15 cycling trips in France that will make you want to leave tomorrow

Choosing a route for a true cycling tour isn't just a matter of kilometers or reputation. The right question is simpler and more useful: What kind of story do you want to live? A royal journey between castles and vineyards, a long breath on the edge of the Atlantic, a mythical arrival at Mont-Saint-Michel, a European crossing that really makes you feel the departure, or on the contrary a more secret interlude on old railway lines converted into greenways.

For this article, we have deliberately classified the major routes not by “ranking” but by promise of experienceIn our opinion, this is the best way to help a cyclist make a choice. We prioritized information from route websites, France Vélo Tourisme, AF3V, and official destinations, while also keeping a practical eye on train + bike intermodality. On this subject, most TER regional trains accept assembled bicycles in designated areas, but the rules vary depending on the line and time of year: always check before setting off.

How to choose a cycling route for a true touring trip?

Before comparing roads, three things need to be considered. First, the nature of the infrastructure Some routes rely largely on greenways and cycle paths, while others alternate more with shared roads. Furthermore, intermodality An easily accessible route by train opens up many more options for a 3-day, 5-day, or week-long trip. Finally, the tone of the journey : there are roads made for contemplation, others for the collection of great sites, and still others for the sensation of crossing.

The suggested durations below are based on a realistic touring pace: approximately 30 to 40 km per day with young children, 50 to 60 km if you want to combine cycling and sightseeing, and more if you're traveling light or on an e-bike. The idea isn't to "tick off" as many stops as possible, but to choose a route whose pace makes you want to set off again the next day.

The long journeys that deserve a real break

The Loire à Vélo

If you are looking for the great French classic To immediately understand why cycling is so appealing, the Loire à Vélo route remains the benchmark. The route covers approximately 630 linear kilometers between Nevers and the Atlantic coast, in addition to loops and variations, and constitutes the westernmost section of EuroVelo 6. What it offers is not just a river: it's a continuous unfolding of the Loire Valley, encompassing UNESCO World Heritage sites, royal cities, tufa stone villages, vineyards, and castles. Cycling along it gives you the delightful feeling that each day already has its own unique setting. 

Recommended durations: 3 days / 2 nights between Blois and Tours if you want a concentrated “castles and heritage” experience; 4 days / 3 nights between Saumur and Nantes if you like the great landscapes of the Loire; 10 to 14 days for a comprehensive reading of the itinerary.

Train station: This is one of its greatest assets. Orléans, Blois, Amboise, Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, Tours, Saumur, Angers, Nantes, and, depending on the season, coastal towns like Saint-Nazaire, La Baule, Pornichet, or Le Croisic, all offer very easy access points. The "Train Loire à Vélo" service further reinforces this station-to-station travel approach. 

Who is the game for? For a first major tour as a couple, for a group of friends who want a sure thing, for families as long as they target the easiest sections, and for e-bike users who want to combine comfort and cultural density.

EuroVelo 6 - The Loire by Bike: map, accommodation and bike rental

The Velodyssey

The Vélodyssée is the route of the Atlantic disconnectionStretching for approximately 1,300 km, it crosses Brittany and then follows the entire Atlantic coast to Hendaye along the EuroVelo 1. The scenery is constantly changing without ever straying from the main theme: estuaries, marshes, pine forests, long beaches, seaside resorts, canals, harbors, and the bright ocean light. Its main marketing advantage is clear: you know why you're going. You're going to spend several days with the sea as your daily companion. From a technical standpoint, the route is very well signposted, mostly developed, and the official website presents it as particularly suitable for families and beginners, provided, of course, that you choose the right sections. 

Recommended durations: 3 days / 2 nights in inland Brittany along the Nantes-Brest Canal for a very relaxing first trip; 5 to 7 days between Nantes and La Rochelle for a classic and very appealing experience; 2 to 3 weeks if you dream of completing the entire route. The Breton sections of the Nantes-Brest Canal or the Nantes-La Rochelle stretch are particularly well-suited to a first experience, including for families. 

Train station: The main entry points highlighted by the route are Morlaix, Nantes, La Rochelle, Bayonne and Hendaye; Bordeaux, a little further back on the route, remains an excellent access point via a secure link to Lacanau. 

Who is the game for? Suitable for almost everyone, but with some nuances. Families with young children will want to choose the safest and flattest sections; couples on their first cycling trip will find it a very rewarding learning experience; groups of friends can enjoy a true "ocean escape." The sections closer to the Basque Country require a bit more legwork.

EuroVelo 1: The Vélodyssée: map, accommodation and bike rental

The Canal des 2 Mers by bike

The Canal des 2 Mers is a very strong promise of connecting the Atlantic to the MediterraneanThe approximately 750 km route leads from Royan and Bordeaux to Toulouse and then Sète, following the Garonne Canal, the Canal du Midi, and their associated connections. It's an exceptionally easy journey to follow narratively: you travel alongside a major feat of engineering, passing through fortified towns, ports, pink brick cities, and waterways, with the delightful feeling of going somewhere very tangible. However, one crucial point must be kept in mind: while the Garonne Canal offers some very beautiful, easily accessible, and smooth sections, the Canal du Midi is not entirely a continuous greenway, and some parts should be explored in stages before setting off. 

Recommended durations: 3 days / 2 nights between Bordeaux and Agen for a very easy introduction; 4 days / 3 nights between Toulouse and the first major stages of the Canal du Midi if you like the atmosphere of plane trees + villages; 10 to 14 days to really connect the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

Train station: This is one of its major advantages. Several train lines follow the route from Royan and Bordeaux to Toulouse and Sète. The stations at Bordeaux-Saint-Jean, Agen, Toulouse-Matabiau, Béziers, Agde, Sète, Narbonne, and Port-la-Nouvelle make it easy to shorten, lengthen, or split the journey. The official website also points out that the train is particularly useful for breaking up a leg of the trip or returning to the starting point. 

Who is the game for? Ideal for a group of friends, for travelers drawn to culture and gastronomy, for e-bikes, and for families if you're mainly interested in the Garonne Canal or the best-equipped sections. With very young children, I would be more selective about the sections in the South of France.

V80 - The Canal des Deux Mers by bike: map, accommodation and bike rental

ViaRhôna

ViaRhôna is the route of the great civilizing riverStretching 815 km, it descends from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, traversing a microcosm of France that unfolds through Alpine panoramas, the wild Rhône River, vineyards, Gallo-Roman cities, Provence, and the Camargue. It's a route that appeals greatly because it has a dual nature: it gives the feeling of a grand journey while remaining easily breakable into manageable sections. Some sections are very accessible, others more challenging, and the official website also reminds cyclists that some provisional sections still remain on the full route, so it's advisable to carefully read the stage descriptions before setting off. 

Recommended durations: Two to four days around Lyon, Vienne, Valence, or Avignon for a long weekend; four to eight days between Vienne and Avignon or between Lyon and Provence; 12 to 15 days for a complete descent of the Rhône. Official recommendations clearly show that certain sections are perfectly suited for families or beginners, particularly between Vienne and Avignon or between Montélimar and Avignon. 

Train station: ViaRhôna is one of the easiest routes to reach from Lyon. The main TER lines highlighted run along the Lyon–Geneva, Lyon–Avignon–Marseille, Geneva–Chambéry–Grenoble–Valence and Avignon–Montpellier axis. 

Who is the game for? For e-bike users, for those who enjoy combining river and heritage sites, for groups wanting a main route with train connections, and for families (provided they choose the easiest sections). The full route, however, is more suited to travelers who have already made up their minds.

EuroVelo 17 - the ViaRhona: map, accommodation and bike rental

Routes that give your vacation a powerful narrative

Velosceny

The Véloscénie is probably the French route that best tells the story of a legendary arrivalStarting from Paris, crossing Versailles, the Chevreuse Valley, Chartres, the Perche region, the Normandy bocage, and then heading for Mont-Saint-Michel: the promise is clear, memorable, almost cinematic. Officially, the route is 450 km long, fully signposted, includes 50% greenways and cycle paths, has a moderate elevation gain, and benefits from easy rail access thanks to 13 stations along the route and even more via connecting services. 

Recommended durations: Two days for Paris–Chartres; two to three days in the Perche region; three days for a "heading towards Mont Saint-Michel" journey from Normandy train stations; eight to ten days for the complete crossing to Mont Saint-Michel. The website also suggests numerous micro-adventures accessible by train, from Paris to Chartres or from the Perche to the Normandy countryside. 

Train station: Intermodality is excellent. The route crosses six major train lines and is supported by a dedicated map. In practice, the easiest entry points are Paris, Versailles, Rambouillet, Chartres, Nogent-le-Rotrou, Alençon, Flers, and Pontorson via local connections. The official website also details the conditions for bringing bicycles on board the relevant lines. 

Who is the game for? For those who want a first big trip that's very memorable, for families on the gentler sections, for groups of friends leaving the capital without a car, and for all those who like a trip to have a real dramatic build-up to the arrival.

The Vélomaritime

The Vélomaritime offers a very simple promise: to see the sea differently, every day, with depth, history and breathStretching 1,500 km, it connects Roscoff to Dunkirk and the Belgian border on the EuroVelo 4. It is undoubtedly the most spectacular French route for those who want to experience cliffs, vast bays, harbors, D-Day beaches, the Gironde Estuary, Étretat, the Bay of Somme, and the Opal Coast. However, it must be said that even though the route is presented as 100% continuous, a large portion follows small shared roads, making it more of a "cycle touring" route than a purely greenway. 

Recommended durations: 3 days / 2 nights in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel or the Bay of Somme; 3 days on the Alabaster Coast between Le Havre and Dieppe; 4 to 6 days exploring the major coastal areas of Normandy or Brittany; 2 to 3 weeks for the complete itinerary. The official website highlights several family-friendly ideas in the Bay of Somme and the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, as well as a clear breakdown of the Alabaster Coast into 3-day itineraries. 

Train station: The route is very well served by Morlaix, Saint-Brieuc, Saint-Malo, Pontorson–Mont-Saint-Michel, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Caen, Le Havre, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Calais and Dunkirk. The site has a complete intermodal map. 

Who is the game for? For friends who love strong landscapes, for travellers who want a more invigorating coastal stay than the Vélodyssée, and for families if they really target the most suitable sections: Bay of Somme, Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, certain areas of northern Brittany.

The Green Avenue London-Paris

The Green Avenue is not just a route; it is a story of a crossingYou'll depart from urban France towards the Impressionist countryside, reach Dieppe, cross the Channel, then glide towards Kent and London. Few routes are as inspirational: it's a journey that evokes memories even before you've experienced it. The itinerary offers two options for leaving Paris: along the banks of the Oise River, approximately 472 km, or through the Epte Valley, approximately 406 km. The official website specifies that it uses more than 50% greenways and that the profile is generally flat, with a few occasional hills. 

Recommended durations: Five days/four nights to reach Dieppe from Paris is already quite an adventure; eight to ten days to continue on to London. If you'd like a first look at the route without the international leg, the Paris–Dieppe segment works very well. 

Train station: On the French side, the Transilien and TER trains allow easy entry or exit via Maisons-Laffitte, Pontoise, Gisors, Beauvais or Dieppe; on the British side, Newhaven, Brighton, Tunbridge Wells, Eridge and East Grinstead offer useful support points. 

Who is the game for? For a symbolic trip as a couple, for friends who want a big, "easy-to-sell" crossing, for cyclists attracted by greenways on former railway lines and the idea of ​​combining train, ferry and bike. It's also a wonderful first cross-border experience.

The Scandibérique

The Scandibérique is the feeling of going far awayIt is the French section of EuroVelo 3, linking Norway to Santiago de Compostela, and crosses France for approximately 1,700 km, through 20 departments and 4 regions. Contrary to popular belief, it is not just a route for experienced cyclists: the official website offers segments explicitly for beginners, particularly in the Oise department or between Paris and Gien, while also providing more challenging e-bike options towards Bordeaux and Armagnac. It's an ideal route if you enjoy itineraries that truly change their character, from canals to vineyards, passing through forests and along the banks of the Loire. 

Recommended durations: 3 to 5 days in the Oise for a beginner and very nature-oriented version; 7 days between Paris and Gien for a “canals and Loire” reading; a week on an e-bike between Bordeaux and Mont-de-Marsan if you are looking for a very gastronomic and accessible version. 

Train station: Intermodal connections are extensive: to the north, Maubeuge and Fourmies, then Noyon, Compiègne, Creil, Melun, Montargis, Briare, Gien, Orléans, Tours, Châtellerault, Angoulême, or Bordeaux, depending on the section. The official website details a long list of recommended routes that allow bicycles. 

Who is the game for? For EuroVelo collectors, for travelers who love long diagonal routes, for e-bikes on the hillier sections, but also for beginners if they choose the right segments. It's a route that gives a very strong sense of progression.

The first journeys that convert you to bicycle touring

The Francette bike

The Vélo Francette has a real knack for converting the hesitant to cycle touring because it follows the course of waterways for a long time: Orne, Mayenne, Loire, Thouet, Sèvre Niortaise, and then the Atlantic Ocean. This "road movie" from the English Channel to La Rochelle covers over 600 km and offers a wonderful variety of landscapes. You'll find greenways, cycle paths, towpaths, quiet roads, riverside cafes, villages, and marshes. It's also a very flexible route: the southern section towards the Marais Poitevin and La Rochelle is particularly appealing for a first trip. 

Recommended durations: 2 to 3 days in the Marais Poitevin with children; 4 days from Saumur to Coulon for a 200 km family trip; 10 to 12 days for the full route if you prefer a leisurely, long journey. The official website highlights a 55 km family weekend in the marsh and a week-long stay from Saumur to the Marais Poitevin suitable for families. 

Train station: The route boasts seven main stations and numerous intermodal solutions; in fact, the most obvious major entry points are Caen, Laval, Angers, Saumur, Niort and La Rochelle, in addition to the connecting stations along the Normandy sections. 

Who is the game for? For couples who want a smooth and easy-to-read route, for families especially in the south, for e-bike users on the entire route, and for those who love the France of rivers more than the France of star monuments.

The Flow Vélo

The Flow Vélo is the quintessential "slow chic" cycling route. Stretching 400 km, it connects Sarlat to Île d'Aix, crosses the Périgord region, reaches Angoulême, and then follows the Charente River through a landscape of vineyards, charming towns steeped in art and heritage, stone villages, and the estuary. Its name is well-deserved: it's a route that makes you want to slow down. Official guides emphasize its bucolic character and its riverside setting; feedback and suggested itineraries also show that it works very well for families, especially on the flatter and very safe sections in the Charente region. 

Recommended durations: 2 to 3 days between Angoulême and Cognac; 3 days between Sarlat and Thiviers for a very Dordogne reading experience; 2 days between Saintes and Rochefort for a very contemplative micro-adventure; 7 to 10 days for the complete itinerary. 

Train station: Several stations are located along the route: Sarlat, Excideuil, Le Lardin, Terrasson, Thiviers, Angoulême, Châteauneuf-sur-Charente, Jarnac, Cognac, Saintes, Saint-Savinien, Tonnay-Charente, Rochefort, and Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée. The official website emphasizes that the train makes it easy to get on, off, or shorten the journey. 

Who is the game for? For epicureans, e-bikes, families on good sections, couples on their first road trip, and all those who want a very balanced trip between nature, heritage and small local delicacies.

La Vélobuissonniere

La Vélobuissonnière is an excellent answer if you are looking for the happy countryside Rather than the major "must-see" destinations, this roughly 230 km route between Alençon and Saumur showcases rolling hills, secluded rivers, quiet country roads, charming villages, and repurposed railway lines. It's less publicized than the more popular routes, but very appealing to travelers who want to return home with the feeling of having explored a more intimate side of France. Between Le Mans and Saumur, the route alternates between riverside paths, small roads, and greenways; several official weekend getaway ideas demonstrate its excellent suitability. 

Recommended durations: Two days between Alençon and Le Mans; three days between Le Mans and Saumur; a little over a week for the whole route if you like to take your time. The Le Mans–Saumur section, approximately 134 km long, is particularly well-suited for a first attempt. 

Train station: One of its great practical advantages is precisely that it is accessible from the train stations of Alençon, Le Mans and Saumur, highlighted in official weekend ideas. 

Who is the game for? For couples, for e-bikes, for friends who want a more discreet route, and for families if they choose the smoothest sections, especially around La Flèche, Baugé and Saumur.

The Loir Valley by bike

The Loir Valley by bike is for those who love touring when it becomes an art of strollingStretching for approximately 320 km, between Saint-Eman near Chartres and Angers, the Loir unfolds a more intimate landscape than the Loire: ponds, hedged farmland, troglodyte dwellings, small towns, vineyards, art, and understated heritage. This isn't a route for immediate "wow" moments, but rather one where charm gradually takes hold. The accounts available clearly show that people come here for the nature, the gastronomy, and a kind of tranquility that has become increasingly rare. 

Recommended durations: Three days around Château-du-Loir and Montoire is ideal for a perfect micro-adventure; four to five days between Vendôme, Le Lude, and Angers; and six to seven days for a more continuous route to Angers. A three-day round trip starting from Château-du-Loir works particularly well. 

Train station: The starting point can be Illiers-Combray, but Chartres train station, connected by the Véloscénie cycle route, is often more convenient. Château-du-Loir and Angers are also excellent entry and exit points. 

Who is the game for? For couples, lovers of discreet heritage, e-bikes, cyclists who like to take their time over a long lunch, and all those who want a less crowded first tour.

The networks of greenways for cyclists are already convinced.

The Burgundy Cycling Tour

The Tour de Bourgogne by bike fulfills a very reassuring promise: start in a loopThis is psychologically valuable because you don't feel like you're "leaving" your routine; you're planning a route. The itinerary follows the canals of Burgundy, the Centre region, and the Nivernais, as well as the Route des Vignes (Wine Route). The France Vélo Tourisme version is approximately 664 km long, with numerous suggestions for week-long or weekend breaks. If you enjoy greenways, towpaths, and good food more than performance, it's a wonderful introduction to Burgundy. 

Recommended durations: 4 to 5 days on the Burgundy Canal between Migennes/Auxerre and Dijon; 3 days on the Southern Burgundy Loop between Chalon and Mâcon; 10 to 14 days for a truly complete regional loop. 

Train station: The route's circular shape makes it particularly convenient. The main train stations with prominent bicycle parking are Dijon, Laroche-Saint-Cydroine, Auxerre, Decize, and Le Creusot TGV. The more compact Southern Burgundy Loop also benefits from the Chalon-sur-Saône/Mâcon connection. 

Who is the game for? For travelers who love loops, epicureans, e-bikes, groups of friends and anyone who wants simple logistics without giving up the pleasure of touring.

The greenways of Brittany

In Brittany, you don't just choose a route: you often choose a Breton styleThe regional network comprises approximately 2,700 km of marked routes, combining coastline, former railway lines, towpaths, and inland crossings. It's a very popular destination for families because of the numerous and reassuring greenway sections; for more experienced cyclists, the coastal stretches offer a completely different level of intensity. The Breton network's main marketing advantage, therefore, lies in its versatility. 

Recommended durations: 2 to 3 days on a greenway in central Brittany; 3 days on Route 7 around Guiscriff and Gourin; a week on the north coast or on a major route such as La Littorale or the Breton links of EuroVelo 4. Guiscriff station is also explicitly presented as an excellent family starting point on Route 7 Roscoff–Concarneau. 

Train station: Depending on the chosen route, the main entry points are Saint-Malo, Paimpol, Morlaix, Carhaix, or other local interchange stations. On some sections, the former train stations, now converted into cycle stops, tell almost as much about the region as the landscapes themselves. 

Who is the game for? For families if you're aiming for greenways, for groups of friends if you want sea air and varied terrain, and for travellers who like to build their own route.

Cycling in the Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire network is not simply a backdrop for the Loire à Vélo route: it is a real toolbox for planning your own tripThe destination boasts over 4,100 km of marked and safe routes, including coastal paths, the Loire, Mayenne, Loir, and Sarthe rivers, as well as Vélobuissonnière, Vélodyssée, and connected loops. For a long-distance cyclist, this is invaluable, allowing for precise customization of their trip: travel with young children, a 4-day loop, a gourmet week, or a station-to-station journey. 

Recommended durations: Two to three days along the Loire or Mayenne rivers; four to five days for a short loop between the Loire, Mayenne, and Sarthe rivers; a week to combine the Loire, the Vélobuissonnière cycle route, and the Loir Valley. The official guidelines for the Mayenne region clearly demonstrate how well this area lends itself to easy and refreshing breaks. 

Train station: It's one of the best train + bike playgrounds in France. The network highlights the Loire à Vélo train on the Orléans–Tours–Nantes–Le Croisic route, and taking bikes on board is also possible on other regional TER trains according to specific rules. 

Who is the game for? For first-time travelers, families, e-bike users, travelers who like to choose their level of difficulty and those who want to remain very flexible on logistics.

The little unclassifiable gem

The Dolce Via

The Dolce Via, in Ardèche, is a gem because it provides exactly what many people are looking for today: a greenway that provides a real sense of adventureFor nearly 90 km, it follows a former railway line in the Eyrieux valley between La Voulte-sur-Rhône, Le Cheylard, Lamastre, and Saint-Agrève. Tunnels, viaducts, gorges, hilltop villages, railway history: the setting is striking, but the effort remains easily visible as the old railway right-of-way guides the riders down the slopes. The official website also emphasizes its appeal as a weekend cycling trip from Valence, Lyon, or Avignon, and its connection to the ViaRhôna. 

Recommended durations: 2 to 3 days to truly enjoy the route; 4 days combining tourist train + ViaRhôna; more if you like to explore the surrounding area from a base. A "train + bike" weekend between Tournon, Lamastre and the Dolce Via works particularly well. 

Train station: The most obvious rail gateways are Valence Ville, Valence TGV, and Tain-l'Hermitage for general access, followed by the ViaRhôna connection at La Voulte-sur-Rhône. The Mastrou and Velay Express tourist trains further enhance the experience and connect other areas. 

Who is the game for? For families with children already used to cycling a little, for e-bikes, for lovers of railway greenways, and for cyclists who want a very intense micro-adventure without leaving for two weeks.

Our verdict based on your traveler profile

If you're embarking on your first real road trip as a couple, we would primarily recommend you to The Loire by Bike, The Flow Bike or The Bike BuissonnièreThese are three routes where the narrative is clear, train access is simple, and there are many pleasant sections.

If you are travelling with young children, we would recommend choosing sections that are easy to read: Nantes-Brest canal on La Vélodyssée, Marais Poitevin on La Vélo Francette, Somme Bay or Mont-Saint-Michel Bay on La Vélomaritime, certain sections of the Flow Vélo, and more broadly the networks of the Pays de la Loire or Brittany when they rely on continuous greenways.

If you want to travel without a car from a major city, the most effective solutions remain The Véloscénie from Paris, the ViaRhôna from Lyon, the Canal des 2 Mers from Bordeaux or Toulouse, and a large part of the Loire network thanks to the Loire à Vélo train.

If you're looking for an ending that justifies the departure, Velosceny is probably the strongest, along with Mont-Saint-Michel. If you'd prefer a story about a crossing, The London-Paris Green Avenue and the Scandibérique offer an immediate boost to your spirit.

If you're more into e-bikes, gastronomy, and enjoying the scenery, ViaRhôna, the Tour de Bourgogne by bike and La Flow Vélo form a particularly appealing trio.

And if you ask us what the real key to choosing a route is, we would answer this: don't choose a route name first. Choose your travel promise first. Do you want the sea, castles, a legendary arrival, a reassuring loop, a very peaceful greenway, or the feeling of getting away from it all? From there, the right route quickly becomes clear.

Frequently asked questions about bicycle touring