Where’s the Best Place to Cycle in France ?

The Ultimate Guide to Cycling in France

Where’s the best place to cycle in France? The Pyrenees will test your legs, Provence feeds your soul, Normandy and Brittany take you through living history, the Loire Valley rolls past castles and vineyards, and the Alps? They’ll break you — in the best possible way.

So, which ride will you choose?

1. The Loire Valley — Gentle Touring & Castle Views

“Not every great ride leaves you breathless — sometimes the magic is in slowing down.”

The Loire Valley is France’s heartland for slow travel. Picture riverside cycling routes lined with châteaux, vineyards, and quiet country roads. It’s perfect for road riders, touring cyclists, and families.

Highlights:

  • Smooth, mostly flat cycle paths (ideal for beginners)
  • Iconic routes like La Loire à Vélo and EuroVelo 6
  • Cyclist-friendly villages with cafés, boulangeries, and campsites
  • Annual Anjou Vélo Vintage festival for retro bike lovers

Tip: Explore loirebybike.co.uk for route ideas and accommodation.

Best for: Touring cyclists, families, and culture lovers.
Best time: May–September.

2. Normandy — Historic & Immersive Cycling

“Ride where history still whispers on every road and cobble.”

Cycling in Normandy feels like pedalling through living history. Expect apple orchards, D-Day beaches, and coastal villages that tell stories of courage and freedom.

Top rides:

  • Pegasus Bridge, Sword Beach, and the British Normandy Memorial
  • EuroVelo 4 / La VéloMaritime from The Hague to Barfleur
  • Pont de Normandie and the port of Honfleur
  • 2025 Caen Time Trial — a chance to compare your ride to Tour de France pros

Best for: History lovers, gravel riders, and bikepackers.
Terrain: Rolling, varied, often windy — but deeply rewarding.

3. Brittany — Wild Coasts & Secret Roads

“Wind in your hair, waves crashing nearby, and winding lanes that feel like a secret adventure…”

Brittany offers rugged coasts, Celtic heritage, and endless exploration. Expect short, punchy climbs, seaside views, and stone villages frozen in time.

Ride ideas:

  • Ploumanac’h, Pointe Saint-Mathieu, and Concarneau
  • Gravel routes through pine forests and granite cliffs
  • Quiet inland climbs with ocean views

Best for: Bikepacking and adventure cycling.
Vibe: Wild, elemental, unforgettable.

4. Provence — Lavender Fields & Mont Ventoux

“Sun-soaked climbs, fragrant lavender, and hilltop villages — Provence is cycling paradise.”

From the lavender fields of Sault to the summit of Mont Ventoux, Provence is a sensory feast for cyclists.

Must-rides:

  • Mont Ventoux via Bédoin, Malaucène, or Sault
  • Gorges de la Nesque — a dream descent through limestone canyons
  • Hidden gravel routes through vineyards and olive groves

Every village — from Bédoin to Gordes — offers cafés and bike-friendly stops.

Best for: Road cyclists and gravel adventurers.
Bonus: Combine climbs with market mornings and wine tastings.

5. The Pyrenees — Raw Mountain Adventure

“Where roads twist like ribbons through mountains that feel alive — welcome to the Pyrenees.”

If you crave challenge and solitude, the Pyrenees are calling. Expect legendary climbs, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking panoramas.

Classic climbs:

  • Col d’Aspin, Hautacam, and Tourmalet
  • Long, quiet ascents through forests and mountain pastures
  • Hidden medieval villages and dramatic valleys

Best for: Experienced cyclists, endurance riders, and mountain lovers.
Tip: Stay in Argelès-Gazost or Luz-Saint-Sauveur for easy access to multiple cols.

6. The French Alps — Legendary Tour de France Climbs

“Switchbacks that never end, peaks that scrape the sky, and roads that make legends.”

The French Alps are cycling’s ultimate test. Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galibier, Madeleine, and countless hidden passes make this region world-famous.

Essential rides:

  • The 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez
  • Col du Galibier, Pas de la Confession, Col d’Ornon
  • Gravel routes to Col du Solude and Col du Cluy

Best for: Road climbers, Tour de France fans, and high-altitude dreamers.
Feeling inspired? Pair this with your own Alpine challenge or join a cycling holiday in the Oisans region.

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