From greenways along rivers and canals to the major mountain roads of the Alps and the Massif Central, France offers an exceptional playground for cycling enthusiasts. Given such diversity, selecting only a few routes for this article was no easy task.
This selection includes routes that vary in duration and difficulty, ranging from weekend getaways to multi-day adventures. Our choice was not based solely on the quality of the roads or their interest for bikepacking. We also considered the historical richness of the regions, the variety of landscapes, and, more broadly, the experience each itinerary has to offer.
The result is a selection that reveals the full diversity of France: from the Loire châteaux and Burgundy vineyards to the great Alpine passes and the volcanic plateaus of the Massif Central.
Table of Contents:
Loire à Vélo: châteaux, vineyards, and the ideal route for bikepacking beginners
Canal de Bourgogne: a peaceful escape along a historic canal
Île de Ré: a bikepacking getaway on the Atlantic coast
Dordogne Valley: medieval villages and limestone cliffs
Provence and Luberon: between lavender fields and perched villages
Route des Grandes Alpes: tackling the legendary passes of the French Alps
Conclusion
Loire à Vélo: châteaux, vineyards, and the ideal route for bikepacking beginners
Region: Loire Valley
Duration: 2 to 15 days
Distance: up to 900 km
Difficulty: easy
Best period: April-October.
The Loire à Vélo is one of Europe's classic cycling routes. For many cyclists, it's also the gateway to bikepacking. The itinerary follows France's longest river using a network of cycle paths, small country roads, and sections with very limited traffic.
Its success lies in the balance between the pleasure of cycling and the density of historical sites along the way. Throughout the route, you'll encounter France's most iconic châteaux: Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, and Chaumont-sur-Loire, as well as vineyards, historic towns, and a multitude of charming riverside villages. The generally flat terrain presents no particular difficulty, allowing you to fully enjoy the journey.
Along the way, you'll see France's famous châteaux
Another advantage of this route is that you don't have to cycle all 900 km. Many cyclists opt for a section of 150 to 300 km, a format perfectly suited for a long weekend or a week-long holiday. The Blois – Amboise – Tours section (approximately 140–160 km) is particularly popular: in 2 to 3 days, it allows you to discover several unmissable châteaux and the most beautiful parts of the route at a leisurely pace. Campsites, guesthouses, hotels, shops, and cafes dot the entire route, making it easy to organize your trip with the level of autonomy that best suits your desires.
Accessible and well-equipped, the Loire à Vélo is ideal for starting bikepacking, taking your first cycling trip in France, or combining gentle travel with heritage and culture.
Canal de Bourgogne: a peaceful escape along a historic canal
Region: Burgundy
Duration: 2 to 7 days
Distance: 215-240 km
Difficulty: easy
Best period: April-October.
The Canal de Bourgogne is one of the quietest yet most overlooked routes. It follows the old canal that connects the Seine and Rhône basins, offering an immersion into authentic Burgundy, far from the main tourist routes.
Most of the route uses the old towpaths, once used to pull barges. Today, these are converted into stabilized paths or small asphalt roads where car traffic is almost non-existent. With its gentle terrain, this route is suitable for those looking to embark on their first journey.
You cycle along the water, past old locks, villages, Burgundy vineyards, and small towns marked by the history of river trade. The pace is slow, conducive to cultural and gastronomic discoveries of the region.
The infrastructure is well-developed: accommodations and supply points are regular, which facilitates simple trip organization. This accessibility makes it an excellent choice, both for a first bikepacking experience and for a relaxed cycling holiday.
One of France's most peaceful routes
The Dijon – Pontailler-sur-Saône – Saint-Jean-de-Losne section (120–150 km) can be covered in 2 to 3 days and allows you to discover the atmosphere of the Burgundy canal, its historic locks, and an emblematic wine region of France.
This is a particularly suitable route for bikepacking beginners, slow tourists, families with children, and cyclists wishing to combine a cycling trip with gastronomic discoveries of Burgundy.
Île de Ré: a bikepacking getaway on the Atlantic coast
Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Duration: 2 to 3 days
Distance: 80-120 km
Difficulty: easy
Best period: April-October.
Île de Ré is a perfect terrain for a short bikepacking adventure. Its vast network of cycle paths, almost non-existent elevation, and short distances between villages, beaches, and cafes allow for serene riding without complex logistics.
The route crosses salt marshes, pine forests, fishing villages, and the Atlantic coast. In two to three days, it's possible to explore a large part of the island and reach Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Ars-en-Ré, or the Phare des Baleines (Lighthouse of Whales).
The Phare des Baleines (Lighthouse of Whales) is a very picturesque site
This is one of the best choices for a weekend. A classic loop starting from La Rochelle, including a crossing of the island's bridge, allows for a simple and fluid journey, totaling approximately 80 to 120 km depending on the variations.
It's an ideal destination for starting bikepacking, going with family, or enjoying a weekend by the ocean, where the essential thing is not the number of kilometers covered, but the unique coastal atmosphere.
Dordogne Valley: medieval villages and limestone cliffs
Region: Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Duration: 4 to 7 days
Distance: 250-400 km
Difficulty: moderate
Best period: May-June, September-October.
The Dordogne Valley is one of the most spectacular regions in France for cycle touring. A bikepacking route here passes through medieval villages, castles, vineyards, and limestone cliffs overlooking the river. You'll discover iconic sites such as Beynac-et-Cazenac, La Roque-Gageac, and Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of the country's most beautiful medieval ensembles.
Unlike the flatter routes along the Loire or the Burgundy canal, the terrain here is more undulating. There are regular ascents and descents, which are not extreme but require a slightly stronger physical condition, adding a more sporting dimension to the trip.
The route passes through magnificent historical sites
For a first discovery of the region, a good compromise is to connect Souillac, Sarlat-la-Canéda, and Bergerac over approximately 200 km. This route can be done in three or four days and combines moderate effort, historical heritage, and local gastronomy.
This itinerary is for cyclists who already have experience with cycling trips and wish to test slightly more undulating terrain, without sacrificing picturesque views or quality infrastructure.
Provence and Luberon: between lavender fields and perched villages
Region: Provence, Luberon
Duration: 3 to 6 days
Distance: 180-350 km
Difficulty: moderate
Best period: May-June, September-October (lavender bloom: late June-July).
Provence is one of France's most iconic regions, and the Luberon perfectly embodies its spirit. The itinerary winds through vineyards, lavender fields, olive groves, and perched villages that make the region famous. Along the way, you can discover Gordes, Roussillon, Ménerbes, and other villages classified among the most beautiful in France.
Here, the terrain is more uneven than on the flatter routes. Short but frequent climbs alternate with rapid descents and panoramic roads. The route therefore requires a little more effort but rewards cyclists with spectacular landscapes almost every kilometer.
Lavender fields leave no one indifferent
For a long weekend, a loop from Avignon – Gordes – Roussillon – L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Avignon of about 180–220 km is an excellent option. It can be completed in three or four days and allows for alternating cycling stages with discovering local markets, wineries, and Provençal heritage.
This itinerary will appeal to those who dream of classic Provençal landscapes, are ready to tackle moderate terrain, and enjoy combining cycling with discovering local heritage, gastronomy, and architecture.
Route des Grandes Alpes: tackling the legendary passes of the French Alps
Region: French Alps
Duration: 7 to 14 days
Distance: approximately 720 km
Difficulty: difficult
Best period: June-September.
The Route des Grandes Alpes is one of Europe's most famous cycling routes. It crosses the French Alps from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, tackling several legendary passes in cycling history: Galibier, Iseran, Izoard, and many other mythical climbs made famous by the Tour de France.
What particularly distinguishes this route is the combination of spectacular alpine panoramas and significant elevation gain. Almost every stage involves long climbs followed by technical descents. The route therefore requires excellent physical condition as well as good bike handling skills in the mountains.
The Route des Grandes Alpes promises a true mountain adventure
For those not yet ready for a complete two-week traverse, the Bourg-d’Oisans – Briançon – Guillestre section of approximately 180-220 km offers an excellent alternative. In three or four days, it allows you to cross several emblematic passes and experience the spirit of the Route des Grandes Alpes without covering its entirety.
The Route des Grandes Alpes is the choice for experienced bikepackers seeking a true mountain adventure. It is one of those routes that you remember as much for the splendor of the landscapes as for the pride of having conquered the passes.
Conclusion
France remains one of Europe's best destinations for bikepacking thanks to the exceptional diversity of its routes. Whether you want to spend a peaceful weekend on the Atlantic coast, explore the Loire châteaux, or take on the challenge of the legendary Alpine passes, each region offers a different experience and a route adapted to every level, every desire, and every duration.
Good preparation remains essential: a reliable bike, suitable equipment, well-chosen bags, and quality gear will allow you to fully enjoy the adventure rather than dealing with mechanical surprises on the road.
If you're planning a bikepacking trip in France or choosing your first route, start by visiting Routes and Roads. You can have your bike serviced in a reliable workshop and find the right equipment for all your adventures. Our team will help you choose everything you need to ride in comfort, whether it's a weekend on Île de Ré or a grand traverse of the French Alps. See you soon at Routes and Roads!
