and beautiful area with your family, than by bike? You'll be cycling along seldom-used country trails and side roads on largely flat terrain. If you fancy less time in the saddle, you can often hop on the train to get to you...
This gentle family cycling tour in France starts in La Rochelle, a one thousand year old white washed city, and follows the dramatic Atlantic Coast south to the coastal resort of Royan. Highlights along the way include a ride to Baie de l'Aiguillon, a visit to the affluent island of Ile de Ré and the chance to sunbathe and chill out on the beautiful beaches of Royan. The long expanses of white beaches here have been well looked after and have kept their charm; the coastline is characterized by pretty port towns a...
A beautiful, self-guided cycling tour in France - a country that is synonymous with idyllic cycling along quiet country lanes and backroads. You'll be riding through unspoilt, spacious countryside where cyclists are welcome and where the pleasures of the palate are rewarded daily. Brittany is famous for its rich cultural heritage and architecture. Castles, feudal fortresses and abbeys are all waiting to be visited, and the area is rich in flora and fauna. Starting and finishing in the medieval town of St. Malo, your jour...
This gentle, self-guided cycling tour in France allows you to experience the delights of "Old France". During this leisurely cycling tour through Burgundy you will bike through two of the region's most picturesque and romantic waterways. The first part of your journey takes you through classic French rolling landscapes, sleepy villages and medieval half-timbered homes as you follow the Canal de Bourgogne between Montbard and Joigny. Beyond here you'll pick up the route of Canal du Nivernais and visit Auxerre before cycli...
This classic cycling journey will take you along the Veloscenic Route, from one world-famous monument to the next, as you leave the prestigious Palace of Versailles and pedal west to the awe-inspiring Mont Saint Michel. Carefully crafted to blend glorious countryside and rustic French villages with must-see sights, this biking extravaganza has something to suit everyone. Your trip begins in the regal city of Versailles, where you can take the opportunity to explore the Palace and stroll along the city's tree-lined boulev...
A beautiful, self-guided cycling tour in one of the most spectacular and fascinating parts of France, the Dordogne. Capital of prehistory with many of the best examples of cave art and early settlements. Along the way you will discover great castles, fortified towns, and lovely villages. Your circular cycling vacation starts and finishes in the beautiful medieval town of Souillac, heading through Salignac you'll make your way to Les Eyzies de Tayac. Famous for its grottos you can make time to visit these as well as the c...
This self-guided, circular Loire Valley cycling tour in France starts and finishes in Tours and meanders through the Cher, Indre and Loire valleys taking in an array of the many castles, manor houses and dreamy residences including Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceaux, Blois and Chambord. The Loire Valley is quintessential romantic France. The castles on the river and the beautiful countryside are the reason why this region is so famous. Kings, Lords and Ladies of the court were seduced by the beautiful natural setting and it's e...
Our lovely Gentle Loire cycling vacation in France is designed for those looking for an easy going route with beautiful scenery. You'll be riding on quiet back roads, seldom-used country trails and side roads on largely flat terrain. You have the whole day to take it slow and really take in this beautiful region. This circular cycling tour in France starts and finishes in Tours and meanders through the Cher, Indre and Loire valleys taking in an array of the many castles, manor houses and dreamy residences including Azay-...
This lovely self-guided cycling vacation in France combines beautiful Provence landscapes with historical towns and cities and has a distinctly Roman feel to it. Your cycling takes you from the town of Orange through St Laurent, past the famous aqueduct, Pont de Gard to Avignon. Plenty of time to savor wines from the famous vineyards you'll be cycling past, including Côte du Rhône and Les Baux. You'll visit the romantic town of St Rémy, famous for its aromas of wild herbs. Van Gogh lived in St Ré...
Trips to book before it's too late. For all other dates check-out the Departure Dates menu below
Explore one of the most diverse places in Europe. Cycling at your chosen pace and routes allows you to really experience what this destination truly has to offer.
A superb self-guided cycling tour on the beautiful island of Corsica; known to the ancient Greeks as "kalliste", the most beautiful, and referred to as "The Beautiful Isle" by generations of travelers ever since, Corsica is one of the most diverse places in Europe. Our self-guided leisure cycling tour here allows you to explore the most stunning parts of the Cap Corse, the island's sparsely populated northern peninsular. Your week begins in Bastia, a bustling historic city situated on the eastern coast of the island, an...
A wonderful bike and boat vacation through the wild Camargue. Starting in historical Avignon, we'll make our way through typical Provencal landscapes, through the charming city of Arles towards our final destination, Aigues-Mortes, with its medieval fortress. Features to be explored include the hill-top village of Les-Baux-de-Provence and the well preserved Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. All the while we'll be cycling amongst a landscape of limestone cliffs and olive trees. Your accommodation for the week is on a...
A wonderful bike and boat vacation through the wild Camargue, from the medieval fortress of Aigues-Mortes, past the historical city of Arles, all the way to Avignon and its famous Pont du Gard. The route will take us through typical Provencal landscapes, including rides through the Rhone Valley, Van Gogh's Provence and we'll finish with a toast to celebrate our week out on our bikes with a glass of the local Chateauneuf du Pape. Your accommodation for the week is on a specially-designed barge. During the day, a local lea...
Skedaddle have been running the St Malo to Nice trip since 2011 and it's proved to be incredibly popular. The only question that customers have raised with us is whether we could make it a little more relaxing by taking slightly longer to complete the distance. We've done exactly that. The same fantastic journey, but now with slightly lower distances each day to allow you to soak up the scenery along the way. Our journey through France takes us through the 'spiritual home of cycling'. The French love affair with the bike beg...
Skedaddle News, Views and Trip Stories
Expert advice: Why Corsica should be on your riding radar
Those wise ancient Greeks were definitely on to something when they first encountered the Mediterranean island of Corsica and named it ‘kalliste’, known as ‘the most beautiful of them all’. Today Corsica still remains relatively untouched by the modern world and…
The post Expert advice: Why Corsica should be on your riding radar appeared first on Skedaddle Blog.
Last Updated: 04/04/2019
Customer Story: We’ll get you to Nice!
People embark on our cycling holidays for a wide variety of reasons, and when Mark set out to complete our epic St Malo to Nice journey in France, he had one very particular reason in mind! It’s not every day that we get…
The post Customer Story: We’ll get you to Nice! appeared first on Skedaddle Blog.
Last Updated: 08/01/2019
Mountain Challenge: Mont Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez
Two of the most iconic climbs in Tour de France history! This dramatic journey takes you from Mont Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez via some truly stunning, and challenging, Alpine riding. Our guide and cycling journalist, Hannah Reynolds, tells us all…
The post Mountain Challenge: Mont Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez appeared first on Skedaddle Blog.
Last Updated: 05/07/2018
Say salut to the mountains of France
Looking to cut your teeth on one of Europe’s most iconic mountains this year? If you’re a keen road cyclist looking to take your riding skills to the next level, our holiday Le Ventoux a Velo could be for you. Based in…
The post Say salut to the mountains of France appeared first on Skedaddle Blog.
Last Updated: 18/05/2018