THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF CYCLE TOURISM IN FRANCE: THE CALL OF FORGOTTEN PATHS
While major classics like the Loire à Vélo or the Vélodyssée attract thousands of cycle tourists each year, France also harbors true gems that are more confidential, far from the beaten paths. These less-traveled routes reveal another side of cycling travel: one of absolute tranquility, villages frozen in time, and preserved landscapes that only the slow pace of pedaling allows you to fully appreciate.
From the Canal des Deux Mers, which connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean in a bucolic setting, to the verdant meanders of the Dordogne Valley, passing through the charming Greenways of Burgundy, each route tells a story, often unknown but always captivating. The South-West is not lacking in terms of hikes: the routes connecting Bordeaux to Arcachon or the Canal de Garonne offer an immersive journey through vineyards, medieval bastides, and pine forests.
While the major classics attract the spotlight, France is full of more discreet routes that are nevertheless worth the detour. Far from the crowds, these paths offer total immersion in preserved landscapes, picturesque villages, and a gentle way of life that only cycling allows you to fully savor.
In this article, we take you to discover these gems, these byways where every turn is an invitation to escape. Get ready to unveil a secret France, where authenticity is not told, it is lived.
Canal des Deux Mers: From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean
Length: 750 km
Level: Easy
Highlights: Riding along the canal, discovering small historic towns.
Connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean, the Canal des Deux Mers is one of the oldest routes in France. It combines the Canal de Garonne and the Canal du Midi, thus offering a secure and perfectly arranged waterway over 750 km. Between Bordeaux and Sète, cyclists traverse changing landscapes: Bordeaux vineyards, medieval bastides of Occitanie, and sunflower fields of the South.
This route, sheltered from traffic, is a true haven of peace for families and lovers of tranquil cycle tourism. Evazio offers organized stays along the Canal des Deux Mers, including accommodation, luggage transport, and carefully selected stages.
See Evazio’s stays on the Canal des Deux Mers by bike
DREAM BIKE HOLIDAYS IN NOT-SO-ACCESSIBLE CORNERS
The Dordogne Valley: Between caves and castles
Length: 150 km
Level: Moderate
Highlights: Caves, castles, verdant landscapes.
Less known than the Loire or the Rhône, the Dordogne Valley stands out for its exceptional landscapes. The winding roads run along limestone cliffs, dense forests, and villages ranked among the most beautiful in France: Beynac, La Roque-Gageac, Domme… Cyclists traverse spectacular panoramas, punctuated by medieval castles and prehistoric caves.
The route, although hilly in places, is a total immersion in history and nature. Perfect for lovers of authentic landscapes and cultural discoveries.
See Evazio’s stays in the Dordogne Valley – Dordogne bike trip
Discover the most beautiful villages of the Dordogne (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France)
The Greenways of Burgundy: Between vineyards and architectural heritage
Length: 200 km
Level: Easy
Highlights: Vineyards, quiet small roads, architectural heritage.
Burgundy is not only a paradise for lovers of great wines; it is also an exceptional playground for cyclists seeking serenity. The Greenways stretch through the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune and the Côte Chalonnaise, crossing small characterful villages.
The route is marked, slightly hilly or flat, and accessible to all, offering a timeless interlude where each stop can turn into a wine tasting or a cellar visit.
See Evazio’s stays in Burgundy by bike
Bordeaux – Arcachon: Between vineyards and Atlantic coast
Length: 80 km
Level: Easy
Highlights: Discovery of Bordeaux vineyards, passage by the Dune du Pilat, arrival on Arcachon beaches.
This route is a concentrate of emblematic landscapes of the Bordeaux region. Starting from Bordeaux, you cross the prestigious vineyards of Pessac-Léognan before reaching the pine forests of the Landes. The journey ends at the Arcachon basin, with the majestic Dune du Pilat as a highlight.
Light and accessible, this route is ideal for a weekend getaway, combining nature and culinary discoveries.
See Evazio’s stays around Bordeaux and the Atlantic coast. Discover the best Bordeaux bike trips
The Garonne Canal: From Bordeaux to Toulouse
Distance: 193 km
Level: Easy
Highlights: A peaceful riverside route, discovery of bastides, medieval villages, and local markets.
Less well-known than the Canal du Midi, the Garonne Canal connects Bordeaux to Toulouse over nearly 193 km. This fully secured itinerary, away from busy roads, meanders along the water, passing through bucolic landscapes and historic villages. Perfect for a family trip, it offers the chance to explore local markets, visit medieval bastides, and enjoy a gourmet break in charming countryside restaurants.
See the bike tours along the Garonne Canal
These hidden gems, far from the hustle and bustle of popular routes, offer a more intimate and authentic exploration of France. They reveal landscapes that can only be discovered by pedaling, where every bend holds a new surprise.
HIDDEN GEMS: AN AUTHENTIC EXPLORATION
Cycling through France’s hidden gems means choosing the intimacy of quiet trails, the comfort of shaded backroads, and the charm of forgotten villages. Between the Canal des Deux Mers, the preserved valleys of the Dordogne, the vineyard trails of Burgundy, and the enchanting scenery of the Bordeaux region, each itinerary unveils a discreet heritage, far from tourist crowds.
But cycling and hiking in France go far beyond that. Summer 2025 will see the emergence of new routes specially designed for two-wheeled travelers. From Brittany to the Spanish border, passing through the Jura and the Marais Poitevin, these freshly inaugurated circuits push the boundaries of cycling adventure even further.
Ready to discover what’s new for 2025?
In the next part, we’ll take you on a ride through the latest routes and trending itineraries that will redefine cycling exploration in France. Unprecedented paths designed for the joy of riding, a sense of escape, and total immersion.
📌 Check out the next article to discover the must-see cycling routes for summer 2025.
