France is big and for many an ideal destination for a cycling holiday. Be it a cycling holiday or a gravel bike adventure: France always lures and beckons. Where Alps, Vosges and Pyrenees favourite, 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 areas you should go to on cycling holidays right now, including some great cycling routes in these areas.
Brittany
If you have followed the Tour de France in recent years, you saw how beautiful Brittany is. If only because of the rugged coast, the short climbs, the independent spirit from the motherland. It is also different for cycling. One Mathieu van der Poel picked up on Mûr de Bretagne in historical and legendary fashion the yellow. You also have well-known places like Saint-Malo, of course, and despite its location in neighbouring Normandy, you can also look at Mont-Saint-Michel. Iconic places, also for cycling past.
Because of its ruggedness, Brittany is also a cool gravel destination. You will find cool gravel routes on coastal paths, along a former towpath or an old railway line. You won't easily be disappointed in this area on the far west coast of France. There are also hidden bits of Brittany: the islands such as Belle-île. So Brittany should not be missing from this list of 5 French cycling regions.
Brittany cycling route
Normandy
Often forgotten but no less beautiful: Normandy. For its historic beaches alone, you should take a bike ride here. For example, if you participate in Nature is Bike (starting from Angers). That will be a step-up, step-down trip, but to take in the history properly, this is highly recommended. The cycling route along the coast of Normandy is called the Velomaritime. A beautiful route for cycling in the region.
Further inland, you will find a lot of so-called 'Voies-Vertes'. These dedicated trails for non-motorised traffic only are great to ride on. You have beautiful routes here and the added bonus: no other traffic. Besides, the landscape is nice and rolling. This province is so big, you can ride different cycling routes every day here. The Voies-Vertes south of Caen are especially beautiful. You then pass the little climb Col de Berjou. They also call this part Normandy Switzerland and for good reason! You can also go through the National Park making nice rounds. There are worse places to be.
Cycling route Normandy
Burgundy
The burgundian life is well known. Good (and often fatty) food, a glass of wine to go with it, enjoy. Where many cyclists are busy with food and especially the opposite of 'burgundy', this is a region with many beautiful cycling routes. Of course, you don't have to empty all the bottles of the Chateau, but a wine after a beautiful day of cycling: we don't say no to that. For those who like a challenge: ride a Tour de Bourgogne as a cycling route. A cycling tour through the entire Burgundy region totalling 665 kilometres. You can cut it up into several stages, but if you're really 'in the mood', do this cycle route in one go. If you're crazy about castles then of course you can go to the Loire, but Burgundy is a good second cycling destination. And in terms of climbs: Super Planche de Belles Filles is just within reach. Mont d'Or and Mont Poupet are also not to be missed on your cycling trip through the Burgundy region!
Cycling route Burgundy
Languedoc-Roussillon
Actually, this region is a must-do for anyone who wants to see something different in France than Alps and Pyrenees. The region that stretches from the foot of the Pyrenees almost to Marseille has so many beautiful cycling routes and cycling destinations. Along the coast, you can ride through the Camargue (they have delicious salt there, for example) and stop at villages like Sète. Montpellier is often a finishing place in the Tour de France and the tour stages with finishes in Montpellier are always spectacular. You also cycle here in Cathar country, which is a special part of France. Cities like Beziers and Nîmes are gorgeous and have some historical highlights. Just inland, you can make a nice climb up the Pic de Nore in the park National du Haut-Languedoc. To top it all off, there is also Carcassonne, which should not be missed in your cycling itinerary or on your cycling holiday.
Languedoc-Roussilion cycling route
Dordogne
Fields of sunflowers, rolling countryside, vineyards, castles. What's not to like? In this area east of Bordeaux, around Perigeux, you have plenty of fun on a bike. The Parc Naturel Perigord-Limousin is one to take in. Via the Hauts de Tardoire, you can catch a nice route over one of the Voies Verts. According to many, the Dordogne is very similar to the Cotswolds in England, and rightly so. Country roads, stone buildings and a slightly slower pace of life make for a wonderful mix. By bike, too! The south of the region, around Sarlat is the most popular. That region is also home to the (extremely touristy) attraction Rocamadour. You must have seen this once. For lovers of sweet wine: Chateau Monbazillac is in this region and it is known for its (ant)sweet dessert wine. Still worth a visit.
More info on these 5 French cycling regions?
Check out our Cycling in France page for more general information on cycling in France. We have many more cycling routes and inspiring content in store for you! But these 5 French cycling areas you need to visit right now should not be missing from your list.
Hereby the links to the local tourism offices
- Burgundy - https://www.bourgondie-toerisme.com/
- Normandy - https://nl.normandie-tourisme.fr/
- Brittany - https://www.bretagne-vakantie.com/
- Languedoc - Roussillion - https://about-france.com/regions/languedoc.htm
- Dordogne - https://www.dordogne-perigord-tourisme.fr/
