FRENCH CYCLING AT ITS BEST

Do images of the Tour de France put you in the mood to discover France on two wheels?

Whether you want to take in the chateaux of the Loire Valley, wander around the backroads of Provence or indulge in the wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, UTracks can help you explore the regions at your own pace, combining fun cycling holidays with scenic beauty and local colour.

Below are six French cycling adventures you simply can’t pedal past.

1. Loire Valley Castles – 5 day self guided cycle

Explore the impressive chateaux, medieval towns, and forests of the valley known as the ‘playground of the kings’. Based in a charming family run hotel in the picturesque village of Chitenay, cycling is the perfect way to experience this world famous region. In the evenings, soak up the atmosphere in the hotel and gardens and dine on local cuisine and wine. This itinerary is suitable for the whole family.

2. Provence Backroads – 8 day self guided cycle

Cycle through beautiful vineyards and olive groves, deserted hilltop passes and tiny villages and gain a unique insight into rural French life. On this journey, you get to sample the gastronomic delights and wines from the Côtes du Rhône and greater Provence. Explore relics from prehistoric to Roman times and visit the town where Van Gogh spent his last years painting some of his best works. Another family friendly itinerary. 

3. Burgundy Wine Route – 8 day self guided cycle

There’s more to Burgundy than its famous red wines: this charming route passes elegant chateaux and medieval villages and winds through the forests and river paths of the Parc Regional du Morvan. Here, you can sample Napoleon’s favourite cheese, Epoisses, see Roman vestiges and ramparts and visit the UNESCO heritage listed village of Vezelay. 

4. Bordeaux Vineyard Cycle – 7 day self guided cycle

Enjoy a weeklong ride through rolling vine-covered hills in a region renowned for its fine eating and living. As you cycle past charming villages and vineyards, you can sample the famous local wines, which have been produced in the region since the 8th century. 

Or if you prefer the idea of having to unpack only once, but discover different areas of the region, take a look at the itinerary of the Bordeaux Bike & Barge trip.

5. Canal du Midi by Bike – 8 day self guided cycle

Connecting the Mediterranean with the Atlantic, the Canal du Midi provides a wonderful cycling objective following a 240km path from Toulouse to Sete. You’ll pedal through a landscape rich in architectural and cultural treasures, discovering the legends of the Cathars, taking in tranquil tree lined canal scenery and small villages where you can soak up the atmosphere in a local café or feast on the many culinary delights on offer.

6. Brittany Cycle - 7 day self guided cycle

Brittany's 1100 kilometres of wild coastline is home to spectacular medieval villages. Strong Celtic traditions and rites of worship are evident as you cycle the sites on this wonderful cycling itinerary. One of the main highlights is, of course, the impressive Mont Saint Michel, along with the 'pirate's town' of St Malo, and on this self guided tour – where you set your own pace - there is plenty of time to take in these breathtaking sites as well as the many quaint seaside villages, oyster and mussel farms along the way. 

Want to cycle in France? Find your next French cycling holiday here.