Cycling Holidays
in France

France has a fantastic reputation for easy cycling with its quiet countryside roads and gentle cycle highways. The scenery is stunning in both the south and north cycling destinations. Whatever you are looking for in a self guided cycling holiday in France, our team can help you.

Our cycling tours in France run from May through to October. Our team can tailor your cycling tour to make sure you are not cycling during the heat of the day. We have lots of destinations in France and will arrange your trip so you see all of the landmarks.

Across our cycling destinations in France, we have picked the best chateau hotels, rustic country inns and elegant townhouses to relax in after a day’s cycling. Each accommodation has excellent service and facilities to enjoy during your French cycling holiday.

Our expert team will make your cycling holiday in France as smooth as possible from start to finish. When you book a flight-inclusive package we will provide you with all the latest travel information you need. We are also ABTA & ATOL bonded so you can book with confidence.

At the moment, all our cycling tours in France are self guided. This means you have the freedom to explore at your own pace, following a carefully crafted route with the help of detailed itineraries and easy-to-use GPS navigation.

While you won’t have a guide leading the group, you can rest assured that we take care of all the details – accommodation, luggage transfers, and route planning – so you can focus on enjoying the journey. And if you ever need assistance along the way, our team is just a phone call away.

Our self guided tours allow you to discover the stunning landscapes, charming villages, and delicious local cuisine of France, all while cycling at your own speed. To explore the different routes we offer in France, you can also take a look at our self guided cycling holidays in France.

For a cycling holiday in France, you don’t need to be super fit – just ready to enjoy a leisurely and scenic adventure! Our France cycling trips are designed to be relaxed and accessible, with routes that focus on enjoyment rather than pushing your limits.

The average daily distance on our France bike tours is typically between 25 and 40 kilometers (15 to 25 miles), with plenty of time for breaks to explore charming villages, sip coffee at a café, or relax in the countryside. If you’re used to a bit of cycling, you’ll find our routes comfortable and manageable, even if you haven’t cycled for a while.

If you’d like a little extra help tackling those rolling French hills, we offer e-bikes on most trips. They give you a gentle boost and make cycling easier and more fun, so you can focus on the beautiful landscapes and local culture without worrying about the terrain.

Whether you’re a casual cyclist or a first-time rider, our cycling holidays in France are designed to be effortless, with plenty of opportunities to take things at your own pace.

Packing for a cycling holiday in France is all about being comfortable and prepared for leisurely days of exploration. Here are the essentials:

1. Comfortable Cycling Clothes: Bring breathable, lightweight clothing if you have it, including padded shorts and moisture-wicking tops, to keep you comfortable on the bike. Layers are key for changing weather.
2. Shoes and Accessories: Comfortable trainers or cycling shoes are a must, along with sunglasses and a lightweight jacket. You may wish to bring gloves if the temperature drops.
3. Day Bag Essentials: Pack sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and your camera or phone for snapping those unforgettable views. While we provide GPS navigation, a small notepad can also be handy for jotting down local tips and discoveries.
4. Evening Attire: Our France cycling holidays feature charming boutique accommodations, so bring casual outfits for relaxing evenings and enjoying gourmet meals.
5. Cycling Gear (Optional): We provide bikes, helmets, and repair kits, but feel free to bring your own helmet or other personal gear if preferred.

For a detailed packing checklist and extra tips, check out our blog on what to pack for a cycling holiday.

With these essentials, you’ll be ready to relax, explore, and enjoy every moment of your France cycling holiday!

France is a cycling paradise, with countless regions offering stunning routes, charming villages, and unforgettable landscapes. The best place to cycle really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, but here are just some of our favourite spots:

1. Provence: Known for its lavender fields, rolling vineyards, and beautiful countryside, Provence offers idyllic cycling through picturesque villages and scenic hills. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, sensory experience, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy fine food and wine along the way.
2. Loire Valley: The Loire Valley is a cyclist’s dream, with its flat, easy-going routes that take you past fairy-tale châteaux, vineyards, and charming towns. It’s ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in history, culture, and local wines, all while cycling through breathtaking landscapes.
3. Bordeaux: For wine lovers, cycling through the vineyards of Bordeaux is a must. The flat terrain and scenic routes make it a great option for a leisurely ride, with the added bonus of delicious wine tastings and charming riverside villages.
4. Champagne: For a sparkling cycling experience, the Champagne region offers scenic routes through rolling vineyards, charming villages, and historic champagne houses. This area is perfect for wine lovers who want to explore the world-famous vineyards of Champagne, taste the region’s iconic bubbly, and enjoy picturesque countryside. The gentle terrain and quiet country lanes make for an ideal cycling adventure, with plenty of opportunities to pause and sip champagne as you go.

No matter where you choose to go on your cycle holiday in France, you’ll find breathtaking scenery, rich history, and incredible food and wine waiting for you. Our cycle experts have curated routes across these regions to make sure you experience the best of each area – without the stress. You can learn more about the best cycle routes in France in our blog.

Choosing Cycling for Softies for your cycling holiday in France means opting for a seamless, relaxed, and unforgettable experience. Here’s why we’re the best choice:

1. Financial Protection: We take your peace of mind seriously. When you book your holiday with us, you benefit from financial protection through ABTA and ATOL, so you can relax knowing your France cycle holiday is secure.
2. Tailor-made: Every trip we offer is designed to be flexible and customisable to suit your personal preferences. Whether you want to upgrade your accommodation, add extra days, or change a route, we work with you to create a cycling holiday that’s just right for you.
3. Built by Cycle Experts: Our team of cycle experts has an in-depth knowledge of each destination and a passion for creating the best cycling experiences. We’ll help you choose the perfect route, provide expert advice on bikes and gear, and ensure everything is perfectly planned so you can focus on enjoying your ride.
4. Kinder to The Planet: We care deeply about preserving the beautiful regions we explore. Cycling is one of the most sustainable forms of travel, and we’re committed to minimising our environmental impact. From choosing eco-friendly accommodations to supporting local businesses, we ensure that every step of your journey is as sustainable as possible. You can read more about our approach to sustainability here.

When you choose Cycling for Softies, you’re choosing a hassle-free, luxurious cycling holiday in France where the focus is on you, the scenery, and the joy of exploring at your own pace – plus the peace of mind that comes with knowing your holiday is both secure and sustainable.