Cycling trips are becoming more and more popular with tourists. It is the perfect way to explore a destination at your own pace (and stop as many times as you want to take pictures) and it is of course more ecological. From sportive trips in the mountains to bicycle rides between the Loire Valley chateaux, passing by romantic rides in Bordeaux vineyards, France has many wonderful cycling routes to offer! Please check out a few ideas below to plan your next holidays:
La Vélodyssée: from Brittany to Basque County
From Brittany (Roscoff) to the Spain border (Hendaye), it covers more than 1200kms along the Atlantic Coast. 70% of the route is on traffic-free paths and the journey reveals unspoilt beautiful landscapes. The sea is never far for well-deserved breaks in the ocean. Easy or challenging, the level will depend on the portion you will choose. The route is marked with road signs EuroVelo 1 from North to South.
The Loire Valley by bike
From Nevers to Nantes, the route is perfect for Chateaux, wine and nature lovers. The 800kms itinerary will allow you to see the following castles: Blois, Amboise, Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau or Azay-Le-Rideau. It is quite an easy ride: the perfect trip for your family. In the middle of vineyards, you will be able to stop in domains for wine-tastings.
La Vélo Francette: from Normandy to the Atlantic Coast
Covering more than 650kms, the cycling route goes from the Channel to Atlantic. You will cross 3 regions: Normandy, Loire Valley and Poitou Charente. Most of the ride is easy and will allow you to discover a peaceful and intimate nature. Along the way, explore charming historic villages.
Le Canal des 2 Mers: from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean coast (via Le Canal du Midi)
This emblematic ride leads you from Royan, on the Atlantic coast, to Sète on the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to discover the peaceful Canal du Midi. Along the way, discover vineyards, fortified villages and gallo-roman sites. You definitely need to plan a stop in Carcassonne, the famous fortified Cité and in Toulouse, the charming pink city.
Véloscénie: from Paris to Mont Saint Michel
Between nature and history, the 450kms route will allow you to see old forests and authentic landscapes. The route offers different level of difficulty and you will be able to discover prestigious historic places such as Versailles, Chartres Cathedral and the Château de Maintenon on your trip. Departure is behind Montparnasse train station, starting by a ride on the lovely Coulée Verte.
These are 5 of the greatest cycling routes in France but as you can see on the below map there are many other ones: you can visit Burgundy or Alsace by bike, ride on La Via Rhôna (the cycling route from Lac Léman to the Mediterranean coast) or you can cross the Massif Central. If you are an expert, you might also want to challenge yourself on summits of the Tour de France. We have bike experts ready to lead you !
Do not hesitate to contact us for more info or if you would like to organize your itinerary! There are many places to see along the roads and many charming accommodations to stay at.
Please send us an email at: info@inland-travel.com
We are looking forward to hearing from you :)
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