In the past, discovering France by bike used to be reserved only for the adventurous. Now, with the rising popularity of e-bikes, it’s possible for almost anyone to enjoy biking in France, families included. Read on to discover the best ways to experience the gorgeous scenery and culture in France by bike.
France by Bike
Discover Nice’s Fabulous Panoramic Views from an E-Bike
This bike tour will bring you to Nice’s most beautiful viewpoints. It’s usually a place that’s difficult to reach, but thanks to your electric bike you’ll be able to easily climb to one of the most magnificent panoramic views along the Côte d’Azur.
The ride is not only filled with scenery, but will give you a wonderful overview of the city of Nice. Start the tour at the Port of Nice. You’ll then ride uphill on the “Castle Hill,” from where you can admire the beautiful views of the City and the Italian Alps. Next, pass by the lovely Place Masséna located just at the gates of the old town. Finish with Place Garibaldi before heading back to the port.
Take a Private Guided E-Bike Tour from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Les-Baux-de-Provence
Begin your ride in the fabled town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, renowned for its most famous visitor: Vincent Van Gogh. Van Gogh spent the last year of his life in Saint Rémy, tirelessly painting the countryside and completing some of his most important works.
Beyond Saint Rémy, cycle along the base of the Alpilles mountains, where the chiseled limestone cliffs meet the vast olive groves that carpet the plains. Enjoy a tasting of some of the region’s most coveted olive oils (this is the largest olive-oil producing region in France). Pass the sleepy villages of Saint Etienne and Fontvieille, whose open square is inviting for a café stop. Nestled at the southern foot of the Alpilles mountains is the village of Maussane, surrounded by its silvery olive trees. From here, take seldom-used roads as you begin a steady climb through the heart of the Alpilles Mountains.
Your efforts will be rewarded as you reach the perched medieval village of Les Baux de Provence, listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Take the time to visit the village and enjoy a leisurely lunch before the real fun begins: if your legs are strong enough, you will reach a local summit for the best 360° view of the region before an exhilarating descent back to the plains.
Stop for a wine tasting in a small family-run wine estate before cycling back to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Where to Stay in Provence
Villa Gallici
Located in Aix-en-Provence, this beautiful 5-star hotel is just a few minutes walking distance from the historic center.
There are 23 rooms and suites. The rooms and suites are large, modernly equipped, and offer garden views. Some rooms have a terrace.
The hotel’s restaurant offers a gourmet experience. Enjoy seasonal Provençal cuisine under the shade of plane trees. Meticulously prepared by the chef and his team, the dishes creatively combine Mediterranean flavors. Charming terrace views, fine tableware, and the soft glow of flickering candles mark the ambiance. The discreet service ensures a unique experience for the guests.
Take a chance to visit Spa and wellness area which offers, in-room treatments, a sauna, Jacuzzi, cryotherapy, a tanning cabin, fitness, heated outdoor pool.
Private Guided Bike Tour Along the Banks of the Seine River in Paris
Take in the most iconic sights of the French capital while cruising along the banks of the Seine River, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting on the Rive Droite (Right Bank) of the Seine. Cross the Pont Notre-Dame to kick off this adventure and discover Paris’ winding history. From Notre Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower and from the Palais de Chaillot to the Musée du Louvre – you will enjoy the most beautiful perspectives that the city has to offer.
During the tour, your professional guide will point out the prestigious monuments and multiple treasures of Paris. Discover fascinating facts and trivia about the beautiful old streets, monuments, and people. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photographs along the way.
Full-Day of History and Wine in Saint-Émilion
The day begins with a guided walking tour through the charming UNESCO World Heritage classified village of Saint-Émilion, which dates from the Middle Ages. You’ll discover much of its fascinating history. Then, it’ll be time to start pedaling to the first château: a beautiful and charming family-run estate located in the heart of Saint-Émilion vineyards.
After a delightful lunch, visit the vat house and cellar where you will discover the traditional way of making wine. Afterwards, you’ll take an easy ride through the beautiful vineyards and see prestigious properties such as Château Pétrus or Château Cheval Blanc – regarded among the best wineries in Bordeaux. Stop for a visit and tasting at a Classified Growth château on the edge of Saint-Émilion to learn more about the winemaking process from grape to bottle. Enjoy a final tasting to finish off the day.
Discover the Châteaux, Wine, and Scenery of the Loire Valley by Bike
Discover some of the most incredible châteaux in France by bike. Visit the Château de Villandry, one of the last châteaux built during the Renaissance period, where you will see one of the finest examples of Renaissance garden design in all of France. Afterwards, bike along the banks of the Loire River to an old fisherman’s village. Stop for a picnic lunch on the riverside, complete with local delicacies and wine.
Next, play amateur photographer in Rigny-Ussé where you can admire the exceptional exterior architecture of the Renaissance castle. The view of the château from the bridge over the Indre is quite simply stunning. At the end of the day, stop in one of the vineyards in Vouvray to visit a cellar and taste the delicious local sparkling wine of the Loire terroir.
Private Guided E-Bike and Kayak Tour in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the antique capital of Provence, is also known as the Provençal Venice. Its quays are lined with ancient waterwheels, and the whole village is set on a tiny island surrounded by the emerald waters of the Sorgue River. After taking in the town’s picturesque streets, ride into the heart of the countryside. Quickly the town gives way to farmland: ancient farmhouses are surrounded by apple and pear orchards. You’ll be completely off the beaten-path. The guide will lead you through small and flat country roads with very little traffic.
Stop for lunch at a restaurant in Fontaine de Vaucluse, a pretty village centered around a beautiful greenish-blue pool water from the Sorgue River. After lunch, ride to Lagnes where you’ll descend the clear emerald colored Sorgue River by canoe before returning back at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Where to Stay in Burgundy
Hôtel Le Cep
Ideally situated in the heart of medieval Beaune, just minutes away from the famous Hospices de Beaune and the Notre-Dame Basilica, this 5-star hotel is a genuine institution. The hotel owes its charm to the merging of two private mansions and their historical 16th century courtyards.
The 62 rooms, of which 32 are suites, are all decorated with antiques collected throughout the years and each room is named after a Burgundian village or Grand Cru wine.
The restaurant proposes a cuisine that is mainly influenced by the region as well as traditional dishes from Burgundy that are revisited by the Chef. The setting is heartwarming, refined and the decor contemporary.
At the end of the day, guests can settle down to enjoy a drink or regional Cru. In the winter, enjoy the comfortable atmosphere whilst sipping a glass of wine in front of the fireplace, and in the summer relax in the sun-bathed 16th century courtyard. The hotel’s luxurious spa offers a wide range of treatments and massages.
Full-Day Private Wine and Bike Tour in Burgundy
Discover the terroir and vineyards of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy by bike. You’ll pedal through the vineyards and experience the wine and terroir of the region. Cycle through some of the most prestigious vineyards in the world while admiring the authentic and traditional landscapes. Between châteaux, estates, and vineyards you’ll absorb plenty of history and culture thanks to your wine and cycling professional guide.
Start the day with a visit and tasting at Château de Chassagne-Montrachet. Next, bike to Puligny-Montrachet for lunch at a traditional restaurant, or enjoy a picnic outside weather permitting. Afterwards, continue your journey back to Beaune with a stop at Pommard for another tasting. Throughout the day you’ll see some of the most beautiful landscapes and villages in Burgundy such as Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet and more.
We hope we’ve inspired you to discover France by bike. French Side Travel would love to help you plan a dream trip to France with a custom, completely tailor-made itinerary. Some of our favorite destinations in France include Paris, the South of France, Normandy, and Paris. Get in touch with a travel designer today to start the planning process!