Do you have a yearning to pedal the open road in the wake of this year's Tour de France? Oil your wheels, jump in the saddle and explore the country for yourself...

Sherpa Expeditions has self-guided cycling tours in Burgundy and the Dordogne. Two Wheel Treks has a number of four- to twelve-day tours, plus a cycle cruise in the Loire Valley. Cycle Rides offers a number of summer cycling holidays in France.

If you prefer a gentle pace, Freewheel Holidays has a week's leisurely cycling in the Loire Valley, while Cycling for Softies has unescorted tours in various regions.

More experienced cyclists can train for the annual Ardechoise in July. This one-day competition is open to everyone over 18 years of age. Distances range from 120 km to 268 km.

For downhill, freeride, and cross-country enthusiasts, Cycle Active has summer biking holidays in the Alps.

Rough Tracks has various mountain biking breaks. One follows Robert Louis Stevenson's journey across the Cévennes, others explore the Pyrenees.

For a double challenge, Tandem Experience offers a holiday in the Loire Valley that includes tuition for newcomers to the sport.