About this trip.
Before you book: Walking holidays vs cycling holidays — when each one is the right answer · Self-guided walking holidays — what they actually are, when they beat guided, and four things that go wrong
Brittany to the Mediterranean in 15 days
This guided road cycling holiday runs from the St Malo shoreline in Brittany to Nice on the French Riviera, a ride of more than 950 miles through 19 of France's départements. The operator calls it a route of two distinct halves. The first follows the Brittany coastline, dips briefly into Normandy and passes within sight of Mont St Michel. It then turns south to the Loire, France's longest river, crosses the wheat fields and grazing land of Poitou-Charentes and reaches the rolling hills of the Dordogne.
After the Dordogne the hills grow steadily bigger and give way to mountains and steep-sided valleys. The route follows the Lot River up to its source and the northern edge of the wooded Cévennes. It then drops into the Ardèche, follows the Ardèche gorge to the Rhône valley and rides through Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Crossing the Rhône brings you into Provence, with Mont Ventoux on the skyline, lavender fields and the Verdon Gorge. A final descent to the coast ends with a ride along the Promenade des Anglais and a swim in the Med.
The opening days
Day 1 starts with arrival at Rennes or St Malo. St Malo has a walled citadel and long sandy beaches. The afternoon goes on building bikes and exploring the fortified walls and cobbled streets of the old town, and in the evening the group meets for dinner at a restaurant in town.
Day 2 covers 73 miles (117 km), with about 800 metres of climbing, from St Malo to Chateaubourg. Breakfast and lunch are included. The day begins with a photo on the seafront with the Fort National behind you. The route follows the coast past Cancale, known for its oysters, with views across the marshes to Mont St-Michel, before quiet back lanes lead through rural Brittany and Normandy to Fougères and its chateau. Day 3 is longer: 95 miles (153 km) and about 1,025 metres of climbing to Brissac-Quincé. It crosses the Loire and passes the first vineyards of the trip on the way to a small town dominated by its chateau.
Classic and Explorer versions
This is the original "Classic" schedule. For a more leisurely pace, the operator also runs the same route as a 20-day Explorer with a rest day included. There is also a 23-day Explorer on electric bikes.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest cycling holidays on Mooch, both in France. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
