Bikepacking in France: Best Routes, Tips and Advice

Bikepacking in France means riding multi-day cycle routes across the country’s quiet lanes, canal towpaths and traffic-free greenways, carrying your kit on the bike and stopping where you like. France is one of the best countries in the world to do it: thousands of kilometres of signed routes, gentle traffic, campsites and boulangeries almost everywhere, and food and scenery that make the miles worth it.

I’ve ridden these routes myself, loaded, and I help other riders plan and take them on. Below are the routes, the honest advice, and the ways I can make it easier.

Is France good for bikepacking?

Yes. France has one of the best cycle-touring networks anywhere: national véloroutes, traffic-free voies vertes built on old railway lines, and long-distance EuroVelo routes, all signed and mapped. Add low-traffic backroads, a dense network of campsites and bakeries for resupply, and a temperate climate, and it suits everyone from first-timers to seasoned bikepackers.

What are the best bikepacking routes in France?

The best route depends on how far you want to go and how much climbing you fancy. These are the ones I’ve ridden and recorded and can help you plan. Each has its own full guide and video series.

The Vélo Francette — 630km

Ouistreham (Normandy) to La Rochelle (Atlantic), 6 days. From the D-Day coast through the hills of the Suisse Normande, along the rivers to Saumur, and down through the marshes to the sea. Mostly gentle and well signed, with a few honest hills that catch people out. Read the full guide and watch the series →

Do you need to be experienced to go bikepacking in France?

No. France is one of the easiest countries to start in. The signed greenways are flat, traffic-free and simple to follow, resupply is frequent, and you can pick a route to match your fitness. Beginners can start on a gentle river or canal route, while stronger riders can take on the hillier or gravel options.