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 on cycling 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.

View all our Bordeaux cycling holidays

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 Emilion – 13 miles/22km

A favourite ride of our guests staying in Libourne. Not only does it take you to St Emilion, 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 Emilion 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 south of France collection.

Bordeaux City & 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.

View our Bordeaux City & Beach Break tour here

Bordeaux City & Vineyards

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.

View our Bordeaux City & Vineyards tour here

Bordeaux City Break

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.

View our Bordeaux City Break tour here

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.

View all our Provence cycling holidays

St Remy Round Trip to Baux de Provence – 42km

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 – 54km

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 – 36km

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.

View our Provençal Experience tour here

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.

View our Around the Alpilles tour here

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.

View our Provençal Discovery tour here

Côtes du Rhône Vineyards

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.

View our Côtes du Rhône Vineyards tour here

Starry Nights in Provence

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.

View our Starry Nights in Provence tour here

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.

View our Bike and Boat in Provence & Camargue tour here

Picture Postcard Provence

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.

View our Picture Postcard Provence tour here

To find out more about cycling south of France view our Bordeaux and Provence cycling holidays or call our experts on 0207 471 7760.

View all our France cycling holidays

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