Best Family Cycling in France

Family cycling holidays are brilliant. Instead of ‘babysitting’ your own children while they have all the fun or sending them off somewhere else so you can relax, the whole family enjoys the same experience together. Cycling for Softies has been a leading tour operator for family cycling holidays in France for 40 years. When parents ask us for advice on where best to take their children, this is what we suggest. Read on to find out about the best family cycle paths in France.

Family Cycling in Burgundy 

There’s brilliant riverside cycling along traffic-free routes, pools in most hotels, markets and festivals galore to explore in Burgundy.  The food is superb – a great opportunity to get fussy eaters to try a few new things. Burgundy’s biggest selling point for families is the Voie Bleue and Voie Verte cycle paths that offer level pedalling without a car to be seen. Away from the river it can get steeper so plan your routes carefully.  

Great for: Gourmet parents and confident kids

Family Cycling in Provence

Provence has many beautiful sights that the whole family can enjoy. We love the early morning rides to vibrant markets, snacking on roadside peaches or apricots, and kayaking from the river mouth at Vaucluse followed by hot, lazy afternoons in the pool make a fabulous holiday for any age. With so much to see and do, there’s something for every family member in Provence.

Great for: Adventurous families looking for sunshine

Family Cycling in the Loire

Known as ‘the garden of France’, the Loire is home to over a hundred castles and the longest river in France – its namesake. You’ll whizz by underground tunnels, moats and heart-stirring gardens to discover the Château de Villandry, a terraced Renaissance garden walled by tuffeau stone facades and a colourful kaleidoscope of nine decorated gardens.

Pedal along the Loire à Vélo cycle path, some 800km in length that stretches from the small village of Cuffy to the sand dunes and pine forests of St Brevin-les-Pins. The Loire à Vélo cycle path is a riverside highway for two wheels between the main attractions. Catch wafts of wild strawberries and gardenia along the traffic-free path, then head into the towns to walk in the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart, Eleanor of Aquitaine and many others.

The cycling is super easy with not a car in sight. Choose your own evening meals if you prefer – if you want pizza one night, have it!

Perfect for: Families who love history and pageantry

To find out more about the best family cycling holidays in France and our family cycle paths, call our experts on 020 7471 7760.