France is a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts. With its varied landscapes, historical monuments, and well-maintained bike paths, the country offers numerous opportunities for cycling adventures. In this article, we present the most beautiful bike routes in France, perfect for exploring the country on two wheels.
La Vélodyssée: From Brittany to the Basque Coast
La Vélodyssée is an iconic bike route that crosses France from north to south over 1,200 kilometers. It begins in Brittany, at Roscoff, and follows the Atlantic coast down to Hendaye, at the Spanish border. This route offers a variety of landscapes, from the wild Breton coasts to the sunny beaches of the Basque Coast, passing through the Poitevin marshlands and Bordeaux vineyards.
Details of “La Vélodyssée”
- Total Distance: 1,200 km
- Number of Days: 20 to 30 days depending on pace
- Surface and Elevation: Mainly bike paths and shared roads, moderate elevation with some hilly sections.
- Best Time to Go: May to October
- Learn More: https://www.lavelodyssee.com
Highlights of La Vélodyssée
- Brittany: Discover rugged cliffs, lighthouses, and charming fishing villages.
- Loire-Atlantique: Cycle along the beaches and visit the salt marshes of Guérande.
- The Landes: Traverse the Landes forest and enjoy the bike paths shaded by pine trees.
- The Basque Country: End your journey with the beautiful landscapes of the Basque Coast and its famous surf spots.
ViaRhôna: From Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean
ViaRhôna is another spectacular bike route that follows the Rhône River for 815 kilometers, from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. This route takes you through regions rich in history and culture, such as Savoy, Provence, and the Camargue.
Details of ViaRhôna
- Total Distance: 815 km
- Number of Days: 10 to 15 days depending on pace
- Surface and Elevation: Mainly bike paths with some shared roads, low to moderate elevation.
- Best Time to Go: May to September
- Learn More: https://www.viarhona.com
Highlights of ViaRhôna
- Lake Geneva: Start your adventure by the stunning lake with views of the Alps.
- Lyon: Take a break in this vibrant city, known for its cuisine and heritage.
- The Rhône Valley: Ride through renowned vineyards and charming Provençal villages.
- The Camargue: End your journey by exploring this wild region and its flamingos.
La Loire à Vélo: From the Loire Castles to the Atlantic
La Loire à Vélo is a highly popular bike route, stretching for 900 kilometers from Cuffy, near Nevers, to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins on the Atlantic coast. This route is perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts, as it passes through the Loire Valley, home to numerous castles, with possible stops in historic cities like Tours and Angers.
Details of La Loire à Vélo
- Total Distance: 900 km
- Number of Days: 10 to 15 days depending on pace
- Surface and Elevation: Mainly bike paths with some sections on shared roads, low elevation
- Best Time to Go: May to September
Learn More: https://www.loireavelo.fr
Highlights of La Loire à Vélo
- The Loire Castles: Admire gems like Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and many more.
- Tours: Enjoy this historic city with its half-timbered houses and lively squares.
- Saumur: Discover this town famous for its castle and sparkling wine vineyards.
- The Loire Estuary: End your journey beautifully with the maritime landscapes of the Atlantic.
La Véloscénie: From Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel
La Véloscénie is a bike route that connects Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel over approximately 450 kilometers. This route is perfect for those who want to experience the diversity of French landscapes, from the gardens of Versailles to the Normandy beaches.
Details of La Véloscénie
- Total Distance: 450 km
- Number of Days: 7 to 10 days depending on pace
- Surface and Elevation: A mix of bike paths, small roads, and trails, moderate elevation with some hilly sections.
- Best Time to Go: May to September
- Learn More: https://www.veloscenie.com
Highlights of La Véloscénie
- Paris: Start your adventure by visiting the iconic monuments of the French capital.
- Versailles: Stop to explore the famous château and its magnificent gardens.
- Le Perche: Cycle through this hilly and wooded region, ideal for a bucolic escape.
- Mont-Saint-Michel: End your journey with the majesty of this iconic island and its abbey.
La Véloroute du Canal des Deux Mers: From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean
This unique bike route allows you to connect Royan on the Atlantic coast to Sète on the Mediterranean by following the Garonne and Midi canals. Stretching 800 kilometers, it traverses wine regions and peaceful landscapes.
Details of La Véloroute du Canal des Deux Mers
– Total Distance: 800 km
– Number of Days: 10 to 15 days depending on pace
– Surface and Elevation: Mainly bike paths along the canals, low elevation.
– Best Time to Go: May to October
– Learn More: https://www.canaldes2mersavelo.com
Highlights of La Véloroute du Canal des Deux Mers
- The Garonne Canal: Cycle along this plane-tree-lined canal, perfect for a leisurely ride.
- Toulouse: Discover this vibrant city, nicknamed the “Pink City” for its brick buildings.
- The Canal du Midi: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this canal offers picturesque landscapes and historic locks.
- Sète: End your journey on the Mediterranean beaches of this charming port city.
These bike routes offer unforgettable experiences for all cyclists, whether amateur or experienced. Each route reveals a unique facet of France, allowing you to discover its natural, cultural, and historical treasures at a leisurely pace. Get your bike ready and embark on an adventure on the most beautiful bike routes in France.
What is the Best Bike for a Bike Trip in France?
Riding a bike route requires a suitable bike to fully enjoy the landscapes and varied bike paths. The French brand Origine offers several models ideal for this type of adventure.
Origine Trail: The Versatile All-Terrain Bike
The Trail model is designed for all-terrain enthusiasts seeking versatility. With a lightweight and durable aluminum frame, a carbon fork to absorb road irregularities, and a versatile drivetrain, it is perfect for varied routes. The hydraulic disc brakes provide optimal stopping power, even with the weight of luggage. The Trail is equipped with mounting eyelets for mudguards or pannier racks, making it ready for bike touring. This bike is ideal for long distances both on roads and trails. For more details, check out the Origine Trail.
Origine Graxx: The Versatile Gravel Bike
The Graxx is a perfect gravel bike for mixed routes. It combines a lightweight and high-performance carbon frame, a quality drivetrain, and hydraulic disc brakes for optimal control. The wider gravel tires ensure good traction on various surfaces. It is compatible with Tubus racks and can be equipped with a dynamo hub. This bike is suitable for mixed routes and unpaved paths. For more information, visit the Origine Graxx.
Origine Help: The Electric Assist Bike for Going Further
The Help is the ideal choice for those seeking light and ergonomic pedal assistance. This all-terrain bike, with its lightweight yet powerful motor and a battery with a 100 km range, makes climbs and long distances easier. The lightweight aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and versatile tires provide comfort and safety. It is perfect for hilly terrain and long distances. With a weight of only 12.5 kg, you will appreciate its lightness for carrying and storing, and even for riding without assistance if you wish. For more details, check out the Origine Help.
