Five fantastic family cycling holidays in France

It’s holiday booking season and with tonnes of great deals being advertised everywhere you look, how on earth do you decide where to take the family? Think about what you all love to do, what food you enjoy and where the weather is warmer, that’s our advice!

We all love a family bike ride, somewhere where it’s safe and easy enough for the kids, with a bit of adventure and history thrown in for the grown-ups, so how about a family cycling holiday in France? Great food, great wine, great views – what’s not to love? And it’s really easy to get to, too…

1.      The hills and lavender of Provence

The hotter end of France is worth the extra travelling time to see the incredible region of Provence. Famed for picturesque and diverse landscapes, there’s the added bonus of delicious local rosé wines and peaches growing by the path.

Great for families with older children who can cope with the warm weather and adventurous routes through the hills, you can choose from waterside routes and hillsides and tracks alike.

2.      The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is so called due to the Loire River and the lush UNESCO World Heritage landscapes that follow its path through the central regions of France. Here you will find Loire a Velo, a path made up of secure tracks, perfect for families with younger children and completely traffic free.

You could see traditional boats, Renaissance gardens and of course vineyards aplenty, producing the famous dry white wines of the region.

3.      The Burgundy canal towpath

If you love boats, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the towpath that follows the Tour de la Bourgogne. AT 872 km this is a circular route with plenty of detours to choose from. Easy and safe rides can take you to abbeys, medieval towns and chateau, all ready to be explored.

Great for history buffs too, you’ll find the very place where Gallic leader Vercingetorix laid down his arms before Caesar.

4.      The ViaRhôna in Lyon

This cycling route links the Mediterranean with Lake Geneva and takes in the major parks and lakes of Lyon as you ride through safe green spaces and along canal paths.

This route is particularly good for active family cycling holidays, with children who enjoy water sports, swimming and the zoo, and for parents who dabble in gastronomy! You’ll find many spots for scenic picnics along the way or may choose to sample the local speciality salads made with dandelion greens…

5.      The Normandy coast: D-Day landings to Mont-Saint-Michel

Closest to home and arguably the part of our history the children will know more about… Cycling from the beaches of Arromanches, famous for the site of the D-Day landings in 1944, you can cycle south, towards Mont-Saint-Michel.

Along the way you’ll pass through Bayeux (of tapestry fame), and many Norman villages, all the way along field paths and green spaces. There are a couple of roads to cross, but the stunning views of the salt meadows are worth the journey.