Bicycle Tours & Trips in Southern France
Picture cycling the Canal du Midi from Toulouse all the way to the Med. You'll pass through Carcassonne (medieval walls and all), stop for wine tastings in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and if you time it right, those Provence lavender fields are incredible. The Pont du Gard's worth a photo stop, and hilltop villages like Gordes are perfect for a lunch break. France from a bike saddle? That's the way to see it.
10 best bicycle Southern France tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern France travel expert at TourRadar
- Provence | France | Guided Biketour | scheduled departures
- Provence guided-Ebiketour | France: A Sea of Colors | 8 days
- French Alps, Alpe d’Huez Tour #FrenchCols Premium Guided Tour (Advanced Level)
- Canal du midi Cycling : from Toulouse to Sete
- Provence and Camargue - From Aigues Mortes to Avignon aboard L'Estello (8 days)
- Cycling The Grand Crus of Bordeaux
- France - By Bike along the Garonne Canal 7 Days
- Canal du Midi - from Toulouse to Sète (7 days)
- Canal de la Garonne - From Bordeaux to Toulouse 7 Days
- Dordogne Self-Guided Activities
Southern France unfolds by e-bike, from Camargue wetlands to Lubéron mountains. Routes average 45km daily, connecting historic sites like Pont du Gard and medieval Uzès. Local guides lead tours through lavender fields and to hidden wine estates.
Duration 8 days Destinations Avignon, Uzès, Pont du Gard, Arles, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Les Baux de Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Cavaillon, Gordes, RoussillonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Physical Rating Easy Distance 147 mi Operator Terranova Touristik From
- NZ$6,931
The route stretches from Avignon through Camargue's marshlands to Marseille. Daily rides of 31-60km feature Roman bridges, medieval villages, and coastal paths. E-bikes ensure comfortable navigation through varied terrains.
Duration 8 days Destinations Avignon, Pont du Gard, Tarascon, Arles, Camargue Regional Nature Park, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux de Provence, Gordes, Pernes-les-Fontaines, Aix-En-ProvenceSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Physical Rating Easy Distance 159 mi Operator Terranova Touristik From
- NZ$13,079
Duration 9 days Destinations Grenoble, Mont-Ventoux, Huez, Chambery Age Range Ages 18-60 Distance 181 mi Operator Pedalquest Tours From
- NZ$9,916
The route winds through Southern France's historic waterway from Toulouse through Minervois wine country. Highlights include Carcassonne's UNESCO citadel, Le Somail's antique shops, and Béziers' nine-lock cascade before reaching Mediterranean Sète.
Duration 7 days Destinations Toulouse, Castelnaudary, Carcassonne, Beziers, Sete Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 122 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$3,009
Duration 8 days Destinations Aigues-Mortes, Le Grau-du-Roi, Arles, Vallabregues, Alpilles, Aramon, Barbentane, Pont du Gard, Avignon Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 94 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- NZ$2,360
This route winds through Southern France's prestigious wine regions, from medieval Cadillac to UNESCO-listed Saint-Emilion. The journey includes Blaye's historic citadel, crosses the Gironde to Médoc's famous estates, and reveals hidden châteaux with quality bikes provided.
Duration 6 days Destinations Bordeaux, Cadillac, St Emilion, Saint-Emilion, Blaye Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 88 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$2,375
Duration 7 days Destinations Bordeaux, Cadillac, Meilhan-sur-Garonne, Serignac sur Garonne, Moissac, Toulouse Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 138 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- NZ$1,823
Duration 7 days Destinations Toulouse, Castelnaudary, Carcassonne, Olonzac, Pont-en-Royans, Agde Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 404 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- NZ$1,537
Duration 7 days Destinations Bordeaux, Cadillac, Meilhan-sur-Garonne, Agen, Moissac, Toulouse Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 137 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- NZ$1,799
Winding through medieval villages, this route leads to UNESCO-listed Rocamadour, past the majestic Grottes de Lacave caves to Meyronne. The path continues to Chateau de Fenelon and the charming Jardins de Cadiot gardens near Souillac. Riders can opt for routes to Beynac's 13th-century hilltop castle with views over the Dordogne Valley.
Duration 9 days Destinations Martel, Meyronne, Rocamadour, Padirac, Souillac, Saint Vincent de Cosse, Sarlat-La-Caneda Age Range Ages 8+ Distance 57 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$3,212
What people love about Bicycle Tours in Southern France
- Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi
Good value. Beautiful places to visit. Excellent guide.
What our customers ask about Bicycle Tours & Trips in Southern France
When is the best time of year to take a bicycle tour in Southern France?
Southern France's cycling season runs from April through October with ideal conditions in May June and September. Spring brings cycling enthusiasts to Provence as lavender begins to bloom near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence while September draws riders to Bordeaux and Dordogne during the grape harvest. Most tour operators run their programs during these months. Hotel du Poete in Fontaine de Vaucluse offers convenient accommodations during peak season. A TourRadar traveler shares: "May was perfect for our Provence tour - comfortable temperatures for cycling and beautiful wildflowers everywhere especially around the Alpilles mountains."
What are the most scenic cultural attractions along Southern France bicycle routes?
The bicycle routes weave through remarkable heritage sites including the UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion the Font de Gaume prehistoric caves in Les Eyzies and the well-preserved medieval center of Sarlat-La-Caneda. Cyclists pass the imposing Citadelle des Baux in Provence and explore Arles' Roman ruins with stays at Hotel du Poete. The route network extends to natural wonders like the Gouffre de Padirac caves and the sacred site of Rocamadour. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The cultural variety was amazing - from prehistoric caves to medieval villages like Carennac each day brought new historical discoveries."
Which regions in Southern France offer the best wine-themed cycling experiences?
The premier wine regions of Bordeaux Saint-Émilion and Châteauneuf-du-Pape provide excellent cycling routes through celebrated vineyards. Riders can explore the Médoc and Entre-Deux-Meres staying at properties like Château des Ducs in Duras. The paths connect renowned wine towns including Margaux Pomerol and Saint-Émilion where vineyard visits and tastings await. According to a TourRadar Bordeaux Wine Tour reviewer: "The combination of cycling through vineyards and stopping at historic wine estates made for an unforgettable experience especially in Saint-Émilion where we could taste wines from multiple châteaux."
What types of accommodations can I expect on a Southern France bicycle tour?
Accommodations range from charming 3-4 star hotels to historic properties including the refined Hotel l'Hermitage in Pernes-les-Fontaines and Hotel Les Sables D'Ocre in Roussillon. The Dordogne region features converted châteaux while Provence offers elevated stays at properties like Crillon le Brave a hilltop retreat. All properties provide modern comforts often including pools and restaurants. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The accommodations were fantastic particularly enjoyed our stays at l'Hotel Hermitage Hotel Les Sables D'Ocre and Hotel du Poete - each had its own unique charm and excellent locations."
What are the typical daily cycling distances on Southern France bicycle tours?
Daily routes cover 35-80 kilometers (22-50 miles) varying by region and terrain. Provence vineyard routes average 45km while Canal du Midi tours feature gentler 35-40km days on flat terrain. Routes include stops at landmarks like the Pont du Gard aqueduct and villages such as Saint-Émilion with nights at properties like Hotel Les Cedres in Villeneuve les Avignon. A TourRadar traveler notes about their Languedoc experience: "Moderate hills and 45 miles for the first day gave us understanding of our group capabilities."
Are electric bikes (e-bikes) available on Southern France bicycle tours?
E-bikes are readily available for an additional USD 200-300 per tour particularly useful on the hillier routes through Provence and Luberon Valley. Tour operators like Cycling for Softies and UTracks provide quality e-bikes with full support. Hotels including Hotel l'Hermitage in Pernes-les-Fontaines offer secure storage and charging stations. As one TourRadar traveler reports: "We upgraded our e-bikes and it made the elevation changes much more manageable especially in the Alpilles region."