Extending your cycling holiday: linger in these lovely French towns
Many of our cyclists travelling to France on a long haul flight from eg. Australia, Canada, Asia or USA opt to arrive a couple of days early to recuperate from jet lag and also take the opportunity to unwind and experience French city life at a relaxed pace before joining the biking group. And some prefer to add on a few days in France after their cycling holiday. We've put together a guide to three favourite French towns that warrant more than just dashing to and from the train station.
On each of our tour pages, you'll see the pick up and drop off points where our guides will meet you. Rather than rush, how about spending an extra night or two in one of France's beautiful and historic towns to see the sights and enjoy the leisurely holiday pace?
Here are three top picks for a French mini-break before or after you join one of our cycle tours (and if you know us, you might spot a common theme appearing!):
Provence tours: our four top places to see in Avignon
“Sur le pont d’Avignon, On y danse, on y danse..”
Avignon is the meeting point and drop off point for both our Provence tours (Roman Heritage and Luberon Villages) and spending an extra night on either side of your cycle trip is a great way to make the most of your holiday in France.
Whilst you are in Avignon, there are some highlights to see:
- The Pont Saint Bénezet – better known as “Le Pont d’Avignon” – is steeped in history and popular culture, and it is most visitors’ first port of call on a weekend in the city. The 22 original arches of the bridge were constructed in the 12th century, a mighty structure spanning the perilous waters of the river Rhône. The bridge became an essential passage for merchants and pilgrims crossing the Alps into (what is now) Italy, and put Avignon on the map as a cosmopolitan transport hub.
- Also worth a visit is the Palais des Papes: dating from the early 14th century, it developed over the centuries into a remarkable Gothic palace and one of Europe’s most important medieval buildings. Like the bridge, the Palais enjoys UNESCO heritage status, as do its recently renovated gardens.
- Spices, cheese, bread, fresh fish, abundant fruit and veg… Don’t miss out on a trip to Les Halles d’Avignon on your weekend visit. This large indoor market a haven for foodies and full of Provence’s most delectable specialties. Opening hours are 6am-2pm every day except Monday.
- The Place de l’Horloge is another historic spot in Avignon. Built on the site of the Roman forum, these days it’s a lively square and is home to the city’s clock tower. Take a seat in one of the cafés and ignore the passing of time whilst you enjoy a coffee and some people-watching!
The Pont d'Avignon. Go ahead and dance on it as the famous song encourages, you won't be alone! [Image: Reolf Bruinsma]
24 hours in Tours
Hop on a train from Paris Austerlitz and in around 90 minutes you will be in Tours, where our guides will be meeting you for the Chateaux of the Loire cycling tour. Book an extra night in this enchanting town and you’ll fall head over heels for its narrow streets, half-timbered houses and gourmet dining.
Morning: take a deep-dive into the “Stomach of Tours” to find out what the locals like to eat. The covered market Les Halles de Tours has been frequented by hungry shoppers for 160 years, and it’s here that you’ll find a mid-morning snack, some charcuterie and cheese for a picnic lunch, or a beautiful patisserie for your afternoon tea.
Lunchtime: Take the opportunity to stroll west to the Botanical Gardens for a picnic lunch. Admire the peacocks, flamingos, tortoises and sculptures which sit alongside the beautiful 19th century glass houses.
Afternoon: You’re spoilt for choice for visits in Tours: try the Musée de Beaux Arts in a former Bishop’s palace, with works by Rubens and Degas, or the Saint-Gatien Cathedral with its splendid Gothic façade. Just north of these two spots, the Chateau de Tours by the river Loire dates back to the 11th century, but if modern art and architecture are more your style, pop in to the Olivier Debré Centre for Contemporary Creation or the fascinating little Typography Museum.
Evening: At “apero” time, head to the Place Plumereau in the heart of the old town to admire the magnificently preserved brick and timber architecture in the square, or in summertime, relax by the river in an informal “Guingette” bar to sip your glass of local Loire wine as the sun sets. Dining options are plentiful in this gastronomic city – you certainly won’t go hungry in Tours!
Place Plumereau is a popular spot in Tours for evening drinks. [Image: Pascal Bernadon]
A night (and day) in Nîmes
If you’re booking onto our Cevennes and Mont Aigoual cycle tour, then we very much recommend spending a night or two in Nîmes prior to meeting our guides.
Its sun-kissed Provençal charm is awash with Roman heritage, and its very walkable so you’ll easily be able to work up sufficient hunger to indulge in some delicious local dining.
See Roman Nîmes: Don’t miss the incredibly preserved Roman amphitheatre, you can almost hear the clash of gladiator’s swords, the jeering of the crowd and the pulsating hearts beating with fear when you step into this mind-blowing arena. If you only visit one thing in this city, take the time to do the Arene de Nimes properly and immerse yourself in its history by taking the audio guide.
Taste Provençal food: Look out for local specialities, Picoline olives and Picodon cheese, try brandade de morue, a salt cod dish, or gardianne de taureau made with bull’s meat, and for a sweet treat, indulge in a calisson, made with candied melon and almonds.
Feel the buzz in Les Halles: immerse yourself in the smells and sounds of the everyday life of Nimes at the indoor market. Sip a coffee and enjoy the moment, as the shoppers busy themselves around you, sniffing ripe melons, admiring beautiful pastries, plotting their evening’s cheeseboard or nattering with their neighbours.
Don't travel to Nîmes without visiting the Roman amphitheatre. [Image: Kryzstof]
Join us for authentic French experiences
Did you spot the theme?
Lots of our cycle tours revolve around history, art, and eating and drinking! We also love an indoor market (usually called "Les Halles") as they're the best ways to get to know a place - through its food and wine.
If you're looking for a foodie or cultural cycling tour in France, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you:
- Contact us by email: fch@frenchcyclingholidays.com
- Call us: +44(0) 1923 894305
- Use our website contact form
- Browse our upcoming dates and pricing