Want a cycling adventure, discover France in a different way or take on a sporting challenge? Cycle tourism is attracting more and more followers, offering a total immersion in varied landscapes, between coastlines, mountains, vineyards and historical sites.
Whether you are a lover of quiet walks or a fan of more sporty bike tours, there is necessarily a cycling itinerary made for you.
To help you choose your next bike tour, we have selected the 10 most beautiful routes in France. Follow the guide! 🚴♂️
How to choose a bike tour in France?
Before you start, it is essential to choose an itinerary adapted to your level and your desires. Here are the criteria to consider.
Landscapes: Diversity and beauty of routes
A good cycle tour depends above all on the natural setting and the experience sought:
- Coastline: La Vélodyssée runs along the Atlantic coast for an iodine experience.
- Mountain: The Tour du Mont-Blanc offers a physical challenge in the heart of the Alps.
- Forests and rivers: The Canal des Deux Mers crosses peaceful and green landscapes.
- Vineyards: The wine route of Alsace allows you to drive in the heart of the wineries.
Cultural and historical interest
Heritage is a must-have of cycling tourism! Some itineraries allow you to discover castles, medieval villages and historical sites along the route. For example, the Loire à Vélo passes through the famous castles of Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise. The ViaRhôna to discover the Gallo-Roman remains in Vienna and Orange. Or the Tour de la Bourgogne for an immersion in medieval villages and historic abbeys.
Accessibility and road conditions
Some bike paths are more accessible than others. If you’re new to cycling, give preference to:
- The green lanes, 100% secure and reserved for bicycles.
- Courses along canals (flat terrain, few difficulties).
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Well-marked routes, such as the Vélodyssée or ViaRhôna.
Discover the perfect equipment for cycling here: Gloves, jackets and socks for cyclists.
Duration and difficulty: routes adapted to all levels
- Short walks (20-50 km/day): suitable for families and beginners (e.g. La Voie Bleue, Canal des Deux Mers).
- Intermediate routes (50-100 km/day): for regular cyclists (e.g. Loire à Vélo).
- Long distance routes (100+ km/day): for enthusiasts (e.g. Tour du Mont-Blanc, Corsica by bike).
Security and infrastructure
For a bike trip in complete serenity, prefers routes with:
- Well-maintained cycle paths.
- Rest areas and accommodations adapted to cycling tourism.
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Water points and refreshments on the course.
Cycling popularity and feedback: recommendations and feedback
Before choosing a cycle tour, it may be useful to:
- Consult the cycling community’s opinions on specialized forums and networks.
- Check the difficulties encountered on dedicated sites (difference in altitude, road conditions).
- Look at suggestions for improvement (charging points, water points...).
Bike equipment: stay warm in any season
No matter your level of practice, having the right bike equipment is essential to ride safely and with optimal comfort. Whether it’s to face the cool of the morning, avoid overheating in summer or simply preserve your endurance, here are the must-haves not to neglect.
In cold weather ❄️: G-Heat gloves, socks and jackets keep you warm and prevent numbness, especially in the mountains or on morning rides.
A heated jacket to ride even in cold weather
- Integrated heating technology with multiple heating levels.
- Windproof and water-repellent insulation to withstand the weather.
- Optimized breathability to evacuate moisture and prevent overheating.
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Heated gloves to prevent numbing of hands
- Homogeneous diffusion of heat on the fingers and back of the hand.
- Protection against wind and rain, without compromising mobility.
- Compatible with touch screens to stay connected.
Our heated gloves for cyclists here→ G-Heat heated gloves.
Heated socks to keep feet warm
- Targeted heating under the arch for long-lasting warmth.
- Breathable fibers to prevent excessive sweating.
Here for our→ G-Heat socks.
In high heat ☀️ : Our refreshing t-shirts and towels help to regulate the body temperature by evacuating heat and providing an instant feeling of freshness.
A refreshing t-shirt to ride without suffering from the heat
- Jadecool and Polycool technology for an instant refreshing effect.
- Thermal reduction of up to -15°C in 15 seconds.
- Ultra-breathable fabric and UPF50+ UV protection.Keep cool with our →refreshing G-Heat T-Shirts.
A refreshing towel for hydration breaks
- Instant activation with water: no need for a fridge!
- Lightweight, compact and perfect for soaping and cooling.
- Ideal for long walks under the sun.
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The 10 most beautiful cycling routes in France
1. The Loire by bike – Castles and historical heritage
📍 From Nevers to Saint-Nazaire (900 km)
Why choose this route?
- Crossing of the Loire Castles (Chambord, Amboise, Villandry).
- Mostly flat and safe bike paths, ideal for everyone.
- Classified villages and local gastronomy to discover.
2. La Vélodyssée – From Brittany to the Basque Country
📍 From Roscoff to Hendaye (1,200 km)
Why choose this route?
- Unique maritime atmosphere between the Breton coast and the Landes forest.
- Accessible and varied course, perfect for all levels.
- Alternation between wild beaches, forests and small ports.
3. ViaRhôna – Between the Alps and the Mediterranean
📍 From Geneva to Sète (815 km)
Why choose this route?
- Following the Rhône, alternating mountains, vineyards and Provencal villages.
- Major historical sites: Lyon, Avignon, Pont du Gard.
- Running course, accessible at different levels.
4. The Canal des Deux Mers – A crossing of France
📍 From Bordeaux to Sète (750 km)
Why choose this route?
- Bucolic setting, along the canals of the Midi and the Garonne.
- Flat and perfectly laid out trails for a leisurely stroll.
- Ideal for families and lovers of slow tourism.
5. The Tour du Mont-Blanc – A challenge for experienced cyclists
📍 330 km loop between France, Switzerland and Italy
Why choose this route?
- Impressive elevation gain and breathtaking high mountain landscapes.
- Sports and technical experience, ideal for experienced cyclists.
- Alternation between mythical passes and alpine valleys.
6. The P’tit Train du Nord Greenway – A trip in the Vosges
📍 From Remiremont to Bussang (50 km)
Why choose this route?
- Old railway converted into bike path, ideal for beginners.
- Green landscapes and panoramas on the Vosges.
7. La Voie Bleue – From Lorraine to Burgundy
📍 Luxembourg to Lyon (700 km)
Why choose this route?
- Following the Saône, with magnificent countryside landscapes.
- Perfect for a gastronomic and oenological discovery.
8. The Tour de la Bourgogne – A journey through the vineyards
📍 360 km loop around Dijon
Why choose this route?
- Ideal for lovers of wines and Burgundy heritage.
- Hilly landscapes, accessible to intermediate cyclists.
9. Corsica by bike – between sea and mountains
📍 Tour of Corsica (1000 km)
Why choose this route?
- Exceptional panoramic view between cliffs and beaches.
- Physical course but unforgettable.
10. Alsace by bike – On the wine route
📍 170 km between Strasbourg and Mulhouse
Why choose this route?
- Crossing the most beautiful Alsatian villages.
- An accessible and exotic itinerary.
Conclusion
Whether you are an amateur of long hikes or a fan of quiet walks, France is full of exceptional bike paths. All you have to do is choose your route and equip yourself properly to fully enjoy the experience.
Be sure to equip yourself well with clothing adapted to climatic variations! Check out our heated cycling jackets and equipment here: G-Heat for cycling.
Ready to pedal? Which route do you like the most? Tell us in a comment!
