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Cycling Tours & Bike Trips in France

• Loire Valley Bicycle
• France Bicycle Luxury

131 France bicycle tours with 107 reviews

Cycle Provence

• Self-Guided Cycling

Hilltop Villages of Provence Cycling

Loire Cycle Path: Wild-romantic all the way to the sea (from Orleans to St-Nazaire)

Hotels were tremendous, especially the meal in the hotel in Saint Florent-le-Vieil. Would certainly recommend.

Loire Cycle Path: Wild-romantic all the way to the sea (from Tours to St-Nazaire)

The hotels were ok and the description was good. For the navigation I was happy about the Garmin Navi.

Cycle the Loire Valley

Fabulous leaders and incredible route - pathways along the river or back country roads.

Bicycling Brittany and Normandy Plus! Bayeux and the D-Day Beaches

Brittany and Normandy are gorgeous as well as historic. And of course the French cuisine is always superb!

Provence | France | Guided Biketour

The guides made us the most amazing picnics each day, and the hotels were very nice.

• Wine tasting

Cotes Du Ventoux Cycling

Bike Tour, Provence, France (guided groups)

The cycling can be challenging at times but is not prohibitively over strenuous for casual and leisure cyclists.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Bike and Barge

Bike & barge tour Provence and Camargue: from Aigues-Mortes to Avignon

The crew was great, clearly working together well. Nice to see. Irene's dinners were as good as any following restaurant meals in Avignon and Paris.

Bike & barge tour Provence and Camargue: from Avignon to Aigues-Mortes

• Road Cycling

Classic Climbs of the Pyrenees

Cycling the Dordogne, France

Classic Climbs of the Alps

• Sightseeing

Erwin was a very good tour leader, enthusiastic and helpful.

Cycling trips in France reviews

Fantastic trip. Hotels were tremendous, especially the meal in the hotel in Saint Florent-le-Vieil. Maps were good though I used my app Bikemap.net, to act as a Sat Nav. A couple of hiccups with luggaeew but minor in comparison with holiday organisation. Would certainly recommend.

Fabulous leaders and incredible route - pathways along the river or back country roads or cycling through small cute towns. Mostly flat - and very nicely paced with coffee and photo stops, or lunch, or a chateau visit! Only reason this didn’t get excellent from me was some of the hotels could have been better (and their free breakfasts)

Our 15th ExperiencePlus trip, and all have been excellent. Love the independence of the “arrows” and the knowledgeable, fun and helpful leaders.

Top operators

"Wonderful guided hikes, all different and amazing views. Tourradar really surpassed all my expectations. From a wonderful hotel - stayed at Richemond Hotel, in the centre of town to the amazing prepared lunches and restaurant dinners to our wonderful and knowledgeable guide Nichole. Thank you Nicole for your energy, patience, calmness, and expertise both up and down each mountain adventure. You made our trip a wonderful

Intrepid Travel is an expert in:

• In-depth Cultural

"this is very good and comfortable.

Europamundo is an expert in:

"Everything went so smoothly! Even a little rain couldn't damped our experience. Our tour guides were phenomenal! Best of all was the Hotel Bassano and their staff, Friendly, clean, accommodating and the morning breakfast fresh and a great way to start our day in Paris!

Flag Travel Holidays is an expert in:

Bicycle Tours

• Self-Guided Cycling (43)
• Road Cycling (6)

Regions in France

• Northern France (68)
• Southern France (53)
• Provence (29)
• Loire Valley (26)
• Pays de la Loire (26)
• Alsace & Lorraine (16)
• Aquitaine & Midi Pyrenees (16)
• Burgundy (7)
• Normandy (5)

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Our French Cycling Holidays

*Luxury trip* Burgundy by bike on the Route des Grands Crus

8 days discovering Quiberon peninsula and Belle Ile en Mer

5-day bike trip to explore the Dordogne Valley

They are back from their trip... what do they say.

“ Overall pretty satisfied ”

“ Bicycling La Cote Basque with LeVeloVoyageur ”

“ A beautiful itinerary! ”

Easy to customize cycling holidays.

Our self guided cycling holidays are easy to customize :

• * We offer tested itineraries on the French cycle routes, some of which are suited to family cycling breaks.
• * Our self guided bikes tours are focused on the touristic discovery of the region, see France like a local.
• * You can choose between different ranges of accommodation . You can go for luxury cycling holidays or stay in the best-for-value Bed & Breakfasts.
• * Our packages are highly flexible : no fix departure dates, e-bikes can be provided as well as equipment for children, etc

An app to make your bike trip easy

V elo Voyageur App :

La vélomaritime de bayeux au mont-saint-michel – part 3, la vélomaritime de bayeux au mont-saint-michel – part 2, la vélomaritime de bayeux au mont-saint-michel – part 1, they are talking about us.

France Vélo Tourisme Discover France By bike

All cycle routes in france .

"France Vélo Tourisme" is the official website to discover France by bike. An enjoyable and ecological way to discover France while cycling : planning your holidays, biking trips or cycling tours and weekends on bicycle paths, greenways and other bicycle routes in France.

Cycle just as you wish

Ne manquez aucune nouveauté autour du voyage à vélo en France : les nouveaux itinéraires, événements nationaux, parutions de guides ainsi que les nouvelles fonctionnalités mises en place sur le site !

Find my Accueil vélo

"Accueil Velo" is a national accreditation scheme guaranteeing a high quality of welcome and services for cyclists using French cycle routes

The latest reviews published online

Reviews and comments of bike travellers on our routes. Don't hesitate to leave yours on the paths you've already ridden!

Beaucoup de choses à voir et faire à Étretat et Le Havre mais des montées assez dures.

Très belles vues mais des montées très dures partagées avec des voitures.

Go cycling in France !

Preparing Your Cycle Trip in France

Cycle route planner in France

La Vélo Francette

Train and bicycle in France

Mediterranean Cycle Route

The best cycle routes reachable by boat from England

The French Châteaux

Go on a trip, they organize everything for you.

French travel agencies, specialized in bicycle travel, offer you tailor-made stays. Leave serene and with a free mind.

Cycling holidays along the Loire by bike - Rando Vélo

Cycling trips on La Vélodyssée - Rando Vélo

From Mont-Saint-Michel to Roscoff

Bike trips on ViaRhôna with Safrantours

Loire Valley Trips - Rando Vélo

The Vélo Francette with La Bicyclette Verte

4 days to discover Paris with Le Vélo Voyageur

The great bike tour around Bordeaux with Evazio

• Mountain bike tours Next departures View albums Photos & Videos Our web-magazine Vélo Spirit View latest news
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• Backroad cycling tours Next departures View albums Photos & Videos Our web-magazine Vélo Spirit View latest news

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France Bike Trips. Your local cycling holiday specialist in France.

At Vélorizons , we believe that cycling holidays should be light, safe and carefree. Based in the heart of the French Alps, we have been designing, organising and guiding bike experiences across France and Europe for 20 years. With France Bike Trips, we have made our best tours available to you. Ride exceptional singletrack on our mountain bike tours. Push yourself to the limit on epic cols during our road bike holidays. Or discover France on our relaxed backroad cycling trips. Whether guided, self-guided or with support vehicle. Whether in the stunning French Alps, in idyllic Burgundy, in sunny Provence, along the Loire, Rhône or Canal du Midi or by the sea in Brittany. Whether alone, as a couple, with family or friends. Experience the diversity of France with the local specialist.

What some of our guests say "This was a truly memorable holiday." "Great tour, very well organised. Our tour leader was the best that you could desire." "Amazing week of cycling. Will live long in the memory." "Lovely tour, very easy, beautiful scenery and excellent food and wine!" "Going from the Alps to the sea was the ride of a lifetime." "We loved every minute of it."

If you like carefree bike holidays you will love France Bike Trips. For more information, please feel free to get in touch with us.

A selection of mountain bike tours for which several participants have already booked. They are either confirmed - guaranteed - or close to being confirmed.

Discover our latest MTB news, as well as recent photos and videos posted on our website!

A selection of backroad cycling tours for which several participants have already booked. They are either confirmed - guaranteed - or close to being confirmed.

Discover our latest backroad cycling news as well as recent photos and videos posted on our website!

A selection of road bike tours for which several participants have already booked. They are either confirmed - guaranteed - or close to being confirmed.

Discover our latest road bike news as well as recent photos and videos posted on our website!

THE FEATURES AT BOTH OUR B&B & VILLA BASED BIKE TOURS.

LATEST NEWS - Book now your 2024 or 2025 tour with a 10% OFF - Offer ends 06/06/24*.

5 CYCLE TOURS - FROM OUR B&B IN COUSTELLET.

B&B BASED BIKE TOUR FEATURES.

• Enjoy our 17th century Provençal stone farmhouse , with pool.
• 6 Continental breakfasts & 2 home-cooked 3-course dinners , with complimentary wine / drinks.
• From 1 to 8 bikers , with different groups possible.
• Start days vary , see our Latest Availabilities page.
• Special Offer - 10% OFF. Offer ends 06/06/24.*

A Great Value, comprehensive package - Now from €1,241 to €1,387 p/pers for 6 nights / 7 days.

• Click HERE to see our top-rated B&B based Bike Tour Reviews and 100% Recommendation rate on Tripadvisor .
• Click HERE for our B&B WEBSITE

TOP RATED BIKE TOURS - FROM OUR SELF CATERING VILLA IN TAILLADES.

VILLA BASED BIKE TOUR FEATURES.

• Brand new, 3 bedroom villa from 2016, with pool.
• Self-catering with fully equipped kitchen with inside & outside dining areas.
• From 2 to 6 bikers , with only 1 group booking.
• Start day - Saturdays , see our Latest Availabilities page.
• Special Offer - 10% OFF. Offer ends 06/06/24. *

An excellent value for money package - Now from just €950 to €1,335 p/pers for 6 nights / 7 days.

• Click HERE to see our latest Villa based Bike Tour Reviews on Google .
• Click HERE for our VILLA WEBSITE

Click here for a more DETAILED COMPARISON of our B&B v VILLA based bike tours .

B&b and villa provence bike tour availabilities: b&b and villa provence bike tour availabilities: 2024 dates 2025 dates, some tripadvisor reviews for our provence bike trips :.

--> A week in Provence!! " Bespoke cycling for all levels, exceptionally well maintained modern bikes and the opportunity to experience the countryside riding through lavender fields and vineyards. Neil and Nat offer a unique cycling holiday for everyone! Every aspect of this experience is a treat. For this return visit we chose to stay in the 17th Century Farmhouse so we had the luxury of the smorgasbord breakfast prepared by Neil, making new friends and sharing our daily experiences cycling the countryside . Two three course sensational dinners are included during the 6 night stay by Chef Neil. It’s also great to stay in the one place and cycle out to different hilltop villages each day. Over the years Neil and Nat have continued to evolve the cycling experience . Carefully mapped Garmin GPS routes (this is where you will really appreciate the experience) guiding you through vineyards, poppy and lavender fields set this cycling holiday apart from the rest. Daily briefings including “watch outs, best places to stop, where to explore and eat” where greatly appreciated. All supported by well detailed and mapped trip notes. All the planning and thinking is done for you. Even dinner recommendations and bookings are made for you. Having the swimming pool available for pre and post ride swims is fabulous! An extensive range of bikes are on offer to suit beginners through to very experienced cyclists which means this trip can be enjoyed by all members of the family. We chose e-bikes this trip so we could ride further and easily enjoy the countryside. If self-catering is more your style then their villa in a village nearby is a wonderful option. The bikes and daily cycle briefings still accompany this option. We had the opportunity of visiting the villa and the pool during this stay - it's gorgeous and we would definitely consider this option when we return. We have been travelling for 6 weeks in France and this holiday has been the highlight of our trip so far." Cycle Break in Provence, France. - Travelbuggill - Australia - June 23 - 5* Tripadvisor review. Unparalleled cycling experince in Provence. "Nat & Neil, our checkout day has arrived, and we are sad to go! What a lovely time we have enjoyed at your beautiful villa. Cycling in Provence was a long-delayed goal from the summer of 2020, but it was worth the wait! Thank you for accommodating us in every way! The detail & preparation you put into every part of our experience is unparalleled!! From suggesting daily rides based on predicted wind conditions, to reserving spots at some extraordinary local restaurants, you helped us to make every moment count. You have our higher recommendation, and we can't wait to return!." Villa Bike Tour in Provence, France. - The Cook Family - US - July 23 - 5* Guestbook review. --> Not To Be Missed! "If you are planning to visit this area, please consider seeing it with the help of Provence Cycling Holidays ! You will not find a more authentic travel experience than this! Great people, great conversation, wonderful food (& wine), excellent bikes, fantastic routes, charming villages, spot on suggestions. I could keep going but the best thing to do is experience it for yourself. Let hosts, Neil & Nat and their children show you how to enjoy the French countryside. Whether you are an experienced rider or just want to try something different, they will make it work for you! " Bike Trip in Provence, France. - Travel261149 - Can - June 22 - 5* Tripadvisor review. Excellent biking getaway! "We just returned from our second trip to Provence Cycling Holidays. Neil and Nat are fabulous hosts, the bike rides are gorgeous and beautifully laid out. We get to choose where we want to go each day and take off on our own with the amazing Garmin GPS directing us at every turn. The cards have info about where to eat and what to do in the villages we are passing through that day. If the weather is not great, Nat and Neil have lots of ideas for hiking or museums or more. And the breakfasts are amazing as well as the two family style dinners we shared with the family. This is a must do on the list of anyone that enjoys biking in Europe!." Cycle Break in Provence, France. - Jane - US - Oct 21 - 5* Tripadvisor review. --> A wonderful week cycling in Provence. "Our group had a fantastic time at Provence Cycling Holidays. We felt completely at home with Neil and his engaging family. He was patient with us as our plans evolved at the last minute during the pandemic. The bikes provided met our requests with some using the standard hybrids, some on road bikes and one on an ebike. The rides suggested to us from his library or custom plotted were appropriate to each of our desires, from longer, harder road rides to moderate hybrid tours through amazing scenery to some of the most beautiful villages in Provence. The food, recommendations and information provided were all terrific. If you want a cycling vacation in a beautiful part of the world where you feel at home and part of the family and where you are extremely well looked after, this is the place to go." Bike Tour in Provence, France. - Doreen - Can - Sept 21 - 5* Tripadvisor review. Great cycling holiday! "This B&B provides self-guided bike tours in the Provence area of France. This business provides pre-loaded routes on Garmin Edge bike computers. The owners take great care in helping guests select routes to maximize their enjoyment. Our group had both pedestrian and hardcore cyclists and everyone loved the cycling routes they chose and had a great time. The owners are first class and made everyone feel like they were part of the family. The B&B rooms were very nice and the food was fantastic! No COVID issues." Cycle Tour in Provence, France. - Dale - Can - Sept 21 - 5* Tripadvisor review. 5* comfort with awesome cycling! "Dear Neil & Nat - Our first time & hopefully not our last! We have so thoroughly enjoyed staying at your gorgeous Les Taillades Villa. Everything we hoped for! I would recommend this experience to anyone who enjoys 5* comfort combined with awesome cycling in the Luberon . We were so very lucky to experience this, thank you so much for running this for tourists. All the very best!" Bike Tours Provence - Christina & Mike - NZ - June 2019 - 5* Villa Review. Wonderful cycling week. "Another good vacation, this time at your beautiful Taillades Villa. Five fabulous days of riding! The villa was delightful: clean, spotless, well supplied and our tours were well planned and delightful. Everything was taken care of down to the last detail. Thankful you came to see us each day to give us the benefit of your insight and counsel on ride selection, restaurants and sites." Cycling Holidays France - Bonnie, Tim & friends - US - June 2019 - 5* B&B Tripadvisor Review. Simply Fabulous. "Spent 6 nights here in beautiful Provence. An absolutely fantastically located base for touring round this lovely area under Neil’s expert guidance. The B&B is immaculately run by Neil & Nat. Would not hesitate in recommending this place to anyone! Well done Neil, Nat & the kids." Bike Holidays France in Provence - Mike M - UK - July 2019 - 5* B&B Tripadvisor Review. Absolutely merits 5 stars! "As all previous reviews state, what a fantastic and quality set-up. The Villa is beautiful and so well equipped. The bikes and the sat nav's showing the best routes to amazing villages with least effort all just perfect. The hosts Nat and Neil work tirelessly to ensure that everyone who stays with them either in the Villa or their B& B get the best out of their holiday. Absolutely merits 5 stars. Thank you both. We have very happy memories." Cycling Tours France, Provence - Lorna - UK - May 2019 - 5* Villa review. It fitted our needs to perfection. Highly recommended! "We are a family of 6 and stayed at the self-catering villa in Taillades. It was splendid. We loved the set up of the villa - the huge well-equipped kitchen, spacious living areas and comfortable rooms. It fitted our needs to perfection - we had privacy and all the support we needed from Nat & Neil. Our days were spent cycling on one of the many routes programmed on the GPS and Neil would point out the restaurants and highlight sights we should not miss. The bikes were in tip-top condition and it was so helpful that they provided helmets. Nat & Neil were helpful, engaging and wonderful hosts. Highly recommended!" Bike Vacation in Provence - Caroline - Singapore - June 2018 - 5* Villa Review. Super Provence Biking! "We can't say enough about what a wonderful vacation we had cycling in the beautiful Luberon area of Provence . Neil and Nat and kids are fantastic hosts in their lovely farmhouse complete with fabulous meals and atmosphere. It was great meeting new people from other places. Real family feel, very comfortable. Highly recommended! We hope to be back soon!" Cycle Tours France in Provence - Bonnie - US - May 2018 - 5* B&B Tripadvisor review. A big thank you to Neil, Nat and family. "We had a wonderful trip, the bikes were perfect and the GPS navigation took all the worry out of directions. Our hosts Neil and Nat, briefed us every morning on our rides. With the easy GPSs, we were able to enjoy the beauty of the area, stunning views and delightful little villages to explore, including markets , lavender , galleries, churches, and lovely cafes and restaurants to enjoy our lunches. I thoroughly enjoyed my week, a big thank you to Neil, Nat and family." Bicycle Holidays in France, Provence - Heather - Australia - May 2018 - 5* B&B Tripadvisor review. A fabulous holiday and highly recommended! "We stayed at the Taillades Villa in June 2017 with a group of friends and had a brilliant time. The villa was beautifully furnished and equipped to a high standard. The Garmin route guides took us on quiet tracks and roads that we would never have found ourselves, and were a real bonus as there was no map reading required. Neil and Natalene were really helpful with advice on the rides, which restaurants to try and the best places to visit. All in all a fabulous holiday and highly recommended!" Cycling Vacation France, Provence - Julia H. - UK - July 2017. - 5* Villa Review. Exceeded our expectations in every way! "We're just home from a truly memorable way to experience Provence and our best (four so far) self-guided cycling tour . We honestly couldn't have asked for a better six days. As a small, family-run business, Neil and Nat invite you into their home and lives - you don't get this experience with a large cycling company. We'd love to return and try out their new villa in Taillades." Bike Trip in Provence, France - Sue - US - June 2017 - 5* B&B Tripadvisor review.

* Offer valid from May 1st, 2024, for 2024 or 2025 new bookings made before 6th June, 2024. Additional ebikes , road bikes or tandems not included.

* Offer valid from February 1st, 2024, for 2024 new bookings made before 6th March, 2024. Additional ebikes , road bikes or tandems not included.

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SELF-GUIDED CYCLING AND ACTIVE VACATIONS

Congratulations for choosing an active vacation! For the past 30 years, Discover France has perfected the art of European cycling vacations and French bike tours. We create itineraries with the spirit of independent travel in mind, offering cycling, hiking, and active vacation tours in France and Europe. We can customize your vacation according to your time, fitness level, and interests. Our European vacations are the ultimate adventure for couples, families, and friends.

With our self-guided active vacations, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace the historical landmarks and spectacular scenery of Europe and France. We are there for you with support whenever and wherever you need it along the way.

We love to share our passion for cycling, cycling trips, France, and it’s art of living…

Discover France was founded in the U.S. thirty years ago, based on a passion for sharing the wonders of France though cycling trips. Since then, we have helped 40.000 guests experience the best cycling in the world at their own pace.

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France bike tours

We’ve created a complete catalogue of France bike tours designing itineraries that share the outstanding historical landmarks, beautiful scenery, and interesting cultures of France.

Europe bike tours

Explore classic destinations like the Loire Valley , Ireland , Provence , Italy and Tuscany . Or try the newer hot spots like Croatia , Corsica , or Portugal .

We offer a complete catalogue of vacation destinations and bike tours , designing itineraries that share the outstanding historical landmarks, beautiful scenery and interesting cultures of Europe.

GUIDED OR SELF-GUIDED?

The only difference is that with self-guided tours…you are the guide!

Tailored specifically for active, independent and curious travelers who demand exceptional value with full flexibility, these tours are customizable and extremely affordable.

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Family, couple, solo or friends vacations .

Looking for travel ideas for your family, as a couple or vacationing with friends ? From romantic getaways to family trips , there is always the right trip for you with Discover France.

Enjoy a romantic visit of the Loire Valley castles with your beloved one. Discover the secrets of the Mont Saint Michel with your kids. Have fun with your group of friends while cycling along the Canal du Midi .

Different types of bikes are available : e-bikes, road bikes, touring hybrids and mountain bikes. If you are a sport addict of looking for a family vacation, there’s a tour for you!

VACATION EXPERIENCES

Discover France is a specialist of self-guided and guided biking tours in France and Europe. And a whole lot more! We offer a wide selection of vacation experiences: such as walking or multi-activity tours in different European destinations. We offer theme-based tours: culinary vacations , wine tours , or cultural interest tours . Our vacations are a perfect occasion to explore a destination and live a new experience.

You’ve decided to see Europe, France, or any of our overseas destinations up close and off the beaten path with an active vacation. Whether biking, hiking, or on one of our multisport tours, you have the opportunity to discover Europe at your own pace with self-guided travel. Explore the European favorites: the castles of the Loire Valley, the scenic natural beauty of Ireland , or the Mediterranean sunshine of Provence or Tuscany, Italy.

We even design special training camps with coaching and advice from our professional guides. Adventure seekers! Let us design your experience. If you are looking for a new or off the beaten path experience – join us!

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Our self-guided cycling, multi-sport and hiking tours offer the same quality, style, service and comforts of our guided trips. The only difference is that with self-guided… you are the guide! Tailored specifically for active, independent and curious travelers who demand exceptional value and flexibility, these tours are customizable and extremely affordable.

Discover France pioneered and perfected the art of self-guided travel. Each of our self-guided cycling and multi-sport tours is a complete and affordable vacation, tailored specifically for active, independent and curious travelers who demand exceptional value and flexibility.

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As an Official Tour de France Tour Operator, we are able to offer exclusive, VIP access along the race course. Imagine mingling with the pros as the Departure Village, following the Caravan, flying in a helicopter to get a bird’s eye view of the cyclists, taking on the same alpine summits racing across the same finish lines-just before the pros do, popping open a celebratory bootle of bubbly on the Champs-Elysées.

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Cycling tours in france : discover the alsace during a bike trip, eurovelo routes & route du vin.

Jump on your bike for a short or a longer route. The Alsace, on the eastern French border with Germany has endless possibilities for everybody. There are 3 long-distance EuroVelo routes crossing this colorful region. Besides this international framework, you will find the famous 'Route de Vin' a fantastic cycle adventure through the most romantic wine regions of France.

Map of France with regions

You will discover in Alsace a great diversity of landscapes, culture and traditions , with the Regional Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges, the museums of Mulhouse and Colmar , nicknamed "La Petite Venise" , or the colorful villages of the wine route .

Also take some time to visit Strasbourg , a European city well known for its picturesque district of "La Petite France" and its Gothic cathedral, but also Mont Sainte-Odile and its convent, the majestic Haut-Koenigsbourg castle as well as t he pretty villages nestled in the middle of vineyards , which remain authentic with their half-timbered houses, and flowered balconies.

Check out the video of our clients' trip to Alsace:

Alsace Wine Route - From Strasbourg to Colmar

• The romantic ' Route des Vins ' between Strasbourg and Colmar
• Enjoy relaxed biking crossing the hilly Alsatian wine country
• Taste the delicious, local Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris
• Enjoy the beautiful panoramas of the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest
• Stop in a cozy village full of half-timbered houses, nice shops and terrace

The terrain is slightly hilly. You will encounter a short incline from time to time. With some cycling experience you should easily be able to handle this level. Daily distances span 30-65 km.

The terrain is slightly hilly. You will encounter a short incline from time to time. With an e-bike and some cycling experience you should easily be able to handle this level. Daily distances span 30-65 km.

Level 1 Easy Our easiest trips. Well suited for beginners, seniors and families, who are looking for a relaxed cycling event. Flat routes with sometimes a gentle slope. Short distances; not more than 35 km/21 miles per day. There’s still enough time ‘to smell the flowers’. Often trips along rivers and seashores like the Loire river or the Atlantic Coast. Level 2 Easy to moderate These trips, for the ones who are cycling now and then, are a bit more challenging. Still these cycle adventures remain relaxed holidays. The steep slopes are short, while the longer slopes are not so steep. The landscape varies from flat land to gently hills. The distances, which are not more than 50 km/31 mi, make the cycling days a bit longer. Level 3 Moderate These are trips for more sportive people who are cycling regularly and having a good condition. The slopes are longer and steeper, the daily distances mostly between 50 km/31 miles and 65 km/40 miles. There are more challenging days during these holidays. Often these trips are taken place in the more hilly and a bit mountainous regions.. Level 4 Moderate to streneous  For those who want to search for their cycling limits and have a splendid condition. Some big climbs, long and demanding distances (mainly more than 65 km/40 miles) makes those trips a challenging event.  Those cycle adventures are taken place in the more mountainous regions of France. Level 5 Streneous These challenging adventures are only for the experienced cyclists who have done those kinds of longer and strenuous trips before. The combination of long daily distances with regularly steep climbs are making these challenges great for the ‘tough few’.

Cycling in France

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• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Bicycle Tours in France

If you're looking for an adventure in France that combines the thrill of biking with stunning scenery and exciting activities, then our list of the best cycling tours will have the perfect cycling trip for you. We've carefully analyzed a variety of bike tours based on price, activities, routes, destinations, guest ratings, and service, all so that we could find the absolute best bicycle tours available in France. All of these tours are well-planned, and many of them are fully all-inclusive, provide terrific guides, and even accommodation, too. Great for museums & attractions, food, nightlife, and beaches, France is a terrific destination. Whether you're seeking a leisurely ride or a challenging expedition, there's an option for everyone here in our list of the best cycling tours, so let's take a look.

• Paris to Bruges (Brugge), Bike & Barge in France and Belgium 15 Days, $2495.52
• Bike & barge tour Provence and Camargue: from Avignon to Aigues-Mortes 8 Days, $1356.01
• Loire Cycle Path: Wild-romantic all the way to the sea (from Orleans to St-Nazaire) 10 Days, $1411.85

What are cycling tours like in France?

Here are the important factors:

• 36 trip options analyzed
• $332 average price per day (USD)
• 3 to 15 days in length
• 4.58 of 5 average rating
• 19 people or less on average

Curious about the diverse range of biking and cycling tours? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.58 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 19 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. The shortest tour is 3 days, while the longest is 15 days. As for physical activity options, the tours are thoughtfully categorized as moderate, easy, and serious, with the most being moderate. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 36 biking and cycling tours, you can rest assured that France has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best Bike Tours in France

Paris to bruges (brugge), bike & barge in france and belgium.

• On Sale: 30% Off See Prices
• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for biking and cycling tours.

This exceptional trip offering by Feniks Charter has received a 4 out of 5 rating. On this 15-day bicycle tour, visiting France and Belgium, you can unwind while also making new memories. Along the way, this journey encompasses 17 destinations, including Oudenaarde, Ghent, Bougival, and Conflans-Sainte-Honorine. Paris will mark the start of your journey, while Bruges will serve as its final destination. With a group size of 14 people, it's suitable for travelers from 10 to 90 years old. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around cycling and family-friendly activities. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $116 per day.

• Bike and Barge

Bike & barge tour Provence and Camargue: from Avignon to Aigues-Mortes

• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Check out this journey that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 5 out of 5 rating. This itinerary covers 9 captivating destinations, with stops in Villeneuve-les-Avignon, Aramon, Pont du Gard, and Vallabregues, among others. Avignon marks the starting point, while Aigues-Mortes stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. This terrific trip also highights cycling and family-friendly activities. Spanning across 8 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 21 participants, and it's great for travelers of any age. Brought to you by the renowned Girolibero - Cycling holidays , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $170 per day - an unbeatable value.

Loire Cycle Path: Wild-romantic all the way to the sea (from Orleans to St-Nazaire)

This 10-day bike trip is ideal for travelers of any age. And priced at only $141 per day, it's a great value, too. You're in for an epic adventure with a strong emphasis on cycling and family-friendly activities. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 9 destinations, featuring Tours, Chinon, Saumur, and Angers. Beginning in beautiful Orleans, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in St-Nazaire. It's offered by Eurobike , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

• Self-Guided Cycling

Bike & barge tour Provence and Camargue: from Aigues-Mortes to Avignon

Priced at just $170 per day, this terrific 8-day bike trip is ideal for travelers of any age. Uncover the beauty of 8 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Aramon, Pont du Gard, Arles, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Aigues-Mortes will mark the start of your journey, while Avignon will serve as its final destination. Organized by the reputable Girolibero - Cycling holidays , this is one of the best tours on this list.

Bruges (Brugge) to Paris, Bike & Barge in Belgium and France

Check out this incredible bike trip that has received a 4 out of 5 rating from previous guests, visiting Belgium and France. With an emphasis on cycling and family-friendly activities, you know you'll have an amazing adventure. With a duration of 15 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 14 people, and is good for travelers from 10 to 90 years old. Traverse through 14 enchanting destinations, with Moislains, Peronne, Pont-l'Évêque, and Compiegne among the must-see stops along the route. Bruges marks the starting point, while Paris stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. This fantastic option, organized by Feniks Charter , presents an unbeatable value at just $166 per day.

Loire Valley Cycle

Spanning over 8 days, this cycling trip has a maximum size of 15 individuals. Welcoming travelers from 2 and up, it is organized by UTracks , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. This trip visits 5 destinations, including Amboise, Chenonceaux, and Chitenay along the way. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Blois. And since the priority is on cycling and family-friendly activities, this tour is a great choice. Available at an unbeatable price of only $174 per day, this option also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

Rhine cycle path III

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional bike trip, visiting France and Germany, that has garnered a 4 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 8 days, this jouney will have 10 participants, and it warmly welcomes travelers of any age. Rest assured, this trip is all about cycling and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Expertly organized by Eurobike , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $149 per day.

Loire Cycle Path: Wild-romantic all the way to the sea (from Tours to St-Nazaire)

This memorable bicycle tour is offered by Eurobike which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $138 per day. Explore 7 incredible locations on this trip, including Chinon, Saumur, Angers, and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. Tours marks the starting point, while St-Nazaire stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around cycling and family-friendly activities. The maximum group size is 10 people, welcoming travelers of any age.

Loire Valley Castles

Set off on an extraordinary journey that has been awarded a 5 out of 5 stars by previous guests. This terrific trip also highights cycling and family-friendly activities. With a duration of 5 days, this bike trip offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 15 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to travelers from 2 and up. Blois will be both the start and end of your journey. Brought to you by UTracks , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $190 per day.

Cycle the Loire - Nevers to Orléans

With this option you can experience an unparalleled journey for 7 unforgettable days. It ensures an intimate group setting with 15 participants at most. This trip takes you on an adventure to 5 destinations, including La Charite-sur-Loire, Sancerre, and Briare. Nevers will mark the start of your journey, while Orleans will serve as its final destination. UTracks , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests travelers from 2 and up. You're in for an epic adventure with a strong emphasis on cycling and family-friendly activities. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $184 per day.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France , The Best Historical Tours in France , The Best 10-Day Tours in France , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France , The Best 3-Day Tours in France , The Best 2-Week Tours in France , The Best River Cruises in France , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in France , The Best Christmas Market Tours in France , The Best Coach Bus Tours in France , The Best Adventure Tours to France , The Best Eco Tours in France , The Best Sightseeing Tours in France , The Best Cultural Tours in France , The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France , The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France , The Best Music Tours in France , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France , The Best Walking Tours in France , The Best Tours Under $1000 in France , The Best Luxury Tours to France , The Best Budget Tours to France , The Best Tours for Seniors to France , The Best Contiki Tours to France , or The Best G Adventures Tours to France for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Strasbourg , The Best 3-Day Tours from Paris , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lyon , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bordeaux , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Arles , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Avignon , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Strasbourg , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chamonix , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Blois , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Nice , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chalon sur Saone , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Marseille , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tours , The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris , The Best 10-Day Tours from Arles , The Best 10-Day Tours from Nice , The Best 10-Day Tours from Chalon sur Saone , The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris , The Best 2-Week Tours from Arles , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Chamonix for more package tour options.

How much do Biking Tours in France cost?

After analyzing 36 biking and cycling tours in France, we found the average price to be a remarkably economical $332 per day. Naturally, this region has many fantastic options for biking and cycling tours with a variety of prices. The individual costs will vary by the destinations, travel style, available dates, and other factors. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in France .

And for more information on France, see France Travel Costs and France Hotel Costs .

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La Belle France

France bike tours.

Bordeaux  ·  Chambord  ·  Champagne  ·  Loire Valley  ·  Lyon  ·  Marseille  ·  Medoc  ·  Paris  ·  Saint-Emilion

Spectacular culture, unrivaled cuisine, and picture-perfect countryside make France the perfect setting for a bike tour. As home to one of the most famous cycling races in the world, the Tour de France, the country enjoys a strong cycling culture, whether you’re pedaling along the backstreets of Paris, biking amongst the best vineyards in Europe, or cruising the coastline of the south.

There’s no better way to discover Paris, France’s chic capital, than by cycling. Take a city tour to discover the glittering icons of the 'City of Lights' in one day: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Or, venture to Versailles, palatial court of the Sun King, to discover the country’s royal and revolutionary history.

Marseille is France’s second city, occupying an enviable position on the country’s southern coast. Historically a crossroads of trade and immigration, the city jostles with a rich cultural tapestry that melds European and African influences. Take a city tour to discover the Cathedral and the Old Port that lend Marseille its historic charm. For a different kind of day tour, pedal out to the Calanques, a national park of white cliffs and turquoise water, for a captivating coastal ride.

For those traveling to France to savor a culinary adventure, there’s no better destination than Lyon. Regarded by some as the gastronomic capital of the world, there are more restaurants per head here than in any other city in France. Take an e-bike tour with food tastings in Lyon to combine cultural sightseeing with a taste of local delicacies.

Venture into the low mountains of the Alpilles or pedal through Provence for a family-friendly tour of sun-baked Southern France. Just a stone’s throw from Bordeaux, meander through Medoc or cycle through Saint-Emilion on a guided tour of some of France’s most prominent viticultural hubs. Learn about the long history of winemaking in these regions and stop at some of the century-old chateaux for wine tasting flights and lunch.

“I had come to the conclusion that I must really be French, only no one had ever informed me of this fact. I loved the people, the food, the lay of the land, the civilized atmosphere, and the generous pace of life.”

Learn more:

• Your First Cycling Day Tour: What to Expect & How to Maximize Your Experience

France Bike Tours · 1 to 16 of 16

Paris Highlights Bike Tour

Paris · from €45 EUR

Description: Prepare to be dazzled by the City of Light’s most iconic landmarks on the Paris Highlights Bike Tour. Ride in style through Europe’s cultural capital, with stops at the Eiffel Tower, Tsar Alexander III Bridge, Les Invalides, the Louvre Museum, the River…

Marseille Highlights Bike Tour

Marseille · from €55 EUR

Description: Never miss a moment on this spectacular sightseeing tour of Marseille, with the added benefit of bike rental! The Marseille Highlights Bike Tour takes in the Panier district, Major Cathedral, Mucem Esplanade, Old Port, Pharo Palace, Malmousque, Auffes…

Lyon E-Bike Tour with Food Tasting

Lyon · from €70 EUR

Description: Let your adventurous spirit take over on this diverse tour of Lyon, accompanied by a delicious food tasting! This guided, family-friendly e-bike tour takes in the best of Lyon’s sightseeing spots, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the…

Marseille Seaside E-Bike Tour

Marseille · from €35 EUR

Description: A sublime cycle through Marseille’s seaside districts awaits you on the Marseilles Seaside E-Bike Tour, including the Vallon des Auffes, Palais du Pharo, and Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. With the added benefit of electric bike rental, this…

Palace of Versailles Paris Full Day Bike Tour with Picnic

Paris · from €145 EUR

Description: If you’ve come to Paris to discover vivacious Versailles, this is your ultimate bike tour, taking you to the Palace, Gardens, Fountains, Royal Grounds, Open Air Food Market (for an extra special Parisian picnic), and even Marie Antoinette’s private…

Lyon Confluence E-Bike Tour

Lyon · from €30 EUR

Description: Be amazed by Lyon’s waterways on the Lyon Confluence E-Bike Tour! Pedal along the Lyon peninsula and soak up the sensational sightseeing spots of the romantic Rhône and Saône confluence, including the harbor, Rambaud Wharf, the Confluence Museum, and…

Lyon Croix-Rousse E-Bike Tour with Food Tasting

Lyon · from €50 EUR

Description: If you’re after picture-perfect panoramic viewpoints and the chance to sample some authentic French food, the Lyon Croix-Rousse E-Bike Tour with Food Tasting is the day tour for you! From the heights of the iconic Croix-Rousse Hill, reached with ease…

Paris Evening Bike & Boat Tour

Paris · from €69 EUR

Description: There’s no more atmospheric way to experience Paris than an evening bike tour. Glide through the City of Light on the Paris Evening Bike and Boat Tour, with bike rental included. As the sun sets, you’ll make stops at the Louvre Pyramid, Tsar…

Compact Lyon E-Bike Tour

Description: For the sensational sightseeing spots of Lyon in just 2 hours, look no further than the Compact Lyon E-Bike Tour! This efficient, fun, and family-friendly day tour takes in Vieux-Lyon, the Saône, Tunnel de la Croix-Rousse, Tête d’Or…

Marseille to the Calanques E-Bike Tour

Marseille · from €79 EUR

Description: Take a guided day tour from magnificent Marseille to the captivating Calanques, soaking up the best of the city, sensational seaside views, and captivating cliff-faces along the way! This breathtaking bicycle tour is family-friendly, with the added…

Monet's Gardens & Giverny Private Paris E-Bike Tour

Paris · from €399 EUR

Description: Follow in the footsteps of the Father of Impressionism on the Monet's Gardens & Giverny Private Paris E-Bike Tour. Cycle through the village and countryside that inspired the impressionist painter and walk in the gardens that he declared his…

Loire Valley & Chambord E-Bike Tour with Food Tasting

Chambord · from €185 EUR

Description: If you’re looking for a guided tour of the Loire Valley that takes in the famous Chambord forest and châteauxs, this is the bicycle tour for you! The Loire Valley & Chambord E-Bike Tour with Food Tasting takes you on a leisurely journey through the…

Medoc E-Bike Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting

Medoc · from €191 EUR

Description: Take an immersive ride into the viticulture of one of Bordeaux's finest wine regions on the Medoc E-Bike Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting. Experience Médoc's viticulture firsthand, from vine to bottle, combined with a scenic cycle through some…

Saint-Emilion E-Bike Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting

Saint-Emilion · from €189 EUR

Description: Pedal through picturesque countryside and verdant vineyards on the Saint-Émilion E-Bike Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting. Over the course of this e-bike day tour you'll visit two renowned chateaux, including a family-run estate and a Grand Cru Classé…

Champagne E-Bike Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting

Champagne · from €190 EUR

Description: For a stylish bicycle tour bubbling with surprises, look no further than the Champagne E-Bike Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting! This guided glide weaves you through the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Champagne, taking in the Avenue de Champagne…

Private Paris Bike Tour

Paris · from €110 EUR

Description: Whether you want a family-friendly afternoon activity, a romantic evening ride, or a city tour with a twist, the Paris Private Bike Tour is the perfect way to see the City of Light. The tour is completely customizable to your interests, so whether you…

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France's 8 best cycling routes, from Alpine climbs to leisurely wine trails

Aug 5, 2022 • 8 min read

Cycle rides in France range from challenging mountain climbs to gentle pedals through the countryside © Peter Adams / Getty Images

From the Tour de France cycle race to the pensioner cycling home from a village market with a pannier full of vegetables, the bicycle is as much a part of French life and culture as the baguette and the Eiffel Tower .

There are cycle associations in almost every town, statues of cyclists on roads over Alpine mountain passes, and city bike hire schemes throughout the country. France is a nation that loves le vélo and in every department (district), there are superbly-maintained cycle paths and routes that make cycle touring one of the most enjoyable ways to explore France.

Whether you crave Alpine scenery or a gentle roll through the vineyards of Burgundy, here are some of the best cycle routes in France.

Col de Tourmalet and the Pyrenees

Best for: Yellow jersey wearers and masochists

In 1910, when the first Tour de France competitors crested the Col de Tourmalet, the winner of that stage famously yelled at the event organizers “You’re assassins. Yes, assassins.” That should tell you all that you need to know about this legendary cycle route through the central Pyrenees .

During the grueling 19km (12-mile) climb from Luz Saint-Sauveur to the Col du Tourmalet at 2115m (6939ft), you’ll ascend over 1400m (4593ft) at an average angle of 7.39%. At its steepest point, the route climbs at over 10% – no wonder the climb up to the Col du Tourmalet (and the high-speed descent down) is considered one of the most fearful, yet exciting, stages of the Tour de France race.

The route is closed by snow from late October to late spring, but in summer, hundreds of cyclists set out daily to see if they’ve got what it takes to race up and over the highest road pass in the Pyrenees. And whether you pant up over the course of hours or speed like a cheetah to the top, expect to be blown away by the majesty of the high mountain scenery. Yep, this is one of France's great cycle routes for a very good reason.

When you’ve conquered Tourmalet, consider completing the so-called ‘Circle of Death’ by riding from the Col de Peyresourde to the Col d’Aubisque, an extra 141km (88 miles).

Burgundy Vineyard Route

Best for: Gourmands, oenophiles and lovers of the good life

Wine, gently rolling countryside carpeted in vineyards, pleasing bike paths, and yet more wine – what’s not to like about the Voie de Vignes (Way of the Vines)? Stretching for 20km (12 miles) between Beaune and Santenay in the Burgundy region of eastern France, this route is all about the gift of the grape.

Start your ride at the École des Vins de Bourgogne (Bourgogne Wine School) where tastings are available – just don’t taste too much, as drink-driving rules also apply to cyclists! Then roll your way towards the Château de Pommard and the Château de Meursault , both of which produce acclaimed wines (okay go on then, one more quick taste…), before wobbling your way into Santenay.

Exploring the Île de Ré

Best for: Families and occasional cyclers

Caressed by salty sea winds, and washed through with oceanic sunlight, the almost pancake-flat Île de Ré lies a short way offshore from La Rochelle on the central Atlantic coast, and it was tailor-made for easy family bike rides. A network of well-maintained cycle paths scribble across the island – any route you chose is pretty much guaranteed to include lazy cycling alongside long, sandy beaches, through beautiful villages and past small seaside towns where you can stop to refuel with a seafood lunch.

There’s nothing remotely grueling about cycling around the Île de Ré. Instead, it’s simple pleasure after simple pleasure. Although there are numerous routes around the island, we highly recommend the loop from the tiny village of Ars-en-Ré, up to the dramatic lookout point Phare des Baleines (Lighthouse of the Whales) and then east to the saltpans (the island is famed for its salt) around Les Ports-en-Ré.

Leisurely rides in The Luberon (Provence)

Best for: Cycle tourers

The Luberon is the picture book image of southern France. The inspiration for a thousand novels, films and paintings, this inland region of Provence with its sun-soaked olive groves, vineyards, and fields of startlingly bright lavender plants, is dotted with gorgeous hilltop villages built from honey-colored rock, linked to one another via quiet country roads and superb cycle paths.

There’s a fair bit of up and down to riding here – and in summer the weather can be as hot as a furnace – but most people are so bowled over by the beauty of the countryside that they don’t really notice the hard work they’re putting in. There are all sorts of routes to be pedaled here – some are easy family-friendly affairs, while others, including a complete 236km (147-mile) circuit of the region, are far more challenging.

The Canal du Midi Cycle Path

Best for: First-time cycle tourers and history buffs

Cycling alongside southern France’s Canal du Midi involves passing a roll call of fortified towns, crumbling castles, avenues of stately plane trees and quiet villages. And the Canal du Midi isn’t just about good looks, it’s also heavy in history. This is both the oldest canal in Europe and the first canal in the world to use a system of locks to allow boats to easily cover its length. Fun fact: The inventor of the canal locks was none other than Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last years of his life in France.

The Canal du Midi is generally flat and easy to cycle, with lots of bike-friendly tourist facilities along the way. In other words, it’s pretty much the dream cycle route. Officially, the Canal du Midi cycle path runs from Toulouse all the way to the shimmering Mediterranean Sea at Sète some 240km (149 miles) away. Most people skip the first bit of the route and instead begin their adventure in the fairy-tale, fortified town of Carcassonne . This means four days of steady peddling before you can don your swimsuit and dive into the sea at the route’s end.

The Loire Valley

Best for: History buffs and anyone who’s ever got on a bicycle

Loire à Vélo (Loire by bicycle) was the first official, way-marked long-distance cycle route in France. Following the River Loire, from its birthplace in the icy heights of the Massif Central to its union with the ocean on the Atlantic seaboard, the route streams through 900km (560 miles) of classic French scenery.

Completing the whole tour might be a bit much for the average cyclist, but take on the 100km (62-mile) stretch through the Touraine region and you'll hit the highlights of the route in a few lazy days of cycling. This is the heart of French châteaux country, and along the way, lucky bikers will roll alongside glories such as Amboise , Tours and Chinon.

The beauty of the main Loire Valley route is that you can also happily ignore it and take any number of side cycle trails to other châteaux and attractive towns and villages. Tourist offices can advise on trails suitable for everyone from seasoned cyclers to first-time pedalers.

Véloroute Vallée de Somme

Best for: Anyone interested in WWI history

The Somme – the very name immediately brings forth images of the waste and destruction of WWI and the notorious Battle of the Somme. And true enough, this 160km (99-mile) cycle route along the banks of the River Somme does pass by many sad reminders of one of the darkest moments in human history. It's as much a pilgrimage as a cycling holiday. 

But, here’s the thing: The Somme is no longer a place of tears. Alongside the war memorials, what you’ll remember from this bike ride are the wide open spaces at the mouth of the Somme, marshes and lakes ringing to the call of birds, ancient archaeological sites and the joy of cycling right up to the gates of the cathedral in Amiens . It’s one of the finest rides in northern France. 

There are plenty of towns and villages to rest up in along the way and the route is largely level, following a well-maintained cycle path, which means this is one long-distance route that almost anyone can take on. 

Col de la Loze in the French Alps

Best for: Cyclists with legs of steel

With spectacular mountain vistas and soaring and tumbling roads that rise up and over numerous high passes, the French Alps is one of the world’s great cycle destinations. But the rewards don’t come easy here and most Alpine routes are not for first-time cyclists, though there are endless biking possibilities for experienced riders.

Perhaps the most famed are the routes up to and down from the 2304m (7560ft) Col de la Loze in the Les 3 Vallées region. There are four different cycle routes of varying lengths that take in the pass, and an even longer and more challenging 3 Vallées circuit is currently under construction. The principal route to the top involves a grinding 7km (4.3-mile) climb – sometimes at an angle of 23% – from 1673m to a high of 2304m.

This article was first published Sep 29, 2020 and updated Aug 5, 2022.

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Guided cycling tours in France's most beautiful regions

All you have to do is pedal!

At French Cycling Holidays, we love France and we love cycling.

Our cycling tours in France combine these two passions into an experience that you will never forget.

We specialise in guided, supported cycling tours in France’s most beautiful areas, staying at charming , individual and very comfortable hotels and sampling the finest regional cuisine and wine.

French Cycling Holidays is here to ensure that you enjoy the best of France — the scenery, the sights, and the cuisine — and to make sure that you have a hassle-free vacation. From the moment we collect you from the airport or train station, everything is taken care of. All you have to do is pedal...

Featured guided cycling tours

Mediterranean coast and canal du midi tour.

5th May 2024

From £2675.00

Provence – Roman Heritage & Wine

12th May 2024

From £2725.00

Bordeaux & Bergerac Wine

14th Jul 2024

From £2775.00

“Another excellent holiday –the guides, Alan and Marie were brilliant!”

-- Mike & Liz Roberts, West Sussex UK

“Hotel choices are very good, lots of character, the meals were superb! Henry and David, the guides, were great – key to the great experience.”

-- Diane and Tom Rosfjord, Connecticut, USA

“Truly enjoyable – an ideal mix of sightseeing and cycling, every hotel was excellent, Alan and Roger were caring and helpful.”

-- Al and Karen Henkelman, Ontario, Canada.

Private Cycling Tours

If you have a group of 6 people or more and want to take any of our cycling tours as a private tour, we can normally arrange any tour for any date.

New Zealand Cycling Tours

A guided cycling tour of New Zealand's South Island

Provence bike tours: our (impartial) pick of the best Provence cycling tours

Cycling in Provence, France is a feast for the senses. Following the region’s quiet roads, you’ll cycle through quaint French villages, passing vineyards, olive groves and cherry orchards along the way.

Famed by the Tour de France and with beautiful scenery, it’s no wonder that there are loads of bike tours in Provence to pick from. In this guide we’ll share some of our top picks.

This article is based on the information on each operator’s website. We’ve done our best to ensure our summary is accurate, but please double-check everything with the operator since the information on their website could be out of date or could have changed since we wrote the article. It’s even conceivable (heaven forbid!) that we may have made a mistake.

The prices usually assume two people occupying a room. If you want single occupancy, expect to pay more. Also carefully check the trip inclusions – we’ve just summarised the situation below and the inclusions may well vary for each trip.

In the interests of transparency, just to let you know that we’ve worked with  Vélorizons (also known as France Bike Trips) on creating other articles for this site. Want to know which other cycling tour operators we worked with in 2022? Read this.

The advantages of guided Provence bike tours

Whilst those experienced in road cycling in Europe might opt for DIY, self-guided cycling holidays in Provence, choosing a guided bike tour in Provence has its advantages.

As well as the social element to group bike tours, choosing an organised cycling tour gives you the reassurance that you’ll always have support should anything go wrong along the way.

If you decide to go down the guided bike tour route, it’s important to choose the best bike tour company for your needs.

Of course, cycling Provence self guided will be cheaper, so you need to weigh up costs when planning your Provence bike trip.

This article lists some of our top picks for the best cycling tour options in Provence.

If you’re still debating the guided v self-guided question, this article  may be useful for you. 

Which area of Provence is best for you?

You’ll also want to consider what is the best base for cycling in Provence France.

Do you want a short trip focusing on climbing the mighty Mont Ventoux (relevant tours here ), or perhaps you want to explore the Luberon region (relevant tours here ) or head to the Cote D’Azur (relevant tours here )?

Alternatively, for Provence cycling holidays of a week or more, a point-to-point tour, staying at a different hotel each night, could be the best option (relevant tours here ).

Not sure about the differences between the regions, check out our Luberon/Ventoux guide, Ventoux accommodation guide and our Nice/Côte d’Azure guide!

Below we’ve got our pick of some of the most interesting tours out there, based on these regions. Enjoy!

Mont Ventoux bike tours

Mont Ventoux is one of the most famous mountains in Europe and a mecca for road cycling enthusiasts. Also known as the ‘Giant of Provence’, the 1912-metre limestone peak can be seen from most places in the region. Famed by the Tour de France, Mont Ventoux has featured in the event 14 times since 1951 (more on the Tour history here ).

The summit is a vertical mile high, with an average gradient of 7.5%, so it’s not for beginners – yet, if you’re fit enough, it offers one of the most satisfying climbs in France, if not the world – which is why a lot of Provence cycling tours are based around this climb.

You can find out more background information about cycling Ventoux in this guide.

1. Veloventoux

Veloventoux are a small family company, comprising husband and wife Craig and Vicky and their daughter. They run a guest house in Provence and offer seven-night guided cycling holidays.

One such bike tour begins with a climb of Mont Ventoux before heading on to Alpe d’Huez, the Col du Glandon and the Col de la Croix de Fer. It’s one of the more challenging bike tour Provence options but it’s well worth it.

• Tour: Mont Ventoux to Alpe D’Huez
• Tour type:  Guided
• Starts: Puymeras
• Cost: TBC. 2022 price was £1,295
• Includes: 7 nights’ half-board accommodation, transfers, expert guide and vehicle support
• Departure dates: TBC for 2023

Intura are a small French company who were founded in 2004 and offer guided and self-guided walking and cycling holidays in France and Portugal.

They offer a short break cycling holiday in Provence which includes a leisurely ride along the wine roads of the Mont Ventoux before the challenging Mont Ventoux climb the following day. There’s also the option to add on an extra day touring the lavender fields of Sault.

• Tour: Mont Ventoux cycling Shortbreak
• Tour type: Self-guided
• Starts: Avignon
• Cost: from €450
• Includes: 2 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation, transfers, hybrid bike rental, maps and itineraries, 24/7 phone assistance
• Departure dates: April to November
• Group size: self-guided (2-10 people)
• Notes: Option to choose road bike, hybrid bike or e-bike

Luberon bike tours

The Luberon region of Provence has some great cycling circuits featuring quiet roads with little traffic. The region is made up of three mountain ranges – the Lesser Luberon, the Greater Luberon and the Eastern Luberon, each dotted with hilltop villages and offering stunning views of vineyards and orchards. To the north is Ventoux.

You can find out more background information about  cycling the Luberon in our in-depth guide.

3. France Bike Trips

France Bike Trips is a small company offering guided and self-guided cycling tours in France. Most tours offer two versions, depending on your level of fitness and ability.

The self-guided bike tour of the Luberon takes cyclists on a circuit of the most beautiful villages in the area – Sénanque, Gordes, Bonnieux, Buoux and Lourmarin. Here you can get a taste of the relaxed lifestyle of Provence and admire the peaceful countryside.

• Tour: The Wonders of the Luberon
• Starts: Cavaillon
• Cost: from €555 (if booking for 4-6 people)
• Includes: 5 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation, 1 dinner, baggage transfers, maps and itineraries
• Departure dates: February to November
• Group size: self-guided (2+ people)

4. Provence Cycling Holidays

Provence Cycling Holidays is a small family-run company offering self-guided single-base cycling holidays. They have a B&B in Coustellet which provides the base for six-night cycling holidays in the Luberon region of Provence.

With carefully-planned self-guided rides, you can visit all the best Luberon sights including the Ocre mine of Roussillon, the rich history of Gourdes and the charming village of Goult which was half-destroyed by an earthquake. Should you wish, you can visit attractions such as lavender fields, vineyard tours, markets and ancient buildings.

• Starts: Coustellet
• Cost: from €1,084 bed and breakfast
• Includes: 6 nights’ accommodation, all breakfasts, 2 three-course home-cooked dinners with wine, bike hire, GPS, bike equipment, laundry service, assistance
• Departure dates: April to October
• Notes: The company also has a self-catering option based in a villa in Taillades. We worked with France Bike Trips (also known as Vélorizons) on an article about their Route des Grandes Alpes trip .

Côte d’Azure bike tours

The Cote d’Azur is where the Alps meet the sea and is where you’ll find Nice, the second-largest city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region after Marseille.

5. Azur Cycling Tours

Azur Cycle Tours offer cycling holidays in the South of France with a choice of guided day rides and fully-supported cycling tours.

One such tour is the ‘Aches in Provence’ tour, a clever pun based on the French city of Aix-en-Provence. The tour doesn’t actually cycle in Aix itself, but with an itinerary promising the best and most challenging cycling that the south-east of France has to offer, ‘aches’ are par for the course. This tour includes a journey over the highest road pass in France, the Col de la Bonette as well as the deepest canyon in Europe, the Gorges du Verdon. You’ll also cycle the Formula 1 circuit in Monaco, home to super cars, super yachts and super models as well as super cyclists such as Geraint Thomas, Richie Porte and Chris Froome.

• Tour: Aches in Provence
• Tour type: Guided
• Starts: Nice
• Cost: from £1,470
• Includes: 7 nights’ half-board accommodation, expert guide, support vehicle

Point to point cycling tours in Provence

6. Cyclomundo

Cyclomundo is a French cycling holiday company offering guided and self-guided bike tours in Europe.

The company offers a self-guided tour from Avignon to Nice, covering low-lying vineyards and the heights of the Alps as you head towards the Mediterranean Sea. This is undoubtedly a challenging tour, with up to 73 miles covered each day, but it does give the flexibility to explore the natural and man-made wonders of Provence as you please. As the name suggests, it’s one of the most scenic self guided bike tours Provence France has to offer.

• Tour: Visually Stunning: From Avignon to Nice
• Cost: from €1,395
• Includes: 7 nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, 3 dinners, luggage transfers, maps and GPS, assistance
• Group size: 6 or more

What next?!

We hope our pick of Provence tours has been useful and helped you pick the best tour for you! Let us know in the comments below – and if we’ve missed any operators you’ve had a great experience with, please also leave us a comment!

We hope our guides to the Luberon region of Provence , to Ventoux and the Côte d’Azur will provide you with lots of information on what to expect from these stunning parts of the world. Any questions, drop us a comment below!

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If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours wherever possible)!

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Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels – and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they’re there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

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France Cycling Tours

Discover the real france on an authentic cycling holiday.

With its grand estates and châteaux, endless vineyards producing some of the best wine in the world, magnificent cathedrals, historic battlefields, postcard-perfect villages and rugged mountains, France is one of the best places in the world for a cycling holiday. 

Choose to explore France at handlebar level on an unforgettable guided or self guided cycling trip with UTracks. Be your own captain as you navigate the country’s network of quiet country lanes and greenways at your own pace, armed with detailed route descriptions and maps, on a self guided French cycling trip.  

Or join an iconic tour of France’s intricate network of canals and mighty rivers with a group of like-minded travellers and an experienced local guide on a guided Bike & Boat holiday. 

From the historic landmarks and varied landscapes of Northern France to the untamed French Pyrenees range and the deserts, forests and mountains of the island of Corsica , our leading range of cycling tours allow active travellers of all levels of experience to appreciate the real France. 

You don’t have to be a keen cyclist to enjoy a cycling holiday in France, you just need a reasonable level of fitness and a passion for active travel. And, with electric bikes now being offered on over 85% of our cycling tours in France, more people can explore the French countryside on two wheels or choose from a broader range of itineraries than ever before.

Learn about e-bikes

Popular destinations for France cycling trips

View all Loire Valley Cycling Trips

View all Burgundy Cycling Trips

View all Paris Cycling Trips

View all Alsace Cycling Trips

View all Dordogne & Bordeaux Cycling Trips 

View all Provence Cycling Trips

View all Normandy Cycling Trips

Popular Cycling Tours France

Provence Backroads

Introductory

Alsace by Bike

Provence Bike & Boat

Introductory to Moderate

Loire Valley Cycle

Loire Valley Castles

Canal du Midi Cycle

Corsica Cycle

Challenging

Burgundy Bike and Barge

Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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Power to the Pedals – 8 Great e-bike Tours in France

If you are thinking about a trip to France this holiday season and looking for some cycling tours, then this page is for you. The focus of this article is electric bike tours that are currently available in France. We have researched the market and listed 8 different options across the country that you might like to consider. Choose from popular destinations like Bordeaux and its magnificent wines, the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean or the historic beaches of Normandy.

e-bike Tours in France – a popular activity

Electric bikes or e-bikes have increased in their popularity over the last few years. Many people are rediscovering their love of riding a bike with a little bit of extra assistance from the motor. If you’ve ever wanted to take a cycle tour but were concerned whether you had the fitness required to get over some hilly terrain, then an e-bike tour provides you with a perfect solution. So with this in mind, we have picked out 8 different e-bike tours in France you can look to explore on your next holiday.  The tours we have selected below vary in duration and are a mix of guided and self-guided options.

Full Day French Riviera

E-bike tour.

(Region: French Riviera. Duration 7hrs)

Explore the delights of the French Riviera on this guided e-bike tour.   Departing from the historical old port of Nice, you will enjoy marvelling at the superyachts in the harbour before using that e-bike motor to easily get you to the top of the surrounding peak of Mont Boron where you will cycle past Elton John’s house. The view from the summit looking back towards the seafront is absolutely stunning. Then get a taste of the life of the rich and famous with a visit to the opulent Villa Ephrussie de Rothschild and its 9 gardens. For some extra fun, the tour also includes a game of Pétanque – a favourite pastime in this area of France. Discover more about this tour here .

Feel like discovering more about a holiday in the French Riviera? Read our comprehensive destination guide .

Easy going e-bike Tour Loire Valley

(Region: Loire Valley. Duration 6 days)

If you want to take in the sights of grand Chateaus, sweeping rivers, fields of sunflowers and rolling vineyards then this e-bike tour in the Loire Valley is for you. Running over 6 days, this guided tour begins and ends in St-Pierre-des-Corps. The best of the Loire is on offer here including the experience of staying in luxury Chateaus each night as your accommodation. Each meal on the tour utilises the local produce which is grown in the region and of course, this includes the wine from the vineyards you cycle past. Discover more about this tour here .

   D-Day Landing Beaches e-bike Tour: Bayeux to Omaha Beach

(Region: Normandy. Duration: 6 hours)

This e-bike tour in Normandy is definitely one for those who have an interest in World War II history. As you ride through the countryside your tour guide will point out areas of significance in relation to the battles which broke out here during the war. The tour finishes at Omaha Beach – one of the landing beaches used in D-Day. You will also have free time to spend at the American Cemetery.  This is just one of a number of similar tours offered by the Tour Operator. You can discover more of their D-Day Landing Beaches tours here .

Bordeaux to Sarlat Wine and e-bike Tour

(Region: Bordeaux & Dordogne. Duration: 6 or 9 days)

If you are a lover of French wine and food then this self-guided e-bike tour is for you. Starting in the beautiful city of Bordeaux and ending in the charming village of Sarlat in the Dordogne region, this is a real gastronomy tour. You will have a multitude of wineries to stop in at along the way as you travel through the beautiful towns of Saint Emillion, Bergerac and Les Eyzies. But while the wine in this region is world-renowned, so is the local produce and food with some of the best cuisines France has to offer. The tour is offered with an option of 6 or 9 days depending on how long you want to explore the area.  For more information click here .

e-bike: The Grand Tour of Provence

(Region: Provence, Duration: 7 days)

If you are feeling inspired by the book A Year in Provence then the Grand Tour of Provence is the e-bike tour in France you are after. This 7-day self-guided e-Bike tour visits all the famous sights that the Provence region is famous for. From historic hilltop forts, olive groves, lavender fields, as well as those famous perched villages. You will discover that an e-bike is a perfect way to explore everything that is on offer on this trip. If you feel like getting a taste for some Tour de France history you also have the option to cycle the infamous Mont Ventoux instead of taking a rest day. Discover more about this tour here.

Tour de France Cols on an e-Bike

(Region: French Alps. Duration: 6 Days)

Want to ride the iconic climbs of the Tour de France but worried you aren’t fit enough? Then why not ride them on this e-bike tour through the southern French Alps. You will be able to enjoy the 21 hairpin bends of Alpe d’Huez as well as take in the moonscape of the ‘Casse Deserte’ of the Col d’Izoard – one of the highest mountain passes in Europe. There is even a ‘time trial challenge’ stage where you can pit yourself and your e-bike up against the time set by Chris Froome. This e-bike tour also includes all the benefits which come from a guided tour with vehicle support. Discover more about this e-bike tour in France here.

Want to discover what is on offer in the French Alps? Read our practical guide on planning a holiday in the French Alps here .

Northern Corsica on an e-bike: GT 20 from Bastia to Calvi

(Region: Corsica. Duration: 7 days)

This e-bike tour takes in the sights of Northern Corsica, a French Island located south of the French Riviera, on the Mediterranean Sea.  The self-guided tour begins in Bastia where you can take in the rich history and marvel at the buildings in the old port and citadel.  The tour follows the route of the Grande Traverse 20 and each day has two options with different ride distances depending on whether you’d prefer a longer or shorter day in the saddle.  The island of Corsica is a real gem and contains very diverse scenery.  There are many high mountain peaks, a desert as well as beautiful little fishing villages and of course countless beaches to explore.  The finishing city of Calvi is a sight to behold and you will certainly want to spend time exploring the 12th Century Citadel. Click here to learn more about this e-bike tour.

Three Lakes Tour – Geneva to Annecy

(Region: French Alps. Duration: 6 days)

This self-guided e-bike tour sees you take in the sights of three beautiful lakes, all of which are framed by the mountain peaks of the French Alps and Jura. This tour actually begins in Geneva in Switzerland which is very close to the French border. From there you will enjoy this pleasant route which has been planned to utilise the river paths which trace the Rhone and Isere rivers. You will explore the shores of Lake Geneva before riding through to France and reaching Lac du Bourget – France’s deepest glacial lake. Whilst there makes sure to enjoy the thermal spa waters of Aix les Bains which have been utilised since Roman times.

The final lake to take in on this tour is Lake Annecy. The city of Annecy itself enjoys a stunning backdrop with the turquoise waters of the beautiful lake framed by huge Alpine peaks looming all around. The old city or ‘Vielle Ville’ is known as the Venice of the Alps owing to the stunning canals which flow through it. The assistance of the e-bike on this tour means you can experience the joys of riding through the French Alps without the struggle of pedalling up mountains. Discover more about this tour here .

Annecy is a fantastic holiday destination with so many activities, sites and attractions to explore Read more in our comprehensive Annecy destination guide .

What to consider when hiring an e-bike?

If you’d like the experience of riding an e-bike but don’t want to partake in an official tour then there are still great options to choose from. You will find the availability of e-bike hire in France is increasing and they are available for rental right throughout the country. The type of e-bike you hire will vary depending on the terrain and distances you plan to ride. There are three different types of e-bikes you will generally find available – e-mountain bikes, e-hybrid/city bikes and e-road bikes. For most people the e-hybrid/city bike will be the best option, allowing you to ride in a comfortable upright position on a mix of road surfaces. Many of the popular city bike hire schemes now also have an e-bike option.

3 tips to help you prepare for an e-bike tour

Making sure you choose the right e-bike tour to suit your riding style is a really important consideration to make. Below are three things to do before you go which will help make sure participating in an e-bike tour is an enjoyable experience for you.

* Consider the type of terrain you are comfortable riding on. An e-bike will definitely help you get to the top of climbs with ease, but you don’t want to get to the summit of a road only to find you are not confident riding down the other side. If you feel that descending long mountain roads may be a bit scary for you, then be sure to choose an e-bike tour that keeps you on flatter terrain.

* Ride your bike before you go on holiday. This is especially important if it has been a while since you last turned the pedals. Spending some time riding a bike beforehand will help you ride with confidence when you are on your tour.

* Work out how long you are comfortable riding a bike for each day. The e-bike motor will help take some of the efforts out of the actual riding, but you still want to be sure you are ok with spending a few hours on a bike seat. This will also help you decide on the e-bike tour length. If you want to ride a multi-day tour, then you definitely want to know you are comfortable with the idea of riding day after day. Keep in mind in France e-bike motors are limited to travelling at a speed of 25km/hr. (15.5mi). This will help you work out how long it may take to travel the distances between your start and end point each day.

How long does an e-bike motor last?

If you are taking a self-guided e-bike tour something to find out beforehand is the capacity of the motor. In most cases e-bikes will allow for a few different modes, each giving a different amount of ‘boost’ in terms of power. The more powerful the boost, the higher the drain on the battery. Each motor is different and other factors such as the weight of the rider, the bike, any luggage you are taking as well as the type of terrain you are riding (hilly/flat) will all have an impact on battery life and how long the e-bike motor will last.

So there is no one magic number that will apply to everyone in relation to the mileage you can expect to cover on an e-bike battery charge. This is definitely something to ask your tour operator but for most people, provided you use the motor wisely you will comfortably complete the distances set out in the tour. There is also a range calculator available here from Bosch which is one of the most common battery types used on e-bikes. If you put in your details it will give you an estimate of the distance you can travel on one charge.

Feeling inspired to ride a bike in France on your next holiday? Then have a look at our Practical Resources section which has everything you need to know to assist you with trip planning.

• Customized biking tour

With Children : 17 cycling tour(s)

Family bike tour in holland.

• Spend a night in a castle
• Enjoy the beautiful city of Amsterdam
• Explore the dunes and immense sandy beaches
• Admire the famous windmills

The 3 lakes region for families

• A circuit designed for families: easy, safe and beautiful
• The beauty of Swiss nature
• Swimming breaks

4-day family holiday in the heart of the Loire Valley castles

• The variety of landscapes at each stage
• Chenonceaux, Amboise, Chaumont sur Loire ... the most elegant castles!
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Family bike tour at Lake Constance

• The numerous activities for family all along the tour
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4 days by bike from Bordeaux to Arcachon

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A family cycle tour in the Loire Valley

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• An easy route accessible to everyone

Cycle tour from Rennes to Saint-Malo: along Ille and Rance Canal

• The Green Lane safe itinerary, along the Canal
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Family cycling trip from Blois to Amboise

• The easy bike stages, between cycle paths and marked out itineraries
• The visit of chateaux de Chambord, Cheverny and the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci.
• Remember Tintin world at the château de Cheverny
• Enjoy the “natural bathing spot”, entirely environmental

Family cycling tour in the Loire Chateaux country

• ‘The secrets of Marlinspike’ exhibition in Cheverny
• An easy and accessible to all itinerary
• Discover the chateaux of Chambord and Cheverny

Cycling tour on the Arcachon Bay

• The dune du Pilat, uninterrupted view on the Arcachon Bay
• The Cap Ferret and its oysters’ villages
• Arcachon and the Arcachonnaises of the winter town

Bike stay between Chambord and Cheverny

• 3 days in the heart of Sologne, between forest and chateaux
• Short stages to Chambord and Cheverny
• For the gourmand: The handmade chocolate factory Max Vauché, nearby your hotel
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Bike barge tour France — bon vivant by bike and boat

Fine French cuisine, equally good wine, charming chateaus, and a lust for life par excellence — it’s not hard to be tempted by a bike barge tour in France. And who are we to stop you! In fact, we too are lovers of cycle cruises exploring France’s classic landscapes, tumultuous history, indomitable culture and dangerously-good boulangeries, and offer a wide range of cycle and cruise tours throughout this diverse and very bike-friendly country.

Let’s start with the south: The city of Bordeaux combines cycling adventures, the finest of wines, the sun of southwest France, and the exceptional, culturally-rich city of Bordeaux itself. The Bordeaux bike and boat tour explores this wine region, discovering castles, grand architecture, beautiful rivers, superb museums, and world-class vineyards. Or perhaps opt for our Provence – Camargue tour from Avignon to Aigues Mortes, passing through wild nature, the Rhone Valley and Van Gogh’s Provence — and even spotting the Pont du Gard.

All roads lead to Paris on a bike barge tour France

Paris. Little needs to be said about the City of Lights and its famous Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, grand bridges over the Seine River or its cozy bistros…  But it must be said that Paris is a wonderful starting (or ending) point for bike barge tours in France.

Take, for example, the voyage of exploration along the Seine River from Paris to Montargis , taking in the forests and history of Fontainebleau, and the impressionist hotbeds of Barbizon and Moret-sur-Loing. Or instead depart in search of the homeland of Champage, Epernay , biking, cruising and tasting your way through this region of Brie and sparkling wine.

Take French cycle cruise routes to Belgium and Germany

Paris is also a fantastic departure point for bike barge tours out of France, with our Paris – Bruges tour passing through the many delights of northern France’s rolling rural countryside. You’ll then enter the French-speaking part of Belgium, also known as Wallonia, visit Somme Valley battlefields, and the gorgeous medieval city of Ghent on your way to romantic Bruges.

Or take a cross-European bike barge tour through France, Luxembourg and Germany as you follow the Moselle River Valley; stopping off to sample its wonderful Rieslings, and relaxing in towns full of half-timbered houses, before pedaling on under the watch of hilltop fortresses.

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Countdown to the 2024 Critérium du Dauphiné: Excitement Mounts in Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule

The eight-day mini-Tour de France begins this Sunday with a 174.8 km stage and features top contenders, diverse stages, and the iconic Yellow Leader’s Jersey.

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Like many European bike races, the Critérium du Dauphiné (we just call it “the Dauphiné”) was originally created to promote a local newspaper, the Dauphiné Libéré, a provincial newspaper that covers the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-central France—the area that the race calls its home. In fact, the race was actually called the “Dauphiné Libéré” until 2010, at which point it was taken over by the Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), the organizers of the Tour de France .

The race highlights one of the most beautiful regions in France, an area that includes the Alps, Mont Ventoux, and the Massif Central. This gives the organizers lots of options when it comes to building a challenging course, and they often create stages that mirror those in the upcoming Tour de France. This is one of the main reasons why it’s a popular dress rehearsal for General Classification riders hoping to be at their best for the French grand tour.

And it’s not uncommon for riders to win the Critérium du Dauphiné and then the Tour de France six weeks later. Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard-Hansen did it last year with Jumbo-Visma. Team Sky made winning both races a habit in the 2010s, with Britons Chris Froome winning both events in 2013, 2015, and 2016, and Geraint Thomas winning the Dauphiné-Tour combo in 2018.

It’s also a race that has traditionally favored Americans. Five riders from the United States have won the prestigious event in its 75-year history, and we wouldn’t be surprised if America makes it six by the time the race wraps up on the Plateau des Glières next Sunday.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Critérium du Dauphiné, one of the most exciting and important week-long stage races of the season:

How to Watch Critérium du Dauphiné in the U.S.

How to watch critérium du dauphiné in canada, how to watch critérium du dauphiné in europe, what happened last year, riders to watch, the 2024 route.

This year’s Dauphiné covers 1203.8 km (746 mi) spread over eight stages. The race begins Sunday with Stage 1, a jagged road stage around Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule that–despite three categorized climbs early in the stage–should end with a field sprint.

But Monday’s Stage 2, a 142-kilometer road stage that begins in Gannat, definitely won’t. That stage contains four categorized climbs, including two Category 2 ascents on the way to an uphill finish on the Col de la Loge. This could be an early day for the Dauphiné’s General Classification contenders to try and take the yellow leader’s jersey. If they don’t, the stage will certainly go to a breakaway filled with puncheurs .

Stage 3 continues this year’s punchy trend with a hilly route filled with five categorized climbs. The 181.2-kilometer stage begins in Celles-sur-Durolle and ends with an uphill finish on the Category 3 climb to Les Estables, a 3.8km climb with an average gradient of 5.2 percent.

Wednesday brings Stage 4, a 34.4-kilometer individual time trial from Saint-Germain-Laval to Neulise. This should cause the first real shuffling of the General Classification of the race, with men like Primož Roglič (BORA-hansgrohe) and Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step) among the favorites to win the stage and take the yellow jersey.

Thursday’s Stage 5 is the longest stage of the Dauphiné, a 200.2-kilometer ride from Amplepuis to Saint-Priest. Even with four categorized climbs spread throughout the stage. This should be the last chance for the sprinters–unless a breakaway ruins their plans.

And then come the mountains, starting with Friday’s Stage 6, a 173.2-kilometer stage that starts in Hauterives and ends with a summit finish on the hors categorie (“Beyond Category”) Collet d’Allevard, an 11.1km climb with an average gradient of 8.1-percent.

Starting in Albertville, Stage 7 is even harder, with four Category 1 ascents and then a summit finish on the hors categorie climb to the Samoëns 1600 ski resort–all crammed into just 145.5 km. The climb to Samoëns 1600 is a beast: 10 km long, the climb averages 9.3 percent–and even that’s a bit misleading thanks to the opening kilometer’s 3.3 percent average gradient. With over 4,200m of elevation gain, this is the hardest stage in this year’s Dauphiné.

But just in case the race hasn’t been decided yet, Stage 8 ends the week with a bang. Beginning in the town of Thônes–near the base of the Category 1 Col de la Forclaz de Montmin–the 152.5km stage takes the riders over three categorized climbs before yet another summit finish, this time on the Category 1 Plateau des Glières. This is another short, intense stage that should provide an exciting conclusion to the 2024 Critérium du Dauphiné.

NBC’s Peacock ($5.99/month or $59.99/year) streams all events organized by A.S.O., which means you can watch the Dauphiné in June and then the Tour de France in July. If you’re looking for ad-free coverage, you’ll need a subscription to Peacock Premium Plus , which runs $11.99 per month or $119.99 for the year.

The Peacock app is available on Roku, Apple devices, Android and AndroidTV devices, Google platforms, Chromecast, Xbox consoles, PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles, VIZIO SmartCast TVs, and LG Smart TVs. You can also watch online via the Peacock website.

If you’re in Canada, FloBikes ($29.99/month CDN) is the best way to watch the Critérium du Dauphiné with all eight stages available live and on-demand on FloBikes.com , the FloSports IOS app, and the FloSports app for Amazon FireTV, Roku, and Apple TV.

If you have cable and prefer conventional television viewing, each stage of the Dauphiné will be shown on CNBC. This year, the network looks set to show replays, as–according to NBC’s website–Stage 1 is scheduled to air at 1:00 p.m. EDT, a few hours after the stage is expected to end.

The Critérium du Dauphiné will be broadcast in the United Kingdom and around Europe on Discovery+ , which carries Eurosport ’s live coverage. The Basic plan is priced at £3.99 per month or £39.99 annually in the UK (7-day free trial included), and it can be integrated into your Amazon Prime Video account.

As it did the year before (sorta), the 2023 Critérium du Dauphiné served as a bit of a crystal ball heading into the Tour de France, with Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard and Jumbo-Visma dominating the race from start to finish. In all, the Dutch super-team won four stages, with France’s Christophe Laporte winning Stages 1 and 3 (and the green jersey as the winner of the Points Classification) and Vingegaard winning Stages 5 and 7 on his way to winning the race overall. The Dane won his second consecutive Tour de France six weeks later.

Great Britain’s Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) finished second–he went on to finish third at the Tour de France–and Australia’s Ben O’Connor (AG2R Citroën Team) finished third. Spain’s Carlos Rodriguez won the white jersey as the Dauphiné’s Best Young Rider, and Italy’s Giulio Ciccone (Trek-Segafredo) won the polka dot jersey as the Dauphiné’s King of the Mountains.

Primož Roglič (BORA-hansgrohe)

Roglič won the Critérium du Dauphiné in 2022 and is once again using the French WorldTour stage race as a dress rehearsal for the Tour de France. The Slovenian was one of the victims of the horrible crash in April’s Itzulia Basque Country –the same crash that took down Vingegaard, who won’t be participating in this year’s Dauphiné due to his injuries (he’s at a training camp instead).

Roglič abandoned the Basque race immediately–despite being the race leader at the time–but he was among the less injured of the riders who went down. So, while he was forced to skip the Ardennes Classics, he remained largely on track for the Tour.

The Dauphiné will be his last stop before heading to the Grand Depart in Florence, and his performance here will go a long way toward determining whether or not he has a realistic chance of winning his first Tour de France. And his BORA-hansgrohe team is stacked, with basically all the riders we expect to support the Slovenian at the Tour joining him at the start, including Australia’s Jai Hindley, who won a stage and spent a day in the yellow jersey in last year’s Tour de France–and won the 2022 Giro d’Italia .

Remco Evenepoel (Soudal–Quick-Step)

Evenepoel was another victim of the Basque crash that took down Vingegaard and Roglič–the Belgian broke his right clavicle and scapula. That wiped out the rest of his spring program, but now he’s healed and back on his bike–and reports say that his training is going well. Like most competitors, the Dauphiné will be the Belgian’s last test before the Tour. He’s likely targeting the time trial–he’s the reigning world champion in the discipline–but we’re more eager to see how he fares against the other contenders on the summit finishes at the end of Stages 6, 7, and 8. We’re also curious to see how his team–which has traditionally been built more for one-day classics–handles itself against proven stage race squads like BORA, Visma, and INEOS.

Carlos Rodríguez (INEOS Grenadiers)

Rodríguez finished ninth overall and won the white jersey as the Best Young Rider in last year’s Dauphiné, an impressive ride that perhaps should have been more hyped (blame jumbo-Visma’s dominance for that). But his performance turned out to be a sneak preview of what the Spaniard would do at the Tour, where he finished fifth overall and won a stage in the mountains.

Just 23 years old, Rodríguez has continued to improve throughout the spring: he finished second at Itzulia Basque Country and then won the Tour de Romandie, his first WorldTour stage race victory. Assuming he’s saving his best for the Tour, we’re expecting another top-10–possibly top-5–finish at the Dauphiné, which would make him a true podium contender in July.

Sepp Kuss (Visma–Lease a Bike)

With Vingegaard uncertain about riding the Tour de France following his crash, Kuss might end up being Visma’s GC captain, a stunning turn of events for a rider who spent much of last season as a support rider–at least until he took a surprise win at the Vuelta a España in September.

The American has had a quiet season so far, racing just a handful of times and spending the majority of his time at training camps. In fact, the Dauphiné will be the first time raced since the Itzulia Basque Country in early April. His performance will give us at least a hint as to whether or not he has the legs to be a true podium contender at the Tour.

Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates)

Ayuso joins Rodríguez at the forefront of a new generation of young, Spanish grand tour contenders. Just 21 years old, he already has two top-5 finishes at the Vuelta a España , including a third-place finish in 2022. Like Rodríguez, he seems to get better with every race he enters–he took second at Tirreno-Adriatico and fifth at the Tour of Romandie. And like Rodríguez, the Spaniard also won his first WorldTour stage this spring–the Tour of the Basque Country. And while he’s heading to the Tour to support Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar , we’re expecting him to be racing for himself at the Dauphiné–which could be bad news for the race’s other contenders.

Matteo Jorgenson (Visma–Lease a Bike)

If an American does win this year’s Critérium du Dauphiné, don’t be surprised if it’s Jorgenson, a 24-year-old who was born in Walnut Creek, California but grew up in Boise, Idaho. After spending the first few seasons of his WorldTour career with Movistar, Jorgenson transferred to Visma-Lease a Bike this past off-season and has since taken a major step forward, winning his first WorldTour stage race–Paris-Nice-and his first major one-day Classic–Dwars door Vlaanderen.

His last event was the Amstel Gold Race in mid-April, and he’s spent the past six weeks training for the Tour de France. And with Kuss likely biding his time for the Tour de France, there’s a good chance that he’ll be given the chance to try and win the Dauphiné before taking on more of a supporting role at the Tour. Visma has only scratched the surface of Jorgenson's potential, and this could be the race in which he takes another big step forward in his development as a rider.

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Spotted: New Pinarello Dogma used by Ineos Grenadiers at the Criterium du Dauphiné

Another new bike for the key Tour de France warmup race

The Criterium du Dauphiné is always a prime place to spot new bikes. Last year there were several prototypes on show from the likes of Ridley and BMC . This year we’ve already seen a new Wilier in the week preceding the key Tour de France tuneup, as well as a new Trek - model as yet uncertain - and Canyon Aeroad at the Dauphiné itself. 

Now it’s the turn of Pinarello and the Ineos Grenadiers to tease a new model, one that bears Dogma F branding, suggesting it is a simple like-for-like replacement.

 Deeper at the front, but no crash diet 

Ineos-Grenadiers, and long-time sponsor Pinarello, have long opted for a single-bike strategy. While other teams have spent a few years flitting between aero and lightweight bikes depending on the terrain, the British team has simply used the current Dogma F for everything. There is no reason to suspect that this new bike isn’t a new Dogma, and will be used by the squad for everything going forwards too. 

As with so many new bikes lately, the real meat and potatoes of the changes take place up front, where the leading edges meet (relatively) clean air. The first thing you’ll likely notice about this new bike is the increased depth of the headtube, likely butting right up against the edge of the UCI regulations. The material has been added behind the head tube, rather than adding a bulbous nose afore of the steerer as Specialized did with the Tarmac SL8. 

Presumably, to counteract the added mass up front, the rest of the frame has been on a moderate diet. It’s not nearly so pronounced as some other new models we’ve seen, with no pencil-like chainstays like the new Tarmac. Simply put, everything is just a bit smaller. The downtube still retains the shelf, stepping down for the bottle cage, and the seat stays are narrower, but it’s still very clearly a case of iterative design rather than wholesale change. 

 It’s still wiggly, but less so 

While aero bikes especially have got a reputation for all looking rather similar, thanks to the heavy use of CFD modelling and wind tunnel testing, Pinarello’s bikes have always had a distinctive silhouette. While the famous wobbly forks and seatstays have been toned down since the days of Chris Froome and Team Sky, the wobbly essence remains both in the fork and in the seatstays. 

When I attended the launch of the Pinarello F last year I was struck by the commitment the brand has to aesthetics as well as performance, and I suspect the waves remain to maintain the correct visual package rather than for any real performance gain.

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Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviews writer in 2022, having previously written for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. There are very few types of cycling he's not dabbled in, and he has a particular affection for older bikes and long lasting components. Road riding was his first love, before graduating to racing CX in Yorkshire. He's been touring on a vintage tandem all the way through to fixed gear gravel riding and MTB too. When he's not out riding one of his many bikes he can usually be found in the garage tinkering with another of them, or getting obsessive about tyres. Also, as he doesn't use Zwift, he's our go-to guy for bad weather testing... bless him.

Rides: Custom Zetland Audax, Bowman Palace:R, Peugeot Grand Tourisme Tandem, Falcon Explorer Tracklocross, Fairlight Secan & Strael

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New Pinarello Dogma spotted: Ineos riders seen on revamped bike ahead of Tour de France

We're on the ground at the Critérium du Dauphiné and have spotted a new Pinarello race bike

Liam Cahill / Our Media

Liam Cahill

The Ineos Grenadiers team has been spotted on what appears to be a new Pinarello Dogma ahead of the Tour de France.

Lining up at the start of a key warm-up race, the Critérium du Dauphiné, the riders will be getting acquainted with the new design before July’s big race.

However, given that changes appear to be fairly minor, familiarity with the new bike probably won’t require many hours in the saddle.

Deeper head tube

The new design seems limited in its scope, with the main visual change coming at the head tube, which is deeper.

The down tube appears to be marginally thinner and the bottom bracket area has been revised. 

At the time of writing, specific details are scarce and Pinarello has a history of incremental updates, suggesting some of the existing Dogma F's frame features may have been retained.

For example, the wavy fork – a familiar Pinarello design – is still present, as are the 'Fork Flap' tabs at its base.

Marginal aero gains

We’ve seen a number of bike brands launching seemingly small updates to their top-tier race machines and the focus is almost always directed to the bike’s frontal profile.

Fans of Specialized, for example, may have felt a little underwhelmed at the first sight of the S-Works Tarmac SL8 , ahead of last year's World Championships in Glasgow.

The SL8's redesign focused mainly on a new head tube – the now-infamous 'Speed Sniffer' – and there's good reason for brands to be narrowing their focus onto this area of the bike.

The UCI’s relaxation of its 3:1 depth-to-width ratio rule has resulted in deeper and thinner tubes on some of the latest bikes, such as Scott’s Foil RC .

Is it lighter?

So it seems that Pinarello is chasing small drag reductions from the front end, but other changes may be designed with weight saving in mind.

The down tube, for example, appears to be slightly narrower in places, potentially reducing the amount of material required and possibly lowering the weight.

What is clear is that there's still a recessed area for the bottle and cage. This is an effort to shield the front bottle from drag-inducing air – a feature introduced on 2019’s Dogma F12 .

While the down tube may have been made lighter, Pinarello appears to have added extra material to the bottom bracket.

The area directly above the bottom bracket cups has become more angular, flowing directly from the chainstays to the down tube.

A change like this is usually accompanied by claims of increased lateral stiffness, so it will be interesting to hear what Pinarello has to say when the bike is launched.

For now, we would expect the traditional bike launch schedule to be followed, with official news of the new model likely to come in the days before the Tour de France.

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‘we make a winning plan every day:’ coach says vingegaard is pulling out all stops to be ready for the tour de france, danish rider still dealing with effects of dramatic crash in april, with nervousness also a factor..

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Jonas Vingegaard suffered a career-threatening crash on April 4, but he is making better than expected progress in his race against time to be ready for the Tour de France in less than one month away.

That’s according to coach Tim Heemskerk , whole told Velo that he lauds the double Tour de France winner for his ability to rapidly improve his fitness levels.

“What impresses me the most is, especially after injury or being sick, how fast these top athletes can improve,” he told Velo this week. “When Jonas follows the training and does all the [right] things, I’ve never seen anything like it. I think it’s part of genetics but it’s also trusting in what you’re doing.

“I think it was two years ago, in one of the altitude camps before Dauphiné, one of the teammates said ‘ah, it’s not fair. This guy trains for a week, and he’s improving so fast.’

“That is that is something that I’ve never seen with any other athlete yet, that he is so able to improve so quickly.”

Vingegaard needs to draw on that attribute if he is to stand a chance of winning a third consecutive Tour. Indeed he’ll need that to even to be there at the start line with a fighting chance.

The Dane is in a race against time to be ready for the Tour, having spent two months trying to recover after serious disruption.

His crash at the Itzulia Basque Country left him suffering with a broken collarbone and shoulder blade, fractured ribs and a punctured lung. And while he has been able to put in good training in Mallorca and is now at altitude at Tignes, it remains to be seen if he can be ready in time for the Tour.

Despite his emphasis of Vingegaard’s ability to rapidly build form, Heemskerk also acknowledges what he has been through.

“I also do realize that he’s dealing now with a situation which is different than just an illness, that it will take energy,” he said. “It’s not like, ‘ah, I don’t feel pain,’ that nothing’s happening in the body. His body is still healing. That takes energy, and it also takes energy away from the [training] adaptation process.

“We give our all, we try to make every day a winning plan. But we don’t we don’t have a lot of time. So every day counts.”

Getting the nerve back again

Tadej Pogačar is on everyone’s radar after his near-10 minute victory in the Giro d’Italia, but Vingegaard is the athlete who proved the stronger in the past two Tours. After taking second in 2021 he returned to vanquish the Slovenian in 2022, cracking him in the mountain, and did so again last year.

And while Pogačar lit up the peloton this season, Vingegaard did likewise in his own race program. He dominated the O Gran Camiño in February, winning three out of four stages, the overall, the points and the mountains classifications, and also pummeled his rivals in Tirreno-Adriatico.

The two seemed set for a huge showdown in the Tour, but everything was thrown into doubt when Vingegaard plus fellow Tour contenders Primož Roglič (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) went off the road on a high speed descent in the Itzulia Basque Country.

Those who know Vingegaard were left horrified by what they saw.

“The crash itself was a very emotional day for everybody in the team, and especially for Jonas and the family,” Heemskerk said, acknowledging the fears of those watching the stage.

“Then you go step by step. You’re waiting for him first to be released from the hospital. And then once you know that will happen in the next few days, you start planning already a little bit.”

However any hopes that Vingegaard could quickly return to normal life were dashed. Heemskerk confirms media suggestions at the time that he was unable to return home.

He told Velo that the punctured lung Vingegaard suffered coupled with rigorous medical rules set by Denmark made taking a flight impossible.

The Tour champion was forced to remain in Spain, and also had to do regular rehab to rebuild strength and flexibility in his affected shoulder.

He and his coach worked closely together throughout this period, with Heemskerk sometimes splitting a planned three hour ride into two separate sessions on the same day to boost adaptation.

“I tried to make it as smart as possible to get more out of the planned training,” he said.

La Visma-Lease a Bike a partagé une vidéo de Jonas Vingegaard, qui a repris l’entraînement en extérieur plus d’un mois après sa grave chute. Le Danois, dont l’état “s’améliore de jour en jour”, espère être sur le Tour de France et “au top” de sa forme. pic.twitter.com/ASYFxX0ZcQ — Le Gruppetto (@LeGruppetto) May 7, 2024

Physical fitness is one thing; another issue to be worked on is his confidence after his crash.

“He went to Majorca to be training uphill, and also descending on a higher speed. This is really the next step again, towards a normal Jonas.

“When he is able to join the team, the complete Tour de France team when they come from Dauphiné, that will also be the moment Jonas will be training and descending in a group again.”

Heemskerk confirmed that the accident has left Vingegaard with some nervousness, particularly on descents.

“I think everybody will have it after such a high speed crash,” he said. “Having so many injuries, and trauma. So that’s normal when you get back on the bike.

“But also when you have had broken bones, and you’re released to go ride outside, there is also the fear of falling onto that same side again when you know it’s not completely recovered yet. So that is something everybody would have on their minds.”

He and Vingegaard have focused on just taking things one step at a time. Being back in a group could initially be nerve wracking, but he believes he will overcome any lingering skittishness.

“It’s just about gaining the confidence,” he said. “You know how it is if you go train in the Alps. If you haven’t done it for a while, then you have to get used to it again. And then maybe after a week, you’re going pretty fast down the descent.

“It’s just something that comes with doing it.”

‘We are not sure yet how this will evolve’

Heemskerk would undoubtedly like to be able to say now that his rider will be back to 100 percent by the time the Tour starts.

He doesn’t do that, instead saying that he, and Vingegaard, and the team itself, don’t yet know things will play out.

However they are taking an all systems go approach to maximizing the chances of a Tour start. Will that bear fruit? Time will tell.

“He’s in Tignes now,” he said. “He is there for a few days now, taking easy rides to get used to the altitude.

“Then [after that adaptation] it’s just train, eat sleep, spend time with the family. That’s probably the best possible thing we can do at the moment. And then monitor every day if it’s going to be good enough to even start the Tour.”

He is surprisingly frank about that uncertainty.

“We’re not sure yet how this will evolve. The most important thing is that Jonas should get the feeling at one point like, ‘this is doable,’ or ‘I have my doubts, it is not doable.’ Of course then the plan will change,” he said.

“For now, we do our best, day by day. Jonas is putting in the hours and watches his nutrition and do the things we normally would do on an altitude camp. Then we will see how the body will react to it.”

There’s now just four weeks to the Tour de France, a short period of time for a rider who has been out of competition since early April.

Does Heemskerk rate his chances at 50-50, or how does he see it?

“That’s difficult, because I don’t really think like that,” he answers. “It’s day by day. It’s like, ‘what will come out of the numbers and the feeling and the feedback you get from Jonas today? What will be the new plan for tomorrow?’

“Basically, it’s like a bottom up process. Because we’ve done it in the past three Tours de Frances, where he was second, won and won, I do know what is needed. So in my mind, it’s like ‘okay, this is still the gap that’s there.’

Given the tight timescale until the start of the sport’s biggest event, how would the final decision be made about riding the Tour or not, and when would that come?

“I think the most important player there is Jonas,” he answered. “I can only say when he has doubts or has questions, to tell him where we are. And he knows it very well.

“Seeing the amount of time we have, that there is a gap we have to bridge in the next four, four and a half weeks.”

‘He should go to the Tour to win it’

Visma-Lease a Bike has had a huge turnaround since last season. The team could hardly put a foot wrong then, making history by becoming the first team to win all three grand tours in the same season.

This year the squad has seen key riders get ill or crash out, and is trying frantically to get back on track.

But the goals remain high despite what has happened.

“Without forcing, what Richard Plugge said, he needs to be 100 percent,” he explained. “When Jonas goes to the Tour, he should go to win it. And if there are any doubts, Jonas will also feel it.

“That’s also a quality of his. He can also feel that something is doable or not. If he’s improving fast, and he shows that he has good numbers in training and has a really good feeling, then we also will know.

“If that happens in the next month, then we’ll see a good Jonas in the Tour. For now, we make a winning plan every day towards being in the best possible shape.”

If everything works out, what is shaping up to be a fascinating Tour will be even better.

“You can only hope that there’s going to be a big battle between Evenpoel, Roglič, Pogačar and hopefully also Jonas,” Heemskerk said. “Those three will battle for sure, if nothing [unexpected] would happen, because they have really, really good preparation.

“And then if Jonas gets into the mix, it will be really good.”

Cycling fans will agree. The Giro was dramatic, but one-sided. A four-way Tour battle would make for spectacular viewing.

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The Best River Cruises In All Of Europe, According To Reviews

T ravelers looking to experience a destination usually keep away from ocean cruises, as these massive ships holding thousands of people make it difficult to see the best of a place, so most of what they see is the cruise's deck and buffet line. That's fine for relaxation, but not so great for true exploring. However, that's not the same for river cruises. River cruises offer the best parts of ocean cruises — like easy boarding, inclusive experiences, a crowd of people eager to meet others, and great food — combined with the benefits of a travel-ambitious trip. If you aren't sure  which type of cruise is best for you , it might be time to give the river a chance.

River cruises offer an array of excursions to choose from, so tourgoers can create their own customized trip. As the ship sails, you'll have the opportunity to experience small villages that otherwise wouldn't make it to your itinerary. That's what intrepid adventurers will find on these European adventures, which are undoubtedly some of the best river cruises in the world . Although the river cruise marketplace is a big one, these cruises offer interesting itineraries with one-of-a-kind experiences, excellent value, and high-end accommodations. Let's get started.

Read more: The Best Budget-Friendly Tourist Destinations To Visit In The Mediterranean

AmaWaterway - Taste Of Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a beautiful epicenter of food, wine, and gastronomic excellence, and that's exactly what cruisers will see — and taste — if they embark on AmaWaterways' seven-day Taste of Bordeaux cruise that travels both the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. The trip heads through Bordeaux, Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Cadillac, and Cussac Fort Médoc, and other cities (such as San Sebastián and Bilbao in neighboring Spain) can also be added. On the journey, travelers can expect to hike a vineyard in Libourne, take a tour of a 17th-century citadel recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit a medieval castle that looks largely untouched despite its long history, and, of course, taste plenty of Bordeaux wine. Perhaps the best part of this cruise is its ability to customize, as travelers can choose which excursion they would like to do nearly every day.

The Taste of Bordeaux cruise, which starts at $3,700, earned 4.5 stars on Cruise Critic . One previous customer said, "The only way to describe it is 'marvelous.' The itinerary is filled with great moments. The chateaus, the wine tastings, the scenery." Visitors see the Bordeaux region from the AmaDolce ship, which is specifically tailored to the Taste of Bordeaux cruise with its red-colored lounge as a nod to red wine, a cozy, wood bar perfect for enjoying a glass after a long day, and a chef's table restaurant ideal for bringing French flavors to life.

APT - Magnificent Europe

There's no more efficient way to see the best that this European region has to offer than to take APT's Magnificent Europe cruise, which ventures to 14 destinations along the Rhine and Danube rivers. On this trip, you'll venture to world-famous locales such as Amsterdam, Salzburg, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and many more. The 15-day trip can even be extended further to Prague, making for a total of 19 cities and six countries. No matter which you choose, European charm and excitement await, as most of these cities offer a selection of several excursions such as a gondola ride in Rüdesheim, a visit to Namedy Castle in Andernach, an exploration of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, and a tour of Budapest's many iconic sights, making this cruise the perfect way to admire the beauty of Hungarian capital .

APT has secured several exclusive experiences that only river cruise guests get to enjoy, such as a special "Sound of Music" performance in Salzburg and a private classical concert in Vienna. With all that it has to offer, the trip netted 4.8 stars on Global Journeys , with reviews from nearly 60 customers. "So many wonderful things about this cruise," said one tourgoer. "Some fantastic sights that you stop and see along the way. Highly recommend this to anyone young or old."

A-Rosa Cruises - Seine Culinary Highlights

If you're a wine and food connoisseur, then there's no better way to taste and drink your way along the Seine River than with A-Rosa Cruises' Seine Culinary Highlights tour, an eight-day cruise that starts at 2,047 euros ($2,234) and ventures to Paris, Vernon, Rouen, Les Andelys, and Caudebec-en-Caux. Foodies will enjoy two wine tastings prepared by French winemakers, a cheese and oyster tasting paired with wines, a cider tasting, and more. Don't worry; you'll still get to explore the must-see sights of the area when you're not sitting down with a glass.

Tourists can add on excursions of their choice for additional costs, such as a visit to Claude Monet's Giverny home, an evening at a Parisian cabaret in Paradis Latin (which has a stage designed by the same man who designed the Eiffel Tower), an exploration of the City of Light's famed art district Montmartre, and a bike ride through Normandy. No matter which excursions or packages you choose, you'll always have free access to e-bikes, Wi-Fi, the ship's sauna and gym, room service, and drinks and meal buffets. On TourRadar, the cruise earned 4.1 stars through more than 60 reviews.

Avalon Waterways - Active & Discovery On The Rhône

Avalon Waterways' Active & Discovery cruises are designed to take tourgoers off the beaten path and immerse them in travel experiences, and there is plenty of magic waiting on the company's eight-day Rhône cruise that travels to cities such as Lyon, Avignon, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis, and more, for as low as $4,400. Travelers can enjoy one-of-a-kind activities like a tour of public and private terraces of Lyon for amazing panoramic views, a wine tasting inside a cave in the Gorges de l'Ardèche, a demonstration on how essential oils are made inside a Provençal farmhouse, and a class on how to paint in the style of Vincent van Gogh. They can also choose from several excursions each day, creating an individually tailored itinerary for each guest.

The activities will take place in an intimately-sized group, as the ship — the Avalon Poetry II — has just 52 suites and 12 staterooms. Visitors can choose from luxury 200-square-foot suites with panoramic views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and delightful balconies, so you can breathe in the Rhône River air whenever you desire. One previous traveler shared that the Avalon Waterways' Active & Discovery on the Rhône cruise was the best river cruise she had ever done, writing on Solo Traveler that "The trip was well paced with excursions that were included in the price of the cruise every morning. I was impressed with the values demonstrated by Avalon Waterways and staff."

CroisiEurope - Hamburg To Berlin: Discover The Medieval Charms Of Hanseatic Cities

If value is what you're after, then you won't find a better river cruise than CroisiEurope's seven-day Hamburg to Berlin: Discover The Medieval Charms of Hanseatic Cities , which starts at just $1,776 per person. From the MS Elbe Princesse, which has an ambiance that mirrors that of Northern Europe, just 77 passengers can see all that the region has to offer through oversized windows, French balconies, panoramic views, and a sun deck. The view is just the beginning, as tourgoers will explore Berlin, Brandenberg, Magdeburg, Wolfsburg, and Hamburg (among others) up-close on the Elbe River, one of the most important waterways on the continent.

In these famous cities, patrons will enjoy activities like admiring Frederick the Great's former home and garden at Sanssouci Palace, exploring a German amusement park devoted to car innovation, touring Lüneburg, which looks much as it did in medieval times with its classic brick buildings, and taking a guided tour of Hamburg's market, stock exchange, and historic center. The tour has clearly impressed TourRadar  users, who give it 4.3 stars through more than 300 reviews. "A wonderful tour where the staff did all they could to make our experience memorable," said one tourgoer. "The food was amazing and the journey along the Rhine at Christmas something we shall never forget."

Emerald Cruises - Sensations Of Lyons & Provence

Emerald Cruises' Sensations of Lyons & Provence tour winds through Southern France's Rhône and Saône rivers, taking visitors to Lyon, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Nice, and more, stopping for cheese, wine, and olive oil tastings, along with bike tours, and hikes. The trip starts at $3,245 and takes place aboard the Emerald Liberté, which features a three-floor atrium, a heated pool that transforms i­­­­nto a theater at night, and a variety of suites and cabins to accommodate 180 people. It's also home to Reflections Restaurant, where guests will enjoy their meals, including one presented by French chef Fabien Morreale spotlighting authentic Provençal flavors.

Besides highlighting the fine wine and cuisine that Southern France is known for, the cruise also brings the area's history and culture to life through excursions such as a tour of one of the oldest churches in the country, visits to several UNESCO World Heritage sites (including Roman monuments and the Palais des Papes), an onboard wine tasting featuring local brews, and a bike ride through the gorgeous French countryside. The cruise finishes with a stroll through Arles down the same paths that Vincent van Gogh once walked. The tour has garnered 4 stars on Cruise Critic through over 150 reviews, with customers remarking, "There was an inclusive excursion at every stop, with local top notch tour guides provided. Every town/city was interesting."

Lüftner Cruises - Saar & Moselle Fairytales

If you love wine and chocolate, you can't miss the chance to cruise the region famous for the two along the Rhine, Moselle, and Saar rivers. Lüftner Cruises' eight-day Saar & Moselle Fairytales river cruise will introduce travelers to the German cities of Cologne, Cochem, Saarburg, Saarlouis, Trier, and one of the smallest states on the continent — Luxembourg — all while exploring age-old vineyards, medieval castles, and historic churches aboard the Amadeus Brilliant. The trip starts at just 1,689 euros ($1,846) per person, making for a luxury trip at a great value. Vacationers can then add on excursion packages starting at 152 euros ($165) per person, which include everything from walking tours to chocolate tastings. Plus, excursions can be added on a la carte, so you can completely customize your Lüftner Cruises trip and stick to whichever excursions are best for your desired activity level and budget.

Tourgoers can choose from staterooms with French balconies and floor-to-ceiling glass doors from which to enjoy the German scenery. Once docked, they'll select excursions such as visiting Reichsburg Castle in Cochem, exploring a medieval market and home in Bernkastel-Kues, seeing a 60-foot waterfall in the middle of Saarburg's town center, and tasting German chocolates in Saarlouis. The trip earned 4.5 stars on TourRadar through more than 130 reviews, with comments such as, "A lovely experience! Relaxed ambience, very good cruise directors, wonderful cabin, friendly staff, superb food."

Scenic Luxury Cruises And Tours - Delightful Douro With Madrid

The Douro River is the heartbeat that hums through the north of Portugal, and Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours' Delightful Douro with Madrid river cruise takes explorers through the region via the largest river in the Iberian Peninsula. An 11-day trip that stops in Porto, Régua, Pinhâo, Pocinho, Barca d'Alva, and the Spanish capital of Madrid, this cruise gives tourists the time they need to fall in love with each destination. It all takes place aboard the Scenic Azure, an upscale ship that offers everything from oversized staterooms to suites with private balconies. As the ship can only accommodate up to 96 guests, it offers an intimate and personalized experience that is sure to leave you with newfound friends. There is one staff member for every two guests onboard, so you're bound to have the best customer service that a river cruise can offer.

Starting at $5,360 per person, Delightful Douro offers a range of excursions that suit every activity level and interest. That includes a private concert for river cruise guests at São Francisco Church in Porto, a visit to the charming village of Provesende, the chance to explore the Royal Palace of Madrid, and wine tastings at some of the region's many vineyards. According to TourRadar  users, the trip warrants 4.3 stars thanks to more than 30 positive reviews. Portugal should be on everyone's bucket list , and this cruise is a fabulous excuse to visit.

Tauck - Impressions From The Seine: Paris To Normandy

From the historic beaches of Normandy to the cultural mecca of Paris, there is much to see along the Seine River — and Tauck's Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy gives cruisers a taste of it all. The eight-day cruise, which starts at about $5,000 per person, brings travelers to Versailles, Paris, Normandy, Rouen, Giverny, and Caudebec-en-Caux upon the 98-person ms Sapphire, known for its spacious cabins and suites, some with French balconies opening up to views of the Seine. A whopping 85% of the ship's suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, and 70% of the ship's cabins are 225 square feet or bigger. They even have walk-in closets, so it's easy to look the part for your day in the city, an important part of experiencing Paris like a Parisian . At mealtime, patrons will dine at The Compass Rose, the ms Sapphire onboard restaurant, or Arthur's, a casual onboard eatery.

Patrons will enjoy offerings unique to Tauck, like dining at a private château in Normandy and exploring Monet's former home and garden while no other tourists are present. Customers can also look forward to taking a tour of Louis XIV's Versailles, seeing Joan of Arc Square, and tasting cider and Calvados at a Normandy farm. The trip received 4.2 stars on Travelstride , and a traveler who took the cruise during the pandemic took to Tripadvisor to say that "Their local guides were very informative and highly personable."

Uniworld River Cruises - Enchanting Danube

The modern nations of Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia don't just comprise part of Central Europe — they also mark the center of important international history, all culminating around the Danube River. On Uniworld River Cruises' Enchanting Danube cruise, cruisers will learn this history from a front-seat view and receive local insight and unprecedented access, as the trip offers exclusive experiences like a private viewing of the Kunstkammer Vienna museum artworks. That's likely part of the reason that the cruise has garnered acclaim from reviewers on sites such as TourRadar , on which the cruise earned 4.7 stars. "An amazing holiday," said one reviewer, "Organization, staff, food and excursions were all wonderful and we will definitely book another cruise with Uniworld."

The Enchanting Danube cruise, which starts at $3,000 and lasts eight days with an option to extend one more day to Prague, heads to Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, and Passau. It includes all meals, unlimited drinks (including alcohol), excursions every day, and accommodations inside the S.S. Maria Theresa or the S.S. Beatrice. No matter which ship you take, both offer rooms with 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and a menu of pillow options. When you're not enjoying the room's luxuries, expect activities like a visit to Budapest's Franz Liszt Academy, a hike to beautiful Bratislava Castle, a wine tasting at the oldest winery in Austria, and a hike along the banks of the Ilz River.

Viking River Cruises - Portugal's River Of Gold

Portugal is a mix of the old and the new, thanks to its happening restaurants and innovative art galleries that combine seamlessly with historic sites, traditional recipes, and unbeatable winemaking methods. On Viking River Cruises' 10-day Portugal's River of Gold cruise, which travels along the Douro River and also stops in Spain, patrons will see this Portuguese and Spanish culture in action from the view of a "baby longship." These ships are smaller than Viking's other ships because of Portuguese rules, but visitors can still enjoy features like Scandinavian-style décor and floor-to-ceiling views of the Douro River. The cruise garnered 4.4 stars on Cruise Critic with customers saying things like, "The only thing bad I can say was that it ended too soon." The cruise line is also one of the best for a romantic couples getaway, according to reviews . 

The $4,000 cruise takes patrons through Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal; Porto, the birthplace of Port wine and a spiritual epicenter; Pinhâo, a laid-back Portuguese village; Barca d'Alva, a river town near the Spanish border; and Salamanca, a Spanish city over the border that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout the cruise's stops, visitors will head to Mateus Palace for a wine tasting, learn how Port wine is made, check out a medieval fortress, explore a sacred town and admire a Baroque-style chapel, and experience the "Golden Age of Discovery" at structures like the Jerónimos Monastery.

Methodology

With stunning rivers such as the Rhône, Seine, Danube, Douro, Elbe, and more, the European river cruise scene is a vast one, with countless companies and ships to choose from. We explored the market to determine the best of the best based on customer reviews (all of these cruises have more than 4 stars on river cruise review websites), itineraries (all offer busy itineraries with tons of options to suit any traveler), value, and luxury, as these all showcase high-end experiences to make your vacation memorable. Websites like Tripadvisor, Cruise Critic, TourRadar and more were used for further confirmation of quality.

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