About this trip.
Channel to Med, on a road bike
More than 950 miles separate the walled citadel of St Malo from the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, and this fifteen-day guided trip — the original Classic version of Saddle Skedaddle's "Channel to Med" route — covers them all. Nineteen French départements pass under your wheels, and the country shifts as you go. This is rural France stitched together by quiet roads, not a sampler, and the daily distances are real.
A route of two halves
The first week hugs the Brittany coast, with a glimpse of Mont St Michel as you flirt briefly with Normandy, before turning inland for the Loire. After the wheat fields and grazing land of Poitou-Charentes you reach the rolling hills of the Dordogne, and the character of the trip changes. The roads start to climb. You follow the Lot River up to its source on the edge of the Cévennes, drop into the orchards and vineyards of the Ardèche, ride the famous gorge to the Rhône, and pass through Châteauneuf-du-Pape on the way into Provence. The closing days bring Mont Ventoux on the skyline, lavender fields, blue-shuttered cafés and the Verdon Gorge, before a long descent to the Mediterranean and the ride along the Promenade des Anglais into Nice — by which point a swim in the sea has been well earned.
The pace and the terrain
The grade is set towards the harder end of Skedaddle's scale, and rightly so — fifteen riding days with no scheduled rest day, on a route that turns properly mountainous in the second half. The Loire and Dordogne sections are more about rolling rhythm and long days in the saddle; from the Lot onwards it's about climbing. If that's too compressed, the same operator runs an Explorer version of the identical route over twenty days with a rest day built in, which is the more sensible choice for anyone who wants to enjoy Provence rather than endure it. The Classic suits riders who are happy clocking up consistent mileage and would rather keep moving than stop.
Bookings and logistics
The trip is fifteen days end to end, starting in Rennes / St Malo, where the first afternoon and evening are spent building bikes, walking the ramparts of the old town and eating together as a group. Prices begin at £4,395 per person. It's worth requesting the trip notes from Skedaddle before booking — they set out the full daily schedule and what kind of riding fitness you'll need to arrive with. For most people, this is a goal to train towards rather than a casual fortnight away.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
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.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
