What are the best destinations for Road Cycling in France?
From famous Tour de France climbs to rolling vineyard roads and spectacular coastal routes, France offers some of the finest road cycling anywhere in the world. With smooth tarmac, dedicated cycling culture and an incredible variety of terrain, it's a destination that keeps riders coming back year after year. Here are some of our favourite regions for road cycling in France.
The Alps: Stretching from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, the French Alps are home to some of the highest roads and most iconic climbs in professional cycling. Regularly featured in the Tour de France, our holidays here offer road cyclists the chance to ride the same legendary mountain passes as the pros while enjoying spectacular alpine scenery.
Among the most famous climbs is the Col du Galibier (2,642m), one of the highest paved mountain passes in the Alps. Nearby, the Col du Glandon (1,924m) combines demanding gradients with panoramic views, while the Col d'Izoard (2,360m) is renowned for its dramatic Casse Déserte landscape. The Col de Vars (2,109m) is another Tour de France favourite, often ridden alongside neighbouring passes. At 2,802m, the Cime de la Bonette is the highest paved road in the Alps, reached via a scenic loop above the Col de la Bonette (2,715m). You can experience this unforgettable ascent on our Geneva to Nice - Route des Grandes Alpes road cycling tour.
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The Pyrenees: Stretching over 400 km from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean along the border between France and Spain, the French Pyrenees offer a wilder, quieter road cycling experience than the Alps. Their legendary climbs have shaped the Tour de France for more than a century, with steep gradients, spectacular scenery and unforgettable descents.
The Col du Tourmalet (2,115m) is the most visited climb in Tour de France history, having featured 88 times. At the summit stands the giant steel statue of Octave Lapize, the first rider to conquer the climb in 1910, who famously shouted "Murderers!" at race organisers as he reached the top. Nearby, the Col d'Aspin (1,489m) and Col de Peyresourde (1,569m) have starred in countless race-defining stages, while the quieter Col du Jau (1,506m) rewards riders with panoramic views and peaceful roads. You can experience these legendary climbs on our Trans Pyrenees Challenge road cycling tour.
: Provence combines quiet country roads, reliable sunshine and one of the most iconic Tour de France climbs in cycling: Mont Ventoux (1,910 m). Known as the 'Giant of Provence', this storied summit attracts riders from around the world. Near to Ventoux you’ll discover the stunning Gorges d’Nesque, a dramatically beautiful valley ride. Beyond Ventoux, road cyclists can enjoy winding routes through lavender fields, hilltop villages and vineyards, with rewarding climbs and sweeping descents at every turn.
: Few cycling adventures can match the satisfaction of crossing an entire country under your own steam. Riding from the Brittany coast to the Med takes you through an ever-changing landscape of rolling farmland, river valleys, mountain roads and picturesque French villages. It's a unique opportunity to experience the remarkable variety of France's road cycling terrain in one unforgettable journey.
: Often overlooked by cyclists heading to mainland France, Corsica is a hidden gem for road riders seeking quieter roads and dramatic landscapes. The island's coastal routes deliver stunning sea views, while its mountainous interior offers challenging climbs such as the Col de Vergio (1,471m), Corsica’s highest paved mountain pass. With little traffic and a sense of remoteness that's increasingly hard to find in Europe, Corsica provides a truly memorable road cycling experience.
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