FAQs - French Cycling Holidays

To help you navigate the process of choosing and managing your French Cycling Holiday, here are the answers to a whole host of questions about cycle tours in the different regions of France.

Don't see the answer to your question? Ask a human! We're available to respond to your queries via email or telephone:

fch@frenchcyclingholidays.com
+44(0) 1923 894305 or +44(0)20 8357 8934

Choosing a cycling tour in France

How do I know if the tour difficulty level is suitable for my fitness and cycling experience, especially if I'm not a confident cyclist?
Each of our tour descriptions gives detail on the level of fitness required and gives a rating out of 10 for difficulty. If there's anything you're not sure about, do contact us to find out more.
When is the best time to go on a cycling tour in France?
Our tours run in Spring, Summer and Autumn each year, and we tailor our routes according to the season, for example, making the most of Spring sunshine in the south, or seeking areas with cooler riding in the hottest months. Find out more in our article.
Are electric bikes (e-bikes) an option for the tours, and how much difference will they make on hilly terrain or for longer daily distances?
Yes, they are definitely an option and many of our riders really love using them. Electric bikes are an optional extra on all our tours, just ask us when you book. Read more about electric bikes here.
What is the average daily cycling time/distance?
This depends on the tour. For one of our easier tours, eg. in the Loire Valley, we ride between 3-5 hours per day. For our mountain/sports tours, we could ride up to 100km (60 miles) per day. Most of the other tours are in between. You can find out the average distances on each of our tour pages, or see an overview in our guide.
How is a 'Guided' tour different from a 'Self-Guided' tour, and which is better for a first-time visitor to France/Europe?
Our Guided tours include being accompanied daily by our guides - usually one cycling with you and the other driving the minibus between destinations (and to meet you for a picnic lunch!) They are French-speaking and included in our service is booking your hotels, restaurants, and collection and drop off to the nearest major airport or train station. On our Self-Guided tour, we help you by booking hotels, restaurants, providing packed lunches, baggage delivery, and general support. We provide you with our planned route, although you won't have a guide riding with you. For confident independent travellers with basic French, a Self-Guided tour works out well. For those who prefer to leave the organisation, group leadership and French reservations to an expert, a Guided tour is for you! Read more about choosing between a guided/self-guided cycle tour.
Do you offer single-centre tours staying in one hotel?
As a general rule, our riders spend one or two nights in each hotel on our planned tours. However, for groups interested in having a single base and daily rides from the hotel, we can organise this too. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and preferences.
Can I bring my non-cycling partner/companion?
Yes, we can accommodate non-cyclists, or even those who don't want to ride every single day. Our driver and minibus can transport non-cyclists between destinations and meet up with the group for lunch. Please contact us for specific requests.
What regions of France (e.g., Loire Valley, Provence, Bordeaux) are best suited for… wine tasting, historical sites, easy cycling, seaside, gourmet food, mountains etc?
How long is a piece of string?! Whilst one of the joys of travelling in France is the sheer difference between the regions, one thing is for sure - all of them make wine and all have historical landmarks, wonderful cultural sites and gourmet food! But the terrain does differ, from the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts to the rolling hills of Provence, the mountains of the Pyrenees and Alps, and the idyllic landscapes of central and northern areas. If you are not sure where to start when it comes to choosing a region to visit, either get in touch with us in the office, or take a look through our Tours or our How to Choose A Bike Tour Route guide.
What is the typical age range of participants on your guided tours, and are there specific tours more suitable for younger riders?
We will happily accommodate riders from ages 10-90+ who are ready to ride on a daily basis! Youngsters aged between 10-16 must be accompanied by a family member/responsible adult.

How to get to France

Which airports in France are the most convenient to fly into for the starting point of my chosen tour?
Check each of our Tour pages for details of the train station or airport that we can pick you up from to start the tour. Paris has two major international airports: Charles de Gaulle and Orly. You could also fly to Lyon St Exupery, Marseille, Nice Cote d'Azur, Toulouse, Bordeaux or Nantes. The French rail network is very good, and it is simple to travel from the airport to the pick up train station. For example, if joining our Mediterranean and Midi tour, you could fly into Toulouse and take a train to Sète where our guides will meet you in the minibus.
Will I need a visa or any specific documentation to enter France/the Schengen Area?
To travel to France (unless you are an EU citizen) you will need a passport; some nationalities may also need a Visa. You can find out the details on the French government website (in English).
What is the best way to manage jet lag or time differences when arriving from North America or Asia, to ensure I'm ready to cycle on Day 1?
Day 1 of the tour is generally an easy day! However, many of our cyclists prefer to fly to France a day or two in advance of the start day, if they are likely to be experiencing jet lag. The advantage of this is having time to include a city visit, such as Paris, Toulouse or Marseille, within the holiday. But if you can't manage this and need some time to adjust, simply let us know and we'll do what we can to give you an easier ride!
If I bring my own bike, what are the logistics and costs involved in transporting it to the tour start point (e.g., on trains, in the support van)?
We are happy for anyone to bring their own bike when joining our tours. However, even budget airlines charge at least €60 each way, and packing and carriage can be a hassle. Our Trek bikes are of a high standard, and our customers usually express pleasant surprise at the quality of the machines, so it might be a better option to bring your saddle and/or pedals which we will be very happy to fit. In any case there will always be a backup bike should you have a mechanical problem. Please feel free to ask us for advice on bike transportation

Booking your French Cycling Holiday

When is the best time to book to secure my preferred dates, especially if I am traveling with a large group?
The earlier the better! If your date are fixed then please do get in touch as soon as you can so that we can fit you into our tour schedule. If you have a larger group then we can run a private tour for you, tailored to your timings and destination requirements. Find out more about our private tours here.
What is included in the tour price and what are the typical extra costs?

Here is a list of what is included in a French Cycling Holidays bike tour:
- Collection from local train station or hotel
- Quality Trek bicycle, quality helmet (if you wish to bring your own helmet/pedals, you are welcome to).
- Branded water bottles (to ride with and take home afterwards)
- Detailed riding instructions and online route maps
- Charming 3* and 4* auberges, inns and hotels (price based on two sharing a room)
- Buffet style breakfasts with croissants, pastries, meats, cheeses and cereals
- Gourmet dinners for all 6 nights of your holiday
- Fine wine (or soft drink alternative) with all evening meals, plus coffee
- The services of two experienced guides with each tour
- Delivery of your luggage to your hotel room each day
- Entry fees to attractions and historical sites
- Morning onward transfers
- An unforgettable experience!
You will need to also budget for flights and train bookings. Lunches are not included but generally we put together a picnic and ask each cyclist to chip in (costs work out around 12-15 EUR per person per day). On some days we may not be able to do this so you will need to budget for a lunch in a cafe or bistro that we will dine in together. We can rent e-bikes instead of our Trek bikes, but this would be at an extra cost.
What is the cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel a booking for a French cycling holiday for whatever reason once it has been confirmed, cancellation will become effective upon receipt of written notification from you, and the following cancellation charges will be due (as we book accommodation, restaurants, bikes, wine tastings, cultural visits and book our guides months before the cycle tours commence and the costs associated with cancelling bookings and the opportunity cost of not being able to resell empty seats increase substantially the closer we get to your tour):
More than 12 weeks before start of the holiday — deposit only.
Between 8 and 12 weeks before the start of the holiday — 33% of total holiday cost.
Between 4 and 8 weeks before the start of the holiday — 50% of total holiday cost.
Between 2 and 4 weeks before departure date — 75% of total holiday cost.
If you cancel your holiday later than 14 days before the commencement date, 100% of the cost will be payable and no refund will be made.
See our Ts and Cs.
Do I need mandatory travel insurance, and what specific coverages (e.g., cycling accidents, medical repatriation) should it include?
It is a requirement of joining one of our cycle tours that you have travel/medical insurance that covers cycling in France and repatriation to your home country. You will need to supply us with details of your policy before travelling.
How much is the deposit, and when is the final balance due?
The deposit is £250 per person and the balance is due at least 12 weeks before the start of the holiday (for those booking within this 12 week period, the whole amount is due at time of reservation).
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-specific meals, in the hotels/restaurants?
French restaurants are getting much better at accommodating dietary requirements and a lot of menus display allergens for their dishes, however we cannot always guarantee this is the case in more rural areas. It is very wise to contact us in advance of your holiday so that we can advise the hotels and restaurants in advance.
Is it possible to extend my stay in France with extra nights before or after the tour?
Absolutely! Many of our tour riders book some extra nights either in the first or final hotel, or in a nearby city, in order to make the most of the opportunity for sightseeing. A lot of our guests come from the Americas, Canada, Asia, Australia/New Zealand etc, and adding a few extra days to a long haul trip makes total sense! Many also visit family or friends in another European destination and join us as part of an extended visit.

What to expect during your French Cycling Holiday

How does a typical day run?
Great question. In short, we have breakfast, head out on bikes, stop for lunch/picnic, ride a bit further, arrive at the hotel. We may also include a visit to eg. a museum, gallery or add in time for a wine tasting. You can read more about a typical day here.
How many guides ride with each group?
There will be two guides on every tour; one cycling with the group and one in the minibus which will follow the group.
What happens if I don't feel well during the ride, or someone has an injury?
Don't worry, our experienced and French speaking riding guide will be on the route with you, so you are in safe hands. Depending on the situation, the guide will call for appropriate support, and the second guide will be available in the mini bus to collect bikes and passengers needing to stop the ride.
What is the hotel accommodation like (e.g., 3-star hotels, B&Bs)?
We opt for very comfortable hotels with en-suite WC, bath/shower facilities and with a swimming pool where possible. Most of our hotels are 3*, sometimes 4*, and very occasionally superior 2* hotels which we choose if we feel that they have charm and comfort above their rating. Rather than staying with major hotel chains, we prefer to book smaller, independently run accommodation. Please note that it is sometimes necessary to change from the accommodation listed in the tour information due to lack of room availability, minor adjustments to the route, or to upgrade. We will always endeavour to use hotels of an equal or higher level of comfort/facilities to those shown – please don't hesitate to contact us for the most up-to-date information regarding your particular tour.
How will my single supplement work if I am a solo traveler?

Prices for each tour are based on two people sharing a twin or double room, but for solo travellers you can either pay a single room supplement to have sole occupancy of the room. Alternatively, to keep costs down, please let us know if you are happy to be paired with another solo traveller of the same sex.
Do I need to be proficient in French when cycling in France? Are hotels and restaurants English-speaking?
If you don't speak French, don't worry! Our cycle guides have an excellent level and are capable of communicating in any situation. You will probably find that most hotels and restaurants have at least one English-speaking member of staff.
What kind of bikes are provided on your cycle tours?

We provide lightweight alloy framed Trek ‘hybrid’ touring bicycles with 27 indexed gears, in a range of sizes to suit all heights. They are meticulously maintained. We fit a spacious handlebar bag which also features a large map pocket. These clip on and off the bike in a flash so that you can always take your valuables with you when off the bike.
If you prefer an e-bike (many of our guests do) then we can source one for your trip, just let us know in advance.
What is the policy regarding rest days or opportunities to take a shorter route if I feel tired?
If you don't feel up to the day's ride, then you are welcome to sit it out and ride in the van with the driver, just keep communicating with your guides and they will accommodate your needs. If you prefer to take a shorter route to a destination, our guide will help you work out a suitable option although won't be able to split off from the main group.
Will the guide assist with minor bike maintenance (e.g., fixing a puncture)?
Yes, our guides are on hand to fix punctures and minor mechanical problems and carry pump, tubes etc.

How to prepare for a cycling holiday in France

What type of physical training should I do in the weeks leading up to the tour?
We always recommend spending some time in the saddle before riding for a week, it is by the best way to prepare for a cycle tour. Aside from this, maintaining your fitness with a mixture of cardio and strength training will help ensure you don't get too tired or achey. Read more about preparing your fitness here.
What is the essential packing list for cycling clothes, and what kind of gear is provided by French Cycling Holidays?
Read our What to Pack guide here for full details on what cycling gear you will need for our tours.
Are there any specific French traffic or road rules I should be aware of before cycling?
Don't worry, our guides will give you a full brief on riding etiquette and safe practice whilst riding in France. For the moment, just remember to right on the right!
What electrical adapter/converter will I need for my electronic devices in France?
France operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Take a type E or C adaptor for your French holiday. Plug type C has two round pins only and type E has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin.
Should I bring my own pedals, saddle, helmet, or cycling shoes?
Our bikes have flat or SPD/flat pedals (and we can offer cage pedals if preferred). We don't recommend racing-style pedals such as the Look Keo, Shimano SPD-SL or similar, as these tend to have a large, protruding cleat on the sole of the shoe and are not so easy to walk around in if we stop for a wine tasting or lunchtime restaurant! Saddles are provided - female shaped included - although do feel free to bring your own. We can supply helmets too although most riders prefer their own. Cycling shoes are not provided so do bring your own footwear. Feel free to contact us if you're not sure on any technical requirements.
What will the weather be like in France?
The million dollar question! France is in a temperate region but has continental and coastal areas which can cause variety in the weather conditions. During July and August, the hottest summer months, temperatures can rise to over 30 C or 90 F in the south of France. During these hot periods we try to ride in cooler areas, further north or in the mountains. May and June, plus September and October have perfect riding temperatures and we can enjoy gorgeous rides in the more southerly regions, eg. Provence and the Med. The North Atlantic sees most rainfall. Our guides are well equipped with rain ponchos should we need them, and we'd advise bringing a waterproof and windproof jacket for rides. Read about the different seasons in France in our article on When to Ride or see our What to Pack guide.