About this trip.
Channel to Mediterranean, under your own steam
The premise is straightforward enough: ride from St Malo on the Brittany coast to Nice on the French Riviera, more than 950 miles in total, crossing 19 of France's regional départements without ever loading the bikes onto a vehicle. Skedaddle has been running this trip since 2011, and the 20-day version is the more measured of the two — daily distances trimmed slightly against the 15-day Classic, and a rest day built in so the scenery has room to land.
The point of doing it slowly is that France genuinely changes underneath you. The first week hugs the Brittany coast and flirts briefly with Normandy, long enough for views out to the Abbey of Mont St-Michel before the route turns south for the Loire — France's longest river — and the wide, well-mannered country of Poitou-Charentes, all wheat and grazing land. By the time you reach the Dordogne, the road has begun to climb.
Where the riding gets serious
Leaving the Dordogne is the hinge of the trip. The hills become hills proper, then mountains; the climate shifts, the terroir shifts, the cafés look different. The route picks up the Lot River and follows it to its source on the northern edge of the wild, wooded Cévennes. From the Cévennes the road drops into the Ardèche, all fruit orchards and vineyards, and runs the length of the Ardèche gorge down to the Rhône valley and the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Crossing the Rhône is the trip's other real border. Once you're over, Provence: Mont Ventoux on the skyline, lavender fields, the blue-shuttered cafés that always seem to be in the right place at lunchtime. The Verdon Gorge offers one last proper bit of mountain riding before the descent to the Mediterranean and a final spin along the Promenade des Anglais into Nice — and, if you want it, a celebratory dip in the Med.
Bookings, grade and who it suits
This is graded across the full Skedaddle scale — 1 to 5 — because the demands shift considerably between the flat coastal days at the start and the climbs of the Cévennes, Ventoux country and Verdon. You need to be a comfortable, reasonably fit road cyclist who is happy on consecutive days in the saddle. The 20-day itinerary suits riders who would rather watch France pass at a sensible pace; if you want shorter days off the bike and don't mind heavier mileages, the 15-day Classic covers the same route at a brisker tempo.
Prices start from £5,895 per person. The trip is fully guided, with the route and logistics handled end to end. Trip notes and current departure dates are available from Saddle Skedaddle on +44 (0)191 265 1110.
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.
