French cycling holidays

Bike tours in France

8 tours see all tours

In brief

The land of excellent bike paths

In recent years, France has developed an excellent network of bike paths, known as voie vertes, (greenways) and other cycle routes. Bicycle tourism has become a valuable resource in the country, with many dedicated paths and accommodations specifically designed to welcome cyclists. A great example is the Loire à Vélo, one of the most famous cycling routes in the world, runs for over 900 km along the Loire river through a valley of châteaux, vineyards and picturesque villages.

Bike tours in France with Girolibero

France offers routes and itineraries for every type of cyclist. Whatever your pace, we take care of everything so you can focus on the ride: accommodation booked, luggage transferred from stage to stage, and rental bikes waiting for you on site. On self-guided tours you will receive detailed maps to follow the route at your own pace; on guided departures, a tour leader will be there to show you the way.

To discover

Where to cycle in France

France offers an extraordinary variety of cycling destinations, each with its own character. The Loire Valley is our home ground: we have a local base in Orléans, our own fleet of orange bikes, and years of experience on these routes. Whether you choose 6, 7 or 8 days, the Loire delivers castles, riverside paths and excellent wine in equal measure. For families, the flat terrain and gentle pace make it one of the best cycling holidays in Europe for children and first-time tourers alike. Read more about cycling in France

By bike or by bike and barge

France is also an outstanding bike and barge destination: the Rhône, the Marne, the Yonne and the canals of Provence and Burgundy are all ideal waterways for a floating hotel holiday. If you haven’t tried a bike and barge trip yet, France is a wonderful place to start. Discover more about bike and barge tours in France

Nature, food and history

Cycling in France means passing through sunflower fields and lavender plains, medieval villages clinging to hillsides, and riverside towns where the market is still the centre of daily life. It also means eating and drinking very well. In the Loire Valley, you can stop for a glass of Muscadet or Sancerre, pick up a slice of tarte Tatin at a village bakery, or sit down to a proper rillettes sandwich before getting back in the saddle. Local markets along the route offer goat’s cheese, fresh fruit and charcuterie that remind you why French food has the reputation it does. Add a château or two, and you have a holiday that is hard to beat!

Tours

Bike tours (4 tours)

France’s most iconic cycling destination is the Loire Valley, where the famous Loire à Vélo cycle path winds through a landscape of châteaux, vineyards and pretty riverside towns. Flat, well-signposted and suitable for all levels including families, it is one of the great self-guided cycling holidays in Europe. We have a local base in Orléans with our own fleet of bikes, so everything is ready and waiting when you arrive.

Bike and barge tours (4 tours)

From the wild landscapes of Provence and the Camargue to the vineyards of Northern Burgundy and Champagne, and the castle-lined banks of the Moselle, France is outstanding bike and barge territory. Board a comfortable riverboat and let the waterways do the work between cycling stages, while the crew takes care of dinner on board after a day of cycling.

Themes

For families (1 tour)

Family-friendly, easy trails in France run along the course of rivers and canals, and on the routes of old railways. On a family adventure among the beauties of France, you’ll get your fill of relaxation and fun. Find out how we organize family bike tours.

FAQ

Our promise to those who travel with us is this: cycle easy, travel light. These words capture the essence of what we do. Choose your favourite cycling holiday and leave the rest to us: itinerary, handpicked accommodation, luggage transfer between stops and multilingual dedicated assistance. If you choose a self-guided cycling tour, you follow the stages at your own pace with route maps; if you join a group tour, just follow your guide.

France offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes by bike. On our Loire Valley cycling tours you will pedal past royal châteaux, vineyards and pretty riverside towns — and you will be in good hands: we have our own local base in the Loire Valley, which means bikes, logistics and on-the-ground assistance are all taken care of by our own team. If you prefer a bike and barge holiday, we own two boats that sail through Provence and the Camargue, one of the most scenic waterway routes in Europe. You can also choose Northern Burgundy, Champagne or the Moselle valley. Whatever you choose, France never disappoints!

On self-guided bike tours, we provide everything you need to find your way: detailed maps and route descriptions, in printed or digital format depending on the trip. Some trips also include the Ride with GPS app, with GPS tracks and route content, available offline too. On guided group tours, your guide takes care of everything — you just follow along.

Not at all. Our tours are designed for people who enjoy cycling, not competitive athletes. We have five difficulty levels, ranging from flat and easy routes (around 30 km/day) to more demanding rides with climbs. If hills worry you, renting an e-bike solves the problem. You can check the difficulty level on each trip page.

Yes, the Loire Valley is one of our favourite destinations for families. The cycle path is mostly flat and traffic-free, and we offer a dedicated family tour with shorter daily stages and a full range of children’s bikes and accessories.

You can rent the bike that suits you best — it will be ready and waiting at your starting point. You can choose between an e-bike and a standard bike and, if you’re travelling with family, there are plenty of accessories for children of all ages, from child seats to bike trailers. On some trips you can also bring your own bicycle. Check the trip page for full details on available bikes.

Yes, on almost all our trips you can rent an electric bike — a great help when the stages are hilly or when the heat kicks in. If you want to find out more before deciding, our blog has everything you need to know about e-bikes: how they work and why you might want to choose one.

In France, wearing a helmet while cycling is required by law for children under 12. For your safety, we always recommend wearing one, so make sure to bring yours.

Every morning you leave your luggage at the reception desk and we take care of transporting it to your next accommodation. We will provide you with luggage labels and drop-off times. During the day, you can carry your essentials in the side bag provided with your rental bike. The service is always included in the price. Cycling light makes all the difference.

Accommodation varies depending on the trip. It can range from hotels and guesthouses to B&Bs and private rooms, or even boats if you choose a bike and barge tour. We handpick every property with care, favouring those conveniently located along the route. Breakfast is always included. For full details, check the “Comfort” section on the trip page.

Every bike tour includes: handpicked accommodation with breakfast, luggage transfer, route materials and multilingual assistance. Depending on the trip, you can add extra services to your quote, such as bike rental, meals, extra nights and transfers.

We strongly recommend it. A good policy should cover medical expenses, trip cancellation and cycling-specific incidents. Travel insurance is not included in the tour price and must be arranged independently before your trip.

It is simple: select your trip, get your quote, and book directly online by filling in the required details and paying a deposit by credit card or bank transfer. Within 3 working days we will send you a confirmation email or an update. If you have any questions or doubts, get in touch. We are available by phone or email.

Assistance

Luggage transportation
Traveling light makes all the difference! All travel itineraries come with our signature luggage transport service: simply leave your bags at the front desk each morning and we’ll drop them off at your next lodging.

 

Tour information
We’ll send you all the tour information before you set off on your adventure. It contains practical information, instructions on how to reach the starting point, a list of hotels, and answers to frequently asked questions. For our self-guided tours, we’ll also hand over detailed maps and roadbooks, in either physical or digital format, so you can follow the route on your own.
No need to worry about figuring out which turn to take if you opted for one of our group trips; in this case, your tour leader will gladly tell you where to go next!

 

Need help?
We plan your trip carefully to prevent any mishaps, but in case you need assistance, we’re available for support 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Discover more

Girolibero Cycling holidays

Holidays on cycle paths and the best cycle tourism routes in Italy and Europe, featuring accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport services, informational materials, bike rentals, and dedicated assistance.

Discover all bike tours

Have you ever tried a bike and barge?

An exciting bike and barge holiday in the South of France, following in the footsteps of Van Gogh. Cycle along enchanting routes immersed in the countryside of Provence and the wild nature of the Camargue

Bike and barge in Provence and Camargue

Travelers’ tips and stories

Get inspired before your trip with advice and travel tales from fellow adventurers on our blog

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