Cycling Adventures in France

Cycling holidays allow you to reach places and see sights that ordinarily would be out of reach. When you jump on a bike, there is virtually nowhere out of reach. You can make it deep into the countryside to discover unique rural experiences, you can navigate the narrow tracks or alleyways that big tour buses can’t, and you can achieve the childish sense of joy that comes from discovering new sights at every bend as the wind rushes through your hair.

In Italy, a cycling holiday isn’t just about vineyards and wineries in Bordeaux (even if there are plenty about), it’s about getting right off the beaten track and discovering majestic chateaux in the Loire Valley, about stumbling upon the generations-old wineries that uphold practices that stretch back over the decades.

There are few feelings as rewarding as getting back from a long day out in the countryside of the Loire Valley countryside, enjoying the sweeping country roads and the incredible castles, before sitting back in a beautiful little village square, sipping a glass of local red wine as the sun goes down, or settling down in a Bordeaux wine bar after a day discovering the local hidden gem wineries.

A cycling holiday in France with Not In The Guidebooks takes you directly to these authentic experiences thanks to your local guide. All our guides and hosts are passionate about showing off the best, non-touristy parts of their home, they want to show you the best trails and the best roads to cycle on, and the unique, local things to do at the end of them.

Forget planning routes and worrying that you’re missing out on the best sights and things to do, you can simply relax as you freewheel through the stunning scenery.

Where to experience cycling holidays in France

Head to the picturesque countryside around St Emilion, and spend a full day hopping from stunning vineyard to traditional winery, tasting the produce of this fertile landscape every step of the way and meeting the artisans who lovingly craft some of the worlds best wines.

Alternatively, the majestic chateaux of the Loire Valley are connected up by beautiful country lanes that curve through the lush rural landscape, and there’s certainly no shortage of world-class wineries that await. Such is the beauty and historical significance of the area, that the entire region has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wherever you go for a cycling holiday in France, you can be sure that you’ll create memories of unique experiences that last a lifetime.

Who are our French cycling holiday guests?

People who haven’t ridden a bike since they were 12, those looking for offbeat trails and long days in the saddle, or those just looking to experience a place in a more unique way, everyone is welcome on our cycling holidays in France.

Your guides will be experts in judging the length and difficulty of each ride, and make sure that they take you to the very best places along safe routes, so that you can simply relax and drink in the scenery, and enjoy the sensation of sweeping through the French countryside.

All you need to bring is energy, a sense of curiosity and a thirst to discover something new. Sound like you?

Why choose Not In The Guidebooks?

We’re passionate about helping people find the most amazing experiences on their travels, through meeting local people, exploring new places, and discovering alternative activities that make holidays special. We do this by carefully selecting partners in countries around the world who are experts in their local area, sourcing interesting people who can guide you through immersive experiences.

We’ve got local partners all across France, from the wild, windswept beaches of Brittany, all the way to the azure seas and Mediterranean coastline down by Nice. Choosing a Not In The Guide Books holiday in France means you don’t have to choose between a beach holiday or an activity-filled break, you can get the best of both worlds with a unique trip.