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BICYCLING IN FRANCE
We chose France as one of our bicycling holiday destinations for many reasons, not least for the combination of beautiful rolling countryside and wide, empty roads - perfect cycling country! This fact has not gone unnoticed in France, a nation of keen cyclists - after all, they gave the world the toughest cycle challenge, the Tour de France . So if you're looking for bicycling holidays in France, look no further than our delightful self-guided bike tours in the Loire Valley and in the Dordogne.
What's great about a holiday in France?
It could be the wonderful cuisine or the joy of discovering local wines, the stunning countryside or the fabulous climate - whatever it is, people just can't seem to get enough of France. The country offers a rich cultural heritage, and is studded with historic cities and villages, medieval castles and manors, fresh produce markets, vineyards, and a host of places to visit.
France has an amazing diversity of landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to scorching beaches, and from ancient forests to gorges and cliffs. It's also easily reached by plane, train, ferry and car, and the low-cost airlines have opened up whole new areas.
Bicycling in France is the perfect way to discover the heart of the countryside, and to meet the local people. (A chance to brush up those French conversation skills, too, and great practice for the kids!) Our self-guided cycle tours give you the chance to explore two of the most beautiful and impressive areas the country has to offer, using safe, dedicated cycle routes and the endless miles of empty, country roads.
When to go
Our cycling tours in the Loire Valley are available from Easter to October, while you can book the Dordogne tour any time between May and October.
The Loire
The Loire Valley, known as the Garden of France, is unique; so much so that part of it has been designated a world heritage site by UNESCO. This is a tribute to the architectural importance of its beautiful historic towns, such as Blois, Angers, Tours and Saumur, but particularly to its 300 world-famous castles, or chateaux . Set in the region's lush green countryside and wooded valleys, beside terraced vineyards, in manicured royal parklands, or reflected in the gently-flowing waters of the many rivers in the region, the chateaux are quite magical. With its gentle climate, excellent traditional cuisine and huge choice of delicious locally-grown wines, the Loire Valley is a great place to spend a peaceful, relaxing break.
The Royal Chateaux of the Loire - Tour FLB6
The Royal Chateaux of the Loire - Tour FLB8
The Five Rivers Tour - Tour FLTA6
The Five Rivers Tour - Tour FLTA8
The Dordogne
The Dordogne is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with its limestone cliffs and gorges, wooded hillsides and gentle winding rivers. Ancient villages cling precariously onto clifftops, and the area abounds with fortified towns and medieval villages. One of the gastronomic centres of France, the area is famous for its traditional foie gras , duck and truffles . It is also home to the wines of Bergerac, which include the dessert wines of Monbazillac and its neighbour Saussignac . The Dordogne and Vezere valleys are the prehistoric centre of France, and are renowned for prehistoric sites and cave paintings, such as those at Lascaux.
Dordogne - Cycling Through History - Tour FDS8
