Best Time to Go Cycling in France: When to Go Where?

France is a dream destination for anyone who loves cycling. From quiet country lanes and vineyard trails to dramatic mountain climbs and coastal routes, it has something for every kind of rider. But knowing when to go can make all the difference. The weather, the crowds, and the region you choose all play a part in shaping your trip. Whether you're planning a gentle spring ride through the Loire Valley or aiming to conquer the Alps in summer, this guide will help you choose the right time and place. Ready to plan your perfect cycling getaway in France? Let’s get into it.

The Cycling Season

The cycling season in France generally runs from April to the end of September. In the mountains, like the Alps or the Pyrenees, the season is shorter, usually from mid-May to September, to avoid snow. In the south, especially below the Loire and Burgundy, summer temperatures can get very high with July being the peak. The best times to go cycling in France are usually in spring or early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are less crowded.

Cycling in France in April

The season really kicks off in April and this is a fantastic time to visit France. The summer crowds are still a way off and temperatures across France, especially in the south, can be perfect for your early Spring riding. One of our favourite destinations when cycling in France in April is the French Riviera. Daytime highs are usually between 15°C and 20°C, ideal for long rides without overheating.

In spring, the French Riviera comes to life with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and clear skies, making iconic routes like the Corniche roads even more scenic. Quieter inland climbs through hilltop villages such as Èze, Gourdon, and St-Paul-de-Vence offer stunning views without the summer crowds whilst climbs like the Col d’Èze are favourites among local riders and pros alike. You may even see pros out on the roads as the climbs above St Jean Cap Ferrat and into the hills near La Turbie, are the training ground of many pro teams.

Cycling in May in France

Cycling the Loire in May is a wonderful experience, combining mild weather, vibrant scenery, and peaceful routes. The temperatures are usually comfortable, often ranging from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius, ideal for full days in the saddle without the fatigue of summer heat. Spring is in full swing, so the riverbanks, vineyards, and gardens around the famous châteaux are lush and colourful.

The crowds are still small compared to peak summer months, meaning quieter bike paths and more relaxed visits to places like Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise. Many local markets and cafés are open by May, offering a taste of regional produce without the long queues. All in all, it is a perfect time to enjoy the Loire Valley at a slower, more scenic pace.

June Cycling in France

June might be our favourite time for a bike tour in France. The place to ride is Provence. Lavender fields are in full bloom, filling the air with their scent and covering the hillsides in vibrant purple. Sunflowers are also starting to appear, adding golden bursts of colour across the landscape. The weather is warm but not too hot, which makes long rides enjoyable. Best of all, the busy tourist season has not fully started, so the roads are quieter and the villages feel more relaxed. It is the perfect mix of beauty, comfort, and calm.

If you're looking for a challenge, tackling Mont Ventoux in June is a perfect time to attempt this legendary climb and if you're crazy enough, join the Club des Cingles and ride all three sides of Ventoux in 24 hours.

Cycling in France in July

July is hot across France but you can still enjoy some stunning riding in the height of summer. Cycling the Canal du Midi or the Canal de Garonne can be perfect as the paths along both canals are mostly flat and shaded, with plenty of trees offering relief from the sun.

July brings long daylight hours, giving you the flexibility to ride early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day. Temperatures can climb well above 30 degrees Celsius, so hydration, sun protection, and planning rest stops are essential.

The scenery is beautiful in summer, with vineyards, sunflower fields, and tranquil canal views accompanying you along the way. Towns like Castelnaudary, Moissac, and Agen offer history, great food, and shaded spots to relax.

Whilst swimming in the canals is prohibited, there are spot along the route where you can swim such as Jouarres Lake and Lake Saint-Ferréol, perfect for cooling off after a day on the bike.

August Cycling in France

Cycling in the Pyrenees and Alps in August offers an unforgettable experience for riders looking to take on some of France’s most legendary climbs. Iconic passes like the Col du Tourmalet, Alpe d’Huez, and Col du Galibier are fully open and accessible. The weather is hot but at altitude, we recommend that you don't ride the climbs outside of the summer months as the weather is too unpredictable. The atmosphere in August is vibrant, with cyclists from around the world tackling Tour de France routes, soon after the Tour has passed through them.

If you're looking for more relaxed riding, as August is so hot, we recommend riding as far north as possible. For that, cycling around Mont Saint-Michel and through Brittany in August is perfect for riders who enjoy coastal views, historic sites, and rolling countryside. The weather is typically mild for summer, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for full-day rides. August brings long daylight hours and vibrant landscapes, with green fields, stone villages, and the dramatic coastline of Brittany offering constant variety. While Mont Saint-Michel itself can get very crowded in peak season, the surrounding roads and cycling routes are generally peaceful, especially if you ride early or explore the quieter inland areas.

Riding in France in September

Cycling in France during September is one of the most rewarding times of year, especially in wine regions like Burgundy. The intense summer heat begins to fade, replaced by warm, pleasant days and cooler mornings, ideal conditions for cycling. Vineyards are full and vibrant, with grape harvests underway, giving the landscape a unique energy and colour. In Burgundy, you can ride through quiet country roads that wind past grand cru vineyards, Romanesque churches, and medieval villages like Beaune and Nuits-Saint-Georges. The air is crisp, and the pace of life slows as the tourist crowds thin out.