Cycle Routes in France
Cycle routes in France, a large cycling network
Cycle routes are the major national marked and developed routes designed to discover the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the country. Cycle routes were therefore created with the aim of developing tourism in mind. These multi-day routes connect several departments and allow you to embark on a cycling adventure! Are you wondering what the most beautiful cycle route in France is? There are several answers to this question because France has regions with unique and incredible landscapes. The Vélodyssée is the longest cycle route in France, and the Loire à Vélo is the oldest and one of the most successful to date.
Cycling on a cycle route in France
Setting off on a cycle route in France means crossing some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. Each French region has a strong identity : the châteaux and vineyards of the Loire Valley, the wild beaches of the Atlantic coast, the medieval villages of the Périgord, the abbeys of Normandy, the valleys of the Charente River, the vineyards of Burgundy, or the deep forests of the Vosges Mountains in Alsace.
The diversity is such that you can enjoy a crêpe by a Breton canal on the Brittany cycle route, then a few weeks later cycle among vineyards and storks on a cycle route in Alsace or Burgundy. This network of routes also allows you to discover local gastronomy, small, characterful villages, farmers’ markets, UNESCO sites, and the most beautiful cycling detours in France.
In addition, the French cycle network has 25,900 km of cycle routes. This development is the result of proactive national and local policy: local authorities are multiplying initiatives to make journeys safer and more enjoyable. We are seeing the emergence of well-designed rest areas, clear signage, repair stations, and “Accueil Vélo” (Cycling Welcome) accommodations near routes.
This dynamic contributes to making the cycle route in France a real lever for sustainable tourism development. It also meets the growing expectations of travelers seeking gentle travel, accessible adventure, and environmentally friendly vacations.
The different cycle routes in France
The country now has 14 major national routes, all perfectly identified, signposted, and equipped for touring, perfect for outings with friends or family. Here are the cycle routes we offer at Cartovélo:
- La Loire à Vélo: a route from Cuffy to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, offering a breathtaking ride between castles and vineyards.
- La Vélodyssée: the longest, stretching 1,200 km from Roscoff to Hendaye, along the Atlantic Ocean.
- La Scandibérique: the French portion of EuroVelo 3, from the Belgian border to Spain.
- La Vélo Francette: from the English Channel to the Atlantic, via Normandy and the Marais Poitevin, you’ll discover highly varied landscapes and towns with rich heritage.
- La Vélomaritime: an iconic waterfront route, from Roscoff to Dunkirk, on the English Channel coast. The Véloscénie: from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel, between city and countryside.
- The Flow Vélo: following the rhythm of the Charentais River, between Dordogne and Charente, a route through Cognac and Angoulême.
- The Rhine Cycle Route: between Alsace and the German border, along the Rhine.
- The Via Allier: along the Allier River, between the Massif Central and the plains.
- The Canal des 2 Mers by bike: from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, via the Canal du Midi.
- The Tour de Bourgogne by bike: a loop through vineyards and canals.
- The ViaRhôna: from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean along the Rhône.
- The Vélobuissonnière : a green escape between Alençon and Saumur.
- The Régalante : a brand new route, connecting the treasures of inland Brittany, sure to delight you.
Each French cycle route offers a different atmosphere, varied levels, and quality infrastructure.
Maps and guides to prepare your cycle route
Nothing beats a good map or a detailed guide for a cycling trip. We offer a wide range of options to create personalized itineraries according to your preferences. Our website includes IGN maps of France’s greenways and cycle routes, greenway atlases such as those published by Chamina, or the Routard Vélo France, which is ideal for your first cycling trip.
To travel even further by bike, you can also discover our guides and maps of cycle routes in Europe, such as the Eurovelo.