9 Great Cycling Routes in France Anyone Can Bike On 

Cycling is considered a national sport in France. The annual Tour de France cycling race is followed by millions across the world, igniting both ambition and wanderlust among cyclists. While the steep mountain passes look daunting, there are plenty of safe and easy cycling routes that anyone can do in France to explore her beauty on two wheels, without being of superhuman ability.  

As the Tour de France is kicking off this week, we share nine of the best cycle routes anyone can bike on. 

1. VeloScenic (La Véloscénie) 

Connecting one icon to another, the VeloScenic cycle route starts from the heart of Paris and goes through Versailles, Chartres, into the serene landscapes of Parc Naturel Régional du Perche and Regional Nature Park Normandy-Maine before arriving at the coast facing the magnificent Mont Saint-Michel abbey. 

The 450km route is well-signposted, flat, and has sections that follow a traffic-free greenway, in particular the sections within the nature parks. This route is great for those looking for French heritage and culture all wrapped up in one cycling holiday. 

2. La Vélomaritime / EuroVelo 4

La Vélomaritime is part of the EuroVelo route number four and is 1,500km in length. Travelling the length of the north coast from the border of Belgium towards the town of Roscoff, in Brittany, the cycle route pass D-Day landing beaches, the cliffs of Etretat, the Bay of the Somme and the town of St-Malo, destinations burdened with World War II history, great coastal scenery and fantastic seafood renowned in Brittany and Normandy.

3. La Flow Vélo

The best way to enjoy the nature of south-west France, La Flow Vélo is a 400-km cycle route linking the Périgord to the Atlantic. From Sarlat-la-Canéda, the route winds its way through traditional towns and ancient villages, lesser-known Châteaux, pristine forests, gardens and calming riversides, before arriving at the town of Rochefort, where the route continues on to the Fouras peninsula before reaching Pointe de la Fumée for a boat to Ile d’Aix, the official end of La Flow Vélo. 

As its name suggests, flow with the gentle countryside and don’t rush. While the route is mostly on the road, traffic is light and unhurried. For those unsure of the long-distance cycling, the sections between Marthon and Rochefort will be easier. 

4. La Dolce Via

The best way to soak in the beauty of the Ardèche region is to get on two wheels, across railway bridges, balcony paths above a gushing river looking out to the Eyrieux and Doux valleys and villages with delicious regional cuisine.  

Surrounded by this natural landscape, La Dolce Via is a shared gravel pathway for hikers and cyclists that follows a former steam railway line, built at the time when steam trains could not climb steep gradients. This means the 90km of the almost entirely traffic-free Dolce Via is a cycle route for everyone. 

A small part of this railway line is still open, and it is particularly special for families with kids to combine their cycling holiday with a ride on the Ardèche steam train. 

5. La Loire à Vélo – Loire Valley by bike

This is France’s most popular cycle route, stretching 800km along the wild Loire River, and its valley that is known as Valley of the Kings and as The Garden of France. Famous for the lavish chateaux and is an UNESCO World Heritage, cycling along the Loire River is cycling through much of French imperial history. 

Whether to attempt the route as one big bikepacking adventure or choose small segments of it for their sightseeing values, the easier way is to travel in the direction of Loire’s Atlantic estuary. The Loire à Vélo route is for families looking for a day out, for history lovers to learn more about the past or for those interested in the nature surrounding the river. 

6. Via Rhona

There is something very alluring about the Rhône River. From its source near Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean shores, the river’s character changes, from its colour to its ecosystem, as it flows through some of the most historic and beautiful areas of southern France. 

The Via Rhona is an ambitious project that is still being developed, but much of the planned 815-km cycle route has been completed, allowing cyclists of any ability to explore on sign-posted, traffic-free paths. Expect ancient hilltop villages, lavender and sunflower fields of Provence and vineyards of Côtes du Rhône, all accompanied by the flow of the Rhone River.

7. EuroVelo 5 – Moselle / Alsace stages

Via Romea (Francigena) is a long-distance EuroVelo route that follows an historical pilgrimage of the journey made by Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury from England to Italy. The stages within the Moselle and Alsace region in France zigzags through vast vineyards, historical churches, hilltop castles and fairytale villages. 

The route is particularly lovely during spring when the storks return to Alsace for nesting and the nature begins to bloom new life. Much of the route is on dedicated cycle ways and can be taken as day trips from surrounding towns, perfect for families looking for an active day out. 

8. Saint-Malo to Arzal – Cycle route 2 in Brittany

A gentle adventure that begins in Saint-Malo towards inland Brittany, along the Vilaine river and the Ille-et-Rance Canal with its 11 locks. A 193-km route that is mostly flat with dedicated traffic-free paths, it passes Dinan, Rennes and Redon, the three cultural towns titled Breton Cités d’Art et d’Histoire, before ending at the port town of Arzal. 

9. Île de Ré

The holiday island of Île de Ré is a cycling paradise for families. There are no ‘routes’ to speak of but it has 110km of cycle paths crisscrossing the island connecting the villages and tourist sights. In fact, cycling is the easiest and most relaxing way to explore this small island, to beautiful beaches, pretty villages full of boutiques and lovely cafés.  

There is even a Vélo-Mouettes shuttle service that can transport those who are tired to and from stops located near each cyclist information centre.

For further information and more itineraries on cycling in France, including a network of Cyclist Welcome services, visit www.francevelotourisme.com.