Romantic Cycling Holidays

There aren’t many destinations as romantic as France, with its sumptuous cuisine, undulating countryside and timeless villages. Our short breaks, offering three to seven days of leisurely cycling, wine tasting and exploration, provide an opportunity to unwind and reconnect in this idyllic setting. Here are just three of our favourite romantic cycling holidays.

Côtes du Rhône

Enjoy some quality time with the special person in your life during a laid-back bike ride through the valleys of the rocky Dentelles de Montmirail mountains. You’ll pass through Mazan, whose historical old town centre is protected by huge, ancient walls, and Loriol du Comtat, a peaceful village with a Romanesque church.

On your way to and from these medieval hubs, you and your partner will explore a number of wine regions including the iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Perhaps the most important wine-growing area in southern France (and covering a massive 3,200 hectares, it’s one of the largest too). The wines produced here are gloriously complex and rich thanks to the blending of different grapes. Sample some Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre in one of the Côtes du Rhône vineyards, perhaps accompanied by some local goat’s cheese and crusty bread.

Bordeaux

The city of Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its excellent cuisine, rich and intricate history, beautiful architecture and of course its wealth of fine wines. Spend your days cycling around this wonderous city marvelling at architectural triumphs like the Place de la Bourse or Basilica of St. Michael. Bordeaux is home to 362  monuments historiques throughout its city, only Paris can boast to have more.

You’ll also be greeted by a plethora of fantastic wine, which the region has been producing since the first vineyards were introduced by the Romans in the mid-first century. The Citè du Vin is a new museum that opened in 2016 that has exhibitions, movies, shows and seminars on the wines of the region.

Loire

Grace and beauty are everywhere you look in the Loire Valley. From the fairy-tale turrets of its castles to the lazy and meandering riverside paths you’ll pass on our cycling holidays. Grand buildings used by French and English royalty for over a thousand years have been lovingly preserved, providing an atmospheric setting for a cycling holiday with the person you love. For an extra dash of romance, why not take an evening stroll through the colourful and whimsical gardens at Villandry?

And, of course, no romantic cycling holiday would be complete without plenty of eating. You’ll pass through a number of quaint villages – Montsoreau and Chinon to name but a couple. To fuel all those miles of pedalling, pop into a restaurant and order some delicious Fouace (also known as Fouée). This light, traditional bread from the Loire Valley is airy and sugary – the perfect snack to share with your sweet one.

Istria

A true hidden gem, Istria is undoubtedly romantic. This corner of the Adriatic is known for beautiful sunsets and cobblestone towns filled with charming restaurants and cafes. Shared between Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, the peninsula is a real mixing pot of cultures, taking the best from each and creating something truly special.

Istria is also home to many vineyards and wineries, producing unique, crisp wines. A glass of Istrian white as the sun sets is one of the most romantic activities on a cycling holiday. In Pula, the Roman amphitheatre rising above the town only adds to the timeless ambience.

Tuscany

Golden hills, authentic towns, renaissance cities, and some of the best food in the world. All these add up to create one of the most romantic destinations for a cycling holiday. Tuscany is quintessential Italy, where authentic traditions and gorgeous architecture can be found in abundance.

Cycle along cypress-lined paths, past olive groves and Roman ruins towards your boutique hotel. And what could be more romantic than enjoying a glass of Chianti at dinner before a stroll through the town? Tuscany is the region of romance for so many reasons.

Cotswolds

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds lives up to this title. Quaint cottage gardens, cosy pubs, authentic farmers markets and breathtaking rural vistas make this one of our favourite regions for romance. Spend your day exploring on an e-bike, gliding up hills like a breeze, before an afternoon spa treatment and then dinner beside a fireplace.

The Cotswolds is a fantastic destination for a long weekend, so couples can enjoy an escape to this region if only for a short while. On our tours, the handpicked spa retreats are indulgent and cosy, so there’s plenty of ways to unwind in style.

Segovia

A fairtyale region of Spain, Segovia is the perfect backdrop for a romantic cycling holiday. The castles and palaces of this pocket of the country have been used in countless historic films, and have even inspired works by Walt Disney.

On a cycling holiday here, delight as every corner reveals a new sight that’s set to charm you. Take a siesta in the afternoon before heading out for tapas and drinks in the vibrant town squares. The local cuisine is mouth-watering, with a fantastic mix of pork and local produce.

To find out more about our romantic cycling holidays, call our cycling experts today on 020 7471 7760.