15 Best Cycling Tours & Destinations in France

France is one of the world's leading tourist destinations, housing several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, renowned landmarks and diverse landscapes. Each of its cities has several attractions that will leave you in awe.

A convenient and unique way to explore the vast array of French attractions is through cycling. Moreover, the country is home to a spectacular network of roads and climbs, promising a lively and soulful cycling adventure.

So, if you want to learn more about cycling in France, continue reading!

Here is a list of 15 cycling destinations in France, known to enchant every rider, along with the route details.

1. Nice

Nice is a popular cycling destination, having roads that are in perfect condition and are known to lure cyclists from all over the world. While riding down you will encounter the Boulevard de Anglais providing a truly unique experience.

Moreover, while taking the route to Cagnes-sur-Mer you will come across a bird sanctuary, famous for migratory birds. The average weather condition of this place ranges from 8°C to 15°C making it ideal for cyclists.

• Distance: 30 km
• Route: Mont Leuze Cycle Route (the cycling loop starts from and circles back to Nice Riquier Train Station)
• Activities: Sightseeing, hiking, mountain climbing and cruising
• Best Time: April to June, September or October

2. Provence

Provence is cycling heaven for those who want to have a fun adventure in the countryside with some solitude and peace. Cycling in this city will perfectly combine some challenging climbs in the French Alps and flat paths along the Mediterranean Sea. Providing an average temperature of 65°C this place is best to visit during spring.

• Distance: 54 km
• Route: Petit Lubéron Trail, starting from the centre of Petit Lubéron Valley and ending in Ménerbes
• Activities: Village Exploration and walking
• Best Time: May and September

3. French Alps

A tour around the French Alps is one of the most challenging cycling tours in France and is not meant for the fainthearted. This destination is extremely popular among cyclists as on this tour, you can cycle past snow-capped peaks and rugged scenery. With an average temperature of 27°C to 31°C you can enjoy cycling here.

• Distance: 75 km
• Route: Tour de Roc d’Enfer, starting from Morzine and ending in Col de la Ramaz
• Activities: Mountaineering, rock climbing, canyoning and camping
• Best Time: September

4. French Pyrenees

From cycling down the French-Spanish border to riding steep up to the views of Col du Tourmalet from the top, the French Pyrenees offers a great experience. If you are interested in challenges and spectacular climbs, you must head for various cycling adventures in this place.

• Distance: 18.8 km
• Route: Col du Tourmalet, starting from Luz Saint Sauveur
• Activities: Hiking and Sightseeing
• Best Time: June to October

5. Normandy

Normandy has a vast network of paved paths and traffic-free greenways, making it a cycling haven. Through the cycling route in France you will come along the rolling hills of Mont-Saint-Michel or the flat coastline road adjoining the three tourist spots, Utah Beach, Port-en-Bessin-Huppain and Arromanches-Les-Bains. August is the best month for cycling, providing a temperature of around 17°C.

• Distance: 39 km
• Route: Deauville Loop via Honfleur
• Activities: Horse-riding, swimming and walking
• Best Time: July and August

6. Ile de Ré

Whether you are an expert rider or a novice cyclist, the pathways of Ile de Ré are suitable for everyone. This destination and its flat terrain bring together a great gathering of cyclists every year.

The cycle paths are largely flat and traffic free and take around 5 hours to cover the route. With a temperature of around 31° C you can enjoy the cool breeze through cycling.

• Distance: 82 km
• Route: Route du Sel
• Activities: Running and sightseeing
• Best Time: June to September

7. Loire Valley

Loire Valley is known as the best place for long-distance cycling trips in France. It allows all cyclists to explore the historic cities of Orléans, Nantes, Angers and Saint-Nazaire. The best time to go cycling in the Loire Valley is during the summer months, providing a comfortable journey. 16°C - 20° C is the perfect temperature for providing a thrilling cycling experience.

• Distance:  55 km
• Route: Touraine-Vienne River Trail
• Activities: Village exploration and sightseeing
• Best Time: June to September

8. Alsace

Alsace offers a hilly bike track running from Vosges Mountain Ranges to its outskirts, this region offers peaceful country lanes. Spring and autumn months are the best times for cycling in Alsace. Alsace has a mild climate and temperatures around an average of 10°C  to 26°C, providing perfect weather for cycling.

• Distance: 51 km
• Route: Route des Vins, starting from Ottrott and ending in Illhaeusern
• Activities: Sightseeing, walking and jogging
• Best Time: May to September

9. Burgundy

One of France's famous wine regions, Burgundy is a paradise for all those cyclists who are also wine lovers. Besides, you can hit one of the off-road cycling paths alongside the canals and visit wine cellars and natural parks or go for village exploration. The best time to cycle is during spring when wildflowers are in bloom around September.

• Distance:  44 km
• Route: The Hautes Côtes and the Vallée de l’Ouche, starting from Beaune and ending near Châteauneuf
• Activities: Wine tasting and sightseeing
• Best Time: June to September

10. Dordogne Valley

Dordogne Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the famous cycling destinations in the southwest. One can cycle around the lush countryside villages of Collonges-la-Rouge and Domme. Dordogne Valley’s quiet roads and good weather is suitable for all levels of riding.

Furthermore, you can enjoy long stretches of open rolling countryside between Sarlat and Souillac and Souillac to Rocamadour.

• Distance:  73 km
• Route: Due East along the Dordogne River, starting from Saint-Emilion and ending in Bergerac
• Activities: Canoeing and cave exploration
• Best Time: April to October

11. Saint-Emilion

Saint-Emilion has the perfect mix of countryside locations offering high-quality cycling with good food and wine. In this destination, you can easily navigate your way to all the most-visited sites through traffic-free roads. During July when the temperature is around  27°C is the best time for cycling.

• Distance: 46 km
• Route: Tour of the Grand Saint-Emilionnais
• Activities: Sightseeing, wildlife and historical sites exploration
• Best Time: Throughout the year

12. Carcassonne

The roads around Carcassonne, a hilltop town, provide all cyclists with beautiful views as they pedal. If you visit this town, you can cycle or walk around Chapelle des Dominicaines and Notre Dame De L'abbaye. The average temperature of Carcassonne ranges from 16°C to  22°C providing pleasant weather for cycling.

• Distance: 78.9 km
• Route: Canal du Midi, starting from Carcassonne to the Mediterranean Sea
• Activities: Sightseeing and swimming
• Best Time: April and May

13. Lake Annecy

Another addition to the list of cycling destinations in France is Lake Annecy, the fourth-largest lake in France. From the stunning mountain views of La Tournette to the steep terrain between Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, this region offers a car-free cycling route for all.

• Distance: 43 km
• Route: Voie Verte Loop, starting and circling back to Annecy
• Activities: Sightseeing, walking, jogging and running
• Best Time: September and October

14. Bordeaux

Bordeaux, an excellent base for vineyard tours, plays a regular host to cycling tours. It is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in France where you can plan your cycling holiday. The off-season months are the best months for cycling  in Bordeaux. During this time the temperature is low and the roads are quite offering a relaxing time to the cyclists.

• Distance: 57 km
• Route: Roger Lapébie Cycle Path, starting from Latresne till Sauveterre-de-Guyenne
• Activities: Wine tasting and sightseeing
• Best Time: April to October

15. Champagne

Champagne, another wine-producing region, houses a vast network of canal-side cycle paths and traffic-free roads. It has rolling and farmland terrain along with inclines, suitable for mountain climbing by bike. If you want to explore the French culture and scenic views alongside a fun cycling adventure, look no further than Champagne.

• Distance: 56 km
• Route: Epernay to Reims Route
• Activities: Sightseeing and walking
• Best Time: May to October