Self-Guided Cycling Tours & Trips in France
Picture yourself cycling in the French countryside at your own pace. See Loire châteaux appearing around bends, Provence lavender turning everything purple, Burgundy paths winding through vines. You’ll see Medieval villages, family estates pouring wine tastings, stay in comfortable hotels each night, and see French beauty where cycling is ingrained in culture.
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Some replacement hotels were not up to expectations and a refund should have been offered for the basic accommodation
Loire Valley Classic - Villandry to Chambord Castle TourMy wife and I truly enjoyed our tour. The organisation was perfect and the program just lovely. We especially enjoyed the selected accomodations.
Loire Valley Castles DeluxeSelf guided cycle tour. The gps app was easy to use and kept us on track. The route was certainly hilly but we two 70+ coped without problems. The dinners were very good with a preponderance of duck and foie gras.
Dordogne Valleys and Villages Cycling
10 best Self-Guided Cycling France tour packages
Compiled by
SteffFrance travel expert at TourRadar
- Provence and Camargue - From Aigues Mortes to Avignon aboard L'Estello (8 days)
- Nice to Paris & Sensations of Lyon and Provence 2026|2027
- Loire Valley Bike & Canoe Tour
- Loire Valley Classic - Villandry to Chambord Castle Tour
- Burgundy : Beaune and Beyond
- Gordes Provencal Escape
- Languedoc Wine Tour
- WWII Normandy Tour
- Best of Champagne
- Loire Valley Castles Deluxe
Duration 8 days Destinations Aigues-Mortes, Le Grau-du-Roi, Arles, Vallabregues, Alpilles, Aramon, Barbentane, Pont du Gard, Avignon Age Range Ages 16+ Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,960
Ride along the Rhône River on this self-guided route, passing vineyards in Tournon and the medieval cobblestone streets of Viviers. You'll cycle through the UNESCO-listed city of Lyon, where you can see the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière and try local Lyonnaise cuisine. This 13-day trip takes you from the sunny Côte d'Azur in Nice all the way to the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Duration 13 days Destinations Nice, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Viviers, Tournon-sur-RhoneSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $6,690
22% Off- US$5,240
Loire Valley Bike & Canoe Tour
“We loved the self-guided aspect -- all of our needs were well taken care of, but we had the freedom to ride at our own pace.”
D., traveled in July
The Loire Valley opens up between Amboise and Chinon. Pedal through Montlouis vineyards, pause at Villandry Gardens, and marvel at Château d'Ussé. Hybrid bikes and GPS navigation ensure smooth sailing.
Duration 7 days Destinations Amboise, Chenonceaux, Tours, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Discover France Adventures From
22% Off- US$1,148
The Loire Valley's 247km of scenic routes connect Villandry's gardens to Chambord's grandeur. Daily rides of 49-63km unfold with GPS precision, leading to superior hotel accommodations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tours, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Langeais, Vouvray, Amboise, Chenonceaux, Chaumont sur Loire, Blois, Chambord Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Discover France Adventures From
22% Off- US$1,137
Burgundy's prestigious vineyards like Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet connect through 22-73km routes. Medieval Chateauneuf castle and Bourgogne Canal provide scenic backdrops.
Duration 5 days Destinations Beaune, Meursault, Puligny Montrachet, Chagny, Pommard, Nolay, Savigny-les-Beaune, Chateauneuf Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Discover France Adventures From
22% Off- US$881
Provence's landscapes stretch from Gordes to Ménerbes and Bonnieux, with optional Mont Ventoux climbs. Superior hotels provide comfort while hybrid bikes and GPS guide the way.
Duration 5 days Destinations Avignon, Gordes, Menerbes, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Roussillon, Gargas, Rustrel, Bedoin, Mont-VentouxSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Discover France Adventures From
22% Off- US$963
Languedoc's wine country offers three difficulty levels daily. UNESCO-listed St Guilhem le Desert, Pic Saint Loup vineyards, and Roman Nimes showcase regional diversity.
Duration 8 days Destinations Montpellier, St Guilhem le Desert, Millau, Lauret, Claret, Sommieres, Nimes Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Discover France Adventures From
22% Off- US$1,299
What our customers ask about Self-Guided Cycling Tours & Trips in France
What's the best time of year for cycling in France?
France's cycling season stretches from April to October. The Loire Valley and Burgundy offer pleasant riding from May to September with temperatures between 20-25°C. Southern areas like Provence and the Canal du Midi welcome cyclists from March to October though July and August can get quite hot. Most tour companies focus their departures between April and October with popular routes like the Médoc Vineyard Cycle running through early fall.
What kind of accommodation can I expect on French cycling tours?
French cycling tours combine 3-4 star hotels with local guesthouses that offer private facilities. The Languedoc Wine tour puts guests in upscale properties like Hotel Le Gardon in Collias while Loire Valley routes feature nights in converted château hotels. Properties are selected for their location convenience and cycling amenities including secure bike storage and hearty breakfast options. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The hotels were comfortable and the included meals delicious."
How many kilometers per day should I expect to cycle on French self-guided tours?
Daily routes cover 25-60km (15-37 miles) with flexibility built in. The Champagne region tours let riders choose between 36km to 54km daily based on interest and energy levels. A TourRadar review noted: "We averaged 45km per day in the Loire Valley which left plenty of time for château visits and long lunches in village squares."
What's included in the meal plan for self-guided cycling tours in France?
Tour packages cover daily breakfasts and select dinners at hotels or local restaurants. Burgundy tours start with regional breakfast specialties while dinners showcase classics like Boeuf Bourguignon. Loire Valley itineraries include breakfast plus free time to explore local dining spots. According to one TourRadar traveler: "In Provence we enjoyed fantastic breakfasts at Hotel l'Hermitage then discovered local restaurants serving amazing regional specialties for dinner."
How far in advance should I book a self-guided cycling tour in France?
Booking patterns suggest reserving 3-6 months ahead particularly for popular regions like Provence and Loire Valley during peak season (May-September). Data shows travelers book between 161-269 days before departure. Summer dates for sought-after tours like the Loire Valley Classic often fill up 4-5 months in advance. Spring and fall trips usually remain available 2-3 months out though preferred hotels like Auberge du Cèdre in Lauret may fill earlier.
What kind of support is provided on self-guided cycling tours in France?
Support includes detailed roadbooks maps GPS devices (1 per 1-3 cyclists) luggage transfers between accommodations and round-the-clock emergency assistance. A TourRadar traveler shared about their Provence tour: "The Discover France team was very responsive helping us upgrade our bike choice and helping us recover a bag that was overlooked during luggage transfer." Hotels like Le Gardon in Collias and Le Mas des Carassins in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence serve as local support bases.