The Best Places for Cycling in France

If you’re looking for your next cycling adventure, then look no further than France. This beautiful destination is home to breathtaking landscapes, varied terrain and a ton of incredible places to explore, making it a fantastic place for an unparalleled cycling trip in Europe. 

With its abundance of biking trails, challenging climbs and winding country roads, France has long been a favoured destination among cyclists. The variation of routes here also makes it an excellent choice for an array of biking abilities. So, whether you’re ready to tackle the hilly climbs or would prefer to explore the French countryside at a leisurely pace, there is something for all in France. 

Those planning their next cycling break in France are likely in need of more information. Luckily enough, we’re here to take you through some of the favoured cycling destinations in this beautiful country. Get ready to explore some of the top places for an unforgettable biking excursion along the pretty streets of France. 

When looking for some of the best cycling routes in France, you’ll find yourself needing more time just to experience them all. The country is littered with incredible trails, all of which have something unique to offer. To help make your planning process a little easier, below you will find an array of destinations worth exploring for your next cycling adventure. 

Cycling in Nice

Those looking for sublime coastlines, exceptional culture, mouthwatering cuisine and more will love the south of France. Nice, in particular, is a popular choice for many cyclists with its plethora of outstanding biking trails and jaw-dropping sceneries. 

Whether you’re planning a laid-back biking holiday or would prefer to tackle some of the best climbs in Europe, Nice has it all. This beautiful place caters to an array of cycling abilities, making it perfect for beginners and advanced riders alike. 

Some of the favoured routes for cycling in Nice include the Col d’Eze, Col de la Madone and the Col de Braus. These trails are great for experienced riders looking to push the limits when visiting Nice, however, there are plenty of other options for those planning a more relaxed adventure. Plus, if you’d like to explore some of the sights whilst out on your bike, there are also family-friendly cycling tours in Nice, a great way to learn more about this beautiful part of France.  

Cycling in Provence

If you’re looking for some of the most scenic French cycle routes, Provence is the place for you. As you ride around this beautiful destination, you will encounter stunning lavender fields, endless vineyards and charming villages in abundance. 

Provence also offers the perfect balance of rolling hills and flat stretches, catering to an array of cycling abilities. Whether you’re visiting here on a solo trip, with friends or family, you’ll discover a ton of amazing places to explore by bike. 

Cyclists looking for some of the best biking routes in France should also check out Mount Ventoux when visiting Provence. The mountain is an excellent place to challenge yourself while staying here and also provides magnificent views along the way. 

For plenty of natural wonders, a ton of amazing routes and old-fashioned France at its best, Provence makes for an outstanding cycling experience for all types of explorers. 

Cycling in The French Alps

With its iconic mountain climbs and unmatched scenery, the French Alps is unsurprisingly another excellent choice for those looking to spend their time cycling through France. 

This beautiful spot is home to some of the most challenging climbs in Europe, perfect for experienced cyclists looking for their next unique adventure. Routes such as Alpe d’Huez and the Col du Galibier are sure to draw you in, providing cycling enthusiasts with an incredible, yet tough biking experience. 

Pair these exceptional trails with the outstanding alpine scenery and endless natural beauty, and you’ll find something for all in the French Alps. Casual riders will also love the selection of riverside routes available, providing an excellent way to marvel over the pretty waterways and neverending greenery. 

Whether you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the impressive peaks throughout the French Alps or would prefer to get out and experience some of the famed Tour de France routes, you’re sure to enjoy all that this beautiful destination has to offer. 

Cycling in The French Pyrenees

The French Pyrenees is another iconic destination among cyclists and is home to some of the famed climbs from the Tour de France. This beautiful place combines challenging routes with scenic valleys perfectly, providing a ton of fantastic options for an array of cyclists. 

Those looking for adventure when cycling in France will love the French Pyrenees as there are so many incredible places to explore here. Some of the most popular climbs include the Col d’Osquich, the Col d’Aubisque, the Col du Tourmalet and the Col de Peyresourde. Each of these trails is sure to test your cycling ability and provide you with some of the best biking adventures that France has to offer.

Cycling in Brittany

Brittany is an excellent choice for a biking holiday as it caters to all types of cycling adventures. Situated in the northern part of France, this beautiful place blends coastal trails, rugged landscapes and historic towns seamlessly, making it great for an array of itineraries. Not only can you spend your time marvelling over the breathtaking landscapes in Brittany, but you’ll also uncover an array of incredible places to challenge your biking abilities.

With so many amazing trails to choose from, you’ll find yourself stuck for choice when visiting Brittany. There are options here for an array of biking enthusiasts, making it a great option for families. We recommend checking out the ride from Saint-Malo to Mont Saint Michel when visiting Brittany. This provides an excellent way to encounter the peaceful country lanes, gently rolling hills and the beauty surrounding this lovely part of France. 

Alongside the amazing biking opportunities, visitors will also find plenty of excellent things to do in Brittany, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a leisurely escape. 

Cycling in Normandy

If you’d like to spend your time exploring beautiful beaches, landscapes brimming with wildlife, sleepy seaside villages and beautiful coastlines, Normandy is the place for you. 

This gorgeous part of France offers visitors the opportunity to ride through picturesque countryside while uncovering the ancient history that lies in the region of Normandy. With plenty of historical and cultural landscapes to uncover, you’re sure to find a ton of exciting biking opportunities when staying here. 

Visitors can also enjoy a range of accessible routes for all types of cyclists in Normandy, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced cyclists alike. 

So, whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just want to check out the cycling trails, a trip to Normandy provides visitors with an array of amazing things to do and see. 

Cycling in The Loire Valley

Some of the best cycling holidays in France are undoubtedly in the outstanding Loire Valley, providing visitors with an array of trails to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for flat, leisurely routes, or something a little more challenging, there are options for all types of cycling levels. 

The trails around the Loire Valley are great for combining the many culinary delights with exploration and adventure. Spend your time peddling around the highlights of the region, all while stopping off for a bite to eat in many of the mouthwatering cafes and restaurants. 

You’ll also uncover a ton of excellent opportunities to spot some of the magnificent wildlife when cycling around the Loire Valley. With neverending natural beauty, it provides an ideal spot for animals to roam freely. 

Plus, visitors will find more than enough incredible things to enjoy around the Loire Valley both on and off the bike. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a cycling break that perfectly blends exploration and relaxation. 

Cycling in The Dordogne Valley

No cycling adventure in France is complete without a visit to the stunning Dordogne Valley. With its peaceful roads, rolling hills, and prehistoric sites, the area offers countless hidden gems to discover by bike. Nestled perfectly between the Loire Valley and the French Pyrenees, the Dordogne makes an ideal stop for travellers looking to combine multiple destinations into one unforgettable trip.

This region is also a top choice for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike, as it boasts an abundance of historical landmarks and breathtaking natural wonders.

Cycling through the Dordogne reveals a diverse array of scenic sights. Expect to pedal past dramatic limestone cliffs, dense forests, lush riverbanks, charming country lanes, ancient stone buildings, and picturesque vineyards. Offering many of France’s most captivating sights, a biking excursion here is perfect for those wanting to explore the region’s beauty at a relaxed, laid-back pace.

Cycling in Burgundy

A trip to Burgundy’s wine country provides the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in the country’s viticulture, all while enjoying a cycling adventure. The region is also home to several stunning vineyards, allowing for an excellent escape for those planning a romantic retreat. 

If you’re looking to uncover some of the historic towns and villages in France, Burgundy is the perfect place to do just that. The region is also a paradise for food and drink lovers, as there are a ton of wineries and mouthwatering restaurants to stop off at when cycling here. This makes it an ideal destination for those looking to combine the impressive gastronomy scene with a cycling adventure in France. 

So, get ready to peddle through scenic landscapes and stop off for a glass of wine or a bite to eat when visiting this outstanding region.

Summary

With its diverse terrain, including mighty mountains, vast valleys, pretty coastline and picturesque countryside, it comes as no surprise that so many choose France for a cycling holiday. It is known for being one of the best places to cycle in Europe and a trip here will help you see that for yourself. We hope that after reading this article, you now have more insight into cycling around France, providing you with all of the information you need for your next adventure here. 

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