Kiwi Curated
France’s Quaintest Cycling Towns
by Mikayla UberWith Tour de France in full swing, the time is ripe to set out on your own French bike tour. From medieval villages to seaside towns, France offers plenty of scenic backdrops to explore on two wheels. We’ve rounded up some cycling hotspots, including the best places to stop and refuel along the route.
France’s Quaintest Cycling Towns
A beautiful old town just 30 miles north of Paris, Chantilly is home to museums, chateaus and the Chantilly Forest. Once a hunting ground for France’s elite, this enchanting forest is now crisscrossed with dedicated walking and biking paths. Cycle along well-trod trails before retreating to the Tiara Château Hotel Mont Royal Chantilly. Dating back to 1911, this palace charms guests with sumptuous interiors and fine dining.
VIEW HOTELFrance’s Quaintest Cycling Towns
Fill up on fresh air and French fare at Château de Saint Paterne, a fairy-tale castle set on the outskirts of the historic town of Alençon. Cycle into town for lively flea markets and medieval architecture before looping back to explore the area’s verdant countryside. Small country roads, apple orchards and endless green fields are just a few of the rural sights to admire.
VIEW HOTELFrance’s Quaintest Cycling Towns
Some of France’s best cycling starts in Saint-Emilion, a medieval town (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) located just outside Bordeaux. Set out from Château Grand Barrail Hotel, a 19thcentury estate surrounded by celebrated vineyards, and travel to Castillon-la-Bataille, the site of the final Battle of the Hundred Years War. After soaking up some history, continue on and follow the Dordogne River’s winding shores.
VIEW HOTELFrance’s Quaintest Cycling Towns
Pedal through Provençal paradise at La Bastide de Marie. This luxurious country estate is nestled between vineyards, fields of lavender and century-old olive trees. Home to sun-drenched hillsides and idyllic picnic spots, this property is a delight for cyclists looking to soak in the magic of Provence. Bike off the beaten path to discover the area’s markets and castles.
VIEW HOTELFrance’s Quaintest Cycling Towns
Whether exploring stunning coastal scenery or touring D-Day beaches, Normandy’s landscapes make for a perfect cycling break. Shaped by epic historical moments, including the Allied landing, riding through this region is like turning the pages of a history book. Spend the night at Hotel Barriere Le Normandy to experience first-rate hospitality and a taste of Deauville’s seaside charm.
VIEW HOTELFrance’s Quaintest Cycling Towns
With gentle roads and magnificent Bordeaux vineyards, Martillac deserves a spot on your biking itinerary. Catch some rest and relaxation between rides at Les Sources de Caudalie. This tranquil country estate is set amid gardens and vineyards. Pamper yourself with grape-based beauty treatments at the unique Vinothérapie Spa or indulge in delicious French cuisine at the hotel’s two-Michelin-star restaurant.
VIEW HOTELFrance’s Quaintest Cycling Towns
The epitome of medieval charm, Carcassonne looks like something out of a children’s storybook. This fortified city is surrounded by charming villages and the historic Canal du Midi, one of Europe’s most impressive canals, making it a superb cycling destination. Coast from one historical site to another along the canal’s winding paths, before checking into Hotel de la Cité – a grand hotel located in the heart of Carcassonne’s walls.
VIEW HOTELFrance’s Quaintest Cycling Towns
There’s no better way to discover the Cote d’Azur than by bike. A ride along this gorgeous stretch of coastline will take you past gleaming yachts, palm trees and a dazzling array of small ports. The flat road between Nice and Cannes offers dedicated cycling lanes and coastal views. When you’re ready to rest and refuel, stop at Belles Rives Hotel, a glamorous beachside retreat in Juan-Les-Pins.
VIEW HOTELA beautiful old town just 30 miles north of Paris, Chantilly is home to museums, chateaus and the Chantilly Forest. Once a hunting ground for France’s elite, this enchanting forest is now crisscrossed with dedicated walking and biking paths. Cycle along well-trod trails before retreating to the Tiara Château Hotel Mont Royal Chantilly. Dating back to 1911, this palace charms guests with sumptuous interiors and fine dining.
VIEW HOTELFill up on fresh air and French fare at Château de Saint Paterne, a fairy-tale castle set on the outskirts of the historic town of Alençon. Cycle into town for lively flea markets and medieval architecture before looping back to explore the area’s verdant countryside. Small country roads, apple orchards and endless green fields are just a few of the rural sights to admire.
VIEW HOTELSome of France’s best cycling starts in Saint-Emilion, a medieval town (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) located just outside Bordeaux. Set out from Château Grand Barrail Hotel, a 19thcentury estate surrounded by celebrated vineyards, and travel to Castillon-la-Bataille, the site of the final Battle of the Hundred Years War. After soaking up some history, continue on and follow the Dordogne River’s winding shores.
VIEW HOTELPedal through Provençal paradise at La Bastide de Marie. This luxurious country estate is nestled between vineyards, fields of lavender and century-old olive trees. Home to sun-drenched hillsides and idyllic picnic spots, this property is a delight for cyclists looking to soak in the magic of Provence. Bike off the beaten path to discover the area’s markets and castles.
VIEW HOTELWhether exploring stunning coastal scenery or touring D-Day beaches, Normandy’s landscapes make for a perfect cycling break. Shaped by epic historical moments, including the Allied landing, riding through this region is like turning the pages of a history book. Spend the night at Hotel Barriere Le Normandy to experience first-rate hospitality and a taste of Deauville’s seaside charm.
VIEW HOTELWith gentle roads and magnificent Bordeaux vineyards, Martillac deserves a spot on your biking itinerary. Catch some rest and relaxation between rides at Les Sources de Caudalie. This tranquil country estate is set amid gardens and vineyards. Pamper yourself with grape-based beauty treatments at the unique Vinothérapie Spa or indulge in delicious French cuisine at the hotel’s two-Michelin-star restaurant.
VIEW HOTELThe epitome of medieval charm, Carcassonne looks like something out of a children’s storybook. This fortified city is surrounded by charming villages and the historic Canal du Midi, one of Europe’s most impressive canals, making it a superb cycling destination. Coast from one historical site to another along the canal’s winding paths, before checking into Hotel de la Cité – a grand hotel located in the heart of Carcassonne’s walls.
VIEW HOTELThere’s no better way to discover the Cote d’Azur than by bike. A ride along this gorgeous stretch of coastline will take you past gleaming yachts, palm trees and a dazzling array of small ports. The flat road between Nice and Cannes offers dedicated cycling lanes and coastal views. When you’re ready to rest and refuel, stop at Belles Rives Hotel, a glamorous beachside retreat in Juan-Les-Pins.
VIEW HOTEL