VBT Bicycling Vacations
Country Walkers
France: Normandy & Brittany
Guided Biking
Enjoy shifting views of rural countryside, coastal villages, medieval ruins, and stretches of shimmering sea during this invigorating bike France journey.
Former tour name: Bicycling France: Normandy & Brittany
France: The Burgundy Wine Region & Dijon
Guided Biking
Reel along the world’s most famous vineyards during your France bike tour, spinning past scenic landscapes of lush, unspoiled countryside and pausing to sample celebrated local wines.
Former tour name: Burgundy: The Wine Route
France: Slow Road through Provence
Guided Walking
Engage all your senses in beautiful Provence.
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France, Luxembourg & Germany Bike & Boat: Mosel River Valley
Guided Bike & Boat
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
France: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux & Avignon
Guided Biking
The soaring Alpilles mark your bike path through a picturesque pocket of Provence that inspired Vincent van Gogh, the Roman Empire, and a unique food-and-wine culture.
Former tour name: Provence: The Alpilles
France: Wine & Châteaux of the Loire Valley
Guided Biking
Explore the region’s myriad of enchanting chateaus and gardens during an unforgettable cycling the Loire Valley of France journey—pausing to sample wines and local dishes along the way.
Former tour name: Loire Valley
Germany, Luxembourg & France Bike & Boat: Mosel River Valley
Guided Bike & Boat
Experience Europe in the most rewarding and convenient way during an unforgettable Mosel River Bike & Boat vacation to three countries: Germany, Luxembourg, and France.
Former tour name: Heart of Europe: Bike & Boat Cochem to Metz
Switzerland, Germany & France: The Black Forest & the Alsace Wine Route
Guided Biking
Journey across three distinctly diverse landscapes during your bike routes through France, Germany, and Switzerland, where picturesque canals, vineyard roads, and Black Forest villages are a daily occurrence.
Former tour name: Alsace & the Black Forest: La Route des Vins
Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
Guided Bike & Boat
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
Guided Biking
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 ToursSwitzerland, Germany & France: The Black Forest & the Alsace Wine Route
Guided Biking
Starting from 7 days at
$3,295
Journey across three distinctly diverse landscapes during your bike routes through France, Germany, and Switzerland, where picturesque canals, vineyard roads, and Black Forest villages are a daily occurrence.
Former tour name: Alsace & the Black Forest: La Route des Vins
Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
Guided Bike & Boat
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.
Germany, Luxembourg & France Bike & Boat: Mosel River Valley
Guided Bike & Boat
Starting from 8 days at
$3,745
Experience Europe in the most rewarding and convenient way during an unforgettable Mosel River 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 StoriesA Sunset Garden Stroll at the Château de la Bourdaisière
November 13, 2019
Part medieval castle, part Italian villa, classic French chateaux can be found in great supply in the beautiful Loire Valley. These elegant homes are often adorned with antique furniture, Renaissance...
Continue ReadingWhat Does Coffee Look Like Around the World?
September 23, 2019
Your morning cup of joe may look a little different when you’re enjoying it in a foreign country. Check out some of our favorite ways to drink coffee on our...
Continue ReadingDiscover France on an Active Tour with VBT
January 8, 2015
An active vacation with VBT to France is an amazing, all-encompassing experience. Along with world-class biking and walking routes, you’ll also stay in unique accommodations, taste local wines, enjoy delectable...
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VBT did an excellent job planning, staffing, and accommodations. The staff could not have been better. It was a beautiful river cruise with interesting villages around every bend. There were festivals and live music and delicious food and wine on and off the barge. Better than expected at every level.
Heart of Europe Bike & Boat: Metz to Cochem
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
This was our 1st trip with VBT and our expectations were surpassed by the range of exceptional biking and cultural experiences The staff was wonderful and the food and accommodations were also great.
Heart of Europe Bike & Boat: Metz to Cochem
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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