Be-spoke Tour of France

If you’ve ever watched the Tour de France on the television, you will no doubt have been impressed with the scenery as the riders wind their way over mountains, through valleys and into beautiful towns and cities.

An amazing way to see all that France has to offer, we’re sure you’ll agree. Although not quite at the same speed as Chris Froome…

Imagine waking up in the morning, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, hopping into the saddle, and pedalling along a route at your own pace, taking in the sights and smells around you, enjoying local delicacies for lunch, before ending the day at a luxurious hotel, gourmet meal and sumptuous bed to rest any aches or pains from the cycle ride. Sounds bliss…

France is a big area to cover, even Bradley Wiggins couldn’t do it in one holiday, so below is a guide to the some of our favourite areas to tour on two wheels.

Provence

If you were only ever going to cycle in one region, this has to be up there at the top. Why? There’s so much to see, from beautiful countryside to villages and towns, from hills to valleys, where do you start? Well, how about starting in Graveson, where the lavender fields are in bloom from June to August? Then a tour of St Rèmy with its winding streets, undiscovered boutiques and local bistros and art galleries.

Cycling alongside the Rhône with a stop off at the Pont D’Avignon are essentials for the itinerary while you are in the region. And if you really want to relax, how about hiring an e-bike? Just sit back and let the bike do (some of) the work for you as you take in the beautiful scenery.

Loire Valley

This terrain lends itself to gentle cycling routes, so one that can be enjoyed with all the family whatever ability you are. With plenty of châteaux to visit along the way, there’s plenty to distract you as you rest. You’ll be cycling along meandering rivers, luscious vineyards and stunning countryside.

Normandy

A region of country lanes and coastlines, you can enjoy one or both if you visit this region by bicycle. When you arrive in the ports of Le Havre and Dieppe, you can experience fantastic coastal scenery in between picturesque resorts. If history’s your thing, this is a perfect route for you, with plenty of significant sights along the way, most notably Second World War memorials and the site of the D-Day landings.

Dordogne

The South-West Dordogne region is a fantastic area for cyclists who are looking for a bit of a challenge. With plenty of sloping valleys and limestone cliffs, this region can really give you a workout if that’s what you are looking for. However, it’s not all uphill, if you prefer the flat, then the course of the Dordogne river is probably more suited to you. It’s a region full of history dating back hundreds of years, so if architecture is your thing, then you won’t go far wrong in the Dordogne.

Aquitaine

This region of France has been voted as the best cycling region of them all, and it’s no wonder. One of the longest coastal trails in Europe, it’s a perfect excuse to get your fill of sea air. And from the seaside town of Biarritz to Bordeaux vineyards, what more could you ask for?

If this sounds appealing, and something that you’d like to know more about, then you’ll probably want some advice and suggestions on what would work for you. Our team can help answer all your questions, because they’ve been there and cycled it.

Either call us on +44 (0)1580 214 010, or send us an email for more information.