France, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers cyclists a paradise of scenic routes and unforgettable experiences. From rolling vineyards to majestic castles, rugged coastlines to charming villages, the country's varied terrain caters to cyclists of all levels. Embarking on a two-wheeled journey through France allows you to immerse yourself in its beauty, history, and gastronomy at a leisurely pace. Let's explore five of the most captivating French regions that promise an extraordinary cycling adventure.
Loire Valley: château-lined routes and vineyard vistas
The Loire Valley, often referred to as the "Garden of France," is a cyclist's dream come true. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a perfect blend of natural beauty, architectural marvels, and world-renowned vineyards. Cycling through this region offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the grandeur of French Renaissance châteaux while pedaling through picturesque landscapes.
Cycling the Loire à vélo: 800km of dedicated bike paths
The Loire à Vélo is an extensive network of cycling routes that stretches for 800 kilometers along the Loire River. This well-maintained trail system provides a safe and enjoyable cycling experience for riders of all abilities. As you pedal along these dedicated paths, you'll encounter a diverse array of landscapes, from lush forests to open fields, dotted with charming villages and historic towns.
The route is thoughtfully designed to showcase the best of the Loire Valley, with frequent rest stops, information panels, and easy access to accommodations and amenities. You'll find yourself cycling through tranquil countryside one moment and exploring bustling market towns the next, all while following the gentle curves of France's longest river.
Chambord to Chenonceau: A royal castle tour on two wheels
One of the highlights of cycling in the Loire Valley is the opportunity to visit some of France's most magnificent châteaux. A popular route takes you from the awe-inspiring Château de Chambord to the elegant Château de Chenonceau, both iconic symbols of French Renaissance architecture.
Château de Chambord, with its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and intricate roofline, is a sight to behold. As you approach on your bike, the sheer scale of the castle becomes apparent, its 440 rooms and 80 staircases a testament to the grandeur of 16th-century French nobility. After exploring the château and its expansive grounds, continue your journey through the verdant countryside to Château de Chenonceau.
Known as the "Ladies' Château" due to the influential women who shaped its history, Chenonceau spans the River Cher in a breathtaking display of architectural ingenuity. The gentle ride between these two magnificent castles takes you through picturesque villages and offers ample opportunities to stop and savor local delicacies.
Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé: pedaling through premier wine regions
The Loire Valley is not only famous for its châteaux but also for its exceptional wines. Cycling through the renowned wine regions of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé offers a unique perspective on French viticulture. As you pedal through the rolling hills covered in neat rows of vines, you'll gain an appreciation for the terroir that produces some of the world's finest Sauvignon Blanc wines.
In Sancerre, take time to explore the medieval hilltop town, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Many wineries in the region offer tastings and tours, allowing you to sample the crisp, mineral-rich whites that have made this area famous. Across the Loire River, the Pouilly-Fumé appellation awaits, where you can compare the subtle differences in wine styles produced on either bank.
Cycling through these wine regions provides a sensory journey, combining the physical pleasure of riding with the olfactory and gustatory delights of world-class wines.
UNESCO heritage sites
The Loire Valley's status as a UNESCO World Heritage site extends beyond its natural beauty to include several historic cities. Cycling between Blois, Tours, and Angers offers a journey through centuries of French history and culture. Each city boasts its own unique character and attractions, easily accessible by bike.
Blois, with its imposing royal château, serves as an excellent starting point. The city's medieval streets and Renaissance architecture provide a picturesque backdrop as you navigate its bike-friendly lanes. From Blois, follow the Loire à Vélo route to Tours, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere.
Tours is often considered the gateway to the Loire Valley châteaux. Its well-preserved old town, centered around Place Plumereau, is a delight to explore by bike. The city's numerous parks and gardens offer pleasant rest stops for cyclists.
Continuing westward, your journey culminates in Angers, home to the impressive Château d'Angers and its world-famous Apocalypse Tapestry. The city's bike-sharing system makes it easy to explore its medieval streets and modern districts alike.
Provence: lavender fields and roman remnants
Provence, with its sun-drenched landscapes, fragrant lavender fields, and rich Roman heritage, offers cyclists a sensory feast unlike any other. This southern French region combines challenging climbs with leisurely rides through some of the country's most picturesque scenery.
Mont Ventoux: conquering the giant of provence
For cycling enthusiasts seeking a true challenge, conquering Mont Ventoux is a rite of passage. Known as the "Giant of Provence," this legendary mountain has been a fixture in the Tour de France and represents one of the most grueling climbs in professional cycling. Rising to 1,912 meters (6,273 feet), its bare limestone peak is visible for miles around, beckoning cyclists to test their mettle.
The ascent of Mont Ventoux is not for the faint-hearted. The classic route from Bédoin covers 21.5 kilometers with an average gradient of 7.5%. As you climb, the landscape transforms dramatically, from Mediterranean forests to a stark, lunar-like summit. The sense of achievement upon reaching the top, coupled with the panoramic views of Provence, makes the arduous journey worthwhile.
Conquering Mont Ventoux is as much a mental challenge as it is physical. The mountain demands respect, but rewards perseverance with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.
Luberon regional nature park: cycling through hilltop villages
For those seeking a more relaxed cycling experience, the Luberon Regional Nature Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. This area, made famous by Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence," is characterized by its picturesque hilltop villages, olive groves, and vineyards.
A popular cycling route takes you through the villages perchés (perched villages) of the Luberon, including Gordes, Roussillon, and Bonnieux. Each village has its own unique charm, from Gordes' dramatic cliff-side setting to Roussillon's ochre-hued buildings. The roads connecting these villages wind through lavender fields and cherry orchards, providing a sensory cycling experience that epitomizes the essence of Provence.
The Luberon is also home to the Ochre Trail, a striking red and yellow landscape that offers a surreal backdrop for cycling. The contrast between the vibrant earth tones and the lush greenery creates a visual spectacle that's truly unforgettable.
Avignon to Arles: following Van Gogh's footsteps
Cycling from Avignon to Arles takes you on a journey through landscapes that inspired some of Vincent van Gogh's most famous works. Begin your ride in Avignon, home to the impressive Palais des Papes, a Gothic masterpiece that served as the seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. The city's well-preserved ramparts and bridges make for an interesting urban cycling experience before heading into the countryside.
As you pedal towards Arles, you'll pass through Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Van Gogh painted "The Starry Night" during his stay at the Saint-Paul Asylum. The surrounding countryside, with its olive groves and cypress trees, still evokes the scenes captured in the artist's vibrant canvases.
Arriving in Arles, you'll find a city steeped in both Roman and artistic history. The well-preserved Roman amphitheater and the locations that inspired Van Gogh's "Café Terrace at Night" and "Sunflowers" offer fascinating stops on your cycling tour. The flat terrain between these historic cities makes for an enjoyable ride suitable for cyclists of all levels.
Gorges du Verdon: challenging routes with breathtaking views
For those seeking a mix of challenging climbs and stunning natural beauty, the Gorges du Verdon offers an unforgettable cycling experience. Often referred to as France's Grand Canyon, this limestone gorge cuts a dramatic swathe through the landscape, its turquoise waters contrasting sharply with the white cliffs.
The classic cycling route around the gorge covers approximately 100 kilometers, with significant elevation changes that test even experienced riders. As you navigate the winding roads, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas at every turn. The route takes you through charming Provençal villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, known for its fine pottery and dramatic cliff-top setting.
While challenging, cycling the Gorges du Verdon offers a unique perspective on this natural wonder. The physical exertion is amply rewarded by the sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Verdon River at the end of your ride.
Brittany: coastal paths and celtic heritage
Brittany, with its rugged coastline, ancient forests, and strong Celtic traditions, offers cyclists a unique adventure in France's northwestern corner. This region combines scenic beauty with rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a diverse cycling experience.
La Vélodyssée: exploring the emerald coast
La Vélodyssée, part of EuroVelo 1, is a long-distance cycling route that hugs Brittany's coastline, offering riders spectacular ocean views and access to charming seaside towns. The Breton section of this route is particularly captivating, taking you along the famed Emerald Coast.
Starting from the historic port town of Saint-Malo, you'll pedal westward along well-maintained cycle paths and quiet coastal roads. The route passes through picturesque fishing villages and by long stretches of sandy beaches. Notable stops include the stunning Cap Fréhel lighthouse and the resort town of Dinard, known for its Belle Époque villas.
As you cycle, you'll have ample opportunities to sample Brittany's renowned seafood, from freshly shucked oysters to the classic moules-frites (mussels and fries). The flat terrain along much of this coastal route makes it accessible to cyclists of various fitness levels, while the ever-changing seascapes provide constant visual interest.
Brest to Roscoff: traversing the rugged finistère peninsula
For those seeking a more challenging ride through Brittany's wild landscapes, the route from Brest to Roscoff along the Finistère peninsula offers a thrilling adventure. This westernmost part of Brittany is known for its dramatic coastline, ancient megalithic sites, and strong maritime culture.
Begin your journey in Brest, a city with a rich naval history and home to the impressive Océanopolis aquarium. As you head north, you'll cycle through the Armorique Regional Natural Park, a diverse landscape of heathland, forests, and rocky outcrops. The route takes you past the striking Pointe de Pen-Hir, offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the Crozon peninsula.
Continuing northward, you'll pass through quaint fishing villages and have the opportunity to visit the Parish Closes, unique architectural ensembles that are a hallmark of Breton religious heritage. The journey concludes in Roscoff, a charming port town known for its thalassotherapy centers and as the birthplace of the French Onion Johnnies.
Menhirs and Megaliths: cycling Carnac's prehistoric sites
No cycling tour of Brittany would be complete without exploring the mysterious prehistoric sites around Carnac. This area is home to the largest concentration of megalithic sites in the world, with over 3,000 standing stones dating back to the Neolithic period.
A well-marked cycling route takes you through the main alignments of Ménec, Kermario, and Kerlescan. As you pedal among these ancient stones, you'll feel transported back in time, pondering the purposes and meanings of these enigmatic monuments. The flat terrain around Carnac makes for easy cycling, allowing you to cover significant ground and visit multiple sites in a day.
Extend your ride to the nearby coastal town of Quiberon, situated on a narrow peninsula. Here, you can enjoy stunning views of the wild côte sauvage (savage coast) and perhaps indulge in some of Brittany's famous salted caramel treats as a reward for your cycling efforts.
Burgundy: gastronomic trails and canal towpaths
Burgundy, renowned for its world-class wines and rich culinary traditions, offers cyclists a delightful blend of gastronomic experiences and scenic rides. This region's gentle rolling hills, historic towns, and extensive network of canals provide varied terrain for cyclists of all levels.
Véloroute des vignobles: pedaling the côte d'or wine route
The Véloroute des Vignobles takes you through the heart of Burgundy's most famous wine-producing area, the Côte d'Or. This well-marked cycling route winds its way through prestigious vineyards, offering oenophiles and cycling enthusiasts alike a unique perspective on the region's viticultural heritage.
Starting in Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, you'll head south through the Côte de Nuits, home to some of the world's most expensive red wines. The route passes through picturesque wine villages such as Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits-Saint-Georges, where you can stop for tastings at renowned wineries.
Continuing into the Côte de Beaune, known for its exceptional white wines, you'll cycle past neatly manicured vineyards and through charming towns like Aloxe-Corton and Meursault. The route culminates in the beautiful town of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, where you can visit the iconic Hospices de Beaune, a former charitable hospital now famous for its annual wine auction.
Cycling the Véloroute des Vignobles offers a perfect balance of physical activity and cultural immersion, allowing you to earn your wine tastings as you pedal through some of the most prestigious terroir in the world.
Canal du Nivernais: flat cycling along historic waterways
For those seeking a more relaxed cycling experience, the towpath along the Canal du Nivernais offers a flat, scenic route through the heart of Burgundy. This 174-kilometer canal, originally built to transport wood to Paris, now serves as a picturesque cycling path connecting the Loire Valley to the Yonne River.
Beginning in Decize, you'll follow the canal northward, passing through lush countryside and charming villages. The route takes you past numerous locks and aqueducts, testament to the canal's industrial heritage. Highlights include the impressive Sardy lock staircase, a series of 16 locks that raise boats over 40 meters in just 3 kilometers.
As you pedal along the tranquil waterway, you'll have ample opportunities to observe the slow-paced life on the canal, with pleasure boats and barges navigating the locks. The route concludes in Auxerre, a historic city known for its half-timbered houses and impressive Gothic cathedral.
Dijon to Beaune: culinary cycling in France's gastronomy capital
The journey from Dijon to Beaune takes you through the heart of Burgundy's gastronomic landscape. This route combines gentle cycling with opportunities to indulge in some of France's finest culinary traditions. As you pedal through the countryside, you'll pass through numerous villages known for their specialty products and dishes.
Start your culinary cycling adventure in Dijon, famous for its mustard. Visit the Fallot Mustard Mill to learn about the history and production of this iconic condiment. As you leave the city, you'll enter the Côte de Nuits wine region, where you can stop at small producers to taste some of the world's most prestigious Pinot Noir wines.
Continue south through the charming village of Nuits-Saint-Georges, where you can visit the Cassissium, a museum dedicated to blackcurrants and the production of crème de cassis, a key ingredient in the classic Kir aperitif. The route then takes you through rolling hills covered in vineyards, offering breathtaking views of the Burgundian countryside.
Cycling through Burgundy is a feast for all senses – the sight of endless vineyards, the scent of ripening grapes, and the taste of world-class cuisine at every stop.
As you approach Beaune, you'll have the opportunity to visit several renowned cheese producers. The region is known for its Époisses, a pungent washed-rind cheese that pairs perfectly with the local wines. In Beaune itself, don't miss the vibrant Saturday market, where you can sample a wide array of local products, from freshly baked bread to artisanal charcuterie.
Conclude your gastronomic cycling tour with a visit to the Marché aux Vins, housed in a former Cordeliers church. Here, you can taste a selection of Burgundy wines in the atmospheric cellars, providing a fitting end to your culinary journey through France's gastronomic heartland.
Alsace: Franco-German fusion and vosges mountains
Alsace, with its unique blend of French and German influences, offers cyclists a diverse landscape ranging from picturesque wine routes to challenging mountain passes. This northeastern region of France is known for its distinctive half-timbered architecture, world-class wines, and stunning natural beauty.
Route des vins d'Alsace: 170km of vineyard-lined cycling
The Route des Vins d'Alsace is a cyclist's dream, winding through 170 kilometers of vineyard-covered hills and charming villages. This well-marked route takes you through the heart of Alsace's wine country, offering ample opportunities to sample the region's renowned white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.
Starting in Marlenheim, just west of Strasbourg, the route heads south through a succession of picturesque wine villages. You'll pass through Obernai, with its well-preserved medieval center, and Ribeauvillé, known for its three castles perched on nearby hills. The flat terrain and dedicated cycle paths make this route accessible to cyclists of all levels.
As you pedal through the vine-covered slopes, you'll have the chance to stop at numerous wineries for tastings. Many offer cellar tours where you can learn about the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of Alsace. Don't miss the opportunity to try Crémant d'Alsace, the region's sparkling wine, which makes for a refreshing break during your ride.
Strasbourg to Colmar: exploring half-timbered villages
The route from Strasbourg to Colmar takes you through some of Alsace's most charming villages, each seemingly more picturesque than the last. Begin in Strasbourg, where you can explore the city's extensive network of cycle paths before heading south along the Rhine River.
Your first stop should be the village of Obernai, known for its well-preserved ramparts and lively market square. Continue to Sélestat, home to the Humanist Library, a UNESCO World Heritage site housing a remarkable collection of medieval manuscripts.
As you approach Colmar, be sure to stop in Riquewihr and Kaysersberg, both members of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" association. These towns, with their colorful half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets, seem frozen in time, offering a glimpse into medieval Alsatian life.
Cycling through Alsace's half-timbered villages is like pedaling through a fairy tale, with each turn revealing another postcard-perfect scene.
Conclude your journey in Colmar, often called "Little Venice" due to its charming canals. The town's old quarter is a maze of narrow streets lined with beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, providing a fitting end to your Alsatian adventure.
Col de la Schlucht: challenging mountain passes in the Vosges
For cyclists seeking a more challenging ride, the Vosges Mountains offer a series of exciting climbs, with the Col de la Schlucht being one of the most renowned. This pass, sitting at an elevation of 1,139 meters, provides a demanding yet rewarding cycling experience.
The most popular route to tackle the Col de la Schlucht starts in the town of Munster, famous for its cheese. The climb covers approximately 20 kilometers with an average gradient of 6%, winding through dense forests and offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
As you ascend, you'll pass through different vegetation zones, from deciduous forests at lower elevations to coniferous woods near the summit. The final kilometers are particularly challenging, but the panoramic views from the top make the effort worthwhile.
Eurovelo 15: following the Rhine river from Basel to Strasbourg
The Alsatian section of EuroVelo 15, also known as the Rhine Cycle Route, offers a more leisurely cycling experience along one of Europe's major rivers. This well-maintained path follows the Rhine from Basel to Strasbourg, passing through beautiful landscapes and historic towns.
Starting in Basel, you'll cross into France and begin your journey north. The route takes you through the Petite Camargue Alsacienne nature reserve, known for its diverse birdlife. Continue through charming riverside towns like Kembs and Neuf-Brisach, the latter boasting impressive 17th-century fortifications designed by Vauban.
As you approach Strasbourg, you'll pass through the Rhinau Forest, one of the largest alluvial forests in Europe. This protected area is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, offering a serene cycling experience.
The journey concludes in Strasbourg, where you can celebrate your ride with a visit to the city's magnificent cathedral and a stroll through the picturesque Petite France quarter. This flat, family-friendly route provides a perfect introduction to the diverse landscapes and rich history of Alsace.