No tours available yet...
No tours available yet...
No tours available yet...
Tour de France
2025 Tickets
Tour de France
2025 Packages
Adventure Vacations
for Couples
European Tours
for Seniors
European Tours
for Families
Group Tours to
Europe
Honeymoon
Europe Tour
Singles Tours
Europe
Italy
Spain
Holland
United Kingdom
Portugal
Ireland
Switzerland
Croatia
Baltic States
France Bike Tours
Europe Bike Tours
Europe Luxury Bike Tours
Epic Cycling
Cycling Challenges
Self-Guided Tours
Wine Tours
Heritage Tours
Adventure Cycling
Food and Culinary Tours
Walking and Hiking Tours
Multi Sport Tours
Private Guided Tours
Custom Tours
Men's Tour de France tickets 2025
Women's Tour de France tickets 2025
L'Etape du Tour de France
Italy
Spain
Holland
United Kingdom
Portugal
Ireland
Switzerland
Croatia
Provence
Loire Valley
Bordeaux
Brittany
Burgundy
Dordogne
Alsace
Massif Central
Italy
Spain
Portugal
Provence
Loire Valley
Bordeaux
Dordogne
Burgundy
Brittany
Alsace
Burgundy
Alsace
Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Burgundy
Alsace
Provence
Loire Valley
Languedoc
Portugal
Provence
Alsace
Dordogne
Loire Valley
Brittany
Burgundy
Normandy
Corsica
Provence
Normandy
Dordogne
Loire Valley
Burgundy
Alsace
Brittany
Corsica
Loire Valley
Provence
Bordeaux
Languedoc
Dordogne
Burgundy
Brittany
Guadeloupe
Loire Valley
Dordogne
Brittany
Provence
French Riviera
Spain
Normandy
Corsica
Atlantic Coast
Loire Valley
Dordogne
Brittany
Provence
French Riviera
Spain
Normandy
Corsica
Atlantic Coast
Provence
Loire Valley
Languedoc
Dordogne
Provence
Loire Valley
Languedoc
Dordogne
Exploring Europe on two wheels is one of the most rewarding ways to travel. Europe bike tours offer an immersive experience, allowing cyclists to connect with breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and historic sites at a slower pace. Whether you dream of pedaling through the vineyards of France, along the Mediterranean coast, or across the rolling hills of Tuscany, there’s a perfect route for every type of rider.
From leisurely self-guided tours to challenging multi-day adventures in the Alps, the diversity of cycling experiences in Europe makes it a top destination for bike enthusiasts worldwide. In this guide, we’ll explore why bike tours are so popular, the different types of tours available, and what makes Europe an ideal cycling destination.
Europe is one of the most bike-friendly continents, with thousands of kilometers of dedicated cycling routes, well-maintained roads, and scenic trails. Many countries have invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, making it easy and safe to explore by bike. The presence of EuroVelo routes, a network of long-distance cycling paths, further enhances accessibility.
From the lavender fields of Provence to the dramatic fjords of Norway, Europe offers a stunning variety of terrains and sceneries. Cyclists can ride along coastal paths, through medieval villages, across mountain passes, and alongside rivers, experiencing diverse cultures along the way.
Bike tours provide a low-impact, eco-friendly alternative to traditional travel, reducing carbon footprints while allowing for deep cultural immersion. Additionally, cycling is a fantastic way to stay active, making it a preferred choice for travelers who enjoy combining fitness with exploration.
Not all cycling tours are the same. Depending on your experience level, travel style, and preferred pace, you can choose from various types of bike tours.
Perfect for cyclists who want a structured, stress-free experience, guided bike tours include:
✔ A professional guide who navigates the route
✔ A support vehicle for luggage and assistance
✔ Pre-arranged accommodations and meals
✔ A curated itinerary with cultural and historical insights
These tours are ideal for for all levels of cyclists, who enjoy exploring at a relaxed pace, prefers the support of a knowledgeable guide for navigation, insights, and assistance.
For more independence, self-guided tours offer:
✔ Pre-mapped routes and GPS navigation
✔ Luggage transfers between accommodations
✔ Pre-booked hotels and dining recommendations
✔ Freedom to cycle at your own pace
This option is great for those who enjoy flexibility but still want logistical support along the way.
For adventurous riders, bikepacking is a self-supported journey where cyclists carry their gear, camp, and explore off-the-beaten-path trails. Popular in destinations like the French Alps or Norway, this type of tour is perfect for experienced cyclists seeking an outdoor challenge.
For those who want to combine cycling with high-end accommodations and gourmet dining, luxury tours offer:
✔ Boutique hotels or historic châteaux stays
✔ Wine tastings and fine dining experiences
✔ Custom routes with premium road bikes or e-bikes
✔ Personalized guides and exclusive activities
These tours are ideal for couples, groups, or travelers who want a balance between adventure and comfort.
E-bike tours have gained popularity, making long distances and steep climbs accessible to all fitness levels. These tours allow cyclists to enjoy challenging routes with less physical strain, making them a great option for mixed-ability groups or those new to cycling.
Some of the best cycling destinations in Europe are in France, Italy, and Spain, each offering a unique experience.
Destination | Type of Terrain | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Loire Valley, France | Flat, gentle slopes | Château-lined routes, vineyards, riverside paths |
Provence, France | Rolling hills | Lavender fields, medieval villages, Mont Ventoux |
The Alps, France/Italy | Mountainous | Famous climbs from the Tour de France & Giro d’Italia |
Tuscany, Italy | Hilly | Olive groves, vineyards, Florence & Siena |
Each of these destinations caters to different skill levels, from beginner-friendly Loire Valley routes to the challenging Alpine climbs.
A great bike tour follows safe, scenic, and well-marked paths, avoiding heavy traffic whenever possible.
Depending on the tour type, cyclists stay in charming guesthouses, boutique hotels, or even castles, ensuring a good rest after a day of riding.
A good tour incorporates local cuisine, wine tastings, and cultural stops, making the journey as enjoyable off the bike as on it.
Whether it’s luggage transfers, mechanical assistance, or expert guides, the best tours make sure cyclists focus on the ride, not the logistics.
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the best seasons for cycling in Europe, offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be great in northern Europe but hot and busy in southern regions.
Not necessarily! Many bike tours cater to all fitness levels, and e-bike options allow less-experienced riders to enjoy longer distances and steep climbs.
Daily distances vary by tour type:
Essentials include padded cycling shorts, a helmet, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and a repair kit. Most guided tours provide a packing list.
Many tour operators allow you to bring your own bike, but renting is often more convenient, as local providers offer high-quality road, touring, and e-bikes suited for the terrain.
You can also discover Best time for bike tours in Europe, Preparing for a bike tour in Europe, Country specific tours in Europe and Tour types in Europe.
EXCELLENT Based on 235 reviews Robert M2025-01-02Verified Croatia Bike Tour = Amazing This is the second time we have used Discover France for a vacation in Europe, both trips were 10/10. This time was a little more special as this was part of our honeymoon! We booked the shorter Croatia trip through the Istrian peninsula and it did not disappoint.Our tour consultant, Solene, was amazing! She took care of everything and answered any questions we had throughout the process. She also made sure all the hotels knew that it was our honeymoon so we had a couple extra surprises waiting for us when we checked in at each hotel.We also needed several transfers to and from the airport which Solene was happy to help with. It made the trip so much less stressful when you are able to book everything through the same service.The bike tour itself was so much fun. The recommendations (sites to see, restaurants, cafes, etc) provided by Discover France were spot on. The locals were so friendly (and most spoke English which helped!). The food was delicious especially being in a wine and truffle region. We would 100% do this trip again!Thank you Solene and Discover France! Justin T2024-11-26Verified 5th time (and lifelong) return customer Hands down the best adventure organization I’ve ever worked with abroad. This will be my 5th time returning to the TdF in 2025 with Discover France. Gabriel and the reservation team do everything they can to make your trip exactly as you hope. If there’s something they can or cannot do they work with you all the way. It’s a very one-on-one, professional and reassuring process for reservations abroad. The programs are incredibly memorable, with exclusive VIP access that exceeds any other TdF organizations. Their focus is the riding, course, and to make sure your experience on a bike is as good as it can possibly be. Other programs offer different bells and whistles to their TdF packages but absolutely nothing is as exclusive, personalized, and uniquely small-group as Discover France programs. You do not need to be an expert rider for the programs. But experience and at least comfort on a bike is needed. The rides can also be tailored on a daily (or even hourly) basis to the rider/group skill, weather, overall energy level that day, and your personal preferences. Support vehicle with special French credentials allows for Discover France to provide a van with you the entire trip. Sun, clouds, rain, sleet/snow (yes…it’s the Pyrenees or Alps), hot and cold: there is always a vehicle that can help you along the way and offer a place to bring along your gear like the professionals. Shout out to: Florentin and Titouan for spectacular rides and support expertise. Finally, Thomas and Aurelian are two of the most dedicated cycling enthusiasts and leaders of a one-of-kind organization. Their dedication and leadership is evident from the top down as all of the guides and employees seem to love their works as much as they do. Kevin P2024-11-24Verified Puglia in October This is the second year in a row that our group of friends have chosen Discover France. This time to Puglia. And again, the experience was fantastic. It starts with our tour consultant, Gabriel, who is responsive and truly cares that we have a great holiday. This year, we requested a one-day diversion off the usual route and the Discover France team mapped a great route for us. We also appreciate how the bikes are in good shape and all is well organized for our arrival. The route was generally on bike paths or tertiary roads and relatively flat - a well designed route for sure. joel w2024-10-27Verified Costa Brava Spain This is our 4th bike trip with Discover France, and they never seize to amaze us. We have been working with Solene, and she is remarkably professional, responsive, and most importantly, she listens to our "wish list" of preferences, and makes suggestions with that in mind. All our trips have been in France, with this one in Costa Brava. We loved biking in this region of Spain. Most of the biking was on gravel trails, and kept us off the roads. The scenery was beautiful, particularly the small coastal towns. The itinerary was well planned and we enjoyed the 2 night stays in each village, in lieu of moving nightly. I would recommend this route. I will be reaching back out to Solene to book our next trip. She is wonderful and I wouldn't consider using another bike tour company. Safe biking..... Alisha Stephen C2024-10-16Verified Loire Valley success. My girlfriend and I had an amazing experience doing the Loire Valley ride from Amboise to Chenhuette. Gabriel and team Discover France were very always responsive and available to help us. The routes were well thought out. Once you master the App, they are very easy to follow. The hotels were amazing and the staff at each one had a good relationship with DF. The bikes were amazing - Moustache Dimanche 28.4. They made this trip the success that it was. Rob W2024-10-08Verified Puglia Bike Just finished a bike trip to Puglia. Gabriel did an awesome job! Great hotels, bikes, routes and destination advice. We would highly recommend having Gabriel at Discover France plan your routes. My brother and sister have also used Gabriel and were extremely happy as well Don Y2024-10-04Verified Cotswolds This was the 4th trip using Discover France and each time has been amazing. This trip was to the Cotswolds in the UK. The organization of the trip (specifically Gabriel service) was outstanding. The hotels were all great and scenery was beautiful. We had one day of heavy rain but that added to the allure and challenge of the rides. Thanks to all at Discover France and of course Gabriel. Robert M2024-10-01Verified Loire Valley Classic - Great trip! Our first trip with Discover France but I hope not our last. Tatiana put together a great itinerary for our self-guided trip. The hotels were lovely, clean and biker-friendly, with most in former chateaux themselves. The bikes (2 regular, 1 e-bike) were in great condition and well-equipped, and the orientation session was very thorough. Luggage service worked as promised. Discover France did a good job minimizing our time on busy roads - almost all the trip was on bike paths or roads with little vehicular traffic. No complaints from us! JB-in-SB2024-09-26Verified Bordeaux-Dordogne: The best trip yet! Our third trip with Discover France, from Bordeaux to Sarlat in the Dordogne, was the best one yet. Loved the countryside, the food, the hotels, everything. For the first time I rode a pedal-assist bike, and it was a game-changer for me now that I'm in my sixties -- no more worrying at night about climbs I might be facing the following day.! My husband stuck to the standard touring bike and it worked out well for both of us. Working with Gabriel was a breeze. Thanks, Discover France -- we'll be back! Janet G2024-09-25Verified Loire Valley Classic: An Incredible Tour One of the most visually compelling bike tours we’ve done in Europe. All the major chateaux in the Loire Valley are located along the route, which is largely comprised of bike trails and/or little-trafficked country lanes. The local food and wines are exceptional. Discover France is a first-class operation; we’ve worked with them before, and will again on our next visit to France. Their entire team is great; extra kudos to our tour consultant, Solene Graino.
US HQ
55 East 59th Street, 9th floor
New York, NY 10022, United States
(1) 800-929-0152
FRANCE HQ
427 Rue Hélène Boucher, Espace Commercial Fréjorgues Ouest, Mauguio 34130, France
+33 (0)4 67 15 82 04
© 2025 Discover France. All rights reserved
Legal notice
Ready for more travel inspiration? Stay connected by:
We will get back to you soon.
Ready for more travel inspiration? Stay connected by: