France boasts extraordinary heritage: Châteaux of the Loire, vineyards in Alsace, the summits of the Alps, the blue of the French Riviera and songs of cicadas in Provence... There are so many unique sites and experiences and tours now accessible by bike! Families, friends, "slow tourists" and serious athletes can select their adapted cycling itinerary and rely on the Accueil Vélo label, which provides quality accommodation and services along the way for your next holidays to France.
Here is a list of top cycling routes and tours in France that will inspire you to explore France on two wheels during your trip.
Provence-Alpes-Côte D’Azur
ViaRhôna - From Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean
- ViaRhôna's great ambition: to take cyclists from the shores of Lake Geneva to the beaches of the Mediterranean, all along the Rhône River via Lyon. This 815-km long cycling route yet will lead cyclists from the Alps to the beaches of Camargue, touring and criss-crossing the vineyards of Côtes du Rhône and Provence.
L'EuroVelo 8
- This route showcases a diversity of exceptional landscapes, from the Pyrenees to the French Riviera in France: seasides, canals, back country UNESCO Heritage Sites... Several stretches of trail can already be used today: the one starting off at the Cathedral in Béziers will lead you to Nîmes, Arles and Avignon before reaching the Mediterranean, nearby Cannes.
The French Riviera
Along the Great Blue
- Hop on your bike in Nice and ride down a safe, family-friendly path parallel to the Promenade des Anglais, along the French Riviera. More than 15 km long and accessible to all types of cyclists, this cycling tour follows the Baie des Anges and the beaches, crosses the Var before ending at the hippodrome in Cagnes-sur-Mer.
La Route des Grands Cols: an exceptional athletic itinerary in the heart of the Southern Alps
- Cross borders and dimensions around the Mercantour Massif, and discover the mythical sites of the Alps. This circuit, which combines the ambiances of the Mediterranean and the Italian Piedmont, traverses typical villages and provides breathtaking views of the sea and the entire alpine region. The "Grand Tour Alpi Maritime-Mercantour" is a demanding cycling tour, reserved for experienced cyclo-tourists and cyclists.
Ardennes
The Trans-Ardennes Greenway route
- Explore the Meuse Valley, its cities, villages and must-see sites via some of the prettiest bike rides. These cycling routes will introduce you to the charms of the Meuse Valley without straying from the waterfront, from Givet (along the Belgian border) to Charleville-Mézières.
The Trail of Forests, Lakes and Abbeys
- This bucolic journey on your holidays will take you through the enchanting forests, lakes, prairies and ponds once so cherished by the monks. Cycle into history of this part of France called Champagne Ardenne and take the time during your holidays to admire masterpieces, like the monastery of Chartreuse du Mont Dieu.
Massif des Vosges in Alsace
EuroVélo 5: Cycling along the Vineyards and the Marne au Rhin Canal
- The Alsace Vineyards Véloroute runs 130 km along the Vosges foothills, parallel to the deliciously famous Alsace Wine Route. The Véloroute at Canal de la Marne au Rhin, on the other hand, makes its way through a valley chockfull of fortified châteaux, up to the Arzviller inclined plane boat lift via the old steps of 17 locks.
Tour the Ballon d’Alsace
- Contemplate the Ballon d'Alsace, which stands proud at 1,247 metres, dominating the area where three regions meet. You can then face the climb head on, which is of medium difficulty, or take a large 142-km long loop with 1,500 metres in elevation. Plan this tour for a nine-hour bike ride.
Lozère in Occitania
Ascend Mount Aigoual
- get on your bike and ride up Mount Aigoual and get to know the south of Lozère, on the border of the Lozère and Gard departments. Peaking in at 1,567 metres, this summit offers breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding areas. On clear days you can even see France's highest peaks, Mont Blanc and the Pyrenees, as well as the Mediterranean.
The national network of Moniteurs-Guides MCF (Moniteurs Cyclistes Français, or French Cycling Guides) offers tailor-made journeys, adapted to your level on all types of bikes (road, mountain, electric...). These state-qualified professionals share their knowledge to help make your cycling experience in France a memorable one. Whether you're looking for a sporty, cultural or gastronomy-focused cycling tour and holidays, they're bound to have a circuit for you.
