5 cycling routes to enjoy the most beautiful places in France (and more)

Written by Alban Manuel de Condinguy

Published on November 14, 2024

5 cycling routes to enjoy the most beautiful places in France (and more)

Welcome to the fascinating world of bicycle travel, a way to extend your train itineraries without limit. From the majestic Loire to the magnificent vineyards of Burgundy, via the picturesque paths of Belle-Île-en-Mer, France abounds in varied and enchanting landscapes to explore by bike, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cyclist.

These routes offer not only total immersion in nature, but also an opportunity to discover the hidden treasures of each region, from charming little villages to vast stretches of countryside. So let these 5 itineraries be your guide!

1. Belle-Île-en-Mer: on the way to the Atlantic

Belle-Île-en-Mer is a great place to explore by bike over several days. You'll find it easy to get around the island and put together your own itineraries using the small roads marked with signs for cyclists. In busy periods such as summer, the main roads are likely to be crowded with vehicles, so don't hesitate to use the smaller roads and lanes to get around in complete peace of mind.

Once you've freshly disembarked by sailboat, you'll easily find a bike to rent in Sauzon or Le Palais (by bus). A word of advice: you'll often be riding on paths, and there's a bit of relief on the island, so using a VTC or VAE may come in handy.

Belle Ile-En-Mer

Things to see on your route :

Sauzon harbour
Pointe des Poulains via Fort Sarah-Bernhardt
The Aiguilles de Port Coton, passing by the Goulphar lighthouse
Donnant beach
The Vauban Citadel Palace and Museum
Locmaria and its beach

Discover the route on Géovélo

Accessible from Quiberon

2. The Loire à Vélo: for heritage fans

We can't talk about cycling itineraries without mentioning the Loire à Vélo! The Loire à Vélo is a cycle-tourism itinerary that can be broken down into its 900 km length, which follows the course of the river, passing through the châteaux of the Loire.

It's an adventure accessible to all, whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a lover of leisurely rides. The cycle paths are well-maintained and perfectly signposted, offering a safe and enjoyable route for young and old alike. Your itinerary can be adapted to suit your tastes, from a single day to several days.

You can choose to set off from Sancerre, Orleans, Tours or Angers. You decide on the stages and mileage. There's also accommodation within a couple of pedal strokes of the itinerary, bike rental and repair facilities, and great places to take a break.

And for cyclists who want to go even further, the Train Loire à Vélo offers a free reserved area for bikes between Orleans, Tours, Nantes and Le Croisic.

Things to see on your route :

Château de Chambord
Royal Fortress of Chinon
Château du Clos Lucé - Parc Leonardo da Vinci
Cadre Noir de Saumur
Château d'Angers
Château des ducs de Bretagne

Discover the route on GéoVélo

Accessible from Paris, Orléans, Tour, Nantes

3. Château de Fontainebleau: the perfect escape from Paris

Fancy a weekend just an hour from Paris, where you can find yourself in the heart of a green oasis in the blink of an eye, where the vast forests of Fontainebleau are an invitation to adventure? Along the way, you'll discover majestic châteaux and picturesque villages in the Seine-et-Marne region.

From Paris Gare de Lyon, just take the RER to Ponthierry-Pringy station. Afterwards, you can hop on your bike for a two-hour ride to the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau. If you want to stay until the next day, you can spend the day in the pretty medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing before catching the Transilien back to Paris.

Things to see on your route:

Château de Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau forest
Moret sur Loing

Discover the route on GéoVélo

Accessible from Paris

4. From Metz to Luxembourg: discovering Europe

Dive into adventure along the Charles the Bold cycle route (or Voie Bleue), a cycling route that takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Eastern France. You'll be able to ride along kilometers of well-maintained trails, winding along the Moselle and offering breathtaking views of medieval castles and verdant vineyards all the way to Schengen in Luxembourg.

For the more adventurous, it's possible to join the EuroVélo 5 there and go all the way to Belgium.

Things to see on your route:

Metz and its cathedral
Sierck-les-Bains and its Château des Ducs de Lorraine
Schengen and its museum of European history
Take the time to stop along the Moselle River

Discover the route on GéoVélo

Accessible from Nancy, Metz, Thionville

5. Burgundy: for wine lovers

This pleasant three-day getaway could rekindle the passion for wine that lies dormant in all of us. Even if you're not a wine connoisseur or enthusiast, the vastness of Burgundy's vineyards and the charm of its villages are sure to seduce you on your bike ride. It's an ideal region for cycling enthusiasts, with its vine-dotted valleys and charming villages inviting you to explore.

Leaving Chalon-sur-Saône, you can follow the EuroVélo 6 itinerary, which runs along a canal used exclusively by fishermen and pleasure boaters on greenways. Then, from Santenay, you can take the Voie des vignes bike route, which takes you along quiet, signposted roads to Beaune. You'll finish your journey as far as Dijon on small roads winding between villages with prestigious appellations.