Bicycling and Walking Vacations
Country Walkers
Bicycling France: Normandy & Brittany
Discover a region distinct from any other in France from the unique perspective of your bicycle.
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Burgundy: The Wine Route
Burgundy’s historic, bucolic and culinary treasures are uncorked on this delightful journey.
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France, Luxembourg & Germany Bike & Boat: Mosel River Valley
Bike Europe in the most rewarding and convenient way during an unforgettable Bike & Boat vacation to three countries: France, Luxembourg, and Germany.
Former tour name: Heart of Europe: Bike & Boat Metz to Cochem
Provence: The Alpilles
Soft sunlight, beautiful countryside, a savory herb-infused cuisine, renowned wines, and an easygoing ambiance—no wonder Provence has been a magnet for travelers since Roman times.
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Loire Valley
Roll back time as you pedal into a bygone era of opulence and grandeur amid the extravagant chateaux of the Loire Valley.
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Germany, Luxembourg & France Bike & Boat: Mosel River Valley
Bike Europe in the most rewarding and convenient way during an unforgettable Bike & Boat vacation to three countries: Germany, Luxembourg, and France.
Former tour name: Heart of Europe: Bike & Boat Cochem to Metz
Alsace and the Black Forest: La Route des Vins
Germany meets France on an itinerary that celebrates the best of both. Begin in a pedestrian-friendly spa town—and perhaps take a dip in an ancient thermal bath.
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Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
Unpack once, then explore four countries on a single, all-inclusive European river cruise, enhanced by scenic and easy cycling, guided tours, and more.
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France: Bordeaux to La Rochelle
Cycle the country’s southwestern seacoast, a montage of sun, surf, ancient ramparts, limestone caves, fields of flowers, and some of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France.”
View This TourFeatured Bike Tours in France
View All France ToursRhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
Starting from 8 days at
$4,695
Unpack once, then explore four countries on a single, all-inclusive European river cruise, enhanced by scenic and easy cycling, guided tours, and more.
Starting from 7 days at
$3,495
Roll back time as you pedal into a bygone era of opulence and grandeur amid the extravagant chateaux of the Loire Valley.
Germany, Luxembourg & France Bike & Boat: Mosel River Valley
Starting from 8 days at
$3,745
Bike Europe in the most rewarding and convenient way during an unforgettable Bike & Boat vacation to three countries: Germany, Luxembourg, and France.
Former tour name: Heart of Europe: Bike & Boat Cochem to Metz
Discover France
France boasts Old World elegance and stunning natural beauty. From the romantic winding streets of Paris to the redolent lavender fields of Provence and the soaring peaks of the Alps, there’s a dizzying array of breathtaking sights in this iconic destination. With memorable landscapes, cultural riches, and extraordinary historical sights on the itinerary, VBT’s walking tours and bike tours in France are enchanting and invigorating.
The French countryside is varied—but invariably beautiful. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Alsace Wine Route are stunningly preserved medieval villages and historic vineyards producing world-class wines. Normandy and Brittany offer breathtaking shorelines heavy with historical significance. The Loire Valley features magnificent castles with manicured gardens, and the soaring Alpilles provide an arresting backdrop to the cobbled streets of Provençal villages.
Throughout the many regions of France, you’ll revel in the warmth of the French people, whether chatting with locals over fresh produce in a charming marché, playing a light-hearted game of petanque in Burgundy, or sampling fresh huîtres, or oysters, with a local fisherman in Cancale.
No walking or bike tour in France would be complete without a deep dive into the country’s exquisite cuisine. From the simple pleasure of a crusty baguette from the boulangerie to a gourmet meal in a Michelin-starred restaurant and champagne tastings at ancient vineyards, foodies will discover endless culinary delights.
Country Highlights
- Be tempted by the smells, flavors, and goods of the sprawling Vaison la Romaine outdoor market.
- Visit spectacular Mont Saint-Michel, best known for its well-preserved Benedictine abbey.
- Pass renowned wine villages on a roll through the world-famous vineyards of the Côte de Beaune.
- Imagine the colorful history of King Henry II and Catherine de Medici at the Château de Chenonceau.
French Cuisine
Food and wine are central to the French way of life. Meals are lengthy and purposeful, with plenty of time for socializing and savouring. From buttery croissants and gooey pain au chocolat from the corner boulangerie to markets overflowing with local produce and artisan cheeses to Michelin-starred restaurants with world-class wine lists, you’ll experience French culture with every bite you take here.
Famous Painters
Over the centuries, France has cultivated an incredible art scene and produced an outsized number of revolutionary painters. Throughout France you can see works by the great masters in museums and galleries, as well as the breathtaking settings that inspired them. Monet, Manet, Degas, Rousseau, Gauguin, Cézanne… the list of big names that left huge impacts on the art world throughout history goes on.
Military History
On June 6, 1944, Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy to begin a crucial operation to liberate Europe from German military occupation. Today, this storied coastline is a quiet, beautiful reminder of a turbulent past. Travelers with an interest in military history can stand on these sands and visualize the dramatic events that came to pass on D-Day.
Our Trip Leaders Make The Difference
Local Leader.
Partner in Discovery.
New Friend.
Your VBT Trip Leaders are passionate about travel and devoted to sharing new discoveries with you. Each is a multi-lingual resident of your destination who intimately knows the history, cultural heritage, and traditions of your surroundings.
Your Trip Leaders also bring insiders’ knowledge of the best places to explore, dine, and shop—along with insight into local customs and lifestyles to help you make the most of your cultural experience. With keen organizational skills, a splendid sense of humor, and a talent for making you and your fellow travelers thrive within your group dynamic, your VBT Trip Leaders will be invaluable resources—and treasured friends!
Jean
To truly discover Alsace you have to take time! Breathe while you cycle through vineyards, listen while you cross a charming village, and most of all take every opportunity to meet the local people.
A five-year veteran of VBT, Jean loves to introduce travelers to the unique culture, history, people, food and climate of Alsace.
Bruno
France is the best place to cycle! There’s a great variety of recent and ancient history, scenery, local culture, and traditions.
Bruno has lead VBT adventures for more than 20 years! He has traveled all over France and loves to introduce guests to the history, cultural differences, food, and customs of his country.
Kevin
I like to introduce our guests to the sites of the second World War. I am passionate about the French campaign and love discussing the topic with Americans as we both share that part of history.
Kevin has lead tours with VBT for over five years. As a French native, he spent his childhood visiting Normandy and exploring the historical sites along the beaches there with his father.
Stéphane
Slow down to experience all of the flavors of Provence.
Stéphane has been a VBT leader for over 10 years. A native of France, he grew up spending summers in Provence with family and knows the best places for delicious, fresh food and great wine.
Sophie
Experience the best France has to offer in the way of scenery, towns and villages, food, people, and history.
Sophie has lead VBT adventures for almost two decades. As a native of France, she has traveled extensively throughout the country. Guests benefit from her knowledge of the history, beautiful landscapes, friendly locals, and good food of her home country.
Cedric
Alsace is such an original place in the middle of Europe—squeezed between the powerful countries of Germany and France, but with its own strong local identity.
Cedric was born in Basel and spent his childhood near the Black Forest. He loves to introduce travelers to the unique variety of landscapes, rich history, and wines of Alsace.
Stories from France
View All StoriesDiscover Colmar — the capital of the Alsace Wine region in France
July 31, 2015
Due to being one of the few towns in the Alsace region that wasn’t somewhat destroyed in World War II, Colmar retains much of its original medieval charm. While it...
Continue ReadingRide through the Burgundy and Bordeaux Wine Regions with VBT
March 31, 2014
One of the great things about bicycling through the French countryside is the bike routes that take you along pastoral roads past serene rivers and beautiful stretches of hillside vineyards....
Continue ReadingTop 10 Bike Tours in Europe
April 8, 2017
Trying to choose which vacation to take with VBT can be quite the decision since we offer so many amazing tours—over 49 biking and walking vacations to 26 countries. Biking...
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Cruising on the barge gives a great overview of the breathtaking scenery. Then diving into the countryside gets you up close to the people, sight, sounds, and smells - a sensory experience, not just a glimpse from a bus or car.
Heart of Europe Bike & Boat: Metz to Cochem
Our trip was wonderful! The scenery was beautiful & breathtaking! The biking & walking tours were very organized & well run! The bike routes were explained well & our bikes were well maintained! Our chef was fabulous preparing delicious meals. The barge crew did a great job keeping us fed, safe & comfortable!
Heart of Europe Bike & Boat: Metz to Cochem
Biking in Normandy and Brittany was recommended to us by a fellow VBT biker on our previous trip and we are so happy that we listened to him. The daily parade of classic French villages, farms, gardens, and estates were simply beautiful. Our guides Sophie and Jean were The Best, and we learned more about French culture, history, and language than we could have hoped for. We recommend this trip to everyone!
Bicycling France: Normandy & Brittany
Photos From Our Guests
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Burgundy: The Wine Route
Alsace & the Black Forest: La Route Des Vins
Alsace & the Black Forest: La Route Des Vins
Provence: The Alpilles
Loire Valley
Provence: The Alpilles
Alsace & the Black Forest: La Route Des Vins
Normandy & Brittany
Loire Valley
Alsace & the Black Forest: La Route Des Vins
Loire Valley
Loire Valley
Slow Road Through Provence
Provence: The Alpilles
Normandy & Brittany
Alsace & the Black Forest: La Route Des Vins
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