3. Bordeaux and Dordogne

Due East along the Dordogne River

Prepare yourself for some of France’s best cycling, where the riding is as smooth as a Château Mouton Rothschild. Set out from Saint-Emilion and embark on a day-long traverse to the Bergerac region. Take a quick pit stop in Castillon-la-Bataille, the site of the final Battle of the Hundred Years War ending in the defeat and the final expulsion of the British from Aquitaine. After the short history break, press on and follow the Dordogne River’s meandering banks.

In Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, a town that straddles the departments of the Dordogne and the Gironde, stop for lunch on one of the town’s many terraces. After lunch, the route follows the Route des Vins into the AOC vineyards of Bergerac and Montbazillac, famous for its dessert wine. End with a final push to the top of a hill, and arrive at the Chartreuse du Bignac.

Distance: 73 km
Recommended Rider Level: Recreational
Best time to ride: June – September

4. The Loire Valley

The Touraine and Vienne River

The picturesque Loire’s castle-lined routes have long been the playground of kings and queens, and the small country roads are perfect for biking.

Cross through typical Touraine landscapes and pedal along the Indre River towards the village of Azay-le-Rideau. Park your bikes and tour the many châteaux, taking in the Renaissance architecture. Lunch in front of the castle at Côté Cour restaurant is a must. After lunch, cross the Vienne River and arrive at the imposing gates of Château du Rivau for an opportunity to wander at your whim or will through the magnificent gardens.

Distance: 55 km
Recommended Rider Level: Recreational
Best time to ride: June – September

5. Provence

Petit Lubéron

We’ve been enjoying every well-trod trail and much-visited town on our Provence Biking trip for decades. On this route, however, we stray outside the region’s hotspots to show you our favourite hidden gems.

Start in the heart of the Petit Lubéron valley. The ride will be like the sea on a strong Mistral day: a flat mirror interrupted by steep (but short) waves. Pass through the spectacular village of Bonnieux before continuing downhill and across a 2,000-year-old Roman bridge (Pont Julien, pictured below).

After this historical crossing, bike up to the spectacular but hidden village of Goult, in which the main square is filled with inviting cafés and shops teeming with wonderful goods. After a quick stop, ride to an exclusive wine domain, owned by none other than the mayor of Ménerbes: the Domaine Ruffinatto. Finish the route with a short trip back to La Bastide de Marie, Ménerbes.

Distance: 54km
Level: Enthusiast
Best time to ride: May – September

6. Southwest France

Conques & The Lot Valley

This region offers incredible diversity and beautiful scenery along quiet roads that cyclists continue to rave about years after their first ride. Starting in Saint Cirq Lapopie, a small but stunning village, embark on a nearly 100-km journey to the village of Conques. This ride, although long, is arguably the most beautiful route heading upstream of the Lot.

Expect a few steep climbs as you ride on the right side of the river bank. Taking your time on this century ride is highly recommended, there are plenty of small villages along this route that are perfect for a long lunch. Your final stop will be Conques, which is best-known for the relics of Sainte Foy, whose presence has made it a major stop on the Camino de Santiago from the Middle Ages until today.

Distance: 90km
Level: Avid
Best time to ride: May – September

7. Atlantic France

Route du Sel on Ile de Ré

Ile de Ré is one of the most famous and fashionable islands along the French Atlantic Coast, nestled secretly between Brittany to the north and the vineyards of Bordeaux to the south. This island route on our Atlantic France Biking trip features wonderfully flat biking along the sea on dedicated bike paths.

Riding along the ancient salt road, or Route du Sel, this scenic loop takes you to the top of the island and back. Pedal down virtually untouched villages such as Ars-en-Ré, Saint-Clément des Baleines or La Couarde and continue on to the hidden villages of Loix and Les Portes before looping back to the port city of Saint Martin de Ré.

Distance: 82 km
Recommended Rider Level: Occasional
Best time to ride: June – September

8. Normandy

Deauville Loop via Honfleur

Though every region of Europe boasts a long history, Normandy has been deeply shaped by two watershed moments that are pillars of European history and culture: the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and the Allied landing on June 6, 1944. Discovering this region is like turning the pages of a history book while riding through lush fields and along white-sand beaches.

Ease into the pace of seaside life on this route. First, ride inland through the famous horse-breeding farms of the area. Deep forests alternate with lush prairie as you descend into Deauville, an elegant resort often called the “Parisian Riviera” for its casino, stately buildings, and annual film festival. There are plenty of options for lunch along the seafront. Continue across the bridge into its sister town Trouville, which preserves the simple fishing village traditions of the coast. Follow the shore back to Honfleur, whose colourful facades inspired the Impressionists.

Distance: 39 km
Recommended Rider Level: Enthusiast
Best time to ride: July – August

Ready to Ride?

Browse our full portfolio of bike trips in France or feel free to reach out to our Bespoke travel team to plan a custom bike trip of your own!