Cycling is a unique experience that combines adventure, freedom and discovery. Whether it's your first cycling trip or a longer one, this mode of transport offers a multitude of advantages. With the right equipment, such as adapted bikes, bike panniers and trailers for children, it's a truly unique experience. In France, cycling routes such as the Loire à Vélo and the Nantes-Brest Canal offer varied landscapes and challenges for all levels, including, for the more athletic, positive gradients. Electric assistance is an excellent option for those who want a little extra help. Want to know everything there is to know about bike touring? Here's a complete guide, written with the help of Hélène from Agence Paulette, to prepare you for your cycling trip, whether with family or friends!
I. The benefits of bike touring
1. A different pace
A bicycle tour lets you discover a region at your own pace. Neither too slow, nor too fast, this mode of transport is ideal for immersing yourself in the landscape. Whether you're in France or another country (Germany and Holland have exceptional networks), cycling allows you to savor every moment and take your time. Be careful, though: well-maintained bikes and the right equipment, such as panniers to carry your luggage, are essential for any type of tour.
2. Unexpected stops
By bike, you stop in places you'd never have stopped otherwise. Whether it's enjoying a coffee in a small village or admiring a picturesque church, every stop is an opportunity to discover hidden treasures! The beauty of cycle touring is that it gives rise to the unexpected. During your trip, you'll have the chance to explore routes that don't appear on conventional maps... even on **marked routes **such as those offered by EuroVelo. The advantage of cycling is that you can stop in unexpected places while following a well-marked route. Take all the equipment you need to ensure your comfort and safety, and enjoy every moment.
3. Enriching encounters
Cycling arouses curiosity and invites conversation. You'll have the chance to chat with locals, swap stories and discover interesting anecdotes about the region. Cycle touring in France and elsewhere encourages these enriching human interactions. Every encounter can offer you new routes to discover, tips for optimizing your route or simply fascinating stories about the country you're passing through. That said, don't forget to pack a bag full of the essentials you'll need for your luggage, so you're always prepared for the unexpected! (see below for tips)
4. Varied landscapes... galore!
Itinerant cycling allows you to cross different types of landscape in a short space of time. On the Vélodyssée, for example, you can go from the salt marshes of the Ile d'Oléron to the surf beaches of Biarritz in just a few days. In the mountains, by the sea or across the fields, cycling in France offers an incomparable diversity of landscapes. In France, there are many fully signposted and safe itineraries, such as the EuroVelos, which are perfect for those who want to discover several countries in a single adventure, while still having a well-defined route.
5. A sense of achievement
Reaching your final destination by bike gives you an immense sense of pride and accomplishment. It's a personal victory every step of the way! Whether you do it hard or easy, with a muscle bike or a VAE, every route you take and every hill you climb reinforces that feeling of having achieved something significant. By preparing your equipment well, choosing the right bikes and planning your transport, your trip will become a memorable one.
6. Total disconnection
A bike trip offers a total disconnect from everyday life. You leave your phone and its incessant notifications behind to admire the scenery flashing past you: plane trees, fields of flowers, oyster huts, green hills. This type of trail is perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature and take a break from technology.
7. Health benefits
Cycling is a physical activity that improves your health. Regular pedaling strengthens the heart and muscles and improves endurance. Every route you choose contributes to your physical and mental well-being. In France, there are numerous cycle touring routes suitable for all levels, enabling everyone to enjoy the benefits of cycling. Take along the right equipment, choose your bikes according to the terrain, and pack your bags so you're ready for anything!
8. Save money
Travelling by bike can be economical, especially if you replace costly expenses with this mode of transport. Accommodation and catering costs can also be reduced by opting for camping or picnics. By planning your itinerary well and choosing suitable routes, you can have a memorable trip without spending a fortune. Cycle touring is an economical and environmentally friendly way to discover France and other countries.
Are you convinced? Now it's time for some tips on how to get started this summer! Rest assured, with her 10 bike rental agencies, Hélène knows all there is to know about bike touring!
II. Top tips for getting started in bike touring
1. Plan your itinerary
Planning your itinerary is crucial. Assess your abilities and those of your group, choose the right terrain and decide whether you prefer to cycle all day or alternate with local activities. Opt for destinations accessible by train to simplify logistics. In France, many cycle touring itineraries offer routes suitable for all levels, making departure and transport easy.
2. Equip yourself properly
For a successful adventure, good equipment is essential: helmet, anti-theft device, repair kit, rear panniers to carry your belongings, and above all, a well-maintained bike. Having the right equipment makes all the difference to a comfortable trip. Whether it's your first trip or a longer adventure, make sure your bikes are in perfect condition and ready to tackle any type of road.
3. Get organized if you're going away with children
It's perfectly possible to set off on a bike tour with children. Just make sure that your youngest ones are well installed in suitable trailers, and choose safe routes. Alternate cycling with other activities to avoid boredom. Plan your itinerary taking into account everyone's abilities, and take along all the equipment you need to deal with any unforeseen circumstances.
4. Choose your region according to the time of year you're going
France has many regions ideal for cycling. Choose according to the time of year and your preferences. Each region has its own treasures to discover, even the ones you think you know best. EuroVelo routes cross several countries, offering a multitude of choices for an enriching journey.
5. Manage accommodation in advance
Book your accommodation in advance, especially in high season. Choose those with secure bike parking. By planning your itinerary and booking in advance, you avoid the stress of finding a place to sleep every night. Remember to pack all the necessary equipment in your panniers for a carefree trip.
6. Overcome challenges - it's the spice of adventure!
Logistics can be simplified by using specialized bike rental companies. In case of bad weather, adapt your equipment. Finally, don't hesitate to use electric-assist bikes to make the route easier. Every challenge on the road is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Roaming by bike is much more than just a means of transportation; it's a true travel philosophy. Whether you're planning your first cycling trip or you're an experienced traveler, every cycling route offers a new perspective and new adventures. In France, routes like the Loire à Vélo and the Nantes-Brest Canal offer breathtaking scenery and challenges to suit all levels of cyclist. With the right advice on preparing your itinerary, choosing the right equipment and organizing your luggage, you're all set for a memorable adventure. Don't forget that every cycling trip is an opportunity to discover the world in a unique way, meet new people and enjoy the benefits of this active and sustainable lifestyle. Embark on your next cycling trip and discover all that this mode of transport has to offer.
Bon voyage 💛 !
Pssssstttt 🤫
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