France Bike Tours
France: the scene of cycling’s most impressive feats. Enjoy iconic roads teeming with racing lore while soaking in “haute” life. Visit this epicenter for famous cycling roads and passe; the land of ancient stone villages, pre-historic art, picturesque castles, lovely refined people, hearty cuisine and enchanting valleys. France is calling you. Our wide range of tours in France run the gamut from the fairly-tale chateaux of the Loire Valley, to the lavender fields and plane trees of Provence–to the famous cols of the Northern Alps. Exquisite French cuisine abound. France is where unsurpassed scenery meets spectacular riding and food/wine. The people and depth of culture come together with such harmony, offering a profond sense of “place.”
Essence of France
- Ride famous Tour de France passes and other great climbs; learn cycling mythology
- Experience the richness the Provencal attitude: la vie est belle (life is beautiful)
- Enjoy the ease and slow pace of life while pedaling by castles and chateaux in the Loire Valley
- Take a one-of-a-kind ride from iconic Tour de France legendary passes to the brilliantly blue Mediterranean Sea
- Cross over from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean on our Pyrenees Sea to Sea trip
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The Experience
French Culture
Ever since Hannibal crossed the Alps with his elephants, the region has been a frontier fought over by warring kingdoms. Provence and the Cote d’Azur have attracted famous luminaries such as Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Scott Fitzgerald. Historically, France has been a special place for cyclists, cooks of all levels, writers, painters, and pleasure seekers. The layers of intrigue and depth of culture are just the surface of these time-worn villages. As the saying goes, “The first bite is with the eye.”
French Food & Wine
From mountain cooking in the Alps to the melons, truffles and rosé wine in Provence (not to mention a long list of exceptional vin)–France is the right place to discover some of the world’s best food and wine–at the absolute perfect pace. There is so much to learn!
French Landscape
Rugged, legendary and iconic cols or passes in the Alps and French Pyrenees; river valley cycling in Loire and rolling hills or gentle climbs in Provence.
Best Time to Visit France
May and June; September through the end of October
What to Bring on Tour
On the Bike:
- 2-3 pairs of cycling shorts with chamois lining
- Chamois cream
- 2-3 brightly colored bicycle jerseys (one will be provided by us)
- Cycling gloves
- Cycling shoes and pedals (if you use them)
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof wind breaker or rain jacket
- Light weight jacket or vest
- Bicycle helmet
- Day pack/hip pack
- Arm and leg warmers
- Saddle (optional)
Off the Bike:
- 2-3 interchangeable evening outfits – our style is very casual and comfortable; jacket and tie not necessary
- We occasionally have a more formal evening, feel free to bring something for that occasion
- 1-2 lightweight sweaters
- 1-2 pairs of shorts or slacks
- Intimate clothing/sleepwear
- Comfortable walking shoes for evenings in town
For Alpine Tours:
Pack warmer clothing (layers), waterproof gear, warm gloves and hat
Personal Supplies:
- Passport and photocopies of your passport
- Wallet ☐ Airline ticket/e-ticket information
- Camera and camera charger
- Cell phone
- Electrical adapter and adapter plug
- Toiletries
- Prescriptions or other medications
- Bathing suit and sunscreen
- Cash for guide gratuity and meals on own
- Cash for wine kitty (optional)