Love cycling and want to encourage the rest of the family to love it too?
Head to France, a country famous for great family cycling holidays, as well as the obvious things like great food, great beaches and great sunshine hours! The French are very good at creating excellent family-friendly cycle paths in many of the popular tourist areas, such as the Vendee, the Charente and the Landes regions in west France.
Cycling Inspiration
Cycling in France is easy on the dedicated cycle paths, which are well maintained, suit cyclists of all ability and many offer 'cycle stations', which include air pumps and tyre change equipment! It's easy to take your own bikes if you are driving to France; alternatively bike hire shops are big business in all areas of France, and hiring everything from electric bikes to mountain bikes to trailer bikes is pretty simple.
Here are some of our top recommended areas for you to enjoy a fun family cycling holiday in France:
Cycling in the Vendee
Situated on the west coast of France, just south of Nantes, the area of the Vendee is an area known for its flat landscape, long rolling sandy beaches and sunshine hours that rival the Cote d’Azur.
All along the coast you’ll discover cycle ways that weave in and away from the coastline. You’ll find our Siblu campsites near St Jean de Monts Le Bois Masson and Le Bois Dormant, and from here you can join the cycle way that runs alongside the coast to Les Sables d’Olonne. This route passes through the pretty fishing town of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the surfing hotspots of Bretignolles, the marshlands of Marais d’Olonne until you reach Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. The route is approximately 30 miles long; obviously if you want to do a shorter route you can go as far as Saint Hilaire de Riez or Saint Gilles before turning and heading back.
Family biking in the Loire Valley
The Loire à Vélo is a long-distance cycle route that runs along the Loire River for 800 kilometers. It's a great option for families, as it's mostly flat and easy to ride and there are plenty of places to stop along the way to visit castles, villages, and vineyards.
For a more challenging route that takes in the forests and lakes and has a mix of terrain from gravel to road to cycleway then head to the Sologne region. It's a great option for families who are looking for a more adventurous cycling experience. The Château de Chambord loop from Tour-en-Sologne for example is good for intermediate riders, at 25 miles.
You can enjoy a cycling holiday in the Loire from our campsite in the Loire near Blois, Domaine de Dugny.
Cycling in the Charente Maritime
The area of the Charente, between La Rochelle and Bordeaux on the west coast, is a lovely area for cycling in France, from the gently undulating hills inland, to the coastal cycleways close the long sandy beaches.
Our campsite in La Palmyre, Bonne Anse Plage, leads directly onto a family-friendly cycle way that bypasses the park and follows the coastline either directly into the village of La Palmyre, or the opposite way to the Cote Sauvage. This pretty, tree-lined route is well maintained and popular with families, with all sorts of bikes whizzing along – from electric bikes to sand bikes (with the huge tyres!) to bikes towing trailers for young children.
A little further afield is the Île de Ré and the Île d'Oléron. These islands are a great place to cycle, as it is flat and has plenty of scenic routes. You can cycle along the beaches, through the vineyards, or into the charming villages.
Family cycling holiday tips:
Plan your route: There are many different routes to choose from, so take some time to plan your trip before you go. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid getting lost.
Choose the right bikes: If you are traveling with young children, you may want to consider renting bikes that have child seats or trailers. You may also want to consider electric bikes, which can make it easier to climb hills.
Pack plenty of water and snacks: It is important to stay hydrated and fueled when you are cycling, and temperatures can get hot. so be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks.
Take breaks: Don't try to do too much too soon. Take breaks often to rest and enjoy the scenery.
I hope this blog has inspired you to plan a family cycling holiday in France. With so much to see and do, you are sure to have a great time.
