Live ... laugh ... ride ...
Come join us in the South of France
South of France Luxury Bike Tour
Experience the South of France like a local not a tourist - a world of food, wine & cycling through unspoiled landscapes
Cycling Tour Overview
1 Roo: I’m relatively fit and comfortable on the bike and happiest on mild gradients or the flat.
2 Roo’s: Fitness and health is my life. I ride regularly on a weekly basis with friends and on weekends I’m not daunted by rides of up to 5 hours for a few days back to back.
3 Roo’s: Riding is my life! I’m not interested in racing, I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. I love the challenge and the idea of where my legs and bike can take me. My friends and I are always looking for the next cycling adventure. Want to know more about the VéloRoo Roo levels?
Grab life by the handlebars for an adventure through the picturesque villages and rolling hills of the South of France!
Feel the warm sun on your skin, the wind in your hair and the soak up the tranquility as you pedal through the undulating countryside. Around each corner another discovery awaits.
This cycling tour is an exploration of ancient roads, chateaux, cathedrals and terracotta-roofed villages filled with people living their everyday lives, not full of tourists. This is your opportunity to escape from the everyday.
Here, a traffic jam means riding behind a tractor piled high with a harvest of dark purple grapes.
Here, your lunch appointment is at the husband-and-wife run cafe with local dishes of explosively flavourful fresh produce, a bottomless basket of crispy baguette and a chilled glass of wine.
Here, your home each night is the historic Chateau Autignac, a refuge as white and stately as a wedding cake.
The Tour is Small, the Experience is Big
Unlike other bike tours that are packed with cyclists, we limit ours to approximately 10 guests. This way, you can experience the South of France the right way—off the beaten track.
Our Approach is Laid-Back
Experience a tour that’s focused on pleasurable, amazing, and inspiring experiences, not athletic competition. Cycle through historic landscapes with plenty of opportunities to soak up the mediterranean vibe – joie de vivre!
Unlock the Secrets of South of France
This bike tour happens in a part of the South of France that the big crowds of tourists don’t know about. You access restaurants, landscapes, relics, and villages that deliver a more authentic experience of this intoxicating region. Savour unique and unforgettable moments like a gourmet picnic in a vineyard in a meteorite crater.
Off-Season is On Purpose
We book these tours for the spring and fall. It’s when you’ll experience the best weather, the least tourism, and the luminosity that made the South of France so beloved by the great painters.
Chateau Included
This is a luxury bike tour, meaning you simply travel to us, we supply the sumptuous chateau accommodation, the best places to showcase the delicious regional food and wine, we offer plenty of personal service (Yes, we even wash your cycling clothes!) and road bike hire options including ebike.
- 5 fully Guided rides,
- Vehicle support on each ride for water / snacks / room for extra kit
- Premium service
- Wine domaine visits
- Guided walks to local historic landmarks
- 5 nights air-conditioned luxury Chateau accommodation, twin share (single supplement available*),
- all Breakfasts – croissants, pastries, breads, condiments, yogurts and seasonal fruits,
- Snacks for your morning ride,
- all Lunches and Dinners including gourmet regional cuisine and excellent local wines
- VéloRoo Cycling Jersey (and your kit washed daily for your convenience),
- Beziers International Airport or Beziers Train Station group transfer. The TGV train connects easily from Barcelona or Paris. Talk with us for suggestions.
Optional Additions –
- Road Bike hire $400
- Road E-Bike hire $720
- Single supplement $1000 – for your own room
- La Tour Suite upgrade $200 pp dual occupancy
- Tabernolles Suite upgrade $440 pp dual occupancy
Get ready for a dream vacation in the South of France! Imagine waking up in a swanky chateau, surrounded by the scent of fresh baguette and the tranquil sounds of the gardens. You’ll feel like royalty from the moment you open your eyes!
This region is steeped in centuries of wine-making tradition and is known for producing some of the finest wines in France.
And when the day is done, gather on the terrace with a glass of local wine and share laughs and stories with your new friends.
Experience the unique blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty, with the chateau as your home base for the week during your cycling tour of the south of France, and indulge in the local wine and gastronomy.
The chateau has a beautiful terrace area overlooking the pool and spa areas and indoors there is a sauna & jacuzzi.
Rooms
The Chateau has 3 Rooms (La Maurelle / Le Peche / Castel Vie) & 2 Suites (La Tour / Tabernolles).
You can choose your room , subject to availability, when you book. (Single supplement €625 – for your own room.)
Standard Tour package price includes the Chateau Rooms twin share or upgrade to a Suite for an additional –
€125 per person double occupancy for La Tour Suite
€275 per person double occupancy Tabernolles (with jacuzzi bath tub) Suite
South of France Cycling Holiday – Day by Day
With our tour, you will experience the real South of France in a way that is both active and luxurious. The itinerary is subject to change to fit best with the conditions at the time of the tour. Welcome to your discovery!
Day 1: Bonjour!
Welcome to VeloRoo’s South of France cycling tour! We will collect you from Beziers Train Station in the afternoon (approx 4pm). (We will discuss train times with you)
After settling into your own French Chateau, we’ll take a short ride through the surrounding countryside, taking in the picturesque views, to get familiar with your bikes and ensure everything is adjusted for your comfort.
This evening, we drive to a nearby village to enjoy a delicious meal in a charming setting. This is just a taste of what’s to come as we explore the beautiful landscapes and charming villages of the South of France, indulging in local cuisine and immersing ourselves in the rich history and culture of the region.
Included meals: dinner
Day 2: Discover Beziers
Ride Distance 40km / 25 Miles Elevation Gain 350m / 1150 feet
Today’s ride on VeloRoo’s South of France cycling tour will take us through the picturesque vineyards and into the historic town of Beziers, known for its UNESCO listed sites and charming plane tree-lined streets. Recharge over a coffee at a typical French café on the Allee Paul Riquet, a lovely spot to take in the local atmosphere. After our morning ride, we’ll head back to the chateau to freshen up before heading back into town for lunch at a special café with a menu created daily from the freshest local produce.
After lunch, we’ll explore more of Beziers’ historic sites, immersing ourselves in the rich history of the town.
We’ll end the day with a relaxing dinner at a local tapas bar, where you can reflect on all the experiences of the day and look forward to the next day’s adventure. The perfect balance of cycling, sightseeing, and relaxation.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: It's all about wine!
Ride Distance 60km / 37 Miles Elevation Gain 830m / 2723 feet
The best wines are grown on hillsides, and today you will have the opportunity to experience this first hand as you ride through picturesque villages and take in the stunning views of the vineyards, all the time surrounded by bird song.
Lunch is a delicious gourmet picnic overlooking the vineyards before taking a walk up to the ruins of a 12th century chateau and wine tasting from a vineyard set somewhat uniquely in a meteorite crater, before returning to your luxury Chateau.
In the evening, we dine in a nearby village. This is a great opportunity to indulge in delicious local cuisine and learn more about the culture of the area.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Gorges l'Orb
Ride Distance 50km / 31 Miles Elevation Gain 1000m / 3280 feet
One of our personal favourites. Picture postcard medieval stone villages, picturesque vineyards, stone bridges crossing flowing rivers and vast wild forrest. It really is a feast for the eyes and lunch is a feast for your tastebuds!
Today’s lunch is a true gastronomic treat and you can totally relax with a chilled glass of rosé as we will be jumping in the van for the transfer home.
This evening we take a short drive to the Mediterranean and our dinner spot overlooking the River Herault. After dinner take a stroll along the beach front and perhaps finish with a nice cold gelato.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Another wine region - St Chinian
Ride Distance 65km / 40 Miles Elevation Gain 870m / 2855 feet
On today’s ride on VeloRoo’s South of France cycling tour, we take you through two different wine-growing regions (or Appellations), known for their unique terroirs and wine styles, and a wonderful climb, winding up through fragrant Mediterranean garrigue scrub.
The climb is rewarded with a spectacular view across the vineyards and gorges to the Mediterranean. On a clear day, you can even see the Pyrénées from the top.
And there’s the chance to absorb the atmosphere of the local market before the final part of the ride and lunch in a village cafe on the way back to your Chateau.
An afternoon to chill by the pool before we take a drive and walk to one of our favourite hidden spots for sunset aperos and then pizzas poolside back at the Chateau.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Au revoir!
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travellers and continue on your adventures. Transfers to Beziers train station or airport will be provided at pre-arranged times to ensure a smooth departure.
Included meals: breakfast
Our South of France Cycling Tour offers a unique blend of morning cycling and afternoon discovery. This tour is designed to cater to both cyclists and non-cyclists alike.
Non-cyclists can choose from a variety of morning activities to fulfil their holiday dreams, while cyclists hit the road.
After the morning activities, everyone comes together to enjoy delicious lunches and afternoon activities, including walks through local villages, wine tastings, and visits to scenic lookouts with the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of the region together.
This tour offers a perfect balance for couples or groups of friends where some members want to cycle and some not, offering a way for everyone to Live, Laugh, Ride together and enjoy the beautiful south of France.
Relax on the grounds of the Chateau
If you’re looking to relax and unwind during your stay, the tranquil gardens around the pool and spa of the luxury Chateau Autignac provide the perfect setting. Spend some time reading a book or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The Chateau also offers a jacuzzi and sauna for a little extra pampering, and you can even book a massage for a more indulgent experience.
Painting / Drawing Class
Unleash your inner artist with a morning art class and create your own little piece of France to take home. The workshops are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, so whether you’re looking to improve your skills or have never picked up a pencil or brush before, you can enjoy the class. Let your artistic juices flow and discover the joys of creating something unique and memorable.
French Cooking Class
Experience the joy of French cooking by participating in a cooking class. The class starts with a visit to a local market to buy fresh ingredients, and then continues with a hands-on experience in creating a delicious French meal. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a complete beginner, this class is a great opportunity to learn more about French cuisine and create a fabulous meal that you’ll be proud to serve.
Silver Jewellery Workshop
Unleash your creative side by joining a silver jewellery workshop. Learn the techniques and skills to create your own piece of jewellery that you can take home as a reminder of your holiday in the South of France. Whether you’re a beginner or have experience in jewellery making, this class is sure to be an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Canoeing
Enjoy a whole day or just a few hours drifting down the beautiful Orb river. A great way to see the sites from a different perspective!
Upcoming Tour Dates
South of France Cycling Tour
- 11 - 16 September 2024FULLY BOOKED
Would you like to know more about the tour?
Ready to ride? VeloRoo can make your dream escape a reality.
pp dual occupancy
Single supplement additional $1000