Practical, natural, ecological and above all entertaining, trekking by bike ensures a perfect moment of relaxation. But the travel would be even more interesting with an exceptional setting. So where can you find these little pockets of wonder?
Cycling along rivers and waterways
France has numerous cycle paths running alongside rivers and canals. For example, following the Loire all the way to Saumur offers the ideal route to discover a magnificent landscape at the heart of the old historic quarters. This travel promises a sublime blend of art, culture and hiking.
Indeed, over four days, you can visit in succession the romantic Renaissance château, then that of Langeais. The route continues through the charming village of Montsoreau and ends at one of the largest monastic settlements in the Western world, passing by the Plantagenet effigies.
Likewise, the Oise Riverbanks stretch offers breathtaking views over the painters' towns. Several of them drew inspiration from the beauty of the valley from Pontoise to Auvers-sur-Oise and L'Isle-Adam.
The Eure Royal Valley circuit remains the best choice for hikers who appreciate the lush green scenery. From Épernon to Chartres, its small roads lead to the entrance of the Maintenon château and aqueduct. The route heads towards the famous capital of light and stained glass.
Cycling on the beach
France's thousands of kilometres of coastline invite you to explore a diversity of cycling routes. It's hard to resist the D-Day beaches circuit from Saint-Michel. This route weaves through two major sites in Normandy, at the very heart of the history of the free world. Unique in its kind, it starts at the D-Day beaches and ends at Mont-Saint-Michel.
Arriving at the bay of Saint-Michel, the cyclist can pedal all the way to Saint-Malo. This stretch leads to the corsair city and the Breton coastline. Such a route offers the crossing of the fishing port on the Côte d'Émeraude, where all the gastronomic flavours of the region's oysters can be found.
At 11.4 kilometres, the Saint-Hélier to La Corbière cycling route remains ideal for beginner riders. In fact, this route allows you to take in an enchanting environment. Bathed in calm, the picturesque and lively villages embody a rural and idyllic atmosphere. What's more, this circuit treats cycling enthusiasts to vast sandy beaches and magnificent rocky coves.
Exploring the countryside by bike
Reserved for fans of the "Green attitude", cycling tourism in the countryside combines sport and discovery.
The Pays de Bray is not to be missed on a cycling trip in the countryside. The 100.5-kilometre trail offers a landscape in the heart of nature. The travel begins not far from the gates of Beauvais at the estuary of the Arque. It heads towards the Avenue Verte stretch between London and Paris and opens the path through the hills of Bray. From there, the hiker can choose between the crossroads of Saint-Germer-de-Fly and the road to Forges-les-Eaux.
The option for cycle tourism from Vexin to the Epte valley is justified by the historic marches located in these areas. This detour sets a rendezvous through authentic villages that lead straight to the Impressionist Giverny.
A cycling tour is not just a physical activity with multiple benefits — it also heads towards breathtaking tourist destinations.
