Cycling in France

France is the classic cycling destination. With the Alps, the Vosges, the Pyrenees and also the Jura, there are so many beautiful climbs to conquer. Combine that with beautiful coastal routes and everyone feels like they are part of the peloton in the Tour de France for a moment.

Climber map: the most important climbs

On this map you can see the most important ascents in the area. Choose a starting point to see only those climbs. Click on a point for the altitude and the climb numbers. For the yellow points we have a route with GPX.

The region

France can be divided into departments, there are a total of 10 of them. If you divide France into larger regions, you have 16 of them left. That’s more manageable. Because the difference between Lot et Garonne or Dordogne will be a big deal for many people.

Cycling in France is similar to cycling in Limburg in the north. There are beautiful hills, wide views, and of course the cobblestones. The coast of Normandy and the busy Ile-de-France region are also part of this area. For many, the highlight of the north is undoubtedly Alsace (and the adjacent ‘Lorraine’). The Vosges region is always a good choice here. The Grand-Ballon or Ballon d’Alsace and the Planche des Belles Filles.

In the middle of France you have of course the Rhone Alpes region, with all the famous climbs from the Tour de France. However, don't forget the Burgundy and the Comte, each of which has beautiful cycling areas.

Further south you find Provence, where you can test your legs not only on Mont Ventoux but also around Nice on the Col de Turini or the Madone. When you go cycling in the Languedoc, you cycle through the middle mountain range or along the beautiful coast, with the salt flats in between where you can get the original ‘fleur de sel’.

The Pyrenees speak for themselves, with in addition to the major climbs mentioned, Superbagnères, Plateau de Beille, Luz-Ardiden and Peyresourde.

Highlights of cycling in France

One of the most popular cycling destinations in France is the Alps. Perhaps one of the most iconic names in cycling is Alpe d’Huez with its 21 turns that lead you up from Bourg d’Oisans. Want to read more about the French Alps? You can do that here: Cycling in the French Alps

The climbs of the Galibier and the Iseran are all monsters that are high on the wish list. A little further south you’ll find another icon, Mont Ventoux aka the giant of Provence. Anyone who climbs it three times from all sides in one day can call themselves a Cinglé. So crazy.

Other highlights can be found literally and figuratively in the Pyrenees. The Tourmalet and the Cirque du Troumousse are beautiful examples of this.

Along the coast the Vendée is a joy, and around the Médoc region the cycling is superb. These are somewhat gently rolling areas, but with very good infrastructure. That makes cycling in France very varied and accessible to everyone.

A classic cycling route is also following the Canal du Midi. This canal has a beautiful cycling path and is 525 kilometers long. Eddy Merckx would like to ride it.

What you need to pay attention to

When planning a cycling holiday in France, it is important to take into account the time of year. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are generally considered the best times to visit, as the weather is milder and the crowds are smaller.

If you plan to cycle in the Alps, Pyrenees or other mountainous areas, it is best to avoid the summer months of July and August. Temperatures are then very high and the roads are often busier due to all the tourists.

Events in France

Regions

Choose your region

CorsicaA mountain in the sea: coastal paths along red rocks and climbing right from the beach.View →French Alps1 area · View →Mont VentouxThe giant of Provence: three climbs to 1,912 meters and the most famous lunar landscape of the Tour.View →Provence & Mont VentouxThe Giant of Provence, lavender fields and quiet roads through the Luberon.View →PyreneesView →VendéeView →VosgesStunning climbing in the French Central MountainsView →

Stories

Driven in France

16 July 2026The steepest climbs in the French Alps, from Galibier to La Tougnète14 July 2026The best base for a cycling holiday in the Vosges10 March 2026Oisans is the base for Alpe d’Huez and more24 February 2026Cycling in the Cévennes – France’s Best-Kept Secret16 February 2026Experiencing spring in higher realms is possible at Monte Marcella14 February 2026Route From Luxembourg To Lyon Wins Bike Route Of The Year 2026, Achterhoek Wins Just Behind The Prize

All stories from France →

How do you get there?

• Flying: Fly to Lyon · Marseille · Nice · Toulouse. Bring your own bike; book a place for your bike box in time.
• By train: Convenient stations: Paris, then continue with the TGV.