Pedal through paradise: Cycling holidays in France
France has been a very popular destination for UK holidaymakers for decades, and it is easy to see why. With its diverse landscapes, rich culture and delicious cuisine, France has something to offer for every personality.
Cycling holidays are the perfect getaway for an adventure-loving traveller. France is a haven for cyclists as you can absorb the scenery all on two wheels. Here are some routes to inspire your next cycling holiday.
Loire Valley Cycling Tour
Known as the Royal Valley, the Loire Valley is perhaps best known for its stunning chateaux built by royalty during the French Resistance. However, there is far more to this region. Cities such as Orleans, Angers and Tours each have their own unique style for you to enjoy.
If you are looking for something a little more sedate, then head to La Brenne National Park. Cycling through the luscious greenery will melt away any stresses and allow you to connect with nature again.
One of the best ways to explore this area is with your own itinerary. You could opt to bring your own road bike along for the ride. Having a car is always handy, so you could get the ferry to Calais and take your time driving the 5-hour-long journey.
Provence Lavender Routes
Lavender is known for its calming properties, so what better way to add an extra layer of relaxation to your holiday than cycling through fields of it? Lavender flowers bloom between June and August, so this is the perfect time to soak up both the scents and the summer sunshine.
Cycling through the Vaucluse and Luberon areas is your best chance of being able to see these spectacular flowers in all their glory. For a bit of culture, be sure to stop off at the Abbey of Senanque. There is the option of having a guided tour, or you can wander around by yourself. If you do opt for a tour, it is worth booking online to avoid disappointment.
Mont Ventoux Challenge
If you are looking for more of a challenge when you are on holiday, then you may want to attempt the Mont Ventoux cycling route. This climb has regularly featured in the Tour de France since 1951 and has claimed the life of one cyclist back in 1967. This goes to show this route is not for the faint-hearted.
The traditional challenge is being able to cycle all three routes of the mountain in one day. Achieving this would make you part of the Club des Cingles du Mont-Ventoux which is exclusively for people who have completed this mammoth task.
Climbing all three routes equals cycling just over 83 miles and climbing 4200m. The scenery from each of the three paths is stunning and will leave you motivated to complete the challenge. As with any extreme challenge, make sure you plan and have plenty of water and food, especially if the sun is shining.
For more adventurous types, there is a fourth route which is accessible for mountain bikers. So, if you don’t fancy a traditional cycle then this could be another great way to explore the mountain.
