Cycling in France - the cycling country for every holidaymaker

France is one of the most diverse and popular destinations for cycling enthusiasts worldwide. With thousands of kilometres of well-marked bike paths, routes along rivers, through forests, over hills and mountains, and along coastlines, the country offers what every cyclist wants. Whether you want to take a leisurely ride with your family, ride an e-bike through hilly landscapes, or climb challenging mountains as an avid cyclist — France has it all.

From a comfortable holiday home in France, you have direct access to beautiful cycling routes in the area during your holiday in France. FranceComfort's holiday parks are spread over six tourist regions: Poitou-Charentes, Dordogne, Provence, Languedoc, Gironde and the French Alps. In this article, we will take you on an extensive journey along the most beautiful cycling routes. We share practical tips, show you tourist attractions and provide inspiring ideas to make your cycling holiday an unforgettable experience.

Holiday parks in France     Holiday homes in France

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Why cycling in France is so popular

France is the perfect destination where nature, culture, history and sport come together — especially by bike. The country actively promotes cycling tourism and boasts an extensive network of long-distance routes such as La Loire à Vélo and La Vélodyssée. In addition, there are thousands of kilometers of voies vertes, or car-free paths. The combination of vast plains, rolling hills, winding rivers, beautiful vineyards and impressive mountains means you have an endless choice of routes and difficulty levels.

The French government and tourism organizations ensure that their route maps are always up to date. You can find official maps and useful information at EuroVelo's route page, a network of international cycling routes. This keeps your planning simple and up-to-date.

Cycling in France – choose your region

France is a vast country that offers an impressive variety of landscapes. Below you will find detailed information about all tourist regions with FranceComfort parks, including popular cycle routes and interesting tourist attractions to see during your cycling holiday.

Poitou-Charentes – cycling through the Green Venice

Landscape and sights

The Poitou-Charentes region, located in the west of France, is an ideal destination for families, recreational cyclists and seniors. The landscape is predominantly flat and peaceful, perfect for anyone wishing to enjoy a relaxed bike ride in the Poitou-Charentes. One of the most famous nature reserves in western France is the Marais Poitevin, also known as the
"Green Venice". Here you can cycle or walk along picturesque waterways and canals, with beautiful views of birds, reed beds and charming villages in the Poitou-Charentes.
During your cycling trips from your holiday home in the Poitou-Charentes,  it is definitely worth visiting towns such as Niort, with its medieval towers and lively market squares. Coulon, the beating heart of the Marais Poitevin, is also a must-see. For those interested in culture and history, a visit to Poitiers is highly recommended. This city is known for its impressive cathedrals and historic center. A bike ride along the seaside resorts of the Vendée and Charente coast is also highly recommended.

Popular bicycle routes in Poitou-Charentes

  • Coulon – Niort Canal Route (±25 km): a flat ride along waterways and winding paths.
  • Vasles – Les Forges – Parthenay (±35 km): a beautiful route with slight landscape variations.
  • Marais Poitevin Circuit  (±45 km): a longer loop through the Green Venice, ideal with an e-bike or touring bike.

Holidays and accommodation

If you are staying at Domaine les Forges ,Aveneau – Vieille Vigne or Bourg Est – Vigelière in Les Forges, you can cycle straight into nature. Combine your bike rides with a visit to local markets, as described in Markets in Poitou-Charentes.

Dordogne – cycling along castles and rivers

Landscape and sights

From your holiday villa in the Dordogne,  you can explore one of the most enchanting regions in France. The Dordogne combines stunning river scenery with rolling hills, lush forests, and atmospheric medieval villages. As you cycle along the Dordogne or take a bike ride along the Lot, you will discover castles, beautiful viewpoints and picturesque vineyards. Charming spots such as Sarlat-la-Canéda, Domme, Beynac-et-Cazenac and La Roque-Gageac are perfect for a bike ride through this beautiful landscape. During your bike ride in the Dordogne, take a break and relax on one of the terraces of these medieval villages. For those interested in prehistory, a visit to the caves of Lascaux is  definitely worthwhile. And for wine lovers, there is the opportunity to plan a wine tasting in the region around Bergerac. 

Popular cycling routes in the Dordogne

  • Sarlat – Domme – La Roque-Gageac (±35 km): hilly with beautiful views over the Dordogne valley.
  • Souillac – Rocamadour (±45 km): challenging, combining nature and culture.
  • Cahors – Aiguillon (±160 km): part of the Véloroute Vallée du Lot — excellent for an e-bike route with a riverside landscape. 

Holidays and accommodation

The Domaine de Lanzac, Village des Cigales and Le Lac Bleu holiday parks are excellent starting points for cycling trips through the Dordogne. The holiday accommodations have comfortable beds and in most cases also air conditioning So you’ll wake up well-rested and ready for a long bike ride. If you want to visit a market during your bike ride, take a look at Markets in the Dordogne and Lot. Here you’ll find lists of market days in the region. After a day of cycling, you’ll return to Holiday park with a view over the green valleys.

Provence – cycling between lavender and olive trees

Landscape and sights

Provence is renowned for its sunny hills, olive groves and vast fields of lavender. From your Provençal villa, you can cycle through fragrant countryside and past charming villages. Be sure to visit Aix-en-Provence, the city of the artist Cézanne, and historic Avignon with its impressive Papal Palace and famous bridge. Other charming places include Gordes and Roussillon, where you can admire typical Provençal architecture, and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie on the edge of the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon.

Popular cycling routes in Provence

  • Véloroute du Calavon (approx. 37 km): from Cavaillon to Apt, past lavender fields and fruit orchards.
  • Voie Verte du Verdon (approx. 45 km): close to the River Verdon, ideal for e-bikes.
  • Mont Ventoux climb (approx. 21 km): a challenging route for keen cyclists, famous from the Tour de France.

Between Valensole and Forcalquier, you cycle through endless lavender fields; in June and July, this is a spectacular experience. You can also take a short walk through the lavender fields along the way.

Holidays and accommodation

Provence is ideal for combining cycling, culture and relaxation. You can stay at one of the parks: Résidence de Salernes, Vallée de la Sainte Baume, Jardin du Golf or Domaine de Castellane. During your cycle tour, visit the local markets in Provence and the Côte d’Azur for regional produce. Provence is one of France’s richest wine regions, so a wine tasting will make your cycling experience complete.

French Alps – cycling between peaks and lakes

Landscape and sights

The French Alps are a paradise for cyclists, especially for those seeking adventure. Here you’ll find breathtaking mountain scenery, sweeping views and beautiful lakes such as Lake Annecy.
Challenging mountain passes, such as the Col de Joux Plane, are popular with road cyclists.
Popular destinations such as Chamonix, Morzine, Les Gets and Annecy offer challenging mountain passes, panoramic roads and unforgettable views. Even in winter, there are routes for cycling or ice cycling during a winter sports holiday in the Portes du Soleil.

Popular Cycling Routes in the Alps

  • Col de Joux Plane (±11 km, 7 % average): classic for sporty cyclists.
  • Annecy – Faverges (±40 km): around the lake, mostly flat.
  • Lac Léman-route (±200 km around the lake): an international route with magnificent views. Check out the maps on the Geneva website.
  • Tour Châtel – Abondance – Morzine(±60 km): alternating with mountains and valleys.

Holidays and accommodation

Stay in a holiday home in the French Alps at parks such as AlpChalets Portes du Soleil and AlpResort Portes du Soleil.
Enjoy wellness facilities such as saunas, hot tubs, indoor swimming pools and sports facilities. Some properties even have a private hot tub, ideal for unwinding completely after a day’s cycling.

Holiday parks in France     Holiday homes in France

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Gironde – cycling through forests, dunes and along the Atlantic coast

Landscape and sights

In the Gironde, on the south-west coast of France, you can cycle through pine forests, past lakes and over rolling dunes towards the Atlantic Ocean. Highlights include Arcachon Bay, the oyster farms, the picturesque Bassin d’Arcachon and the impressive Dune du Pilat, all of which make for wonderful stops along your route.
In addition, the wine regions around Saint-Émilion and the city of Bordeaux are popular destinations for cyclists. Bordeaux has an extensive network of cycle paths, ideal for sustainable mobility. For up-to-date information, please consult Bordeaux Métropole.

Popular cycling routes in Gironde

  • Vélodyssée (±1200 km total length): a long-distance cycle route along the Atlantic coast. For maps visit Eurovelo - Atlantic coast.
  • Salles – Arcachon(±40 km): wooded and flat, ideal for families.
  • Dune du Pilat – Biscarrosse – Mimizan (±30 km): through pine forests towards beaches.
  • Bordeaux – Blaye – Bourg (±50 km): along the Gironde river and through vineyards.

Holidays and Accommodation

Stay at Château de Salles and enjoy peace and quiet, the natural surroundings, and cycling trips in the area. After a day’s cycling, return to your comfortable holiday home in the Gironde, ideally situated for both relaxation and exploring the beautiful countryside.

Languedoc – cycling between sea, mountains and wine

Landscape and sights

The Languedoc is one of the most diverse regions in France. Here you will find a mix of coastal paths, vineyards, rolling hills and impressive mountains. The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, winds from Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. This unique trail is perfect for cycling, with shady plane trees on either side and the soothing sound of rippling water.
Historic cities such as Carcassonne, famous for its medieval fortifications, as well as Narbonne and Béziers make excellent stop-offs for cycling enthusiasts. To the south lie the Pyrenees, with charming places like Collioure, where culture and nature come together.

Popular cycling routes in the Languedoc

  • Canal du Midi Route(±240 km): ideal for longer cycling holidays and can also be done in stages. More information about this route can be found on the official UNESCO page on the Canal du Midi.
  • Quillan – Puivert (±30 km): a route through river valleys and slightly mountainous terrain.
  • Narbonne – Gruissan – Sigean (±35 km): through wine regions and nature reserves. 

Holidays and accommodation

From L'Espinet you can head straight out into the countryside. Your holiday home in the Languedoc offers easy access to both coastal routes and more hilly terrain. Combine your trip with some hikes. You can read more information about hiking on our page Hiking during the holidays.

Cycling in France – choose your region

France is a vast and diverse country. From gently rolling hills to impressive mountain ranges, and from beautiful beaches to picturesque river valleys – every region offers a unique experience for cyclists. When planning your cycling holiday, it is important to take into account your fitness level, the type of bike you have, and your preference for the landscape. You can find official maps and GPS data via France Vélo Tourisme or EuroVelo's route maps.

  • Poitou-Charentes: flat, rural, ideal for families and leisure cyclists.
  • Dordogne: hilly, full of castles, rivers and medieval villages.
  • Provence: sun, lavender fields, olive groves and Mediterranean scents.
  • Languedoc: coast and mountains, vineyards and historic towns.
  • Gironde: pine forests, sand dunes and cycle paths along the ocean.
  • French Alps: imposing mountains and panoramic routes for keen cyclists.
Domaine les Forges Flat
Aveneau – Vieille Vigne Flat
Bourg Est – Vigelière Flat
Domaine de Lanzac Hilly
Village des Cigales Flat / hilly
Le Lac Bleu Flat / hilly
Château de Salles Flat
Espinet Hilly / mountainous
Vallée de la Sainte Baume Flat
Jardin du Golf Flat
Résidence de Salernes Flat / hilly
Domaine de Castellane Hilly / mountainous
AlpChalets Portes du Soleil Hilly / mountainous
AlpResort Portes du Soleil Hilly / mountainous
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Cycle-friendly holiday homes in France

FranceComfort offers accommodation specially suited for cyclists. Many holiday homes in France feature handy facilities such as secure garages for your bike, charging points for e-bikes and covered terraces where you can relax in comfort after a cycle ride.
Whether you choose a holiday in the Dordogne or a holiday in Provence, you can often hop straight onto your bike from your holiday home.
In other regions too, the most beautiful routes are literally just around the corner.
Are you travelling with your dog? Then you’ve come to the right place. In many regions, you can go for lovely walks with your dog, for example during your stay in Poitou-Charentes.

Cycling rules in France

French traffic rules are similar to those in other countries, but have a few specific points:

  • Helmets are compulsory for children under 12.
  • Mobile phone use and earphones are prohibited whilst cycling.
  • Lighting and reflectors are mandatory in wet or dim conditions.
  • Use cycle paths where indicated.
  • Cycling is prohibited on motorways and voies expresses.

Are you going on holiday by car? If so, please bear in mind the traffic regulations for cars, such as the requirement to display an emissions sticker (Crit’Air).

Cycling culture and events

Cycling in France is also a social and cultural experience. The country organizes events such as local cycling days, tours and climbing events around famous cols. The Tour de France is of course the world’s most famous cycling event— information and routes can be found on the official site.

In addition, many regions are home to cosy cycle cafés and active cycling clubs that organise group rides. This is a fun and accessible way not only to explore the local area, but also to get to know the local culture and meet other cycling enthusiasts.

Who is cycling in France suitable for?

Families with children
If you’re cycling with children, flat routes, quiet paths and safe surroundings are important. Many regions also offer opportunities to swim or play along the way, which makes it even more fun for young cyclists.

Couples
For couples, romantic cycling trips past lavender fields, vineyards and charming villages are ideal. Round off the day with dinner on a cosy terrace and enjoy French cuisine.

Seniors
Many regions are ideal for e-bikes, such as Poitou-Charentes and the Gironde. From comfortable holiday homes with a swimming pool, you can enjoy relaxed rides at a leisurely pace.

Active cyclists 
For those seeking a challenge, the Alps, Pyrenees and the hills of the Dordogne are perfect. Here you can combine challenging climbs with walking, swimming and impressive views.

Practical tips for your cycling holiday

Good preparation not only makes your cycling holiday more enjoyable, but also much safer. The tips below will help you get the most out of your cycling adventure in France:

  • Bike rental and e-bike: many FranceComfort parks offer bike hire. Perfect if you’re not bringing your own bike.
  • Weather and season: Spring and early autumn are perfect for cycling thanks to mild temperatures and fewer people on the routes.
  • Safety: wear a helmet, use lights and obey local traffic rules.
  • Luggage plan: Use panniers or a comfortable rucksack, depending on the type of trip you’re taking. For longer journeys, it’s a good idea to check in advance how you can transport your bike and luggage by train via SNCF
  • Rest stops: Make sure to plan plenty of stops along the way, for example at village squares, local markets or scenic spots.
  • Route planning: use GPS apps such as Komoot or RideWithGPS to download routes and navigate.

Long-distance routes and themed cycle paths

France isn’t just about its regions; it also offers a wealth of long-distance routes that attract cyclists from all over the world. These routes are perfect for cycling holidays involving multiple stages. Each route can serve as an inspiring basis for longer cycling holidays or day trips from your stay in one of FranceComfort's holiday homes.

  • La Loire à Vélo (±900 km): along the Loire and its castles. Routes and maps can be found on the official website Loireavelo.fr
  • Vélodyssée (EV1): the Atlantic route along the west coast — ideal for coastal cycling.

  • EuroVelo 6 (EV6): from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea via French rivers. This is one of the most popular international routes.
  • Vélo Francette: from the Atlantic coast to Normandy via quiet back roads.