France is the world's most visited country, and with good reason. Its rich variety of food, culture, amazing scenery and picturesque landscapes make it an ideal visitor destination, and cycling France is a great way to discover all of its delights, from the biggest attractions to its best-kept secrets.
With over twenty unique and memorable tours to choose from, we've handpicked the very best selection of wonderful and diverse routes in this beautiful country for you to enjoy.
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The Vaucluse is characterised by several things but none perhaps as much as the vineyards which cover the patchwork landscape and the ever present shape of Mt Ventoux, 'the Giant of Provence', silent and ever watchful on the horizon. This 6 night cycle takes you around the eastern side of the Vaucluse, where you will have ample opportunities to taste the local produce as you venture right up to the foot of the mountain.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
The picturesque, perched villages of Provence offer stirring images along with a history which, in some places, stretches back over a thousand years. On this 8 night holiday you'll discover vineyards, olive groves, monasteries, chateaux and caves along with the region's famous Ochre Trail and, of course, the lavender which scents the summer air.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Ride the famous 'Loire a velo' cycling path from Tours to Angers. The Loire Valley is classified as UNESCO Natural World Heritage. All along the route, you stick closely to France’s last great wild river, with its sandy banks and islands, its vine-covered slopes, its typical towns and villages, its fine food and its unique atmosphere. Enjoy deluxe accommodation with a selection of charming 4 star hotels.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Ride the famous 'Loire a velo' cycling path from Tours to Angers. The Loire Valley is classified as UNESCO Natural World Heritage. All along the route, you stick closely to France’s last great wild river, with its sandy banks and islands, its vine-covered slopes, its typical towns and villages, its fine food and its unique atmosphere.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
All the greatest chateaux of the Loire in a short break. Bike from a chateau to another is just a short ride. Through the vineyards, on peaceful bike routes or along the Loire river, discover the royal Loire Valley.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Provence is a place whose natural light and landscapes have served as inspiration to such iconic figures as Van Gogh, Cezanne, Picasso and Dumas (not to mention Peter Mayle!), and this 4 night holiday has been designed to give you a taste of the famous hilltop villages which dot its breath-taking, lavender-scented Luberon region.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
An invitation to the world famous Grands Crus of Burgundy. Between Beaune and Vougeot, enjoy a peaceful cycling through the amazing wine villages. As great cuisine pairs with great wine, prepare your taste buds for fine cuisine.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
All the greatest chateaux of the Loire are waiting for you during this short break. Bike from a chateau to another is just a short ride. Through the vineyards, on peaceful bike routes or along the Loire river, discover the royal Loire Valley. With a selection of 4* hotel accommodations, experience an unforgettable journey.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
A coastal ride through the best Normandy's highlights : from the historical and emotional vestiges of the World War II, to the colourful harbour of Honfleur passing via the charming and elegant Deauville seaside resort.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Discover the greatest highlights of Brittany: The World Wonder Mont St Michel, the spectacular Emerald Coast and the gorgeously preserved mediaeval walled towns of St Malo and Dinan.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Provence is a place whose natural light and landscapes have served as inspiration to such iconic figures as Van Gogh, Cezanne, Picasso and Dumas (not to mention Peter Mayle!), and this 6 night holiday has been designed to give you a taste of the famous hilltop villages which dot its breath-taking, lavender-scented Luberon region.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
From Beaune explore the world famous vineyards with prestigious wine villages and continue south along a canal on a very peaceful cycling path going through Romanesque towns and undulating landscapes to Macon.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
All the greatest chateaux of the Loire are waiting for you. Bike from a chateau to another is just a short ride. Through the vineyards, on peaceful bike routes or along the Loire river, discover the royal Loire Valley.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
The Vaucluse is characterised by several things but none perhaps as much as the vineyards which cover the patchwork landscape and the ever present shape of Mt Ventoux, 'the Giant of Provence', silent and ever watchful on the horizon. This 7 night cycle takes you around the eastern side of the Vaucluse, where you will have ample opportunities to taste the local produce as you venture right up to the foot of the mountain.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Wonderful gastronomic meals, world-famous wines, fabulous historic sites and postcard-pretty villages are just a few of the highlights of this popular 8-night cycling tour. You're usually close to the rivers too, so lots of swimming, plus all hotels have pools.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
For wine-lovers, this 8-night tour circles the famous Cotes de Rhone vineyards, and includes 2 nights in Vaison la Romaine - France's most extensive Roman site with 6000-seat theatre, baths, houses and streets. Swimming pools 6 nights out of 8.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
All the greatest chateaux of the Loire are waiting for you. Bike from a chateau to another is just a short ride. Through the vineyards, on peaceful bike routes or along the Loire river, discover the royal Loire Valley. With a selection of 4* hotel accommodations, experience an unforgettable journey.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Combine three of our exciting holidays to experience the ultimate activity holiday in the Dordogne. 2 days of safe, undemanding canoeing with a choice of leisurely walking or cycling on the other days.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
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Our holidays run from mid-May to the end of September or early October in some and the weather is suitable for cycling in France during this whole period. If you want to avoid the summer heat, even in the Loire and Brittany we recommend cycling in France in May or early June and after mid-September.
As standard your cycling holiday in France with Headwater includes all basic elements and many additional extras: Standard transfers to and from your first and last hotel to airport or station, all walking transfers required as part of your holiday, rail tickets/ferry tickets (where applicable),luggage transported from hotel-to-hotel, high quality hybrid bikes, RideWithGPS electronic route notes in most regions or comprehensive route directions and maps, all breakfasts and many evening meals (as detailed in your itinerary), a friendly briefing on arrival and 24-hour support in resort plus exclusive Headwater Rep Service in many regions.
We have cycling holidays for all levels of abilities. To help you choose a holiday that best suits your level of fitness, all our cycling holidays are rated using the Headwater activity grading system, focusing primarily on distance and ascent. On the individual holiday pages (and in our brochure) you'll see each tour is marked with an Activity Rating Level from 1 to 3. You can also search for your required activity level in our holiday finder. On some holidays there is a choice of routes and, for these, two ratings will be shown (you’re free to choose between routes on a day-by-day basis). You’ll also notice a + symbol on a few holidays too - this is just letting you know that some small sections of the route will be slightly more challenging than the overall grading.
Of course, we can help with all arrangements for your cycling holiday to France. We have access to a whole range of flight options including British Airways to other low costs flights. Our experienced sales team will find the best options available for you and your preferred departure airport.
We are available 24/7, as required for our Headwater customers on holiday in France. Our overseas team is made up of Headwater-employed reps, local partners and hoteliers. In the majority of our regions in France, we include the services of our exclusive reps, to give you that added reassurance.
