7 BEST CYCLING REGIONS IN FRANCE AND TOP ROUTES TO RIDE

11/22/2021 – Martin Skuhravý

7 BEST CYCLING REGIONS IN FRANCE AND TOP ROUTES TO RIDE

Cycling in France is a feast for the senses. You can never get bored riding through a diverse countryside where every cyclist finds his ideal route. Even though there are countless challenging climbs in the Pyrenees and in the Alps, we focused our selection on leisure rides around the coast and through rolling laidback countryside all around the country.

Loire Valley

Cycling along the river Loire is like hiking the Pacific Crest Trail or climbing Everest. It’s an absolute classic! The picturesque Loire’s castle-lined routes have long been the playground of kings and queens. Not much has changed, it’s just that cyclists have replaced the royalty. It’s not a coincidence that a part of the Loire valley is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Alt

Travel through centuries on the Loire Valley ride

Provence

What is the first thing you imagine when you read ‘Provence’? Right, it’s lavender fields! The region is not only famous for its purple blooms and Tour de France but also for some great riding on sunny backroad routes through quaint villages, vineyards, olive groves and cherry orchards.

Alt

Explore the lavender fields

Paris

Paris experienced a huge boom in cycling over the last 3 years. Even some major city boulevards, like the left bank of the river Seine right in the city centre, became a ‘cycling-only’ area. Explore ‘the city of love’, packed with famous landmarks, on an easy 11 kms ride we picked for you; and enjoy riding on the famous Champs Elysées boulevard and right around the Eiffel Tower!

Alt

Enjoy cycling on the Champs Elysées

Burgundy

Old World wine regions offer some of the best recreational cycling on the planet; vines tend to thrive in scenic and hilly but not mountainous countryside in Burgundy. Wine towns tend to be small and cosy and the traffic is never too dense. We picked a route that we think best shows what the actual cycling in Burgundy looks like: No pompous ‘châteaux’, or cruise ships navigating the many local canals. Just tiny roads, rolling hills and a mixture of cultivated fields and wine are going to be your companions on a pleasant ride in the low evening light.

Alt

Cycle through the cosy wine towns of Burgundy

Alsace

Not many regions in France have such an interesting history and culture like Alsace in the north-eastern tip of the country, bordering Germany and Switzerland. As the centuries passed, the area alternated between German and French control; so even though you will be riding only within France, the most common language is German. Of course, it’s not only the culture but also the winding roads, historical towns and ever-present vineyards that make Alsace one of the top picks for cycling in France.

Alt

Cycle through Alsace

Cote d'Azur

The French Riviera is more often referred to as the ‘Azure Coast’ and belongs to a region where riders, of every fitness level, find their ideal ride. In case you’re looking for challenging mountain terrain, head north where you will immediately start gaining height on the winding roads of the Alpes Maritimes, the southernmost tip of the Alps. If you prefer ocean views and flat profiles, you should stay on the coast; any ride around Nice, Antibes or Cannes will please your soul!

Alt

Explore the coast around the city of Nice

Mont Ventoux

There is likely no climb in the world more famous than Mont Ventoux. It’s the Tour de France that helped this mountain climb reach its glory. This year marked the climb’s 70th birthday on ‘The Old Lady’ race. Stage 11 witnessed a double ascent, of the Mont Ventoux, for the first time in the history of the Tour.

Alt

Challenge yourself on the most famous climb

Post correlati

10 most trending routes on ROUVY right now

We bring you an updated and extended list of the most trending cycling routes by ROUVY riders. Which one will be your favourite?

Leggi l'articolo

5 best road biking routes in Italy and why you need to ride them

Carefully selected 5 most picturesque routes across Italy known for their natural beauty and historical significance.

Leggi l'articolo

Explore the richly exotic natural wonders of Vietnam

Do you want to feel the spirit of exotica from your home? Enjoy indoor ride from your home through ROUVY routes in Vietnam.

Leggi l'articolo