Cycling in the south of France is a beautiful experience. The weather, the landscape, food and culture all combined make for a great summer getaway. Whether you’re planning to go to Bordeaux or Provence Cycling for Softies has some great cycle routes and holidays to enjoy. Take a look at our expert guide to our cycling holidays in the south of France.
Bordeaux
As one of Europe’s most cycle-friendly cities, Bordeaux is an ideal cycling holiday destination. On the various routes, you can take there’s spectacular architecture, historical landmarks and several wine bars to enjoy. A must-visit is the Cité du Vin museum that replicates a swirling wine glass with its aluminium exterior. Our cycling experts have created a guide to the routes you can take in Bordeaux. A great destination when you’re cycling in the south of France.
Arcachon Round Trip – Dune du Pilat
16 miles/26km
Make the most of an excellent network of cycle paths, part of the Euro Velo network, for an easy ride from the Bay of Arcachon to the spectacular natural wonder of the Dune du Pilat – Europes highest sand dune. Lock up your bikes at the visitor centre and climb the dune on foot for spectacular views of the Atlantic coast.
Bordeaux Round Trip – Medoc Vineyards
40 miles/65km (Can be shortened by train)
A longer ride on our Cycle for Softies itinerary but one that takes you through one of the worlds most renowned areas of vineyards. Whilst long, the route is very flat and takes you through the vines on quiet roads to the famous village of Margaux – home to the producer of some of the worlds finest wines. The ride ends with a cruise along the waterfront in Bordeaux, passing some of its most spectacular architecture.
Arcachon Round Trip – Cap Feret
20 miles/32km
Our other round trip ride from Arcachon is another stunner. It uses the same network of cycle paths but follows them around the bay to the iconic lighthouse at Cap Feret. The ride starts and finishes with a short ferry trip across the bay giving a great alternative view of the landscape. A top tip is to try some of the local Oysters at a beachfront oyster bar at cap ferret.
Libourne Round Trip – St Émilion
13 miles/22km
A favourite ride of our guests staying in Libourne. Not only does it take you to St Émilion, but you also pass through the village of Pomerol – meaning you visit two of the worlds most famous wine towns in one ride. The landscape is flat around the river with some gently rolling hills around St Émilion and Pomerol, but nothing too challenging. The ride is mostly on quiet lanes that twist through the vineyards.
Bordeaux Cycling Holidays
Take a look at our fantastic selection of Cycling for Softies holidays in Bordeaux. Part of our cycling holidays in the south of France collection.
Bordeaux Beach Break
This cycling tour shows off the best of Bordeaux from the city buzz to the beautiful beaches of Arcachon Bay. On your route, you’ll taste delicious wine and food plus visit historical landmarks.
This luxury cycling tour explores the city of Bordeaux, one of France’s best-kept cycling secrets; from its thriving cultural centre to the sand, sun and seafood of Arcachon Bay.
Vineyards of Bordeaux
This trip combines both the love of culture and food with fantastic selections of delicious wine. Explore the beautiful city of Bordeaux and visit some of the brilliant local vineyards.
The Vineyards of Bordeaux tour takes you through some of the region’s most prestigious winemaking areas, coupled with stunning natural beauty and the cultural city of Bordeaux.
Bordeaux Single Centre
Explore the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bordeaux during our single-centre holiday. Easy routes and so much to see on this cycling tour.
Discover the French city of Bordeaux on our luxury, tailor-made cycling tour; where you can discover rich history, world-class architecture, excellent gastronomy and of course, fine wines.
Provence
Provence is a firm favourite with Cycling for Softies clients and we have been operating in the region for years. Located in the south-eastern part of France, Provence borders Italy and the Mediterranean sea. It’s one of the most photogenic cycling destinations in the world, which combines natural beauty with historical sites. Our cycle experts have created a guide to the route we use on our Provence cycle holidays.
St Remy Round Trip to Baux de Provence
26 miles/42 km
The first ride most guests do when their tour starts in St-Remy. Starts on a traffic-free cycle path, great for getting used to the bikes, before passing some charming Provencal villages and climbing up the hill to Baux-de-Provence, a spectacular hilltop fort and village. A wonderful twisting descent takes guests back into St-Remy.
Roussillon to St Remy
34 miles/54 km
One of our longer routes, but one that offers beautiful scenery and traffic-free cycling for most of the day. Guests descend from the ochre cliffs of Rousillon into the Luberon valley, passing lavender fields as they go. At the Roman bridge, Pont Julien, they pick up the excellent Veloroute du Calavon – a traffic-free cycle path that takes them most of the way back to St Remy on a slight downhill with views of the famous hilltop towns as you go.
Mazan to Chateauneuf du Pape
22 miles/36 km
A lovely ride into the Cotes du Rhone region. Sets off through small vineyards to the town of Carpentras, before picking up a new traffic-free cycle path to Jonquieres. Here guests can turn off to go directly to Chateauneuf-du-Pape through the vineyards, or they can continue to the Roman city of Orange first.
Provence Cycling Holidays
Cycling for Softies has an extensive selection of Provence cycling holidays to choose from. Part of our cycling south of France collection.
The Provençal Experience
This guided tour takes you through all the main parts of Provence, backed up with our 30+ years of cycling experience in the area.
Around the Alpilles
On this self-guided tour, you will indulge in some of the best wine and food in the area. During your holiday you will stay in the best 4 and 5-star hotel in Provence.
Take a tour of the garrigue, olive groves and vineyards that cover this gorgeous corner of Provence and stay in our selection of the area’s finest 4 and 5 star hotels.
Provençal Discovery
This E-bike self-guided cycling holiday is a relaxed way of enjoying Provence. Take in the spectacular scenery, rich history and culture plus taste the best wine and food.
Explore Provence by E-bike on this Cycling for Softies self-guided tour.
Côtes du Rhône in Luxury
Sample some of the best wines in the region on this self-guided tour. You can also drink in the beautiful landscapes, charming towns and stay in the best hotels.
Explore the Côtes du Rhône by pedal power and sample some of the region’s finest landscapes, most charming towns and most highly rated hotels.
Provence in Luxury
Our relaxed route will let you experience starry nights in St-Remy-de-Provence, soak up the colours and culture of Arles and explore the glorious Provençal countryside. Stay in 5-star hotels too after each ride.
This pocket of Provencal perfection inspired Vincent van Gogh through the most productive period of his career, with the beauty of the region, both natural and cultural, captured in more than two hundred of his works.
Bike & Boat in Provence & Camargue
Take a week’s cruise along the beautiful rivers and Vineyards in Provence and Camargue. On each stop ride and explore each landmark of the area.
Our bespoke, luxury Bike & Boat holiday itineraries enable you to explore the very best of Provence & Camargue. Float by night and cycle along the paths by day as you discover the beauty of France in a whole new way.
Luberon Valley Vistas
This self-guided cycling trip is a leisurely route that starts in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence before heading to vineyards, lavender fields and orchards in Luberon.
Discover the beauty and glamour of Provence. Your tailor-made tour journeys through vineyards, lavender fields and rustic streets.
To find out more about our cycling holidays in the south of France, call our experts on 0207 471 7760.