Taking to your bike is one of the best ways to explore the inspiring landscapes, stunning châteaux, historic sites and small town hospitality of France. The superb cuisine and world-class wine is never more appreciated than after a day of testing your endurance against the peaks and troughs of the rugged terrain. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favourite cycling routes in France from Ride: Cycle the World.
Ride
View BookCol de Sarenne Circuit, Bourg D’Oisans (loop)
Distance: 57 km (35 miles)
Total ascent: 2,001 m (6,565 ft)
Road surface: Paved / Dirt
This route gives you a taste of what it's like to compete in the Tour de France: the 21 bends snaking between Bourg d’Oisans and Alpe d’Huez often decide the outcome of the race. Tackling the devilish 7.9 per cent average incline will give you a renewed sense of appreciation for the superhuman endurance of the athletes competing in the race, while the Col de Sarenne will send you soaring along remote country roads. Stops along the way include Huez village and Alpe d'Huez, where fortifying cuisine and gorgeous alpine views will help re-energize you.
Total ascent: 2,001 m (6,565 ft)
Road surface: Paved / Dirt
This route gives you a taste of what it's like to compete in the Tour de France: the 21 bends snaking between Bourg d’Oisans and Alpe d’Huez often decide the outcome of the race. Tackling the devilish 7.9 per cent average incline will give you a renewed sense of appreciation for the superhuman endurance of the athletes competing in the race, while the Col de Sarenne will send you soaring along remote country roads. Stops along the way include Huez village and Alpe d'Huez, where fortifying cuisine and gorgeous alpine views will help re-energize you.
Veloscenic, Paris to Mont-St-Michel
Distance: 455 km (283 miles)
Total ascent: 2,715 m (8,908 ft)
Road surface: Paved / Dirt
This epic two-wheeled odyssey takes in no less than four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, immersing you in French culture as you cycle from the capital through picturesque countryside to the Normandy coast. This is a route for taking it slow – there is so much to be appreciated along the way: an abundance of historical sights, countless charming towns and villages, and the legendary delights of French cuisine.
Total ascent: 2,715 m (8,908 ft)
Road surface: Paved / Dirt
This epic two-wheeled odyssey takes in no less than four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, immersing you in French culture as you cycle from the capital through picturesque countryside to the Normandy coast. This is a route for taking it slow – there is so much to be appreciated along the way: an abundance of historical sights, countless charming towns and villages, and the legendary delights of French cuisine.
ViaRhôna, St-Gingolph to Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône
Distance: 713 km (443 miles)
Total ascent: 3,208 m (10,525 ft)
Road surface: Paved
The companionable River Rhône is your guide on this meandering ride through forested mountains, plunging gorges and world-renowned wineries. On your way you’ll pass magnificent sights like Lake Geneva, the striking UNESCO-listed city of Avignon and a Roman amphitheatre as splendid as anything you’d find in Italy. The sandy shores of Port-Saint-Louis du Rhone herald the end of your journey, the perfect place to put your feet up and enjoy some sun.
Total ascent: 3,208 m (10,525 ft)
Road surface: Paved
The companionable River Rhône is your guide on this meandering ride through forested mountains, plunging gorges and world-renowned wineries. On your way you’ll pass magnificent sights like Lake Geneva, the striking UNESCO-listed city of Avignon and a Roman amphitheatre as splendid as anything you’d find in Italy. The sandy shores of Port-Saint-Louis du Rhone herald the end of your journey, the perfect place to put your feet up and enjoy some sun.
Robert Louis Stevenson Trail, Le Monastier-Sur-Gazeille to Lac du Bouchet
Distance: 26 km (16 miles)
Total ascent: 746 M (2,448 ft)
Road surface: Paved / Gravel / Dirt
Once trekked by Treasure Island author, Robert Louis Stevenson, the rugged terrain of south-central France makes for a thrilling challenge on two wheels. This section of the trail begins in Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille and follows the GR 70 across heart-stopping descents and gruelling ascents formed from ancient volcanoes. The reward for your exertions? Sweeping views of bucolic meadows, stop-offs in charming villages for steaming bowls of meaty stews, and, when you reach the end, Le Bouchet-St-Nicolas’ stunning crater lake.
Total ascent: 746 M (2,448 ft)
Road surface: Paved / Gravel / Dirt
Once trekked by Treasure Island author, Robert Louis Stevenson, the rugged terrain of south-central France makes for a thrilling challenge on two wheels. This section of the trail begins in Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille and follows the GR 70 across heart-stopping descents and gruelling ascents formed from ancient volcanoes. The reward for your exertions? Sweeping views of bucolic meadows, stop-offs in charming villages for steaming bowls of meaty stews, and, when you reach the end, Le Bouchet-St-Nicolas’ stunning crater lake.
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