The best routes for an (extended) weekend cycling in France

If Belgium is beautiful, France is also a country full of picturesque roads and paths, offering cyclists a multitude of varied routes adapted to all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cyclist, you will find a route that will meet your expectations and allow you to spend an unforgettable weekend.

In this article, we propose you to discover some of the best routes in France for a weekend bike ride, to help you plan your next getaway. All these routes are of course adapted to electrically assisted bikes which will allow you to focus more on the landscapes and less on your effort management!

In the following article, we are going to propose you 6 bike routes to explore during a weekend (or an extended weekend!), here is a small comparative table to give you a first idea:

The Loire à Vélo is undoubtedly one of the most popular cycling routes in France. Stretching over more than 900 km, this route follows the course of the Loire, the longest river in France, crossing varied landscapes and offering exceptional panoramas. Accessible to all levels, this cycling route is punctuated by numerous cultural and historical stops, making the Loire à Vélo a must for heritage and nature lovers.

The Loire à Vélo is famous for its numerous castles, witnesses of the rich past of the region. Among the must-see castles, don't miss the Chambord castle, the largest and most majestic of the Loire castles, as well as the castles of Amboise, Chenonceau, Villandry or Azay-le-Rideau. These architectural jewels will immerse you in the history of France, while offering you breathtaking landscapes.

In addition to the castles, the Loire à Vélo will allow you to discover many sites of interest such as the gardens of Villandry, the Cadre Noir of Saumur, the ecomuseum of the Loire Valley or the Maison de la Loire. You will also be able to cross charming cities and villages such as Orleans, Tours, Blois, Amboise, Saumur and Angers, which will seduce you by their heritage and their friendly atmosphere.

Feel free to take the time to explore the sites of interest, taste the local specialties and soak up the unique atmosphere along the Loire.

The Canal du Midi is another destination of choice for cyclists seeking soothing scenery and history. AUNESCO World Heritage Site, this engineering masterpiece stretches 240 km between Toulouse and the Mediterranean. It offers a peaceful and flat cycling route, ideal for beginners or those who wish to enjoy a ride without too much effort. Along the way, you'll discover impressive engineering structures, picturesque villages and unspoiled nature, making the Canal du Midi a must-see for cycling and heritage enthusiasts.

La Vélodyssée is an exceptional bicycle route that stretches over 1,200 km along the Atlantic coast, linking Brittany to the Basque Coast. This itinerary offers a unique setting for cyclists, who can discover varied coastal landscapes, fine sandy beaches, steep cliffs and pine forests. Accessible to all levels, the Vélodyssée is signposted from end to end and mostly follows greenways and secure cycle paths, for a peaceful cycling trip.

The Route des Grandes Alpes is a spectacular route that crosses the French Alps from north to south, covering a distance of around 700 km. Linking Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, this historic route offers a major challenge to cyclists in search of adventure and awe-inspiring scenery. Taking in winding mountain roads and mythical passes, you'll discover breathtaking panoramas and unspoilt nature, in the heart of the most beautiful massifs in the Alps.

The Route des Grandes Alpes crosses a number of mythical passes that have forged the legend of cycling races such as the Tour de France. These include the Col de l'Iseran, the highest road pass in the Alps, the Col du Galibier, the Col de la Madeleine and the Col d'Izoard. Each of these passes offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers and Alpine valleys.

In addition to the passes, the Route des Grandes Alpes also passes through national and regional parks, such as the Parc national de la Vanoise, the Parc national du Mercantour and the Parc naturel régional du Queyras. These protected areas offer a wide variety of landscapes, with forests, alpine meadows, lakes and torrents, which will delight lovers of nature and wide open spaces.

In short, the Route des Grandes Alpes is an exceptional adventure for passionate mountain bikers. It offers a major sporting challenge, while taking you through breathtaking scenery and mythical mountain passes. Electric assistance could become your best friend along the way!

From the wild beauty of national parks to snow-capped peaks, charming Alpine villages and iconic passes, the Route des Grandes Alpes promises a unique and memorable experience. Don't forget to immortalize these moments with photos, videos or a travel diary, so you can relive these unforgettable moments and share your memories with your loved ones.

The Trans-Ardennes Greenway is a 120 km cycling route that follows the route of the old railroad along the Meuse Valley in the French Ardennes. Accessible to all levels, this greenway offers an ideal setting for cyclists in search of green landscapes and tranquility. Marked out and secured, it crosses forests, meadows and typical villages, offering you a dive into the soul of the Ardennes countryside.

All along the Trans-Ardennes greenway, you will discover green landscapes composed of forests, meadows and waterways. The panoramas on the Meuse valley and the surrounding hills are particularly striking and invite you to relax.

Don't miss visiting the typical villages along the route, such as Monthermé, Bogny-sur-Meuse or Sedan, with their half-timbered houses and old churches. These stops will allow you to discover the history and traditions of the region, as well as to taste the local specialties.

The Alsace Vineyard Cycle Route is a 170 km long route that winds through the vineyards and picturesque villages of this beautiful region. This cycle route, accessible to all levels, will allow you to discover the richness of the Alsatian heritage, passing by peaceful country roads, cycle tracks and greenways.

While riding the Alsace vineyard cycle route, you will have the opportunity to discover the vineyards that make the reputation of the region, with prestigious appellations such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer or Pinot noir. Don't hesitate to stop in the cellars to taste these wines and meet the winemakers who will be happy to talk to you about their job and their products.

In addition to the vineyards, the Alsace vineyard cycle route passes through many typical villages with half-timbered houses and flower-filled lanes. Among the most famous, don't miss Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg or Eguisheim, which have preserved their charm and authenticity.

Before embarking on a weekend cycling trip, it is essential to choose the right equipment and check your bike. Make sure your bike is suitable for the route you have chosen and that it is in good condition. Check the brakes, tires, gears, chain and cables. Don't forget to take a repair kit with you in case of a flat tire or minor mechanical problems.

For your comfort, remember to choose a suitable saddle and to adjust the height of the handlebars and saddle correctly. Also, equip yourself witha bicycle helmet, gloves and clothes adapted to the weather conditions.

It is important to choose a route that is appropriate for your level and your desires. Consider distance, elevation gain, technical difficulty, and areas of interest to determine which route is best for you. Don't hesitate to adapt your itinerary to your needs and to include options for shortcuts or extensions.

Find out what accommodations are available along your route, such as hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites or B&Bs. Check out the services offered to cyclists (bicycle garage, packed lunches, etc.) and make reservations in advance, especially in high season.

Also find out about watering holes, restaurants, shops and bike repair services along your route. That way, you'll be prepared for the unexpected and be able to make the most of your cycling weekend.

To make navigation easier and not waste time looking for directions, plan your route in advance and equip yourself with a detailed map or dedicated mobile app. There are many free and paid apps for cyclists, with features such as offline mapping, route calculation, GPS tracking, points of interest and nearby services.

By following these tips, you will be well prepared to make the most of your cycling weekend in France. Whether you choose the must-do's, the mountain roads or the country roads, you will discover the richness and diversity of the French landscape through memorable and rewarding experiences. So strap on your helmet, get your bike ready and set out to discover the most beautiful roads in France for an unforgettable weekend of cycling!

Although it may seem obvious, don't forget to plan your daily stages according to the actual range of your electric bike. If you want to cover more kilometers each day, consider stopping at self-service charging stations, such as those operated by Bike Energy, which charge four times faster than the mains.

France, with its richness of landscapes and cultural diversity, offers a multitude of possibilities to organize an unforgettable weekend by bike. Whether you are a castle lover, a history buff, a mountain lover or a seaside enthusiast, you are bound to find a route adapted to your desires and your level. From the Loire à Vélo to the Canal du Midi, through the mountains of the Alps or the vineyards of Alsace, there is so much to explore and experience during a weekend by bike.

A weekend by bike is a unique opportunity to discover France in a different way, by taking the time to savor each moment and to soak up the landscapes that surround us. Far from the frenzy of public transport and traffic jams, cycling allows you to reconnect with nature and live authentic experiences. It is also a way to travel in a more ecological and responsible way, reducing our impact on the environment.