The Blue Route voted best cycle route in Europe 2026: a benchmark route for cycle touring

Following the recognition of the Dolce Via in 2025, a new French cycle route is emerging on a European scale. The Blue Route – Moselle-Saône by bike was elected "Cycle route of the year 2026 " at the international trade fair Fiets in Wandelbeurs in the Nederlands.

This distinction confirms France's position as a structuring territory of the European cycle touring, with long-distance routes meeting high standards of quality, safety and continuity.

A cycle route of nearly 700 km between Luxembourg and Lyon

The Blue Route is a major cycle route connecting:

• the Luxembourg border (Apach)
• to the city of Lyon

Either a route of nearly 700 km along:

• of the Moselle
• of the Vosges canal
• of the Saône

Key Features

• long distance route
• mostly flat profile
• strong presence of dedicated right-of-way sections
• continuity along the entire route

This approach is part of a logic of river cycle route, with a linear and readable progression.

European recognition based on specific criteria

The “Cycle Route of the Year” award is given annually to a European route by a jury of cycle tourism experts.

In 2026, La Voie Bleue was competing with:

• La Vélidéale (France)
• Ode Aan Het Landschap (Netherlands)

Evaluation criteria

The jury evaluated:

• the quality of the coating
• the signage
• Security
• the continuity of the journey
• available equipment
• accessibility (especially transport)

The highlights of the Blue Route

1. A largely secure route

• about 80% of the route is on cycle paths
• significant separation of motorized traffic

2. An accessible profile

• generally flat route
• absence of major technical difficulty

3. Suitable equipment

The jury highlighted the presence of dedicated equipment:

• water points
• health
• bike shelters
• secure parking

4. Consistent signage

• identifiable marking
• visual continuity throughout the entire route

A key cycle route for cycle tourism in France

The Blue Route is part of a large-scale development strategy, involving many public stakeholders.

• over 30 partners involved in development
• a project structured for several years
• a gradual improvement in the quality of the facilities

Today, it constitutes a major focus for:

• cycling tourism
• soft mobility
• territorial structuring

A route that is already heavily trafficked

The Blue Route is already widely used:

• about 1 million cyclists per year

This attendance confirms:

• the relevance of the route
• suitability for current uses
• the attractiveness of the “river cycle route” model

An evolution of the cycle route model in Europe

The recognition of La Voie Bleue illustrates a market evolution:

• enhanced continuity
• equipment standardization
• Overall quality improvement

Frequently asked questions about the blue route