CYCLING IN FRANCE: A NATURAL PATH TO AUTHENTICITY
Cycle tourism is no longer an emerging trend. It has become the obvious choice for those who, over the past few years, have embraced slow travel on two wheels, carving their own paths off the beaten track, far from the crowds, and as close as possible to the landscape. At once a travel style, an ecological commitment, and a quest for authenticity, cycling opens up horizons we thought were lost – or simply unreachable by car.
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a vintage year for two-wheeled exploration. France’s major cycling routes are being fine-tuned, enriched with new stages and services designed for cyclist comfort. The Loire à Vélo is seeing new secure sections added, the Canal des Deux Mers is being enhanced with themed circuits, and Bordeaux is emerging as a true hub for long-distance enthusiasts, connecting vineyards to Atlantic beaches in just a few pedal strokes.
In this selection, we’ve focused on excellence: routes where every kilometer tells a story, where authenticity is non-negotiable. We’ve explored the most beautiful cycling routes in France for you, carefully selecting the must-see stages, as well as hidden gems that only a watchful wheel can uncover. Here you’ll find everything you need to plan your next getaway, whether it lasts a few days or several weeks – whether it’s a family cycling adventure with children, or a trip as a couple or with a friend, guided by the wind and your whims.
This summer, ride differently.
THE CLASSIC CYCLE ROUTES IN FRANCE: FOR LONG-DISTANCE ENTHUSIASTS
Some cycling routes in France need no introduction, having become go-to references for long-distance lovers. Crossing the country’s most iconic landscapes, these routes offer an exceptional backdrop for seasoned cycle tourists and newcomers alike to the world of bike travel. Here are three timeless classics to (re)discover for summer 2025.
La Loire à Vélo: Between history and nature
Distance: 900 km Level: Easy to moderate Highlights: Loire castles, vineyards, picturesque villages.
Riding the Loire à Vélo means immersing yourself in a unique heritage, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Cuffy in the Cher to Saint-Brévin-les-Pins on the Atlantic coast, the 900 km cycle path follows the royal river, crossing Sancerre’s vineyards, the historic cities of Orléans and Tours, and the majestic castles lining the route: Chambord, Amboise, Chenonceau…
The route is well-developed, secure, and dotted with cyclist-friendly stops: hotels, campsites, and luggage services for light travel. Evazio offers several organized trips along this iconic route, combining cultural discovery with the comfort of optimal logistical support.
See Evazio’s tours along the Loire à Vélo
La Vélodyssée: From Brittany to the Basque Country
Distance: 1200 km Level: Moderate Highlights: Atlantic coast, Basque villages, wild landscapes.
Stretching over 1200 km, La Vélodyssée connects Roscoff in Brittany to Hendaye at the Spanish border. Running along the Atlantic Ocean, the route offers a dazzling mix: wild cliffs in Brittany, endless Landes dunes, small fishing ports, and Basque villages with distinctive architecture.
The route is generally accessible, although some sections require more effort, especially around the dunes of the Côte Sauvage. This is the perfect choice for those who want to breathe in the sea air and discover the hidden gems of the Atlantic coast.
See Evazio’s tours along the Vélodyssée
ViaRhôna: From Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean
Distance: 815 km Level: Accessible to all Highlights: Rhône Valley, vineyards, Mediterranean landscapes.
The ViaRhôna is one of the most emblematic routes connecting the Alps to the sea. Starting on the shores of Lake Geneva, the route gently descends along the Rhône to Sète, passing through Lyon, Avignon, and the region’s vineyards.
Unlike other more demanding routes, ViaRhôna is particularly gentle, with little elevation over most of the journey. It’s ideal for families and cyclists who want to enjoy the scenery without the strain.
See Evazio’s tours along the ViaRhôna
These three classics form the backbone of cycling tourism in France, offering a unique spectacle at every turn, blending nature and heritage. Whether you prefer riding past Loire castles, breathing in Atlantic sea spray, or gently descending to the Mediterranean, these routes are true invitations to rediscover France from a new perspective.
Ride differently, explore fully
Cycling in France is a sure way to rediscover the land from a different angle – far from crowded highways and closer to what really matters. The great classics such as Loire à Vélo, La Vélodyssée and ViaRhôna aren’t just lines on a map; they’re journeys in themselves, moments of freedom where every pedal stroke brings you closer to authenticity.
With routes that are increasingly safe and infrastructure designed for cyclist comfort, summer 2025 is the perfect time to set off on an adventure. And for those who want to enjoy the experience in complete serenity, Evazio offers tailor-made support, from accommodation to logistics, so that the journey is all about pleasure and discovery.
This summer, hop on your bike, let the road lead the way, and rediscover the pure joy of exploration. With Evazio, every route becomes a story to live, a path to follow, a beautiful escape through France’s most iconic landscapes.
In our next article: France’s hidden cycle tourism treasures
While the great classics are unmissable, some lesser-known routes offer equally unforgettable experiences. In our next article, we’ll uncover these hidden treasures: the Canal des Deux Mers, the enchanting scenery of the Dordogne Valley, the charming Greenways of Burgundy, and more confidential circuits around Bordeaux and the Canal de Garonne.
Off-the-beaten-path getaways, where every bend reveals a forgotten paradise, a historic village, or a vineyard stretching as far as the eye can see. Get ready…
