Cycling guides and maps in Hauts-de-France
Hauts-de-France by bike
A border and maritime region, between agricultural plains, hedged farmland, historic towns, and unspoiled coastline, Hauts-de-France is a cycling destination that deserves your full attention. Just a few hours from Paris, London, or Belgium, the region offers a variety of routes for all levels: from Lille to the Vélomaritime coastline, passing through the Bay of Somme, greenways, and loops through the Picardy countryside.
Thanks to a selection of suitable maps and guides, your exploration becomes simple, enriching and perfectly secure.
The cycling assets of Hauts-de-France
From the fine sandy beaches to the cobbled streets of Flemish towns, from the marshes of the Authie to the wooded countryside of Thiérache, cycling through Hauts-de-France promises a journey rich in contrasts.
Nature lovers will be captivated by the Bay of Somme, ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world. The route is perfectly designed for visiting the Bay of Somme in three days: between Le Crotoy, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, and the Marquenterre Bird Park, the landscapes are breathtaking. A map of the Bay of Somme is essential for exploring the trails without getting lost.
In terms of heritage, you’ll pass through historic cities such as Amiens, famous for its cathedral, and Arras and its Baroque squares. Remembrance is also very present on the roads of the Somme and Pas-de-Calais, with numerous sites dedicated to the Great War.
Finally, the regional gastronomy – maroilles, waffles, ficelle picarde, craft beers – makes each well-deserved break even more enjoyable.
The major cycling routes in Hauts-de-France
The region is crossed by several European and national cycle routes, accessible to all, whether independently or with the family.
- The Somme Cycle Route: From Péronne to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, the Somme cycle route runs along the river of the same name, following the old towpaths. The route is ideal for families or nature lovers, with stops punctuated by locks, war museums, and peaceful villages.
- The Paris-London Green Avenue: This major Franco-British route passes through Beauvais and Forges-les-Eaux, crosses part of the southern part of the region, and offers a beautiful transition to the Île-de-France region. Perfect for a first gentle cycling adventure.
- The Scandibérique – EuroVelo 3: From Belgium, the Scandibérique goes up through Maubeuge, along the Sambre, to Saint-Quentin. A great option for connecting Hauts-de-France to the rest of the European network.
The essentials for exploring Hauts-de-France by bike
To properly prepare your itinerary, here are some essential products :
- IGN Map – Lille Calais: perfect for identifying greenways, small roads, and hills.
- The Somme by Wheel: essential for those wishing to explore the Bay of Somme in 3 days, combining nature and heritage.
- Aisne by Bike: 14 day tours to discover the Aisne region by bike.
A dense cycle network in full development
For several years, the Hauts-de-France region has been investing in a coherent and expanding cycling network. Today, there are over 1,500 km of developed cycle paths, including many greenways along canals, towpaths, and in rural areas.
Around Lille, the city is developing extensive urban cycling routes. Cycling in Lille is becoming a habit for both residents and visitors, who can rent a two-wheeler and venture into the Flemish countryside, or even as far as the Belgian border.
Cross-border connections are numerous, whether with Wallonia, Flanders, or Kent by ferry from Calais. It is a strategic gateway to European cycle routes.