Frequently Asked Questions

It requires individuals to use problem-solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. You should be comfortable with map-reading and the use of a travel app and/or route notes, and have a good sense of direction (or be willing to work on improving this!). At times, route finding, losing your way and finding it again, or asking locals for help is all part of the adventure. If this is your first self-guided trip, you will certainly get the hang of it after the first couple of days — as do the vast majority of our first-time travellers.

Yes — many of our bike tours are designed for leisure cyclists. You can choose an itinerary that matches your level and enjoy cycling at your own pace.

Absolutely! Many of our guests travel solo, and our self-guided format is perfectly suited for independent travellers. You set your own pace, stop where you like, and enjoy France entirely on your own terms. Solo supplements may apply for single room accommodation — you'll see this clearly indicated during the booking process.

Our tours typically include accommodation (including breakfast, with half board available as an option), luggage transfers between accommodations, and detailed route information for your daily rides.

Your luggage is transferred from one accommodation to the next, so you only need to carry your daily essentials while cycling. We strongly recommend carrying a small day-pack with essentials such as a change of clothes, swimwear and medication, in case you need them before your main luggage arrives.

You can rent a bike through us. It will be delivered at the start of your tour and adjusted to your size. You leave the rental bike at the last accommodation of your trip.

No — we provide route details and navigation materials so you can follow your itinerary independently.

Our cycling holidays are designed to be enjoyed rather than conquered — accessible to all, from first-timers to experienced cyclists, and suitable for all ages. Our routes are categorised into five difficulty levels, from Level 1 (easy and flat) to Level 5 (hilly and challenging). Take the time to choose a trip that matches your fitness and experience — it makes all the difference.

E-bikes are available on the majority of our tours, but not all. Availability depends on the region and the local bike partner. You can check e-bike availability on the individual tour page, or contact us directly if you're unsure. We recommend requesting your e-bike early, as availability is limited and very popular — especially in hilly regions like Burgundy, Provence and the Dordogne.

Most routes follow quiet roads, dedicated cycle paths, or low-traffic areas. 95% of the time, you will be cycling on an asphalt surface, mostly on bike tracks or quiet roads, making them pleasant and safe for cycling.

Yes, in many cases — but it depends on the destination and pet-friendly availability along the route. Not all our partners have facilities for travelling with pets, and some places only accept small dogs or apply size/weight restrictions. Let us know at the time of booking — including your dog's size, breed and weight — and we'll do our best to find a trip that suits you both.

We carefully select comfortable places to stay along your cycling route. On most tours, you'll be housed in either Comfort (selected 2/3★ hotels or B&Bs) or Comfort+ (selected 3/4★ hotels or B&Bs). For more information, please visit our hotel rating page.

No — your itinerary usually includes different stops, allowing you to explore new destinations each day.

Breakfast is generally included at your accommodation, so you can start your cycling day comfortably.

Yes, you can fill in your dietary needs in the online booking form under "dietary restrictions". The accommodation will take your requests into account as much as possible. Always remind the reception of your dietary needs when you check in.

Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next each day. Make sure your luggage is ready for pick-up by 09:00 — it will be delivered to your next stay before 17:00.

One suitcase per person of max. 20 kg is included. Maximum size: 65 × 40 × 30 cm. If you are travelling with more than one piece of luggage, this must be mentioned at the time of booking. A supplement will apply for additional or oversized luggage.

Your rental bike period begins on the morning of Day 2. It will be delivered to your accommodation on the evening of your arrival, or the following morning before 09:30. Your bike will be serviced, cleaned, and fitted to your requirements.

Our standard bikes are 21 or 24-gear hybrids. We also offer e-bikes, racing bikes, and children's bikes. All rental bikes come with a pump, chain lock, and puncture repair kit. Hybrid bikes and e-bikes are equipped with water-resistant pannier bags. Helmets are included by default.

No. Helmets are not mandatory in France for cyclists aged 12 and over, but they are strongly recommended. That's why we include one with every bike rental. Helmets are mandatory for children under twelve.

Four weeks before your departure (after full payment), you will receive access to the GUIBO travel app with your full route. You can also download the trip as a PDF and access GPX files.

Booking is quick and easy through our online booking page. Navigate to the holiday of your choice, click "Book this trip", read the detailed cost overview carefully, and fill out the form. At the end of the booking form, you can add any queries or additional requests.

You cannot check availability in real time. As soon as we receive your booking request, we will contact the accommodations to confirm. If available, we will send you confirmation by email within three working days. If not, we will contact you to discuss an alternative.

Once your holiday is confirmed, we will send a travel confirmation by email with your deposit amount (20% of the total price), payable immediately. The remaining balance is due no later than six weeks before the start of your holiday. You can pay online by credit card, Apple Pay, Bancontact, iDEAL, or Wero via a secure Mollie payment link.

Extra nights can be booked for all holidays with a daily starting date. This is not possible for holidays with fixed starting dates, due to logistical constraints with luggage transfers.

No, unfortunately we do not arrange flights or train journeys. You must make your own travel arrangements. Most of our starting points are accessible by train or public transport — use www.rome2rio.com to plan your connection.

Changes to your booking are possible, subject to accommodation availability and the conditions of your travel agreement. The sooner you contact us, the more options we have. Changes requested within six weeks of your departure date may not always be feasible. Reach out to us at info@french-biketours.com and we'll do our best.

Cancellation costs depend on how many days before the start of your holiday you cancel. Please read our full cancellation policy for details.

You cycle at your own pace along the planned route while your luggage is transferred to your next accommodation. We always recommend checking the earliest check-in time at your next stay so you don't arrive too early.

Don't let the rain spoil your holiday — with the right gear, cycling in wet weather can still be enjoyable. A good waterproof jacket or poncho goes a long way. In case of thunderstorms or weather alerts, don't take any risks. If you're unsure what to do, call us — we'll help you find the best solution.

Our rental bikes are sturdy, reliable, and professionally serviced before each trip. We ask that you're comfortable with basic repairs — reattaching a chain and fixing a flat tyre. Our suppliers provide a repair kit including patches, tyre levers, and a pump. For anything more involved, a local bike shop is your best option. If you're truly stuck, call us and we'll do our best to help.

We always encourage you to first explore local options — a taxi, local transport, or a kind fellow traveller can often save the day. If you've exhausted those options and are truly stuck, don't hesitate to call us. We'll do our best to help, though any assistance arranged through us may come at an additional cost.

During office hours, you can call us on +33 (0)5 53 24 22 10. Outside office hours, please use our emergency telephone number, which you will find in your Route Pack. We do not monitor emails on weekends — please call us. You will receive all necessary contact details before your departure.

The renter is responsible for any damage to or loss of the bicycle. We recommend checking whether your personal insurance or credit card covers bike-related incidents. Additional cover can be arranged at the time of booking. Always secure your bike with the provided lock, fastened to a fixed point — even for short stops.