Cycling holidays are becoming increasingly popular, and not only because more travellers are discovering the joys of pedal power. Exploring a destination by bike reveals details you might miss from a car, giving you the freedom to follow quiet country lanes, small villages, or wherever catches your eye. Spot an inviting café along the way? Simply hit the brakes and head inside. No parking required.
We’ve chosen ten of our favourite villas for cycling holidays across Europe, including homes close to scenic routes, bike hire and guided tours. Better still, several even provide bikes for guests.
1. Talloires Lakehouse Villa, France
Location: Annecy
Sleeps: 15
Best for cycling: Talloires Lakehouse Villa sits just moments from Lake Annecy’s celebrated cycle path, with bike hire available in the village and secure storage back at the villa. Riders can follow the largely traffic-free route around the lake or tackle steeper Alpine climbs, returning to the terrace for dinner with a view. It is an excellent base for cycling holidays that balance demanding days in the saddle with swims, good food and slow evenings by the water.
2. Villa Drvo, Istria
Location: Istria, Croatia
Sleeps: 10
Best for cycling: Villa Drvo is a brilliant choice for cycling holidays in Istria, where peaceful country roads lead through vineyards, olive groves and gently rolling landscapes. The villa’s owner is a keen cyclist and plans to qualify as a professional cycling guide, offering guests guided rides for free during the quieter season or for a small charge in summer.
3. Villa San Michele, Italy
Location: Puglia, Italy
Sleeps: 8
Best for cycling: Villa San Michele makes it easy to experience Puglia at a slower pace. The owners can help arrange cycling tours through the surrounding countryside, alongside local wine and olive oil experiences. It is an excellent choice for cycling holidays that combine time on two wheels with plenty of good food and regional character.
4. Manoir Altheas, France
Location: Dordogne, France
Sleeps: 10
Best for cycling: Set in the heart of the Dordogne, Manoir Altheas is both an elegant country retreat and an inviting base for cycling holidays in France. Spend your days pedalling through rolling hills, vineyards and riverside villages, then return to the manor’s flower-filled gardens and far-reaching countryside views. The beautifully restored interiors offer plenty of comfort after a day on the road.
5. Dimora Ronzini, Italy
Location: Sicily, Italy
Sleeps: 6
Best for cycling: Dimora Ronzini is a dream base for cycling and outdoor adventures on the slopes of Mount Etna. Winding routes lead through traditional villages, past ancient grottos and across dramatic volcanic scenery, often with the sea visible in the distance. Back at the villa, vibrant interiors, a private salt-water pool and a tiered garden provide a colourful place to rest before the next ride.
6. Les Gueybauds, France
Location: Dordogne, France
Sleeps: 8
Best for cycling: Les Gueybauds is particularly well placed for relaxed cycling holidays in the Dordogne. A mountain-bike rental shop sits close to the villa, while the nearby Voie Verte offers a largely traffic-free route through the countryside. The 29-kilometre trail follows the river from the region’s medieval capital, passing through some of the Dordogne’s loveliest scenery.
7. Manoir Mer et Lacs, France
Location: Aquitaine, France
Sleeps: 18
Best for cycling: Just seven kilometres from the Atlantic coast, Manoir Mer et Lacs is a spacious base for group cycling holidays in south-west France. Routes through pine forests, beside lakes and along the coast reveal a landscape of long sandy beaches, vineyards and peaceful countryside. Biarritz and the surrounding seaside towns are also within easy reach.
8. Meadow Manor, UK
Location: Norfolk, UK
Sleeps: 14
Best for cycling: Norfolk’s largely flat landscape and quiet country lanes make Meadow Manor a natural choice for cycling holidays in the UK. Choose a gentle ride through nearby villages or plan a longer day exploring the county’s open countryside and broad skies. The varied local routes suit families, occasional cyclists and more experienced riders alike.
9. Villa Impruneta, Italy
Location: Florence, Italy
Sleeps: 14
Best for cycling: Set among vineyards and olive groves in the Florentine hills, Villa Impruneta provides a beautiful backdrop for cycling holidays in Tuscany. Scenic roads wind through the surrounding countryside, while Florence and many of the region’s best-known towns remain close enough for day trips. After a busy ride, the villa offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy the views.
10. Chateau Seiguier, France
Location: Loire Valley, Central France
Sleeps: 12
Best for cycling: Chateau Seiguier has everything needed for a leisurely cycling holiday in the Loire Valley, including bicycles for guests and a choice of scenic routes nearby. Explore the château’s private park before venturing farther into the surrounding countryside, where quiet roads weave between vineyards, villages and historic estates.
What do you think of our favourite villas for cycling holidays? Explore our full collection of villas, or speak to our Concierge Team for local recommendations, cycling routes and special experiences that can make your time on two wheels even more memorable.
