Let’s be honest. Sifting through cycling tours in France and trying to establish how they compare to one another can be time-consuming and a bit dull.
So we’ve tried to take some of the leg work out of the task, by reviewing ten different companies offering bike tours of France and summarising the information any cyclist would want to compare when making their choice.
For example, we’ve tried to give a feel for the size of the company, whether it’s a France specialist or offers trips all over the world, whether it offers guided cycling tours in France or self-guided tours and a ballpark idea of the price.
There’s quite a variety of operators, so you’ll find luxury bike tours of France as well as more value-orientated options.
We hope our comparison helps you find the perfect France bike trip for your needs. Let us know what you think, and who you go with, in the comments below.
This article is based on the information on each operator’s website. We’ve done our best to ensure our summary is accurate, but please double-check everything with the operator since the information on their website could be out of date or could have changed since we wrote the article. It’s even conceivable (heaven forbid!) that we may have made a mistake.
The prices usually assume two people occupying a room. If you want single occupancy, expect to pay more. Also carefully check the trip inclusions – we’ve just summarised the situation below and the inclusions may well vary for each trip.
Since 2022 we have worked with Alpine Cols and France Bike Trips. Each are specialists in their own right with years of experience. For our Q&A with Alpine Cols (whose focus is Alpine training/coaching camps) click here, for France Bike Trips click here. Want to know which other cycling tour operators we worked with in 2022? Read this.
Finally, it’s a little different, but we also worked with Sports Tours to give the inside story behind their Spring Classics cycling tours and Tour de France trips.
Cycling tours in France: a comparison
1. France Bike Trips
france-bike-trips.com
Where do the tours start?
France Bike Trips offer guided and self-guided tours across France in a number of different regions including the Alps, the Pyrenees, Provence, Massif Central and Périgord. Tours are split between mountain bike tours, backroad cycling tours and road cycling tours.
Just France or other destinations too?
Specialising in bike tours in France, the company also offers worldwide cycling holidays for French-speaking guests.
How many years have they run tours in France for?
The company has over 15 years’ experience in organising French cycling holidays.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
France Bike Tours offer flexible start dates – just tell them when you want to travel.
What’s the maximum group size?
There’s no information available on this on their website.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
From €415 for three to four days.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
From €995 based on two people sharing.
What’s included?
They have various formats, making it easier to find the best bike trips France can offer to your travelling party.
For guided tours: accommodation in a 2-star or 3-star hotel, breakfast, packed lunch, snacks, luggage transfers and, on some trips, support vehicle.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Private groups with support vehicle or self-guided bike tours of France are available on dates of your choice.
Any other notes?
Each trip has a choice of ride difficulties, measured in ‘wheels’. You can find out more about this here.
Note that their French brand is Vélorizons; France Bike Trips and Vélorizons are the same company.
2. Cyclomundo
cyclomundo.com
Your next travel
Where do the tours start?
Cyclomundo is a French cycling holiday travel agent offering self-guided and guided bike tours to destinations including Normandy, Provence, the Loire Valley, Brittany and Bordeaux.
Just France or other destinations too?
As well as France bicycle tours, Cyclomundo arranges tours to Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.
How many years have they run tours in France for?
Cyclomundo was established in 2003.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
Both self-guided and guided trips can (generally) start on any day that you wish between March and November.
What’s the maximum group size?
We couldn’t find this information on the website, but presumably it’s not relevant to their self-guided trips in any case.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
From €375 based on two people sharing.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
From €445 based on two people sharing (although most are higher).
What’s included?
Guided tours usually include daily accommodation with breakfast, some or all lunches and dinners (as stated in the specific tour description), luggage transfers, and support vehicle.
Self-guided tours usually include daily accommodation with breakfast, some or all lunches and dinners (as stated in the tour description), luggage transfers, maps, and itinerary.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Custom guided and self-guided bike tours can be arranged to suit your needs. Each of the pre-arranged tours also has optional extensions that you can add on if you wish.
Any other notes?
Based in France. There’s a US and Canada number to call too.
3. Hooked on Cycling
hookedoncycling.co.uk
Family Cycling Holidays in the UK & Europe to Remember
Where do the tours start?
Hooked on Cycling offers self-guided cycling holidays in France to destinations such as Provence, Corsica, the Dordogne and the Loire Valley.
Just France or other destinations too?
Cycling holidays are available to destinations across Europe.
How many years have they run tours in France for?
Hooked on Cycling was founded in 1997.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
Hooked on Cycling offers only self-guided cycling tours in France, so you can start these on any date you choose.
What’s the maximum group size?
We couldn’t find this information, but presumably it’s not relevant as all tours are self-guided.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
There aren’t any 4 day trips available for 2023. 6-day trips start at £538pp.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
7-night holidays cost from £674 based on two people sharing.
What’s included?
Accommodation in good quality B&B’s or 2/3* hotels, breakfast, bike hire, routes and maps, luggage transfers, info pack.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
There’s no information available on this on their website.
Any other notes?
This company mostly offers leisure cycling holidays – there are far fewer road bike-specific itineraries on offer.
The only guided holidays advertised are in other parts of Europe, not France.
Based in Scotland.
Don’t miss our other articles that might help you book your holiday!
- questions you should always ask a cycling tour operator before you book
- tips on how to pick the right kind of cycling holiday in France for your needs
- comparisons of cycling tours in Provence and cycling tours in the Alps
- our review of the best places to cycle in France
- our in-depth guides to cycling in six regions of France, from Alpe d’Huez to the Ile de Re.
4. Saddle Skeddadle
skedaddle.com/uk
25 years of pedallin’ passion
Where do the tours start?
Bike tours are available all over France including the Loire Valley, Corsica, the Dordogne and Provence.
Just France or other destinations too?
Saddle Skedaddle offers guided and self-guided cycling holidays to many destinations across the UK and Europe as well as more far-flung destinations like Asia and South America.
How many years have they run tours in France for?
Saddle Skedaddle started in 1995.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
Saddle Skeddadle offers lots of tour dates throughout 2023 from March to October.
What’s the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 15 to 18 people, with usually around 6 people on a trip.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
The minimum tour duration is 8 days.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
From £1,115 based on two people sharing.
What’s included?
Guided tours include accommodation, breakfast, some lunches, airport transfers, luggage transfers, expert guides and support vehicle.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Tailor-made cycling tours can be created to suit your requirements, including corporate events and fundraisers.
Any other notes?
As well as road cycling holidays, Saddle Skeddadle offers leisure cycling and mountain biking.
Has a UK and USA website. Toll free numbers for UK, USA and Canada.
5. BSpoke
bspoketours.com
The greatest cycling experiences in Europe’s most iconic destinations
Where do the tours start?
BSpoke offers self-guided cycling holidays throughout France including Provence, the Loire, and Bordeaux.
Most of the trips are not road cycling focused, but they do offer a choice of two road cycling specific, self-guided cycling holidays in France – The Mont Ventoux Challenge and Le Tour de la Provence.
Just France or other destinations too?
Other destinations for road bike holidays include Italy, Spain, Portugal and the UK.
How many years have they run tours in France for?
There’s no information available on this on their website.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
You can choose any date between April and October.
What’s the maximum group size?
All cycling tours in France are self-guided, so presumably this is not applicable.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
The 4-night Mont Ventoux bike tour costs £1,150pp based on two people sharing.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
The 6-night bike tour of Provence costs £1,295pp based on two people sharing.
What’s included?
Accommodation in 3-star or 4-star hotels, breakfast, bike hire, detailed navigational material, local support when needed, water bottle and accessories.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Tailor-made cycling holidays in France can be created to suit your needs.
Any other notes?
BSpoke offers many kinds of cycling holidays including leisure bike tours, bike and boat holidays, guided and self-guided road tours and family cycling trips.
Don’t miss our other articles that might help you book your holiday!
- questions you should always ask a cycling tour operator before you book
- tips on how to pick the right kind of cycling holiday in France for your needs
- comparisons of cycling tours in Provence and cycling tours in the Alps
- our review of the best places to cycle in France
- our in-depth guides to cycling in six regions of France, from Alpe d’Huez to the Ile de Re.
6. Trek Travel
trektravel.com
A World’s Best Tour Operator
Where do the tours start?
Trek Travel offers predominantly guided French cycling tours with destinations including Normandy, the Alps, Provence and the Pyrenees.
Just France or other destinations too?
Trek Travel offers bike tours all over the world including Europe, Asia Pacific, South America and North America.
How many years have they run tours in France for?
Trek Travel is part of the Trek Bicycle Corporation which was founded in 1975.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
There are a wide range of dates to choose from each year.
What’s the maximum group size?
Average group size is about 12. Most trips are capped at 24 guests, but for Race, Ride Camp and Cross Country trips the maximum can exceed 30.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
The minimum tour duration for cycling holidays in France is 5 days, and those trips start from $1,799pp.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
The only 7 day trip available in 2023 includes Tour De France access and so understandably has a high price-tag at $9,399 per person based on two sharing. Cheaper, longer itineraries are available at other times of the year.
What’s included?
Guided tours include accommodation in 3 or 5-star hotels (depending on the trip – some are designed to be cheap, others are some of the more luxury bike tours France has to offer), breakfasts, most lunches and dinners, snacks, use of a Trek bike, GPS, transfers, luggage transfers, expert guides (minimum of two), support vehicle, entrance fees to attractions, Trek Travel gear.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Yes you can choose between an existing itinerary but on a date you want, ready to book trips where you choose from their library of itineraries and select your date or fully tailor-made.
Any other notes?
Trek Travel has been named named as one of the World’s Best Tour Operators by Travel + Leisure magazine in numerous years, including 2022.
Many different styles of cycling holidays are offered including budget ride camps, bike and boat tours and some of the top luxury cycling holidays France can offer.
There’s a loyalty program and referral program.
Based in Wisconsin, USA.
Find out more about them in our luxury cycling holidays article.
7. Duvine
www.duvine.com
Where do the tours start?
Duvine offers guided bike tours all over France including the Alps, Provence, Burgundy, Bordeaux and Loire Valley bike tours.
Just France or other destinations too?
This America-based bike tour company also covers Europe, Latin America, the United States and Asia.
How many years have they run tours in France for?
Duvine has been offering cycling tours in France since 1996.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
In 2023, Duvine is offering plenty of set tour dates for bike tours in France, plus private tours can be arranged on your choice of dates.
What’s the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 14 cyclists.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
From $3,995 based on two people sharing.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
From $4,995 based on two people sharing (note, they offer a range of length trips).
What’s included?
Accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, bike hire, luggage transfers, expert guides, GPS, support vehicle, daily bike maintenance, entrance fees to attractions, wine tastings and other activities, Duvine gear.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Any Duvine tour can be made private or a Duvine Trip Designer will help you to craft your perfect bespoke itinerary.
Any other notes?
Duvine was named as one of the World’s Best Tour Operators by Travel + Leisure magazine in numerous years, including 2022.
They describe themselves as a luxury bike tour company, with charismatic hosts and guides, luxurious hotels and boutique properties, and meticulously perfected tours.
Compared with other operators, we noticed an impressive level of detail on the bicycles they have within their European and US bike fleet.
Their Peloton Loyalty Club gives discounts on their tours after the 1st, and for the 5th and 10th trips.
Find out more about them in our luxury cycling holidays article.
8. ExperiencePlus!
experienceplus.com
Bicycle tours since 1972
Where do the tours start?
ExperiencePlus! offers guided bike tours all over France including Provence, the Loire Valley, the Dordogne river valley, Burgundy and Brittany.
Just France or other destinations too?
As well as bicycle tours of France, the company offers cycling holidays across most of Europe as well as Chile and Argentina.
How many years have they run tours in France for?
ExperiencePlus! has been leading bicycle tours all over the world since 1972.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
There’s a wide variety of tour dates to choose from throughout 2023 and 2024.
What’s the maximum group size?
The typical minimum is 6 people and typical maximum is 18 (but sometimes as low as 4 and as many as 19 and some tours have higher minimums and maximums).
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
The minimum tour duration is 7 days.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
From $3,995 based on two people sharing.
What’s included?
Accommodation, all breakfasts, a few lunches, dinner most evenings with wine, bike hire, GPS, transfers, expert guides, support van, entrance fees to attractions and activities, free gift.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Yes they do. They offer private departures for groups of 6-18 people and can also create custom tours. Groups of 11-18 enjoy a discount on advertised prices.
Any other notes?
ExperiencePlus! offers five different bike tour styles – Classic, Explorer, Spotlight, Bike and Boat and Expedition.
The company is based in the USA, but has an Italian office too.
They offer a loyalty program with discounts for the 5th and 10th trip.
9. Backroads
www.backroads.com
Backroads. Live your adventure. Go active
Where do the tours start?
Backroads offers guided bike tours all over France. Destinations include Normandy, Provence, the Loire Valley, Burgundy and Bordeaux bike tours.
Just France or other destinations too?
This America-based company offers bike tours across the globe including Europe, the Americas and Asia.
How many years have they run tours in France for?
Backroads was created in 1979.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
There’s a wide choice of dates to choose from throughout the spring, summer and autumn.
What’s the maximum group size?
They claim to be able to cater to any size group, but the best prices are for groups of 16 to 20.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
Not available.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
All France bike tours are minimum 6 days long and cost from $3,999 based on two people sharing.
What’s included?
Accommodation, breakfast, most lunches, dinner, snacks, bike hire, luggage transfers, expert guides, van shuttles, support vehicle(s), special events like wine tastings.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Custom tours can be created for groups of two to 30+ cyclists.
Any other notes?
They offer a huge variety of activity holidays (from yoga to safari). Find out more about them in our luxury cycling holidays article.
Don’t miss our other articles that might help you book your holiday!
- questions you should always ask a cycling tour operator before you book
- tips on how to pick the right kind of cycling holiday in France for your needs
- comparisons of cycling tours in Provence and cycling tours in the Alps
- our review of the best places to cycle in France
- our in-depth guides to cycling in six regions of France, from Alpe d’Huez to the Ile de Re.
10. Butterfield & Robinson
butterfield.com
Slow down to see the world
Where do the tours start?
Butterfield & Robinson offer guided bike tours all over France including Alsace, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Normandy and Provence.
Just France or other destinations too?
This global activity holiday company offers bike tours worldwide including Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas.
How many years have they run tours in France for?
Butterfield & Robinson have been offering bike tours since 1966.
How many tour dates do they offer each year?
In 2023 Butterfield & Robinson are offering tour dates between May and October.
What’s the maximum group size?
Group sizes vary, but never exceed 16.
How much does a 4 day trip cost?
The minimum tour duration for bike tours in France is 6 days.
How much does a 7 day trip cost?
Most tours are 6 days long (there are some that are 7 or 8 days) and cost from $4,995 based on two people sharing.
What’s included?
Accommodation, all breakfasts, some lunches and dinners with wine, bike hire, GPS, transfers, luggage transfers, expert guides, support van, entrance fees to attractions and events, water bottle.
Do they offer bespoke trips?
Custom tours can be tailored to your interests. It’s also possible to extend your stay before or after your tour.
Any other notes?
As well as bike tours, Butterfield & Robinson offer boating, walking, hiking, snow sports, safari and other active holidays.
They offer leisure cycling as well as road cycling.
They say they’re about travelling in comfort and style while experiencing the essence of where you are.
They have three different levels of support: self-guided, daytime guided, 24/7 guided.
Their headquarters are in Canada, though they have toll-free numbers for Australia, Mexico and UK.
They were named as one of the World’s Best Tour Operators by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2022.
Find out more about them in our luxury cycling holidays article.
Don’t miss our other articles that might help you book your holiday!
- questions you should always ask a cycling tour operator before you book
- tips on how to pick the right kind of cycling holiday in France for your needs
- comparisons of cycling tours in Provence and cycling tours in the Alps
- our review of the best places to cycle in France
- our in-depth guides to cycling in six regions of France, from Alpe d’Huez to the Ile de Re.
Tips for choosing bike tours in France
It’s hard to choose a tour operator for your French cycling trip, there’s so many to choose from. From luxury bike trips with mechanics at your beck and call, to self-guided holidays, there’s something to suit everyone. Here are some tips so you can make an informed decision on your next trip.
1. Check for hidden fees
There may be local taxes to pay at the hotels so make sure you check before you book so that you can budget appropriately for your cycling tour in France.
2. Align the vision of the trip with your group
There are so many types of cycling tours France has to offer, it can be easy to start out thinking you want a leisurely holiday along the French Riviera, and end up tagging along to a full-on training camp style holiday. Whether you’re going with family or friends, make sure you are all on the same page as to what you want to get out of your French bike tours.
That way, nobody will feel like a burden if they can’t keep up to the rigorous ride schedule, and equally, nobody will feel left out if you want to keep riding and they fancy a river cruise, visit an Alsace wine vineyard or do something else off the bike.
Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether you want to do your France bike tours self guided or as an all-encompassing guided tour. This will impact the cost and the scheduling so if you’re not sure, we’ve written a handy guide that tells you what guided and self-guided tours are all about.
3. Read the reviews
If the tour company is reputable, there should be reviews available from former guests that can give you a bit more insight into the trips than a corporate website. Always check when booking your cycling tours in France that the company has a genuine history of delivering on what they promise.
4. Check carefully about what is included in the France tours package
France cycling tours can be quite costly, so the last thing you want is to get to the airport to realise transfers weren’t organised or included in the package. Especially if it’s not a luxury bike tour in France, there may be some small print about additional costs that will be payable; you should check this in advance.
Make sure bike hire is an option if you don’t want to take your own, and that you have enough money for meals such as lunch if they are not included. Some companies also offer entries into attractions, but if this is part of the itinerary make sure they are covered so you’re not left scrambling for cash.
5. Finally, make sure you pick a trip you will enjoy!
It is a holiday after all! If you choose Tour de France style bike tours and end up being dropped on every climb, you probably won’t enjoy yourself too much. Know your limits, and pick a holiday that will suit you so you can go home feeling refreshed and relaxed, having explored one of the most beautiful cycling countries in the world.
Want help deciding which French cycling tour company to pick?
This article provides tips on how to pick the right kind of cycling holiday in France for you. And these are the questions you should always ask a tour operator before you book…
If you’re considering a cycling holiday in Provence or the Alps, we’ve also prepared detailed comparisons of the cycling tour operators there. This article covers cycling tours in Provence and this article covers cycling tours in the Alps.
Don’t miss our review of the best places to cycle in France, and our in-depth guides to cycling in six regions of France, from Alpe d’Huez to the Ile de Ré.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found this a useful overview of the kind of France bike tour operators out there and the differences between them.
Some of the biggest differences we noticed between operators were:
- where they’re based
- whether they offer guided or self-guided trips
- how road cycling focused they are
- the group sizes they offer
- the price.
While these 10 companies offer some of the best bike tours France could offer, there may be other options available. Always be careful when booking to follow the tips in this guide.
Have you used any of these companies? We’d love to hear your experiences – comment below.
And finally, if you’ve got any questions you want to ask us, just drop us an email.
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Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels – and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they’re there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.
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Thanks Clare. The reviews are quite helpful. I’ve done a one week tour in Brittany and a one month tour in the same region. The second tour on a tandem. I really want to ride in other regions and I feel fit enough for the canal paths and the Pyrenees as well. Hoping 2023 will be the year to return there from Canada.
Hi Joe, great to hear you’re getting the chance to explore some wonderful riding. Enjoy your next trip!