Pedal Ventures
France, the epicenter of wine culture, boasts some of the world’s finest vineyards, making it a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. The country’s rolling hills, sun-kissed vineyards, and charming villages create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable bike tours. Whether you're winding through the grape-laden paths of Bordeaux or pedaling along the picturesque routes of Burgundy, cycling through French wine regions offers an immersive experience that combines scenic beauty, rich history, and, of course, exceptional wine.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through some of France’s top wine regions, highlighting the most scenic and memorable bike tours that will leave you with both incredible memories and perhaps a bottle or two of wine to take home.
Route: Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion Distance: 45 km Difficulty: Moderate
Bordeaux, one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, offers a spectacular cycling route through its vineyards, where you can explore the birthplace of some of the most celebrated wines. Starting in the city of Bordeaux, you’ll cycle towards Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage town, passing through picturesque vineyards like those of Pomerol and Margaux.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the lush, expansive vineyards, rolling hills, and charming stone villages. You’ll also have the chance to stop at local châteaux for wine tastings, learn about the winemaking process, and discover the history behind the region’s iconic wines.
Why It’s Unforgettable: Bordeaux offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, with the added bonus of visiting some of the world’s finest wineries.
Route: Beaune to Dijon Distance: 35 km Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Burgundy wine region is steeped in history, known for its rich red Pinot Noir and white Chardonnay wines. This bike tour takes you from Beaune, the heart of Burgundy’s wine production, to the historic city of Dijon, the former capital of the Duchy of Burgundy. The route follows the famous Route des Grands Crus, passing through picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and quaint villages like Pommard and Volnay.
As you cycle through Burgundy’s legendary vineyards, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop at local wineries for tastings. Don’t forget to explore the charming towns along the way, each with its own unique history and cultural significance.
Why It’s Unforgettable: Burgundy’s charm lies not only in its exceptional wine but also in its historical significance, offering cyclists the chance to explore medieval villages, ancient monasteries, and centuries-old wine estates.
Route: Avignon to Châteauneuf-du-Pape Distance: 40 km Difficulty: Moderate
Provence, famous for its lavender fields, sun-drenched landscapes, and rosé wines, offers a truly unique cycling experience. This bike tour takes you from the charming city of Avignon, past the Roman ruins and historical landmarks, to the famous wine-producing village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The route is dotted with vineyards that produce some of the region’s best wines, particularly the robust reds and aromatic rosés. As you cycle through the picturesque countryside, you’ll encounter spectacular views of the Mont Ventoux and the Alpilles mountains, creating a perfect blend of wine, nature, and history.
Why It’s Unforgettable: Provence combines the beauty of the natural landscape with the allure of world-class wine, and the opportunity to cycle past fields of lavender adds an extra layer of magic to this unforgettable ride.
Route: Strasbourg to Colmar Distance: 70 km Difficulty: Easy
The Alsace region offers a blend of French and German culture, and its picturesque wine route is one of the most scenic in the country. Starting in Strasbourg, you’ll cycle through the heart of Alsace, following the Route des Vins d'Alsace all the way to the fairytale-like town of Colmar. Along the route, you’ll pass vineyards stretching across the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, dotted with colorful, half-timbered houses, medieval castles, and charming villages like Eguisheim and Riquewihr.
The Alsace wine region is famous for its white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. There are plenty of opportunities to stop at local wineries for tastings and explore the historical towns along the way.
Why It’s Unforgettable: Alsace offers a unique blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty, with vineyards nestled between mountains and picturesque villages that seem frozen in time.
Route: Reims to Épernay Distance: 35 km Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Champagne, the birthplace of the world’s most famous sparkling wine, is a must-visit for cycling enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike. The bike tour from Reims to Épernay takes you through the heart of Champagne’s vineyards, where the iconic chalky slopes of the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs provide a stunning backdrop. Along the way, you’ll pass through famous Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, where you can stop for a glass of bubbly and learn about the traditional methods used to make this exquisite drink.
The route is relatively flat, making it accessible for all levels of cyclists, and offers plenty of scenic views of the vineyards and rolling hills.
Why It’s Unforgettable: Cycling through the Champagne region offers a chance to experience the birthplace of sparkling wine while enjoying spectacular vineyard landscapes and tasting world-famous Champagne.
Route: Carcassonne to Narbonne Distance: 50 km Difficulty: Moderate
Languedoc is one of France’s largest and most diverse wine regions, producing everything from full-bodied reds to crisp whites and refreshing rosés. This bike tour takes you from the medieval city of Carcassonne—a UNESCO World Heritage site—through lush vineyards to the historic town of Narbonne, located near the Mediterranean coast.
Along the route, you’ll cycle through vineyards that produce some of the region’s best wines, passing charming villages and ancient Roman ruins. The Languedoc region is less touristy than Bordeaux or Burgundy, offering cyclists a more peaceful and intimate experience with both nature and wine.
Why It’s Unforgettable: Languedoc combines stunning landscapes, historical sites, and exceptional wines, all while providing a more off-the-beaten-path cycling experience.
Route: Lyon to Avignon Distance: 150 km Difficulty: Moderate
The Rhone Valley is home to some of the most famous wine-producing regions in France, including Côte-Rôtie, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Hermitage. This bike tour takes you from the gastronomic capital of Lyon through the Rhône wine region, following the Rhône River south to Avignon. Along the way, you’ll cycle through vineyards, charming villages, and ancient Roman ruins.
The Rhone Valley is renowned for its robust reds, especially Syrah and Grenache, so there are plenty of opportunities to stop and sample wines at local estates.
Why It’s Unforgettable: The combination of river views, historic towns, and exceptional wine makes the Rhone Valley a cyclist’s paradise.
Route: Calvi to Ajaccio Distance: 100 km Difficulty: Challenging
For those looking for a more challenging cycling experience, Corsica offers breathtaking routes through both rugged mountains and stunning coastlines. The route from Calvi to Ajaccio takes you past vineyards nestled in the hills, along the island’s rocky coastline, and through charming seaside villages.
Corsican wines, particularly the Nielluccio and Sciaccarellu varieties, are distinctive and flavorful, making this a perfect region for wine lovers who want to combine scenic cycling with authentic local experiences.
Why It’s Unforgettable: The combination of rugged mountain scenery, coastal views, and unique Corsican wines makes this a challenging yet rewarding cycling adventure.
Route: Villefranche-sur-Saône to Fleurie Distance: 30 km Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Beaujolais region, famous for its Beaujolais Nouveau wine, offers a charming and relatively easy cycling route through its vineyards. Starting in Villefranche-sur-Saône, cyclists can explore the rolling hills of the Beaujolais region, passing through vineyards producing the light, fruity red wines that the area is famous for. The route takes you through picturesque villages like Fleurie and Moulin-à-Vent, where you can stop at wineries for tastings and learn about the region’s winemaking history.
Why It’s Unforgettable: Beaujolais offers easy cycling, beautiful vineyard views, and the opportunity to enjoy the famous Beaujolais Nouveau wine fresh from the source.
Conclusion:
Cycling through France’s wine regions is a magical experience that offers more than just beautiful views and great wines. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and landscapes that make each wine region unique. Whether you're cycling through the lush vineyards of Bordeaux, the sun-kissed hills of Provence, or the rolling countryside of Burgundy, there’s no better way to explore the beauty and charm of French wine country than on two wheels. So grab your bike, pack your helmet, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure through some of the world’s most renowned wine regions!
