Pedal Ventures
France is a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts, offering a variety of landscapes that cater to all levels of riders—from leisurely routes through picturesque villages to challenging mountain climbs. With its diverse terrain, from rolling vineyards and coastal roads to towering mountain ranges, France provides some of the world’s most scenic cycling routes. Whether you're after iconic climbs, coastal panoramas, or charming countryside, France has it all.
Here are the Top 10 Scenic Cycling Routes in France that will leave you in awe of the country’s natural beauty and rich history.
Distance: 800 km Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Loire Valley, known as the "Garden of France," is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region renowned for its beautiful châteaux, rolling vineyards, and picturesque villages. The Loire à Vélo cycling route follows the meandering Loire River, taking cyclists through the heart of this stunning region. Along the way, riders can stop to admire iconic castles like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, explore medieval towns like Amboise, and enjoy the region’s fine wines.
Why It’s Scenic: The route offers lush, green countryside, charming villages, and views of elegant châteaux. The relatively flat terrain makes it accessible for riders of all abilities.
Distance: 30 km Difficulty: Moderate
For those who love coastal cycling, the route from Nice to Menton along the French Riviera is nothing short of spectacular. This route takes you along the Mediterranean coast, where you can enjoy stunning sea views, rocky cliffs, and glamorous resorts. From Nice, the road curves along the coast, passing through towns like Ville franche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, before reaching the charming town of Menton, famous for its lemon trees and gardens.
Why It’s Scenic: The azure blue waters of the Mediterranean, the dramatic cliffs, and colorful coastal towns make this one of the most beautiful and unique cycling routes in France.
Distance: 17.7 km (ascent) Difficulty: Challenging (climbing)
The Col de Galibier, one of the most famous climbs in the Tour de France, is a bucket-list ride for serious cyclists. Located in the French Alps, this legendary mountain pass rises to 2,642 meters (8,668 feet) and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. While it’s a tough climb, the reward is worth it: a magnificent view from the summit and a thrilling descent. This route is ideal for experienced cyclists looking for a challenge.
Why It’s Scenic: The stunning alpine landscape, including towering peaks and lush valleys, makes this one of the most iconic and scenic mountain climbs in the world.
Distance: 170 km Difficulty: Moderate
The Alsace Wine Route takes cyclists through one of France’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. This route winds through charming towns and villages that are surrounded by vineyards producing some of France’s best white wines. The towns of Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Kaysersberg look like they belong in a fairy tale, with their half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. Along the route, cyclists can stop for wine tastings and explore beautiful forests, vineyards, and rolling hills.
Why It’s Scenic: The quaint medieval towns, colorful vineyards, and lush, rolling hills create a perfect combination of natural beauty and historical charm.
Distance: 21.8 km (ascent)Difficulty: Challenging (climbing)
Mont Ventoux, known as the "Giant of Provence," is another famous mountain pass featured in the Tour de France. This iconic climb is one of the most challenging in France, rising to 1,912 meters (6,273 feet). The route offers stunning views over the Provence region and the surrounding plains. At the summit, cyclists are treated to a panoramic view that stretches to the Mediterranean on clear days. The ride up is tough, but the views and the sense of accomplishment are unbeatable.
Why It’s Scenic: The dramatic, barren landscape at the top contrasts with the lush, colorful Provence below, making the ascent an unforgettable experience.
Distance: 500 km Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Vélomaritime route runs along the stunning Normandy coastline, passing through beaches, cliffs, and charming coastal towns. Starting from Cherbourg in the west and ending at Le Tréport in the east, this route offers stunning sea views, picturesque fishing villages, and historical landmarks like Mont Saint-Michel and the D-Day Landing Beaches. It’s a relatively flat route, making it accessible to cyclists of all levels.
Why It’s Scenic: The beautiful cliffs, sandy beaches, and dramatic sea views along the route make this one of the most scenic coastal cycling routes in France.
Distance: Varies (multiple climbs) Difficulty: Very challenging (climbing)
For cyclists seeking a challenge, the Pyrenees offer some of the most spectacular and demanding climbs in France. The legendary Col du Tourmalet (2,115 meters) and Col d'Aubisque (1,709 meters) are famous Tour de France climbs. These high-altitude mountain passes offer breathtaking views of the rugged Pyrenean peaks, lush valleys, and alpine meadows. Whether you’re climbing or descending, the scenery is absolutely stunning.
Why It’s Scenic: The towering peaks, lush valleys, and beautiful mountain scenery make these climbs some of the most scenic in the world.
Distance: 240 km Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage site that runs from Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. The canal is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including vineyards, orchards, and tranquil countryside. The route is mostly flat, making it perfect for a leisurely ride. Along the way, cyclists can explore charming towns like Carcassonne and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the canal, complete with lockhouses and old stone bridges.
Why It’s Scenic: The quiet beauty of the canal, combined with the surrounding landscapes of vineyards and rolling hills, makes this a peaceful and scenic route.
Distance: 100 kmDifficulty: Moderate
The Dordogne Valley in southwestern France is known for its fairy-tale castles, medieval towns, and stunning river landscapes. The route follows the Dordogne River, winding through lush forests and past limestone cliffs. Cycling through charming towns like Sarlat-la-Canéda, Domme, and Beynac-et-Cazenac feels like stepping back in time. The area is also famous for its prehistoric caves, including Lascaux, making this route rich in both natural and cultural history.
Why It’s Scenic: The combination of riverside views, medieval towns, and castles against a backdrop of lush valleys makes this one of France’s most picturesque regions to cycle.
Distance: 150 km Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy is a stunning area of rugged coastline, charming fishing villages, and unspoiled nature. The route runs from Cherbourg to Carentan, taking cyclists through lush marshes, long sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs. The area is also known for its historical significance, including Utah Beach, one of the D-Day landing sites, making this an emotional and scenic route.
Why It’s Scenic: The combination of rugged coastal views, sandy beaches, and historical landmarks makes the Cotentin Peninsula a unique and beautiful route for cyclists.
From the rolling vineyards of the Loire Valley to the challenging mountain climbs of the Pyrenees, France offers cyclists a stunning array of scenic routes that showcase the country’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to conquer iconic climbs or a casual rider seeking peaceful countryside paths, France’s cycling routes promise an unforgettable experience. So, hop on your bike and get ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes of one of the world’s most cycling-friendly countries!
