Best Family Cycling Holidays 2022

In Celebration of the 2022 Tour De France

With the 2022 Tour De France only around the corner, families and keen cyclists will be getting ready to watch the 109th edition of the world’s largest annual sporting event.  Kicking off in Copenhagen, Denmark on 1 July and finishing at Champs-Elysees, Paris on 24 July, 22 competing teams will be traveling over 2,000 miles across Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland and France. 

With so many spectacular cycling routes to explore along the Tour De France course and in Europe, there are plentiful opportunities for families to follow the journeys of their favourite pro cyclists while enjoy some quality time together as a family this summer. From family-friendly open-air campsites to cycling the shores of Lake Geneva in Lausanne and exploring the natural parks of the Algarve, here are some of the best family cycling holidays to celebrate the launch of this year’s prestigious race.

Lausanne, Switzerland

Lausanne, Switzerland, otherwise known as the Olympic Capital of the World, is an idyllic destination for an active family holiday this summer. This year, visitors will be able to watch the 2022 Tour De France cyclists travel through over 9km of Lausanne’s hills as part of the eight stage of the race, where they will leave Dole in the Jura mountains and end up in the Vaud capital on Saturday 9th July 2022. The competitors will arrive from the Joux Valley and enter Lausanne from the south. They will climb the Avenue d’Ouchy, then cross Place Saint-François and Pont Chauderon before braving the 12% incline of the Avenue de Beaulieu. To celebrate the event coming to the city, Lausanne will organise mini events around cycling across the city.

Alternatively, families can enjoy a half-day guided e-bike tour organised by Bikapa from Vevey to the UNESCO-listed Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, with a half way stop for wine tasting surrounded by striking mountainous views. There are many cycling routes from the city to enjoy, and for adventure seekers there is also a diverse range of outdoor activities from wild swimming in Lake Geneva, western Europe’s largest freshwater lake, to various watersports. For a spot of relaxation after an active day, we recommend a spot of lazy bathing on the city’s Vidy beach. For a place to stay, families can check in to Chateau d’Ouchy, located on the lake front where they can cycle straight from their door to the vineyards or cool off in the nearby lake during warmer climates.

Where to stay: Nightly rates at Chateau d’Ouchy start from 250 CHF (approx. £210) per night for a Superior Room
More information: www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/en/

Campsited, Europe

Campsited, specialising in open-air experiences throughout Europe, has over 90 campsites within 20km of the 2022 Tour de France route.  Families can choose to relax and watch the race at the comfort of their own campsite or cycle some of the route while taking in the local scenery and surroundings.  From the mountains of the Pyrenees to the beaches of the Atlantic and the gorges of the Verdon; some of the world’s most beautiful campsites can be found in France, and fortunately for families, many of them offer the ultimate in family-friendly experiences from visiting local towns and villages, to wild swimming and trying out the local cuisine.

Where to stay:

• Camping du Col -  A fantastically located site at the centre of the Arvan-Villard mountain range but just 1 km from the centre of La Toussuire. From €445 (approx.. £385) Price for 7 night, 2 adults and 2 children.
• Camping du Mettey – Right on the edge of the forest with vast views over the valley. A sustainable experience : with its eco-pool, cosy eco-lodges, a local kitchen and an ecological garden. From €360 (approx.. £310) Price for 7 night, 2 adults and 2 children.

More information: www.campsited.com/en/

Basel, Switzerland

Basel has the highest share of trips taken by bicycle, compared with all other Swiss cities. With a dense network of cycling routes, paths and other infrastructure, Basel is seeking to become the country’s most bicycle-friendly city. The city which is regarded as Switzerland’s cultural capital, is the ultimate family hotspot for exploring modern day architecture, historical buildings and a dynamic art scene by bike. Families can take part in the "Dreiland" (three-country) walking and bike trail that crosses over to Germany on foot or by bike, where they can discover the delightful wine-growing villages of the Markgräflerland. The tour starts in Basel and crosses the Rhine from France to Germany via the Dreiländerbrücke (Passerelle des Trois Pays). The idyllic trail then follows the Altrhein to Efringen-Kirchen, taking you past mansions, castles and vintner-run cafés before you return to Basel via Riehen. 

Families can also enjoy a 2.5 hour daily guided bike tour that starts at Basler Munste and travels through St. Alban, Old City Wall, Birsfelden Locks, Roche Tower and more. Coming to Basel on the 20-21st August is the Bikefestival Basel. For two days, the Schänzli area in Muttenz will be transformed into Europe's largest mountain bike arena. While the pros compete in the Proffix Swiss Bike Cup, hobby bikers can take part in the Basel-Bietsch Bike Challenge. The festival is also surrounded by a large village with exhibitors, numerous attractions and culinary options.

With a personal BaselCard (offered for free to guests with every booking in a Basel hotel) visitors can rent a bike for just CHF 20 a day. Families can choose to stay at the GAIA hotel. ‘GAIA’ means ‘Mother Earth’ and represents the hotel’s commitment to contribute to the welfare, happiness and hope of future generations. GAIA Hotel is classified as a Green Living Hotel by HotellerieSuisse thanks to its strategy of zero waste and exclusive use of only organic products.

Where to stay: Nightly rates at GAIA start from 169 CHF (approx. £132) per night for a Double Room
More information: www.basel.com/en

Algarve, Portugal

Martinhal Sagres, a five-star luxury family hotel based in the Algarve, offers guests weekly guided bike tours powered by Algarve Cycling Holidays, from family tours and mountain bike rides to road bike tours. Located on the Western side of the Algarve, families can explore the area’s dramatic coastlines and natural parks to the historic ruins and cultural hotspots.  Whether you’re a beginner, a casual cyclist or an adventurous mountain biker, there is something for all ages and abilities with self-guided cycling routes available. Cycling routes follow the breathtaking west coast towards Aljezur, then heading east along the south coast towards Lagos, while adventurers can climb the Monchique mountain range to Fóia, the Algarve’s highest point at just over 900 metres above sea level. 

For something a little different, the four wheel – ‘Wheels 4 Fun’ is another great way to get around and explore. The all-terrain quadbike tours allow you to enjoy the nature, meet local spots and view the beautiful landscape in a calm and quiet way while doing physical activity. The bikes have electric support that facilitates mobility and allows to travel longer distances. Post cycle, families and little ones can unwind at the hotel and take part in a range of fun activities at the hotel’s kids clubs and sports academies, while adults can use the gym, sports centre and tennis courts or unwind at the Finisterra Spa.

Where to stay: Nightly rates at Martinhal Sagres start from €143 per night for a one bedroom apartment
More information: www.martinhal.com/sagres/

Cascais, Portugal

Cascais, otherwise known as the ‘Charm of the Atlantic Coast’ is conveniently located only 30 minutes from Lisbon. With beaches in abundance, a historic old town and Sintra – a region filled with fairy tale palaces perched on rolling hilltops overlooking the coast, there is so much for families to explore by bike. 

A popular 10km round-trip cycle route starts from Cascais to the stunning, surfing beach of Praia do Guincho which faces the Atlantic Ocean, located on the edge of the Serra de Sintra National Park.  The route follows the dramatic cliff coastline and passes multiple interesting sights, starting in front of the Castro Guimaraes museum and explores the collapsed cave, Boca do Inferno, the striking canary yellow Casca da Guia, the Farol da Guia lighthouse, Forte de Sao Jorge de Oitavos, the cliffs of the Serra de Sintra National Park and on a clear day, the colourful Pena Palace can be spotted. Families can also venture to Cascais train station to hire a bike or scooter from Tomorrow’s Adventure, with available bike tours that also stop at Guincho Beach, Boca do Inferno, Peninha, the trails of Sintra Hills and Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point on the European mainland.

Where to stay: Nightly rates at Martinhal Cascais start from €165 per night for Deluxe Room
More information: www.visitcascais.com/en