Cycling Holidays in France

France is the finest cycling destination in Western Europe for anyone who measures a great day by what they ate and drank as much as how far they rode.

Is France a good destination for a cycling holiday?

Perfect if you want:
  • exceptional food and wine at every stop
  • flat Loire Valley cycling or shaded canal towpaths
  • châteaux, medieval towns and UNESCO heritage landscapes on every route
  • a mix of culture and effortless riding
  • a first touring destination in Western Europe with excellent infrastructure
Maybe not ideal if you want:
  • consistently flat terrain everywhere (varies greatly by region)
  • budget-friendly prices throughout
  • comprehensive dedicated cycle infrastructure nationwide
Typical day on a bike tour in France: Canal towpath or Loire valley road • château stop mid-morning • long French lunch with local wine • luggage waiting at your hotel or gîte.
DifficultyEasy → Moderate
Best forFoodies, wine lovers & culture cyclists
TerrainCanal towpaths, river valleys & rolling countryside
Best monthsMay–October

Why cycle in France?

France is the finest cycling destination in Western Europe for anyone who measures a great day by what they ate and drank as much as how far they rode. The Loire Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of royal châteaux, white wines and the gentlest of river gradients — sets the standard, and La Loire à Vélo has turned it into a benchmark for cycling tourism. For Alsace wine lovers, the Vineyards and Villages of Alsace tour winds through Riesling country between timber-framed villages in a journey as beautiful as any in Europe. Those who want to explore the southwest will find the Bordeaux to Toulouse route passes through vineyard estates and Cathar country along the Canal du Midi towpaths. In Cognac country, the Cognac to La Rochelle tour combines Atlantic oyster bars with France's finest brandy producers. France's cycling infrastructure has matured dramatically — this is a country that takes cycling tourism seriously.

Not sure which tour suits you? Read our guide to choosing a bike tour, or see our tips on the best time for cycling in Europe.

What a typical day looks like

  • 45–65 km on canal towpaths or Loire valley cycle paths
  • châteaux, medieval villages and vineyard estates throughout
  • long French lunch with local wine at a riverside restaurant or village bistro
  • luggage waiting at your hotel or gîte — nothing to carry

How to choose a route

Which route in France should you choose?

If you want…Choose this tour
the definitive French cycling experienceLa Loire à Vélo (EuroVelo 6 French stage)
canal towpath shade and Cathar historyBordeaux to Toulouse
Alsatian villages and wine roadsVineyards and Villages of Alsace
Atlantic coast and oyster villagesCognac to La Rochelle
Burgundy vineyards and rolling hillsSouth Burgundy

Popular Cycling Routes in France

The Loire à Vélo is one of Europe's most celebrated cycling routes, following the Loire Valley through châteaux, vineyards and medieval towns on gentle, flat terrain. The Canal du Midi offers shaded, car-free cycling through the south of France. The Vélodyssée traces the Atlantic coastline from Brittany to the Basque Country, while Burgundy by bike offers an unrivalled wine country experience.

What Makes Cycling in France Easy

France's main cycling routes are flat, well-signposted and extensively documented. The Loire Valley route is particularly accessible for beginners and families. Accommodation along established routes includes everything from simple gîtes to luxury château hotels. The quality of food and wine makes every evening stop a pleasure.

Self Guided Bike Tours in France

Our France tours include pre-booked accommodation, daily luggage transfer, detailed route guides and GPS files. We take care of all logistics so you can concentrate on enjoying the scenery, the culture and the cuisine.

Who Are These Tours For

France cycling holidays suit those who want beauty, gastronomy and culture in equal measure. The Loire Valley is ideal for beginners and families. Coastal and mountain routes suit more experienced cyclists. Easy to moderate depending on region.

Cognac to La Rochelle

Cognac to La Rochelle

  • 8Days
  • medDifficulty
  • 282Km
  • 890 €Price from

Talking about the nectar of the gods… its business for generations, they know how to  introduce it better, and what it goes very well with.Apparently, this toure was made up especially for the seafood lovers. Refined tastes? You'll find here a tab...

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Bordeaux to Toulouse

Bordeaux to Toulouse

  • 7Days
  • medDifficulty
  • 260Km
  • 785 €Price from

Discover a continental waterway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, which was known from antiquity and shows exceptional sites of natural and historical significance.This system of channels and rivers became UNESCO's world herita...

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South Burgundy

South Burgundy

  • 6Days
  • easyDifficulty
  • 150Km
  • 695 €Price from

As far as biking in south Burgundy is concerned, it falls at the top of our list. The views are fantastic and the experience unparalleled.You'll see  landmarks  in every inch here: chateaux, typical villages, artistic towns, farmhouses, and vineya...

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Loire valley châteaux

Loire valley châteaux

  • 8Days
  • easyDifficulty
  • 236Km
  • 949 €Price from

Cycle through the Loire Valley châteaux from Blois to Tours Set out from Blois and follow the Loire River towards Tours, exploring some of France’s most remarkable castles along the way. The Loire Valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, o...

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Along the Loire valley from Blois to Angers

Along the Loire valley from Blois to Angers

  • 8Days
  • modDifficulty
  • 379Km
  • 985 €Price from

Embark on a cycling journey through the Loire Valley from Blois to Angers, passing iconic sites such as Chambord, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Amboise, Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Fontevraud, and Saumur.

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Alsace Beer Tour

Alsace Beer Tour

  • 8Days
  • easyDifficulty
  • 310Km
  • 699 €Price from

Set off on a one-of-a-kind cycling adventure through Northern Alsace, where every kilometer brings you closer to the region’s celebrated craft beer scene — including a visit to the iconic Villa Meteor, the oldest brewery still operating in France....

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Vineyards and Villages of Alsace

Vineyards and Villages of Alsace

  • 7Days
  • easyDifficulty
  • 305Km
  • 999 €Price from

Discover the true heart of Alsace — a region where charming landscapes meet centuries of culture, tradition, and craftsmanship. This cycling tour leads you through a vibrant mix of Roman, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, past renowned museums, th...

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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Is cycling safe in France?

France is generally safe for cycling, though the experience varies by region. On dedicated routes like La Loire à Vélo or the Canal du Midi you are almost entirely traffic-free. Rural D-roads carry light traffic and drivers are usually careful. Busy N-roads and city cycling in Paris require more caution and experience. The French cycling infrastructure has improved enormously — in 2024 France recorded its highest cycling holiday numbers, and investment in routes continues to increase.

Are there hills?

France's most popular cycling routes are deliberately routed to minimise climbing: the Loire Valley is famously flat, the Canal du Midi is essentially level throughout, and the Atlantic coast is gently undulating. Venture away from the river and canal routes and the landscape becomes hillier — the Dordogne has pleasant rolling terrain, Alsace has gentle climbs between villages, and the Pyrenees are strictly for fit climbers. Most holiday cyclists stick to the valley and canal routes and find them very comfortable.

Can beginners cycle in France?

Absolutely — France is one of the best first touring destinations in Europe for beginners who prioritise food, wine and culture alongside their cycling. The Alsace tour is particularly well-pitched for new tourers: infrastructure is excellent, distances between villages are short, and the temptation to stop early at a good restaurant is constant. Daily distances of 40–60 km are realistic for most beginners.

What is the best French route for food and wine lovers?

The Loire Valley is unbeatable — you are cycling through the garden of France, and every village seems to have a producer selling wine from the cellar door. The Vineyards and Villages of Alsace runs it close for sheer density of excellent food and wine within a small area: Riesling, choucroute and flammekueche within 50 km of cycling. The South Burgundy route through the Mâconnais and Beaujolais wine regions is also exceptional, with premier cru vineyards visible from the saddle. Pack lightly and leave room in the panniers for bottles.

TestimonialsWhat our clients say about us

17 Jun

Regis Bodel

Tour Prague-Dresden Tour

Highly recommended trip!The bikes are great!The luggage transport was very efficient.There's so much to discover!Thanks to the team!

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Regis Bodel

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Aaron Friberg

Tour Prague-Vienna Family Tour

This was an awesome adventure for the family. We really loved the mixed itinerary with the biking/boating days to supplement the biking. Our youngest was 12. Wouldnt want to take a kid much younger, but for our group, was a blast and would highly recommend!

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Brenda Martines

Tour Prague-Krakow FG

An Unforgettable Cycling Adventure from Dresden to Krakow!I recently completed the Dresden to Krakow route with Eurobike Tour, and I can confidently say it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. The itinerary was flawlessly crafted, allowing us to explore breathtaking landscapes and discover wonderful locations along the way.A special mention must go to our phenomenal guides, Ton...

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No stone unturned to ensure our bike self guided tour was perfect. The support, gps and guide were all perfect as was the itinerary. Europe Bike tours are the best

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Iara Soares

Tour Dresden-Krakov-Warsav FG

I loved the trip! Our guides, Klara and Anthony, were always attentive, thoughtful, and caring. The itinerary was wonderful, filled with beautiful places and fascinating history, all brought to life by our guides’ excellent storytelling.The hotels, meals, picnics, and bicycles were all perfect.Thank you very much for this incredible journey!“Impressionante““Que golaço”Missing you already —> ...

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Iara Soares

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João Augusto Martines

Tour Dresden-Krakov- Warsaw FG

We have a great time cycling with Europe Bike Tours, we hope to do another trip next year.What a spectacular bike trip from Dresden to Warsaw! The whole journey was incredible, but what really made it unforgettable were our guides, Klara and Toni, simply the best—so helpful, fun, and attentive. Five stars, without a doubt!

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Jussara Silveira de Pádua

Tour Dresden-Krakov- Warsaw FG

What an unforgettable ride!Our bike trip from Dresden to Kraków with Klara and Tony was nothing short of magical. Every single moment was filled with attention, care, and so much love. From the perfectly planned routes and cozy stops along the way, to the laughter, deep talks, the hotels and shared meals, everything was simply perfect.Klara and Tony, you both have a gift for making people f...

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Steve Bloom

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Great trip! Lukas and company couldn’t have been more supportive or patient. Bikes were terrific, equipped with phone holders for navigation, panniers and handlebar pouch —all greatly appreciated. Not one but three apps provided for navigation, detailed trip notes and recommendations. Hotels that were selected were first rate. Been on many bike trips - self-guided and guided — and European ...

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Glaucon Pereira

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Exceptional route, great bikes, and guides dedicated to providing the best experience for everyone. FANTASTIC! Klara and Toni are always willing to meet any professional and caring needs. A GREAT JOB! Highly recommended for cyclists of any level!

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Katherine Lofft

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My first time riding with Europe Bike Tours! I recently completed a guided 8-day Eger River/Spa Triangle tour, a custom route combining aspects of two other trips. Notably, our entire group (except me) were return customers, all of them having biked previously (and more than once) with the company. Their confidence in and loyalty to Europe Bike Tours is not misplaced.Guiding a tour group ov...

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Why with us?

With a rich 12-year history, Europe Bike Tours offers more than just cycling trips; we provide immersive "Culture Biking" experiences across the Czech Republic and Central Europe. Our tours blend the thrill of biking with cultural exploration, taking you from charming local eateries to ancient, hidden castles. We handpick the most captivating locations, ensuring each bike, family, or wine holiday is an adventure in itself. Catering to diverse preferences, our tours come in various formats, from self-guided to fully guided, with options for luggage transfer and different accommodation levels. For those seeking something unique, we're always ready to craft a tailor-made tour that perfectly fits your vision of a cycling holiday.

  • Self guided, fully guided or supported tours
  • City standard or premium accommodation
  • Tailor made maps
  • More biking options for each day
  • 24/7 Hotline with personal approach
  • Quality bikes e-Bikes

Read more about us

Full-guided trip

We at Europe Bike Tour do know, that a good bike is the most important part of a nice vacation. So we let all our bikes serviced regulary so they stay in perfect condition. Under "Bike Equipment" you can find other aditional equipment that is either in the bike fee included or you can rent/buy it for adittional funds.

We offer male and female bikes with different sizes, E-bikes, Tandembikes, Bikes for kids and on request the Recumbent bike as well. Should you have a special wish/need, do not hesitate to ask us, we will make our best to fullfill your wish!

Tailor-made tours

Full-guided tripFull-guided trip

Who we are

Lukáš SvárovskýManager

Languages spoken Czech, English, German

Guide since 2008

Lukas was born and raised in the Czech capital of Prague. His keen interest in history and sports influenced his determination to study both subjects at university in Germany. His passion for travel also led to Lukas adding a tourism degree to his studies. Biking, exploring, and discovering interesting places was one of the determining moments when in 2010 he decided to start Europe Bike Tours. Since than Lukas is keen on developing new products, improve services and above all, share his passion for traveling while guiding one of the tours!

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Lukáš Svárovský

Vitek ProchazkaManager

Languages spoken Czech, English, French, German, Slovak, Spanish

Guide since 2012

Vitek was born in Prague, Czech Republic and has remained there most of his life. During his travel and tourism studies he began guiding mostly bike and rafting trips all around Europe. Through his years in the office of a travel agency, guiding remained an important part of his life. Eventually went of for  year in New Zealand and after returning started guiding and preparing programs in and around his homeland

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Vitek Prochazka

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