10 routes to start weekend cycling

When you're preparing to set off on a weekend cycling trip in France, choosing the right itinerary is a crucial step in ensuring a memorable experience. With so many options at your disposal, it's important to consider several factors to find the itinerary that best suits your preferences and level of cycling.

Level of difficulty: First of all, assess your level of cycling. If you're a beginner, or if you're planning to travel with your family, opt for easy, flat routes, such as the ride along the Loire between Blois and Saumur. On the other hand, if you're a seasoned cyclist looking for a challenge, you might consider more demanding routes, such as the Vélodyssée from Arcachon to Biarritz.

Length of trip: Decide how many days you want to devote to your cycling trip. Some routes, such as the ViaRhôna from Valence to Avignon, can be completed in 2 or 3 days, while others, such as La Voie Bleue from Épinal to Chalon-sur-Saône, take longer. Make sure the length of your trip matches your availability.

Personal preferences: Think about what you like to see and do during your trip. If you're a lover of wine and picturesque landscapes, the little gourmet loop in Burgundy may be the ideal option. For those who prefer the Atlantic coast and beaches, the Vélodyssée offers an unforgettable journey.

Access: Consider access to the route from your starting point. Some itineraries, such as the ride along the banks of the Loire, are easily accessible by train from Paris, making the logistics of your trip much easier.

Equipment and luggage: Think about your equipment and luggage needs. Some itineraries, such as the Vélo Francette from Mayenne to Angers, offer accommodation and bike rental points to simplify your life. Make sure you have the necessary equipment, including panniers to carry your belongings.

Specific interests: If you have specific interests, such as maritime history or discovering castles, look for itineraries that cater to these preferences. For example, the Canal de Nantes à Brest will immerse you in Brittany's maritime history.

Your choice of itinerary for a cycling weekend in France will depend on your level of cycling, the length of your trip, personal preferences and logistics. Whatever itinerary you choose from the 10 suggestions, the main thing is to pedal at your own pace and let yourself be enchanted by the beauties of France on two wheels 🏰🌊🍇🌳🚲

Let's start with a ride on one of France's jewels: the Loire à Vélo. This 135-kilometer stretch, between Blois and Saumur, takes you pedaling for 5 days (we've gone wide, we know you like sightseeing 😉 ).

Pedaling along the Loire, your bike will take you, electric or otherwise, through postcard panoramas. Between welcoming vineyards and charming villages, every moment is an invitation to marvel. Castles? Oh, just a few little buildings like Chambord, Cheverny and Amboise that strut their stuff along your route. 🏰

This route is ideal if you're from Paris, with the regional train dropping you off just in time for the start. And for those wondering about the difficulty: it's flat, it's gentle, it's perfect for a first experience with the family, children or friends. And when it comes to equipment and luggage, no stress! Accommodation points and dedicated rental sites (think Lokki 🤙) dot the route to make your life easier. 🛌

Have you ever heard of the Vélodyssée? If not, hold on to your handlebars, because you've got quite an adventure ahead of you! This 1,400 km-long cycling route winds its way along our beautiful Atlantic coast, from north to south. But here, we're going to concentrate on just one exceptional stretch: from Arcachon to Biarritz. 230 km of pure pleasure on two wheels, to be enjoyed in 5 days.

This stretch is a cocktail of beaches, pines and pedals. From the majestic Dune du Pilat to Hossegor, every turn of the wheel is a surprise. And if you're feeling a bit peckish between two exploits? We highly recommend an oyster-cannelé-Basque cake break. Yes, in that order, for fun! 🚴‍♂️🌊🍰🤪

Would you like to enjoy 150 kilometers in 4 to 5 days? Embark on the "Petit tour de Bourgogne", the mini but ultra funky version of the 800 km grand tour. 🕺

Here you pedal mainly on safe cycle paths, starting with the towpaths along the Saône. Imagine gliding along a former railroad line converted into a cycle route, and crossing Europe's longest cycle tunnel.

Points of interest? There are plenty. Iconic sites such as Chalon-sur-Saône and Cluny punctuate your itinerary. It's a journey to the heart of the wines of the Côte Chalonnaise, breathtaking Burgundy landscapes and a rich historical and religious heritage. And the icing on the cake (or rather grapes on the bunch 🍇): a stop at the Château de Cormatin to give your stay a royal touch. 🍷🏰🚴‍♂️

Head for the Vélo Francette, from Mayenne to Angers. Over 135 km, spread out over 4 days (including short stops at guinguettes 🍹 ), you'll be pampered by the pure beauty of the Mayenne Valley and its rivers.

Here, you'll feel as if you're pedaling through a masterpiece canvas: cliffs, woods, meadows and waterways take shape as the miles go by. And to make matters worse, this greenway takes you through charming hamlets, witnesses to a distant past. 🍃

It's accessible, it's convenient and every day offers a new spectacle. So get on your bike! 🚴‍♂️🌿🌳

Say hello to La Voie Bleue! 400 km of cycling dreams. You start in Épinal, a perfect town for a stroll. You then cycle along the Canal des Vosges (no, there are no wolves, rest assured 😉 ), a real plunge into greenery, before cycling along the Saône.

The highlight? The splendor of Chalon-sur-Saône awaits you at the end of your journey. And if you're wondering where to sleep, don't worry, there are plenty of charming hotels along the way.

The majority of the route is a gentle flat journey punctuated by a few intriguing locks and mysterious tunnels (get your best ghost stories ready 👻). The terrain is so accessible that even novices feel like pros! 🚴‍♂️

Fancy an international trip without the hassle of a long-haul flight? Moselle is calling you! 📞 In just 3 days, cycle from Metz, with its undeniable French charm, to Koblenz in Germany, covering around 300 km.

The terrain? Mostly asphalt with a few gravel sections, ideal for a VTC. As for accommodation, if you're feeling adventurous at the end of the day but don't want to sleep in a local's house, why not try a bivouac? In Germany, bivouacs are tolerated as long as you're well hidden and respectful. So get out your best camouflage and shush... it's our little roaming secret! 🤫🏕️

What better way to immerse yourself in deepest Brittany by bike than on the Canal de Nantes à Brest? Spanning almost 300 km, this 4 to 6-day ride takes you on a journey through time and the region's picturesque landscapes. 🍀

Along the way, the canal reveals its flower-bedecked locks and the mountains of Central Brittany, adding a physical twist to your journey. But rest assured, it's gentle and accessible to (almost) anyone, even Uncle Robert who hasn't exercised since 1995 🤣.

This ride takes you to iconic towns like Blain and its majestic castle, Redon with its medieval atmosphere (cloak and dagger optional ⚔️), delicious crêperies and colorful street-art. And don't forget Josselin, a must-see with its breathtaking view of the castle. Further afield, Pontivy and Carhaix open the doors of their historic centers.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Paris behind, the Canal de l'Ourcq invites you to take an artistic stroll through street art in Pantin. The Parc d'Ermenonville then whispers the thoughts of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. 🍃 And at the end of the day, a stopover in Senlis lets you wander its cobbled streets, perhaps dining in an ancestral restaurant. All in a single day! 🤩

The next day, after passing through Chaalis Abbey (a bit like the Louvre of abbeys, we're hardly exaggerating!) and Pont-Sainte-Maxence, a city steeped in history, you arrive in Compiègne. And then, tadaa! 🎉 The magnificent Château de Compiègne awaits you as a reward for these 118 km of pure pleasure. There you are, breathing in freedom, immortalizing this journey and... thinking of the TER for the return journey! 🚂

🤓 Little piece of first-class advice: keep an eye on the Scandiberique signs, some of them like to play hide-and-seek! 🛑🔍

Cycle 113 km of pure Breton beauty along the Ille-et-Rance canal. If you haven't yet explored this route in person, expect a series of visual surprises! 🎇

Departing from Rennes, you soon find yourself immersed in a peaceful, flower-filled world. 🌸 A few pedal strokes further on (and maybe a few drops of sweat, let's be honest 😅), Dinan charms you with its legendary Rue du Jerzual. Are you hesitating between Dinard and Saint-Malo for your next stop? Why choose? With a short 10-minute boat trip, connect the two towns in the blink of an eye. 🚤

Difficulty-wise, it's a walk in the park (but without the ducks to feed! 🦆).

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the ViaRhôna, the star of southern cycling routes! 🚴‍♂️ In just 2 or 3 days, you'll glide along a wide, rolling trail, discovering medieval villages like pearls on a necklace and savoring views of a Rhône so blue you can almost see its reflection (maybe not anyway, but admit it, I've made you dream! 😎).

Start with Valence and its fascinating House of Heads (no, it's not a horror movie, I promise! 🤞), then let us guide you to treasures like the ancient theater of Orange or the majestic Palais des Papes in Avignon. The ViaRhôna, with its legendary rides, is a veritable institution for lovers of bicycle travel. 🚲

Think it's too much for a beginner? Think again! With just 340 m of D+, even newcomers will feel right at home. So, are you ready for this adventure on one of France's best roads? 🌄🛤️🍷🍰