Family Cycling Holidays in France
By TDF. Filed in Travel & Living |
Cyclists of all abilities can look forward to some fantastic scenery
whilst on a cycling holiday in france, along with experiencing
traditional French cuisine in the many hotels you stop at on your
travels through the scenic countryside.
France is a country that is extremely enthusiastic about cycling, as
we are all no doubt well aware with the Tour de France, and they have
made it ever so easy to explore the countryside and cities on two
wheels, with dedicated cycle paths and routes all around.
Cycling holidays will give you peace and tranquillity with awesome
views of countryside, chateaux, medieval towns, hilltops, valleys and
gorges and these are just some of things that you would easily miss out
on if you were driving through France, and with the rich heritage,
extraordinary landscapes and the gastronomic delights can all be
appreciated more whilst cycling, especially because of the extensive
national network of veloroutes.
These veloroutes will take you along canal towpaths, quiet country
lanes and converted railway lines as well as getting you into the heart
of the countryside by using voies vertes, also known as green ways,
which are specially designated tracks that are completely shut to
motorised traffic, you can even hire your cycle en route from one of
many locations-velos that line the major cycling routes.
You can still find areas in France that are so peaceful, it is rare
to see a car, yet you may be passed by a few very passionate cyclists!
Stopping for lunch and experiencing the local cuisine and of course the
local wine is must and you can often find fortified villages scattered
along the hill-tops and valleys for the most pleasant of stops.
Or if you prefer to have your trip organised then why not let the
hoteliers transport your luggage by finding establishments that offer
an “accueil velo” which are hotels and bed and breakfasts that cater
specifically for cycling holidays throughout France.
With a French Alps cycling holiday you cannot go wrong, as you will
be able to discover some of the Worlds most spectacular cycling routes,
with climbs like the world famous Col de la Croix der Fer and Alpe
d’Huez around Grenoble. But as well as the Alps, cycling in the
Pyrenees with its mountain climbs such as the Col de Portet d’Aspet and
the Col d’Aspin will provide you with the opportunity to see some of
Europe’s most beautiful locations. Although these are not for the feint
hearted! If you have ever watched the Tour de France, you will have
seen some of those mean mountainous routes and the suffering these
cyclists go through, yet perhaps this could be just the type of holiday
you are looking for!
Also, the Midi-Pyrenees offers a wealth of art and history from
prehistoric cave paintings to Renaissance mansions and is also famous
throughout France for its cuisine which is rich with foies gras,
Roquefort cheese, Gaillac wines, and Armagnac brandy, but to make the
most of this region, it is often advisable to plan your cycling holiday
very carefully, so that you can enjoy the many different places en
route.
Yet if mountain biking and going on strenuous cycling routes through
the mountains is not you, then do not worry, there are plenty of other
areas in France that will cater for the novice or the family cycling
holiday, just like Brittany, this area is ideal for a family cycling
holiday, as the coastal routes along the bays are reasonably flat,
making the trip easier, whereas the Loire is more undulating, yet
fabulous chateaux and riverside towns will enthral you and the family
on your travels.
What about the Poitou-Charentes area, which is an excellent choice
for those who love wildlife and bird watching, as the area is still
extremely rural, even compared to some of the other areas in France and
Burgundy is a great place to cycle along the many canal paths.
Then there is the Dordogne which is extremely picturesque, and from
the rivers and gorges through to forests and vineyards, this area
provides such a diversity you will enjoy the whole experience from the
start to finish of your holiday.
Mind you, with a cycling holiday organised for you, there is no need
to worry about where you will stop for a break or lunch or where you
will be staying, which means you do not have to have your panniers full
to the brim, as all your belongings are transported on for you, ready
and waiting for when you arrive at your next stop, plus if you decide
to add in other activities, such as canoeing and horse riding as well,
then your bikes will be transported to your next stop and you will be
picked up at a specified location.
So whether you are a cycling enthusiast or a novice with a family, France is a fantastic destination to explore on your bike.
