Bike Tours in France | VBT Bicycling Vacations

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 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 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.

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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.

28 out of 31 (90%)

of reviewers recommend this tour

4.7 out of 5 stars.

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This trip has it all. Easy riding through stunning scenery on rail trails and around lakes, stops in picturesque medieval town centers, great food, and amazing accommodations. Where else do you get to stay in an ancient abbey, a castle, and a famous spa? The bikes were new and quite nice, and the guides, Jackie and Cedrick, the best.

LeighR, San Diego

Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps

This late September trip was our 17th VBT trip and in our top two along with Valley of the Dolomites. We had great riding weather and spectacular scenery. Most of the riding is on bike paths. There are several interesting towns to visit during the rides. The guides, Sophie and Eve, were among the best VBT guides we have had and were able to suggest a slightly longer ride on Day 4 with great views of Lake Annecy and successfully deal with two medical issues during the trip. Unfortunately we had rain during the pre-trip to Chamonix and did not get great mountain views until the day we were leaving. The post-trip in Lyon is worthwhile. I would recommend getting the 48-hour Lyon Pass at the TI center, which is close to the Hotel. Another reason to recommend this tour is that in every town you can find a very good chocolate shop.

Fast Bob, Wellesley MA

Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps