France is large and for many an ideal destination for a cycling holiday. Whether it’s a cycling holiday or a gravel bike adventure: France always attracts and lures. Where Alps, Vogezen en Pyrenees Being a favorite, the country really has more to offer than that. The Tour de France often shows you more beautiful places than just the aforementioned areas. We give you 5 French cycling regions where you should go on a cycling holiday now, including some beautiful cycling routes in these regions.
Brittany
If you have followed the Tour de France in recent years, you have seen how beautiful Brittany is. This is only because of the rugged coastline, the short climbs, and the independent spirit compared to the mother country. Cycling is also different from usual. One of them is Mathieu van der Poel took up residence in Mûr de Bretagne in a historic and legendary way, the yellow color. Of course, you also have famous places like Saint-Malo, and despite being located in the neighboring Normandy region, you can also visit Mont-Saint-Michel. Iconic places, also worth cycling through.
Because of its rough terrain, Brittany is also a great gravel destination. You’ll find great gravel routes through creeks along the coast, over a former hunting trail or an old railway line. You won’t be disappointed in this area on the far west coast of France. Additionally, there are still hidden gems in Brittany: the islands like Belle-île. Brittany should therefore not be missing in this list of 5 French cycling regions.
Cycling route Brittany
Normandy
Often forgotten but no less beautiful: Normandy. Just for the historical beaches alone, you should take a bike tour here. For example, if you join Nature is a bike (starting from Angers). It will be a step-on, step-off trip, but to really get to know the history, this is a must-do. The bike route along the coast of Normandy is called the Velomaritime. A beautiful route to cycle in the region.
Further inland you will find a lot of so-called ‘Voies-Vertes’. These dedicated paths for only non-motorized traffic are wonderful to ride on. You have wonderful routes and the added benefit: no other traffic. Moreover, the landscape is nicely rolling. This province is so big that you can ride different bike routes every day. Especially the Voies-Vertes south of Caen are very beautiful. You will then pass the Col de Berjou climb. This part is also called ‘Normandy Switzerland’ and for good reason! Furthermore, you can also cycle through the National Park Make nice circles. There are worse places to be.
Cycling route Normandy
Burgundy
Burgundian life is well known. Good (and often also fat) food, a glass of wine, and enjoying the moment. Where many cyclists are busy with nutrition and especially with the opposite of ‘Burgundian’, this is a region with many beautiful cycling routes. Of course, you don’t have to drink all the bottles from the Chateau, but a glass of wine after a beautiful day of cycling: that’s something we don’t say no to. For those who like a challenge: ride a Tour de Bourgogne as a cycling route. A bike ride through the entire Burgundy region of a total of 665 kilometers. You can cut it into multiple stages, but if you’re really in the mood, you do this cycling route in one go. If you’re a fan of castles, you can of course go to the Loire, but Burgundy is a good second cycling destination. And when it comes to climbs: Super Planche de Belles Filles It is just within easy reach. The Mont d’Or and the Mont Poupet should also not be missed on your bike tour through the Burgundy region!
Bourgogne cycling route
Languedoc-Roussillion
Actually, this region is a must-do for anyone who wants to see something different in France than the Alps and Pyrenees. The region that stretches from the foot of the Pyrenees almost all the way to Marseille has so many beautiful cycling routes and destinations. Along the coast you can drive through the Camargue (they have delicious salt there, for example) and stop off in villages like Sète. Montpellier is often a finish point in the Tour de France and the tours that finish in Montpellier are always spectacular. You can also cycle in the Cathar Country, which is a special piece of France. Cities like Beziers and Nîmes are magnificent and have a number of historical highlights. You could just head inland and do a nice climb on the Pic de Nore in the National Park du Haut-Languedoc. As a crowning touch, there’s also Carcassonne, which shouldn’t be missing from your cycling route or your cycling holiday.
Cycling route Languedoc-Roussilion
Dordogne
Fields of sunflowers, rolling countryside, vineyards, castles. What’s not to like? In this area east of Bordeaux, around Perigeux, you’ll have plenty of fun on your bike. The Parc Naturel Perigord-Limousin is one to get into. Via the Hauts de Tardoire you can take a lovely route along one of the Voies Verts. According to many, the Dordogne is very similar to the Cotswolds in England and rightly so. Countryside lanes, stone buildings and a slightly slower pace of life create a beautiful mix. Also on your bike! The south of the region, around Sarlat, is most popular. In that region you’ll also find the (extremely touristy) attraction Rocamadour. You have to see this at least once. For lovers of sweet wine: Chateau Monbazillac is located in this region and is known for its (bee)sweet dessert wine. Still worth a visit.
More info about these 5 French cycling regions?
Check out our Cycling in France page for more general information about cycling in France. We have many more cycling routes and inspiring content in store for you! But these 5 French cycling regions you should visit now definitely shouldn’t be missing on your list.
Here are the links to the local tourist offices
- Burgundy – https://www.bourgondie-toerisme.com/
- Normandy – https://nl.normandie-tourisme.fr/
- Bretaña – https://www.bretagne-vakantie.com/
- Languedoc – Roussillion – https://about-france.com/regions/languedoc.htm
- Dordogne – https://www.dordogne-perigord-tourisme.fr/
Questions & tips
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