Freewheel Holidays is a UK based travel operator which has been organising cycling holidays in Europe since 1999. Due to expansion Freewheel now offer tours in seven European countries, including France, and cater for most types of party, from experienced cyclists to family groups with children. Freewheel holidays start at 2/3 nights and go up to a 12 night stay. These breaks could include guided or self-guided tours, extra days to visit local attractions, stays in hotels, and also holidays that mix sailing with cycling.
There are 8 different types of cycling holiday available in France, which take in Normandy, Provence, the Loire Valley, and Dordogne regions. Each route is graded from 1 to 3 (with 3 being the hardest), depending on the level of experience and fitness needed to cope with both the length of the ride, and the terrain. Read on to find a few examples of level 1 and level 2 cycling tours available from Freewheel.
- First up is a relaxing grade 1 ride in the Loire Valley, which includes wine tasting, and visits to the chateau at Azay-Le-Rideau, Villandry, and Usse. Along with the impressive chateaux, this cycle route also passes through French countryside unseen by traditional tourists to the area. Sites include the historic Chinon, an Abbey at Fontevraud, and the village of Candes St Martin.
- If you have some cycling experience, and a fairly good level of fitness, maybe a level 2 cycling tour is for you? You could choose a 7 night tour taking in the picturesque Dordogne, Perigord and Quercy areas of France. With low cycling distances, you’ll have plenty of time to appreciate all the attractions en-route. These include a canoe trip along the Dordogne river, a visit to the underground caves in Padirac, or a walk to the Alzou Gorges. The route also passes the villages of Souillac, Montignac, Les Eyzies, Sarlat (with a medieval centre and large markets), and Rocamadour.
- There’s also a 7 night boat and bike trip available from Montargis to Paris, which takes in Melun, Moret-Sur-Loing, Nemours and Gallicianeronvillen. Choose this trip and you will stay on a well-equipped canal barge, which has an English speaking crew and tour guide. They will guide your barge along the River Seine and some canals close to the South side of Paris. You can stay on board, or hop off and cycle through medieval towns like Ferrieres, see Chateau Landon, view the local forests, or take in the Royal residence of Fontaine Bleu. The tour ends in Paris close to the Notre Dame and Place De La Bastille.
With other Freewheel holidays taking in Loire Chateaux, famous towns in Normandy, and the film makers paradise of Luberon, there really is something for everyone, so why not choose a cycling holiday for your next activity break in France?