Cycling Holidays in France
CONTENTS
Graham Davidson
Topic Host
Hello and welcome to the cycling holiday zone. We have, with the help of our topic host Graham Davidson, brought together every resource about French cycling holidays on a single site. Packed full of independent information from why to take a bike to France and why France is such a good place to cycle, to holiday reviews, recommendations and links, hints on cycling safety and what to take, and how to make your holiday a success.
Graham operates Bordeaux Cycle Tours, a cycling holiday business, organising self-guided bike trips through the vineyards, valleys and forests of South West France.
His primary qualification (if that is what it is!) for advising others on cycle touring in France is a series of jaunts across France undertaken in middle age on decrepit bicycles. His only other credential of note is such rudimentary grasp of the French language that he stands as living proof that if he can survive France, then anyone can.
If you have a cycling related question for Graham or some suggestions for the zone, please get in touch.
CONTRIBUTE!
We want to hear from you about cycling in France.
Tell us your experiences, and send us your reviews, articles and reccommendations. We want this site to reflect our reader's experiences, and your advice and contributions are essential.
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Useful Vocabulary
French cycling terms and holiday vocab. Print off our list of useful words, and take it with you to France! If you're French goes little farther than 'bonjour', this guide will be invaluable for your cycling holiday... French cycling vocabulary...Flying to France?
Visit the FrenchEntrée Flights to France map to view the airlines flying from the UK airports to France.
Editor's picks
Why go on a cycling holiday in France? Read our riveting round-up of perfect reasons to go en France en vélo. more...
New issue of Bonnes Vacances!
Bonnes Vacances is the holidays e-zine from FrenchEntrée. The new January issue features a brilliant competition to win one of three breaks in the Champagne region; our pick of France's great water-based breaks; a virtual tour of Béarn-Basque Country and 5 reasons to visit Pays Boulonnais. Plus some great exclusive holiday offers! Subscribe here in time for the next mailing.
Why go on a cycling holiday in France?
There are many great reasons to go on a cycling holiday in France from the health benefits to the opportunity to enjoy the scenery off-route, as Graham Davidson reveals...
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Top six cycling holidays in France
With a whole host of alluring landscapes and leisurely routes to choose from, which region should cyclists opt for? Emily Bailey, Regional Manager at Inntravel, gives FrenchEntrée her top six cycling holidays in France.
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Cycling holidays in the Meuse Lorraine: enjoy real France!
Whatever your pleasure you’ll discover a new experience during a few days in the Meuse.
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Why use a Cycle Tour Operator?
The best way to approach whether or not to use a cycling tour operator when going on a cycling holiday in France is to ask what would be the tasks you would need to undertake yourself, if you were going to cycle tour through France completely self-supporting...
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Cycling Holidays in France: Need to Know
When packing for any holiday, it’s easy to leave out something important. Avoid getting caught out with these hints and tips designed to equip you for a break with a bike.
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"Amazing Cycling Vacation in France!"
Martin McCormack's account of his 1st trip to Europe. |
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Cycling holidays in France with Freewheel
France is one of the world’s premier cycling nations, with the Tour de France being the most obvious showcase for cycling in a country of hugely varying landscapes. Freewheel Holidays has been offering quality cycling holidays in France for almost 10 years.
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Cycling Holidays in Provence
Anyone who has been on a bike tour will have had to get their head around the increasingly complicated question of what type of tour to choose and once that’s decided, which company to go with. One of the major trends over the last few years is the self guided tour.
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Cycling safely on holiday
To help you have fun on your cycling holiday and avoid any mishaps on your bike, here are a few guidelines to cycling safely from the experts at Brittany Borders Bicycling...
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A Bordeaux cycling holiday
What can you expect from a cycling holiday in Bordeaux? Autumn sun, chateaux offering visits and degustations, plus plenty more besides, as Josh Davidson finds out.
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We cycled from John O’Groats, Scotland, to the Dordogne.
Jane Barnes of French Oasis Holidays, tells of how cycling from Land's End to John O’Groats with her husband, inspired them to finally make their dream a reality and move to the Dordogne. Once in the Dordogne, they established French Oasis Holidays where their guests can enjoy cycling, classic car driving or wine tasting holidays...
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Cycling in the Landes; The Easy Option!
Denise's Story
Denise Carver tells how a cycle holiday in the Landes changed her life. As well as the flat cycle routes, Denise recommends places to eat and gives crucial tips for a successful cycling holiday…
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Channel to the Med
Follow Paul Smith on his 850 mile journey through French countryside, which he completed in just two weeks!
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Taking bikes on French trains
Not all trains in France allow bikes on board. So how do you tell the difference between those that do and those that don't? Read on to find out.
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Raid Pyrénéen
List of 'Cols'
If you're planning a mega cycling route in the breathtaking Pyrenees, you need look no further than this essential list of the 28 cols (sumits) on the 'Raid Pyrénéen', made famous by the Tour de France...
cycling in the Pyrenees...
Enjoy Cycling in Meuse
Visit Meuse – ideal for cycling holidays with trails around specific themes like Mirabelle plums, Wind in the Forest works of art, WWI remembrance, Joan of Arc…
Hooked on cycling
Specialists in providing quality cycling vacations across France. Experience culture, history, great scenery and lovely local food. www.hookedoncycling.co.uk
Back-lane France
Take an idyllic journey on two wheels, on one of Inntravel’s self-guided cycling holidays. Bonnes vacances!
Ride the Ardèche and Rhone Valley
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Supported tours and hotel based trips. Join a group or bring your own! The Ardèche Gorges, Cevennes forests, Rhone Valley vineyards, Mont Ventoux – superb variety for all tastes... Experience Evasion Travel.Freewheel cycling holidays
We've got France covered!
Explore the beautiful regions of La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Provence, Dordogne, Loire and Normandy. To discover our exciting new itineraries in France, Download or request a copy of the 2012 brochure.
Self guided bike tours in Provence
Hybrid bikes with GPS and pre-programmed rides to suit you. Accommodation provided in a C17 farmhouse. Try Provence Cycling Holidays.
The best of France: the classiest food, culture, choicest properties and the most inspiring holiday and travel features. Subscribe from only £23 a year.
Suggestion Box
Holiday Directory
Search for your ideal holiday in France from hundreds of companies...
Sportif Rides
Events for the serious cyclist in France
Try these useful links to find out where and when Sportif and Grand Trophee events will take place...
The calendar section here is excellent:
cyclosport.com
Use this link for Grand Trophee events.
sportcommunication.com
These sites are kept up-to-date.