Pedal Ventures
France is a country full of natural beauty, rich culture, and historical landmarks, making it an ideal destination for family vacations. And what better way to explore all that France has to offer than on two wheels? Cycling tours are not only eco-friendly but also provide a fantastic way for families to bond while enjoying breathtaking scenery, discovering quaint villages, and indulging in local culture. Whether you’re cycling through the countryside, by the coast, or along scenic rivers, France offers a wide range of family-friendly bike tours suitable for all ages and skill levels.
In this blog, we will highlight some of the best family-friendly cycling tours in France, ensuring that everyone from toddlers to grandparents can join in the fun.
Route: Tours to AmboiseDistance: 30 km (one-way)Difficulty: Easy
The Loire Valley, also known as the "Garden of France," is famous for its stunning châteaux, lush vineyards, and charming villages. This bike tour is perfect for families looking for an easy, relaxed ride through some of the most picturesque landscapes in France. Starting in the city of Tours, you'll pedal along quiet, flat paths to Amboise, passing by beautiful vineyards, historic castles, and along the serene Loire River.
The route is very family-friendly, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the castles, including the Château de Chenonceau and Château d’Amboise, which are both fun and educational for kids. Many tours also include stops for wine tasting (parents can enjoy while the kids have juice or a snack), and you can make time to explore local markets or enjoy a picnic by the river.
Why It’s Ideal for Families: The flat terrain and wide paths make this a leisurely and safe ride for families with younger children, and the chance to explore some of France’s most iconic landmarks adds an extra layer of fun.
Route: La Rochelle to RoyanDistance: 70 km (divided into sections)Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
For families looking to combine the joy of cycling with the beauty of the French coast, the Vélofrancette route is an excellent choice. Stretching from La Rochelle to Royan, this route offers flat, well-marked paths that take you through picturesque coastal villages, sandy beaches, and lush forests. It’s perfect for families who want to experience the outdoors, enjoy the sea breeze, and explore charming seaside towns.
Along the way, you can stop for a swim at the beach, enjoy a boat ride, or visit local attractions like the Île de Ré or Cognac, where kids can learn about the history of this iconic French spirit. The route is broken down into manageable sections, making it easy to choose how far you want to cycle each day.
Why It’s Ideal for Families: The combination of coastal views, charming villages, and the opportunity to enjoy the beach makes this route both fun and relaxing for families. Plus, the relatively short cycling distances are perfect for younger cyclists.
Route: Toulouse to CarcassonneDistance: 100 km (divided into sections)Difficulty: Easy
The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers one of the most tranquil and scenic bike tours in France. The route follows the canal through the south of France, winding its way through vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages. Starting from the city of Toulouse, families can cycle at their own pace, stopping to admire the beautiful canal locks, historical sites, and peaceful rural landscapes.
The canal path is mostly flat, making it easy for children of all ages to cycle along without too much effort. Along the way, you can explore the towns of Castelnaudary and Carcassonne, with the latter’s fairy-tale castle providing an unforgettable experience for both kids and adults. Many bike tours also include boat rides along the canal, offering a change of pace and another way to enjoy the stunning scenery.
Why It’s Ideal for Families: The flat terrain, relaxed pace, and fascinating historical sites make this route ideal for families with young children and those looking for a leisurely cycling experience.
Route: Avignon to Châteauneuf-du-PapeDistance: 30 kmDifficulty: Easy to Moderate
For families who enjoy a mix of cycling, culture, and scenic beauty, a bike tour through Provence is a wonderful option. This route takes you through the heart of Provence’s lavender fields and vineyards, offering stunning views of the Alpilles and Mont Ventoux mountains. Starting in Avignon, families will cycle through the historic town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, known for its world-class wines, and pass by charming villages along the way.
The route is relatively flat and suitable for cyclists of all abilities, making it great for families with children. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop for a rest, enjoy local markets, or visit historical sites, such as the Pont Saint-Bénézet in Avignon. While the adults might enjoy wine tastings, kids can have fun exploring the local landscapes and sampling fresh lavender ice cream.
Why It’s Ideal for Families: The mix of gentle cycling, breathtaking scenery, and cultural stops make this route perfect for families who want to enjoy a variety of experiences without overwhelming young cyclists.
Route: Annecy to AlbertvilleDistance: 30 kmDifficulty: Moderate
While Alpine cycling tours are typically associated with challenging mountain routes, the area around Annecy offers a family-friendly option for those who want to explore the beauty of the French Alps without too much difficulty. The route from Annecy to Albertville takes cyclists through rolling hills and gentle climbs along Lake Annecy, one of France’s most picturesque lakes. The views of the Alps are stunning, and there are plenty of places to stop for a picnic, a swim in the lake, or a visit to the local towns.
The route is suitable for families with children who are comfortable with moderate cycling, and there are plenty of family-friendly accommodations and attractions along the way. You can even take a scenic boat tour on Lake Annecy to take in the views from a different perspective.
Why It’s Ideal for Families: The mix of stunning mountain views, clear blue lakes, and manageable cycling distances makes this a great introduction to the Alps for families.
Route: Calvi to AjaccioDistance: 100 km (divided into sections)Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
For families seeking a more adventurous and remote cycling experience, Corsica offers breathtaking coastal views and rugged landscapes. The route from Calvi to Ajaccio takes you through the island’s stunning scenery, including its dramatic mountains, picturesque villages, and Mediterranean beaches. While some sections of the route are more challenging, there are plenty of shorter, family-friendly alternatives that provide a taste of Corsica’s beauty without overwhelming younger riders.
Kids will love the opportunity to explore the island’s beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy authentic Corsican cuisine along the way. The island’s remote nature means you’ll often have the roads to yourself, offering a peaceful and unique cycling experience.
Why It’s Ideal for Families: The combination of beautiful beaches, charming villages, and the opportunity to explore an island that feels like a true hidden gem makes Corsica a memorable cycling destination for families with older children or teens.
Route: Caen to BayeuxDistance: 50 kmDifficulty: Moderate
Normandy is known for its dramatic history, including the D-Day landings and the medieval town of Bayeux, home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry. This family-friendly bike tour takes you from Caen to Bayeux, following quiet roads and scenic countryside. Along the way, you can explore historic sites, such as the Normandy American Cemetery and Utah Beach, which are educational and thought-provoking for older children and adults alike.
The route is moderately flat, and families can take their time exploring the fascinating landmarks, making this tour a great way to combine cycling with a deep dive into history.
Why It’s Ideal for Families: Normandy offers a perfect blend of outdoor cycling and rich history, making it educational and fun for families with children who want to learn while cycling.
Cycling in France offers families the chance to discover the country in a fun, active, and engaging way. With a wide range of family-friendly routes, from leisurely rides through vineyards and along canals to more adventurous tours through mountain landscapes, there’s a perfect cycling route for families of all ages. Whether you're cycling along the Loire River, exploring Provence’s lavender fields, or learning about history in Normandy, a family cycling tour in France promises to create lasting memories for everyone. So, pack your helmets, hop on your bikes, and get ready for an unforgettable French adventure!
