Bicycle Tours, France

We have carefully picked the best bicycle tours all around France for you. Even if you plan to travel to Paris, you can always dedicate your pastime (say, half or one third of your planned Paris holidays) to these wonderful bicycle tours. You will discover exciting facts about France, feel the breathe of French history, and explore the culture. Do not be afraid of easily getting tired and bore. It is not the case with Bicycle tours. Besides, afterwards you’ll be back to your comfortable Paris hotel, relax, and fully appreciate the City of France.

Bicycle Tour One: Le Tour de France: Alps

Summary Tour Includes:

• 12 days / 11 nights
• Round trip airfare from select cities arriving the next day in France.
• 7 nights 3 star pension with breakfast and dinner.
• 3 nights in Paris 3 star hotel Jardin de Neuilly a “Châteaux and Hôtels de France” with buffet breakfast.
• Transfers from Nice, France, to meeting place and from end of cycling tour to Paris hotel.
• Experienced Guides fluent in English and French (one cycling, one courier, one van driver, one bus driver)
• Travel materials and route maps
• Detailed tour descriptions
• Luggage transport (including bike transport cases) and cycling support van with riding option on difficult stages.
• Catering before, during and after all stages with energy bars, sport drinks, fruit, sweets, juice and water while cycling
• T-Shirt

Not Included: rental bike or personal bike shipping (approximately $65-$120), training programs, meals not listed, all beverages and gratuities, ground transportation in Paris and airport transfers, taxes, plus other personal items and/or other travel needs not listed above.

The le Tour de France: Alps Bicycle Tour will follow the “Tour” through the beautiful French Alps, and culminates in an unforgettable Paris weekend to catch the final day of the Tour.

Bicycle Tour Two: Le Tour de Franc, Pyrenees

Summary Tour Includes:

• 11 days / 10 nights
• 8 nights 3 star pension with breakfast and dinner.
• 2 nights in Paris 3 star hotel with buffet breakfast.
• Transfers from the meeting place and from end of cycling tour to Paris hotel.
• Experienced Guides fluent in English and French (one cycling, one courier, one van driver, one coach driver)
• Travel materials and route maps
• Detailed tour descriptions
• Luggage transport (including bike transport cases) and cycling sag van on difficult stages.
• Cycle catering before, during and after all stages with energy bars, sport drinks, fruit, sweets, juice and water while cycling.
• T-Shirt

Not Included: rental bike or personal bike shipping ($150 per bike), training programs, lunch and dinners in Paris (we want you to experience the wonderful variety of restaurants and cafes Persian style), all beverages and gratuities, ground or airport transfers ($25 per person must be booked in advance), plus other personal items and/or other travel needs not listed above.

The tour will feature 5-6 days bicycle touring, plus one day viewing of an exciting mountain stage in the Pyrenees; you’ll then meet up with the CBC Alps tour group for a memorable Paris weekend to catch Lance Armstrong and the final stage live!

This tour offers many different opportunities to truly experience France with the locals in just 12 days! You will meet our local guides in Toulouse, France. Then you will cycle near the route visiting many villages that will host or have previously hosted the tour. By popular demand all accommodations include small pensions or locally known hotels some were made famous by the original tour cyclist 100 years ago! You will have an opportunity to participate in many fun events including the chance to win a “Yellow Jersey” from the local tour operator guide. The last few days will give you time to catch your breathe in Paris. You’ll love it!

Bicycle Tour Three: Through the Heart of Provence

Tour Description:
The Provence region of Southern France offers the best in French and Mediterranean food, superb wines, and more Roman ruins than you will find even in Italy. This tour is shorter and has fewer hills than the 11-day Provence and the South of France tour but still includes visits to St. Remy, Les Baux and the Pont-du-Gard. It also features a visit to the ancient Roman city of Arles, one of Provence’s premier market towns. Because we enjoy numerous multiple night stays, this is a great tour for beginners or for couples where one partner likes to ride more than the other.

Itinerary

Day 1

Meet at a hotel in Orange Valley Orange was a Roman city built in the first century B.C. and is home to some of the best preserved examples of architecture from the Empire period, including an ancient Roman theater and a lovely triumphal arch. After fitting bicycles this afternoon, you can enjoy a walk around town before we gather for introductions and a wine tasting.

Day 2

Today’s ride takes us through vineyards to the wine villages of Rasteau, Seguret, Sablet and Gigondas. In the background you’ll see the legendary Mont Ventoux and the jagged limestone peaks of the Dentelles of Montmirail. Enjoy a picnic lunch near Gigondas before we cross the plain back to Orange. Dinner on your own this evening. Distance: 65 km (40 miles) or more for those who wish.

Day 3

Pedaling south this morning, you’ll pass through the famous wine village of Chauneuf-du-Pape, the former summer palace of the Avignon Popes. Then we’ll stop in the ceramics village of St. Quentin-la-Poterie. St. Quentin contributed its pottery making skills to decorate the Palais des Papes in Avignon in the 14th Century. You can visit some of the local studios before continuing on to our destination for this day. Dinner together. Distance: 65 km (40 miles).

Day 4

We’ll stay at the same hotel tonight, so you can decide whether you want to ride today or to relax and enjoy the lovely square. For those of you who want to get out on your bike, we’ll take a loop ride south through rolling vineyard country. Enjoy a picnic along the way and extend your ride if you have extra energy to burn. For dinner on your own this evening, we’ll suggest some of our favorite restaurants. Distance: 0-50 km (0-31 miles), your choice.

Day 5

The Pont-du-Gard is the most extraordinary Roman ruin in all of Europe. It dates to 20 B.C. when it was built to support the aqueduct that carried water from Uzes to the Roman town of Nimes. We pedal across this bridge on our way to St. Remy-de-Provence. You will be able to visit the perfectly preserved 15th-century castle. We’ll be in St. Remy for dinner together this evening. Distance: 65 km (40 miles).

Day 6

St. Remy is where Van Gogh painted several of his most famous works during a year’s residence in the local sanitarium. You’ll appreciate the views that inspired him today as we support an optional ride to Les-Baux-de-Provence. Or, if you prefer a day off the bike, relax and enjoy the pool and explore the shops in town. Whichever you choose, you’ll want to visit the Roman ruins of Glanum, which are just a short walk or ride from our hotel. Dinner on your own this evening. Distance: your choice, 0-55 km (0-34 miles).

Day 7

Our last day on the bikes features a leisurely and scenic ride to Arles, one of Provence’s premier market towns. After lunch on your own we’ll check into our hotel and prepare for a walking tour of Roman Arles together. The Romans bridged there during the 1st Century B.C., and today the city has a well-preserved Roman theater and arena. The latter is still used for Proven bullfights. This evening, we’ll celebrate the end of our journey with a farewell dinner together. Distance: 32 km (20 miles).

Day 8

Our ride through historic Provence ends after breakfast today, but you may wish to stay on in Arles and explore the region.

Bicycle Tour Four: Burgundy Vineyards

Itinerary

Day 1

Arriving in Beaune, you will go to the bike shop to receive your documentation and bikes, before enjoying some free time to visit the capital of Burgundy wine and its landmarks. Night in 3-star hotel and Gourmet Dinner in town.

Day 2

Riding day to the Cote Chalonnaise, producing great wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and through the vineyards of the Hautes Cotes, Saint Romain, as well as the 17th Century Chateau de La Rochepot, Nolay, 12th & 13th Century Chateau of Couche. Finally, crossing the Canal du center you will reach Buxy where you will spend two nights in a charming 3-star hotel. 65 km. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3

Depending on your preference, you will have a choice of 5 different itineraries. One of them will bring you to Cluny, city known for its Romanesque art. You will ride on a nice bike path known as “La Voie Verte”. 67km. For a shorter ride, you can also choose to ride to the Chateau de Cormatin. 58km. Night at the same hotel. Dinner on your own.

Day 4

On today’s ride, you will bike through the most famous white wine of Burgundy: Chassagne, Puligny Montrachet and Meursault. 54 Km. Night in a 3-star hotel in the old town center. Dinner included.

Day 5

After yesterday’s focus on white wine, you will complete your ride by biking through some vineyards known for their red wine: visit of the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot, Gevrey Chambertin, Vosne Romanée. Night in a 3-star hotel in Nuits Saint Georges. Dinner included.

Day 6

Loop ride to the Abbey of Citeaux, founded in 1098. Or you can choose to ride to Chateauneuf en Auxois, one of the most beautiful villages in France with its castle dating back to the late 12th century. Night in same 3-star hotel. Dinner on you own.

Day 7

You will return to Beaune through the Cote de Nuits vineyards. After you ride, you will have time to see more of the Burgundian wine capital. To visit: Hotel-Dieu, an old hospice built in 1443 as a hospital for poor people; 13th Century Basilica Notre Dame and take a walking tour of the 15th Century ramparts. Night in 3-star hotel. Dinner included.

Day 8

Departure after breakfast. Additional visits and stays can be arranged to allow more time to discover the vineyards if desired.

Bicycle Tour Five: Castles of the Loire – A Tour for Families

Bring the kids along and explore the rich history and splendor of Renaissance France. Quiet forested lanes, perfect for leisurely family rides, will take you past fairy-tale castles, (the inspiration for both Sleeping Beauty and many of Walt Disney’s creations), and quaint 16th century villages. Your family will enjoy multiple night stays in hotels (with pools), optional daily rides, and flexible schedules. Explore the Loire Valley and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at your hotel. At first glance, the modern world seems to have disappeared in the midst of the Renaissance garden that surrounds the hotel. If we have time, we’ll fit bicycles this afternoon, unless you’d like to enjoy a dip in the swimming pool instead, in which case we’ll fit bicycles after breakfast tomorrow morning. We’ll enjoy an inaugural dinner together this evening.

Day 2

After breakfast this morning we finalize bicycle fitting and go out for a test ride into the countryside, across the Loire River and along the levy road to the west. Our destination is the castle of Ussé sitting majestically above the junction of the Indre and Loire Rivers. Tradition has it that when Charles Perrault wrote Sleeping Beauty in 1696 he used the castle of Ussé as the model for this fairy tale castle! You’ll see, in fact, where Walt Disney got some of his ideas today and later this week. After a picnic on the banks of the Loire we pedal back to our own chateau where you can lounge by the pool, take a nap, or go out for another ride. Dinner together this evening. Today’s mileage: 48 km. (30 miles) and more for those who wish (the van is also available for those who prefer to shuttle part of this).

Day 3

We’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast again this morning before heading west along the Loire and then south to the town of Chinon. Chinon has the ruins of a castle that dominate the town on the banks of the Vienne. Chinon is also the town where François Rabelais lived as a child. This figurative literary giant gave us (literally) the story of Gargantua and Pantegruel, written in the late 1530s. After a picnic we’ll provide a shuttle back to the hotel for those who want. Alternatively, we suggest a ride back along the Loire. Dinner together this evening. Today’s mileage: 35 – 70 km. (22 – 44 miles) or more for those who wish!

Day 4

We pack up and head east today to discover more of the Loire River and its tributaries, the Cher and Indre Rivers. We’ll be in Loches tonight after a stop to see the Chateau in Azay le Rideau on the banks of the Indre. Our route to Loches takes us across flat wheat lands (often with a tailwind!) Our hotel tonight sits above this Medieval town with a view of the thousand-year old castle. Dinner together. Today’s mileage: 76 km. (47 miles).

Day 5

We’ll take a rest day today, at least this morning, to explore the medieval fortifications of Loches. Unlike many chateaux of the Loire, this castle was part of an important medieval stronghold dating back before the 11th century. You’ll want to walk around the town walls, explore the remnants of the 11th century fortress, and enjoy the 16th century chateau. Those who want can go out for a late morning or afternoon ride while those who prefer can relax by the pool or take a nap! Today’s mileage: Your choice!

Day 6

We’re headed north today, so pack you bags and we’ll be on the bikes right after breakfast. We’re bound for a two-hour ride to the Cher River where we trade bikes for kayaks or canoes and begin paddling downstream toward Chenonceau. We enjoy a spectacular arrival in Chenonceau as we paddle right underneath this unique chateau astride the Cher River! Chenonceau has a fascinating history. The original manor house sat along the river and had a flourmill with it that took advantage of the flow of the river. Over the centuries the manor house became a chateau and passed through the hands of several queens, widows, and mistresses. The feminine touch is visible to this day in this lovely and elegant chateau. Our hotel is within walking distance of the chateau where we will debark from our kayaks. Today’s mileage: 32 km. (20 miles) pedaling, and about 10 km. by kayak (6 miles). Grab a nap this afternoon as we’re going to see the sound and light show at 10 p.m. at the castle! Dinner together this evening.

Day 7

Our last ride takes us on a day trip to Amboise where you’ll want to visit the castle and the manor house at Clos Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. We’ve also located our favorite chocolate factory in the Loire valley in Amboise so we’ll stop in for a tour and tasting (if they aren’t on vacation!). We’re back in Chenonceau tonight for a final dinner together to celebrate our Loire valley trip! Today’s mileage: 50 km. (31 miles) unless you prefer to shuttle!

Day 8

Our Loire Valley odyssey ends after breakfast this morning. We will help facilitate taxis to nearby Tours where you can pick up your rental car or catch the train to Paris on your homebound journey. Bon Voyage!

You can also visit Kids’ Paris and Disneyland pages to plan exciting Paris vacation for your children