Our beautiful country abounds in magnificent landscapes to explore on foot, by car or by bike. Ocean or sea shores, city walks, country excursions, lakeside detours… we take a look – “à bicycletteeuuuhh”, as Yves Montand would say – at five of France’s finest cycling routes.
Admittedly, some of the routes require several days’ travel, but feel free to adapt/shorten them as you see fit, according to your level! And for those of you who’d like to go even further, don’t miss our top 50 most beautiful destinations in France this summer.
1. From Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean
The ViaRhôna (because it runs alongside the Rhône) is a signposted cycle route that takes you from Alpine Geneva to sunny Sète. You’ll pass through the cities of Lyon, Vienne and Avignon, and see the magnificent landscapes of Provence and the Camargue.
🚴♀️ ViaRhôna : find out more | Route : 700km | Estimated duration : 7 to 10 days
2. From Paris to Versailles
Do you have the soul of a city dweller or do you need a good dose of historical heritage? Thanks to this ride through the Coulée Verte d’Essonne and the state forest of Versailles, you can enjoy a well-deserved breath of fresh air while staying connected to the nearby city.
🚴♀️ Paris-Versailles: find out more | Distance: 20km | Estimated time: approx. 2h-2h30
3. Bassin d’Arcachon & Dune du Pilat
Dreaming of a bike ride by the ocean, with the waves and the winds blowing by? You’ll find this poetic break in this bike loop starting from the sublime Dune du Pilat (highest dune in Europe!) and crossing the towns of Arcachon and La-Teste-de-Buch along the cycle paths. Full of energy? Extend your journey all the way to Bordeaux!
🚴♀️ Arcachon-Dune du Pilat: find out more | Distance: 25km | Estimated duration: half a day
4. Canal du Midi
If you’re looking for tranquility (but also nature and medieval villages), we definitely recommend a cycling trip along the famous Canal du Midi. At a rate of 4-5 hours’ cycling per day, it will take you around four days to get from its start in Toulouse (Port de l’Embouchure) to its jetty in the Bassin de Thau at Sète.
🚴♀️ Canal du Midi: calculate your journey here | Distance (Toulouse-Sète): 240km | Estimated duration: 3 to 5 days
5. The Vélomaritime of Brittany
With no less than 9 cycle paths, three-quarters of which have been developed, Brittany is definitely the place to be pedaling this summer. With its network of canals, rivers, old railroad lines and forest trails, Brittany boasts 800 km of cycle routes, 500 of which are car-free! Our favorite: n°4, known as “la Vélomaritime”, which runs along the Côtes d’Armor, from Finistère to Mont-St-Michel via St-Malo…
🚴♀️ La Vélomaritime: find out more | Route: 430km | Estimated duration: 5 to 7 days
6. Tour of Mont Ventoux
The Tour du Ventoux offers cyclists a unique opportunity to discover the treasures of Provence! In just a few days, you’ll pedal 360° around this magnificent environment on winding roads that reveal breathtaking panoramas: hilltop villageslavender fields, impressive cliffs and prestigious vineyards, there’s something for everyone! Each stage of the tour is full of surprising discoveries, with splendid views of Mont Ventoux, the majestic Dentelles de Montmirail, the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque and the wild Toulourenc valley. After this immersion in the heart of the “Giant of Provence”, it ‘s impossible to resist the irresistible call of the final ascent!
🚴♀️ 128km | Estimated time : 2-3 days
7. The Forts d’Alsace Trail
Follow the trails of the “Ceinture des Forts” on a journey combining nature and heritage, from the Vosges to the German border, with a loop starting in Strasbourg. The Piste des Forts consists of 19 structures built by the Prussians following the 1870 war. You’ll find the old forts of Rapp, Kléber and Ney in the midst of bucolic landscapes!
🚴♀️ La Piste des Forts: find out more | Distance: 85km | Estimated duration: between 1 and 2 days
Are there any other scenic bike tours in France you’d like to share with us? Do it on our Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #bordeauxsecret!
Cover photo: David Marcu.