Looking for long distance cycling routes in France? Look no further! Touring France by bike is surely the ultimate way to see this iconic cycling destination come to life.
Alongside hosting the mighty Tour de France each year, France is also home to many multi day bike rides that all kinds of cyclists can complete! But with so much choice, where do you begin?
The team here at Epic Road Ride have taken on countless French adventures by bike over the years. In our opinion, the rides featured below (starting in the north west of the country and moving anti clockwise) offer some of the best cycling routes through France.
Sound good? Get ready to experience France by bike. Bon voyage!
For our pick of the best long distance cycling routes in the world, read this, or take a look at our best European cycling routes here.
Or read these if you’re looking for tips for long distance cycling and info on how to train for a long distance cycling trip?
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In the interests of complete transparency, we haven’t (yet!) cycled all of the routes/events in this article. If you have ridden any of these, let us know in the comments below! All metrics in this article are also approximate.
Our pick of the best long distance cycling routes in France
Map of France overview
1. La Vélodyssée Atlantic Coast Route (EuroVelo 1 France)
Summary
A coastal adventure along France’s west (Atlantic) coast that’s packed with cultural gems
Start/ finish
Roscoff, Finistère to Hendaye, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
Distance
1,200 kilometres
Surface
Mostly traffic free coastal paths, includes some gravel tracks
Our view
La Vélodyssée cycle route begins in Roscoff, in the picturesque region of Brittany in the northwest of France, renowned for its rugged coastline. It concludes 1,200 kilometres south in Hendaye on the Bay of Biscay in the southwest of France.
Along the way, cyclists experience the scenic beauty of the French Atlantic coast, including charming fishing villages, historical cities, lush pine forests, and long, white, sandy beaches.
Highlights of the EuroVelo 1 in France include the vibrant town of Nantes in the Loire Valley and the serene Marais Poitevin marshlands nature reserve. Other cultural gems include Bordeaux, a city famous for its world class wine and UNESCO architecture and the beautiful historic seaport of La Rochelle.
Despite its length, the Atlantic coast cycle route in France is generally easy-going and largely rural. Much of the cycling takes place on traffic free, flat cycle paths. In fact, almost 80% of the French EuroVelo 1 is car-free! It’s therefore a great option for cycle tourers or families looking for a leisurely multi day adventure exploring the beautiful French countryside.
More information
2. La Vélo Francette
Summary
Cycle from the Channel to the Atlantic along picturesque river valleys
Start/ finish
Ouistreham, Normandy to La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime
Distance
600 kilometres
Surface
A mixture of cycle paths and low traffic roads
Our view
La Vélo Francette is a delightful, long-distance cycle route that crosses western France, stretching from Normandy to the Atlantic coast.
The route begins in the port of Ouistreham in Normandy, an area which is renowned for its D-Day beaches and wartime history. The route roughly traces the path of several river valleys before finishing in La Rochelle, a seaport city on the Atlantic Sea, home to a picturesque harbour and fortified city walls.
The terrain along La Vélo Francette varies from flat riverside paths to rolling hills, with the majority of the route on dedicated cycle paths and quiet country roads. Cyclists enjoy pretty river valleys, peaceful rural countryside, and charming villages.
Highlights of La Vélo Francette include the medieval town of Domfront, the scenic Mayenne River and the vibrant city of Angers with its impressive château. You briefly cycle along the Loire Valley before you begin to make your approach towards the Atlantic coast.
Before reaching the coast, the route also passes through the Marais Poitevin, known as the “Green Venice” of France. This lush green region is home to a network of canals.
More information
Find out more about La Vélo Francette, take a look at the route map here.
3. France en Velo
The village of Estaing, one of the highlights on the France en Velo route
Summary
The ultimate cycling journey from the Channel to the Mediterranean
Start/ finish
St Malo, Brittany to Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Distance
1,000 kilometres
Surface
Largely paved roads
Our view
France en Velo takes you through no less than 19 French departments! The route starts in St Malo in Brittany, on the Atlantic coast, and finishes on the French Riveria in the glamorous city of Nice.
This route is iconic in every sense of the word and explores multiple world-class regions, cities and stunning rivers, including the Loire, Dordogne and the Rhône.
En route to Nice you’ll take on multiple classic climbs, including the chance to tackle the iconic Mont Ventoux itself. The Gorges du Verdon River canyon is also a major highlight of the journey.
More information
- Find out more about how you can take on this route using the official book here.
- Guide to cycling Nice
- Guide to cycling Ventoux
4. La Loire à Vélo (EuroVelo 6 France)
On tour in the Loire Valley, France
Summary
A historically rich journey cycling the idyllic Loire Valley
Start/ finish
Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, Loire-Atlantique to Cuffy, Centre-Val de Loire
Distance
800 kilometres
Surface
Largely low traffic cycle paths
Our view
La Loire à Vélo is a long-distance cycle route in France that forms the western section of the EuroVelo 6. It starts on the Atlantic coast at Saint-Brevin-les-Pins and finishes in the quiet village of Cuffy, near Nevers in central France.
The route follows the iconic Loire River, a large stretch of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with significant historical importance. In fact, there are 22 castles in total found here. This makes La Loire à Vélo a memorable journey for cyclists looking to experience France’s rich historical past.
Some of the best cycling in the Loire Valley can also be savoured on this section of the EuroVelo 6. It is relatively flat and suitable for a range of cyclists, including beginners, families and gravel riders. The cycling closely hugs the riverbanks of the valley’s namesake river and weaves through world famous vineyards and charming towns, including Nantes, Tours, Orléans and Angers.
More information
- Take a look at our article, tips for cycling the Loire, to get started.
- You can find a EuroVelo 6 route map here.
5. Méditerranée à Vélo (Eurovelo 8 France)
The glamorous coastal city of Nice
Summary
Soak up the coast, mountains and canals of the alluring Med by bike
Start/ finish
Le Perthus, Pyrénées-Orientales to Menton, Alpes-Maritimes
Distance
850 kilometres
Surface
A mix of cycle paths and paved roads
Our view
The Méditerranée à Vélo (the Mediterranean Route) is part of the wider EuroVelo 8. This French section connects Spain with Italy and takes cyclists from Le Pethus in the Pyrenees to Menton in the Côte d’Azur, close to the Italian border.
This route enables cyclists to experience the diverse landscapes of southern France, from the Mediterranean coastline and glamorous cities to lush vineyards and beautiful villages. The terrain on the Méditerranée à Vélo route is very varied, with sections along the Mediterranean coast and rolling hills and moderate climbs as you move inland.
Highlights include cycling the picturesque Canal du Midi, the Camargue wetlands and Provence’s Lavendar fields and vineyards. The Méditerranée à Vélo also takes you through the vibrant city of Nice, host of the historic 2024 Tour de France final stages.
More information
- You can find a EuroVelo 8 route map here.
- Learn more about Nice Tour de France 2024 and our guide to the cycling Nice.
- Want to turn this into an even longer cycling adventure? Take a look at the EuroVelo 8 Spain here, and our guide to riding Venice to Corfu.
- Discover more about the long distance EuroVelo 8 cycle route
6. Pyrenees coast to coast
Summary
Ride from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, traversing some of the most famous climbs of the Pyrenees.
Start/ finish
Hendaye on the Atlantic Coast (France) to Cerbère on the Mediterranean Coast (France)
Distance
720 kilometres
Surface
Road
Our view
The Raid Pyrenees is an iconic coast-to-coast route across the Pyrenees. This adventure takes cyclists from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, conquering legendary peaks such as the Tourmalet, Aspin, and Peyresourde along the way.
The official Raid Pyrénéen offers a timed challenge that follows a specific route from Hendaye, situated on the Atlantic coast, to Cerbère on the Mediterranean.
That said, there’s no need to stick strictly to the official Raid Pyrénéen route. As a result, various alternative routes have emerged, tailored around factors like accommodation, duration, or the desire to explore a different selection of mountain passes throughout the Pyrenean traverse. One for the must-do list?
More information
- Article on cycling the Raid Pyrenees/Trans Pyrenees
- Cycling St Jean de Luz on France’s southwest, Atlantic coast
7. Route des Grandes Alpes
Col du Galibier from the summit
Summary
The ultimate long distance cycling challenge through the French Alps
Start/ finish
Geneva, Switzerland to Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Distance
700 kilometres
Surface
Majority on paved mountain roads
Our view
The Route des Grandes Alpes is a legendary long-distance cycle route in France that stretches from Geneva to Nice. Spanning approximately 700 kilometres, this route features a significant elevation gain of about 16,000 metres. This makes it one of the most physically demanding rides in France, if not Europe.
Starting in Geneva, Switzerland, the route quickly enters the French Alps, winding through some of the most famous mountain passes in the world. The journey concludes in Nice, on the stunning French Riviera, offering cyclists a spectacular transition from alpine scenery to Mediterranean coastlines.
The terrain of the Route des Grandes Alpes is predominantly mountainous, with numerous high-altitude climbs and descents. Cyclists will tackle legendary passes such as Col de l’Iseran, Col du Galibier, and Col de la Bonette, each offering breathtaking views and a formidable challenge.
Highlights of this route include the beautiful town of Annecy with its pristine lake, the high-altitude landscapes of the Vanoise National Park, and the dramatic scenery of the Mercantour National Park, as you approach Nice. The route also passes through charming alpine villages like Chamonix and Briançon, providing opportunities to rest and explore.
More information
- Find out more about these alpine routes in our guide to the Route Des Grande Alps.
- You can find a Route Des Grande Alps map here.
- Guide to Col du Galibier
8. La Scandibérique (EuroVelo 3 France)
Summary
A lesser known pilgrimage-based cycling through France
Start/ finish
Jeaumont, Nord to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
Distance
1,700 kilometres
Surface
Largely on paved roads with some traffic free cycle paths
Our view
La Scandibérique, also known as the Pilgrims Route or the EuroVelo 3 in France, takes you all the way from Jeaumont near the Belgium border in the north west of France, to the foothills of the Pyrenees near the Spanish border in the south east. This diagonal 1,700 kilometre journey is the longest cycle route in France!
The EuroVelo 3 in France is part of a wider route linking Norway with Spain, via the Camino de Santiago. The route ends in the historic town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the gateway of the world-famous Camino Francés pilgrimage.
This long distance cycle route takes you through the heart of France on a historically rich and rewarding journey. The highlights are endless and include several of France’s most charming cities: Reims, Paris, Tours and Bordeaux. The Eurovelo 3 also takes in the legendary Loire Valley and scenic Pyrenees.
More information
- Learn more about the Camino de Santiago in this article.
- Overview of the Pyrenees here.
- Discover more about the long distance EuroVelo 3 cycle route
Logistics of planning a long distance cycling route in France
Best time of year to cycle in France
The best time for cycling across France is during late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is generally mild and sunny, with temperatures from 10°C to 20°C providing ideal conditions for cycling.
There is lots of seasonal interest to savour from the saddle during these months, with blossom in full bloom in spring and autumn foliage later in the year.
Summer (July to August) can be hot, especially in southern regions, with temperatures exceeding 30°C, especially in the south. This is also a popular time for cycling and many of the well known routes, such as the La Loire à Vélo may be crowded due to additional holiday tourists visiting the region.
Winter (December to February) is not recommended for cycling due to cold temperatures and potential snow in northern and mountainous areas. However coastal regions are milder but can be wet.
Major events that might affect your ride
Be aware of major events that could impact your cycling trip. Planning ahead is essential to avoid any issues during your trip, especially accommodation availability.
Tour de France
The Tour de France in July can make certain routes in France busy and close roads. Accommodation in key areas is likely to book up quickly, so plan ahead accordingly.
Want to spectate the Tour de France? Take a look at these tips.
Local events
Local festivals, public holidays, and school holidays can also affect accommodation availability and cycle route congestion. Take a look at the key places you will cycle through on your route and book ahead where possible.
Events like the Tour de France can make certain areas extremely busy (photo credit: Ben Davies)
Gear essentials
What you need to pack will vary depending on which cycling holidays in France you choose and the length of time you wish to cycle this over.
Take a look at our guide to what to pack on a cycling holiday to get started.
Bike hire and bike shops
France is generally well set up for cycle tourism and has numerous bike hire shops, particularly in tourist areas and cities on major cycle routes. Also the most popular cycle routes also often have local services, such as bike transfer, available for cyclists.
Many shops also offer servicing and repairs. It’s advisable to research and locate bike shops along your planned route in advance.
Top tip! In rural areas, bike shops might be less frequent, so carrying a basic repair kit is essential.
Tips for planning a long distance cycling route in France
Planning a long-distance cycling route in France can be such a rewarding and enjoyable experience. But to help you make the most of your experience, here are some essential tips to help you prepare for multi day bike tours in France.
National cycle routes in France to look at
EuroVelo France
France boasts several extensive long distance cycling networks, including the popular EuroVelo routes. We’ve highlighted several EuroVelo routes in France above, including EuroVelo 1, 3, 6 and 8.
These EuroVelo routes connect European countries and generally take place on a range of cycle paths, or low traffic roads. Many of these cycle routes are also well signposted.
Regional routes
In addition to Eurovelo, you could consider regional French networks such as the Loire à Vélo and La Vélo Francette. These popular routes offer well-marked paths and detailed maps.
They have been specifically designed to provide scenic and safe cycling routes in France, making them ideal for a range of cycling abilities, including beginners and families.
Accommodation in France
Remember to double-check accommodation bike storage arrangements (and any other services you need) before booking as policies often change.
You can find a huge mix of accommodation to suit your specific needs in France, from budget friendly campsites and guesthouses to bike-friendly hotels and more luxurious options for those with unlimited euro to spend.
Top tip! Look out for accommodation that is Accueil Vélo certified. This national certification means it is bike friendly with a range of services and facilities including secure bike storage, repair kits and possibly even bike wash stations. These facilities vary place to place, so it is always best to check what’s available ahead of booking.
For more ideas on where to stay take a look at our best bike hotels in France article.
Bike maintenance and mechanicals
Maintaining your bike is essential for a comfortable long distance ride. Before your trip, have your bike serviced to ensure it’s in top condition. Carry essential tools such as a multi-tool, spare tubes, a pump, and a tyre repair kit.
It is worth familiarising yourself with basic bike repairs, such as fixing a flat tyre or adjusting brakes. In case of serious mechanical issues, you’ll need to find a bike shop, and France it pretty well provided for in this regard, particularly in larger towns and cities.
Beautiful views of the Mediterranean sea
Shop opening hours
Shop opening hours in France can vary, with many closing for a lunch break between 12:00 and 14:00. Most shops are open from 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday.
In smaller towns, shops may close earlier, especially on Saturdays, and many remain closed on Sundays. Plan your food and supply stops accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.
Do you need to know French?
English is widely spoken in France. However, knowing some basic French phrases can be very helpful, especially in rural areas. Here are some useful phrases for cyclists:
- “Où est la piste cyclable?” – Where is the bike path?
- “Pouvez-vous m’aider avec mon vélo?” – Can you help me with my bike?
- “Où puis-je trouver un magasin de vélo?” – Where can I find a bike shop?
- “Je cherche un endroit pour dormir.” – I’m looking for a place to stay.
- “Y a-t-il un café près d’ici?” – Is there a café nearby?
Highway code and travel information
As ever, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for France are here.
You should also read and follow France’s highway code to understand the cycling rules in France.
Looking for more cycling tours in France?
We hope this article has got you feeling inspired to start planning a long distance cycling route in France!
As you can probably tell we love cycling in France and have tons of articles on this iconic cycling destination. Here are a few we think you might also like…
- Our ultimate guide to cycling holidays in France
- 9 best bike bike hotels in France
- A comparison of the best cycling tours in France
- Cycling France: 7 best cycling regions
- 5 best easy cycling routes in France
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Fran is a cyclist based in the northeast of the UK and has a particular passion for cycle touring. Her love for cycling has seen her take on some of the UK and Europe’s best-known multi-day cycle routes, including the Hebridean Way, Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena. Beyond exploring on two wheels, Fran is a key member of the Epic Road Rides team and is usually found writing travel guides for other cyclists who also want to explore the world by bike.
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