🚴 Pedal and explore, discover bikepacking on the greenway
A greenway is an invitation to travel, where only bicycles, rollerblades and walkers are the kings of the road. Forget the roar of engines, here we listen only to birdsong and the screech of tires on gravel (and sometimes the soft sound of your belly calling for a picnic break 😋).
Imagine riding miles of pure beauty, flanked by panniers full of adventure and hope, without a car in sight. That's bikepacking on a greenway! 🚲
Each greenway has its own character. From towpaths along quiet rivers, where fishermen greet you with a nod, to old railroad tracks (there aren't even rails anymore, so no risk of collision with a train 😅 ), silent witnesses to a bygone era, each route is a discovery. 🚂
Whether you want to take a day trip or embark on a holiday lasting a week or more, it's all possible. Simply load your pannier, attach your GPS and choose your direction. From a cool morning to a starry return, every moment is a celebration of freedom. 🌌
🤔 Where to find these routes? A guide to get you off to a good start
You've decided to embark on the adventure of bikepacking on greenways, but you're scratching your head wondering where to start? Look no further, AF3V (Association Française pour le développement des Véloroutes et Voies Vertes) is here to help! 🚴
On their online site, an interactive map is available. In the blink of an eye, you'll find all the cycle routes and greenways in France. 🗺️
But AF3V isn't just a handy map. It's a veritable magic lantern for ecomobility. They have three key missions: to represent and defend users, to promote and develop the network, and to get to know it better. Basically, they're the guardian angels of the cycle route and greenway world! 💪
Their action supports the ecological transition by encouraging less polluting travel. Imagine, every pedal stroke is another step towards a world without greenhouse gases. And if that's not sustainable tourism, what is? 🌍
What's more, thanks to AF3V, greenways aren't just for mountain bike pros or cyclists looking for their first big adventure. They're accessible to all, promoting inclusive and supportive tourism. 🚲
🌳 The jewels of the network: Some ideas for routes along the greenways
With so many greenways to discover, it would be impossible to cover them all in one getaway (unless you had 10 years ahead of you full time 😅 ). But don't worry, we've selected a few itineraries that perfectly illustrate what these wonderful trails have to offer.
La Vélodyssée, the trail that makes the ocean sing
Set a course for adventure with La Vélodyssée, the cycling trail that lets you ride to the rhythm of the Atlantic waves! 1,300 km of pure pleasure, from Brittany to the tip of our beloved Pyrenees. 🚴♀️🌊
In terms of difficulty, this is a cheerfully accessible intermediate. You don't need to be an ace gravel rider or a sacrosanct cyclist to venture out. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, the Vélodyssée welcomes you with open arms (and its well-marked greenways!). 🚵♂️
The starting point for this epic journey? Brittany, with its legends, pancakes and lighthouses watching over the ocean. From there, follow the trail of this mythical route as it winds its way along the coast. 🏖️
When to go? Between April and September, the Vélodyssée is at its most beautiful. The sun caresses your skin, the sea breeze plays with your hair, and every day is a promise of discoveries and little pleasures on two wheels. 🌞
From Châteaulin to Carhaix, a canal that offers cyclists the best fest
There's no need to do the whole La Vélodyssée itinerary if the distance seems too great (honestly, I understand 😅). You can always fill up on adventure and serenity on the Nantes-Brest canal, taking the route from Châteaulin to Carhaix. Get ready, it's a real feast for cyclists! 🚴♂️🎉
This canal is a 19th-century masterpiece, with no fewer than 238 locks and a bevy of engineering structures. You'd almost think they were built just for fun! And what a joy it is to pedal along the towpath, a flat terrain that weaves its way between tranquil waters and verdant landscapes. 🌳
On these 75 km (a far cry from the 1,300 km of earlier 🤣 ), it's a journey back in time that awaits you. Imagine the boats of yesteryear gliding across the water as you zip along on your bike, greeting picturesque villages and their friendly inhabitants. Every bridge you come across is an invitation to stop and admire the view (or take a photo break, let's be honest). 🌉
Ideal for beginners or families, this route is a hymn to the gentle way of life. You can cover these kilometers in three days, leaving plenty of time to picnic by the water, discover charming little hotels or find a campsite to spend the night under the stars. 🏕️
Greenways to discover the Vosges by bike!
Get on your bike and explore the Vosges, an ideal playground for lovers of bikepacking and breathtaking scenery. 🚴♂️
First of all, imagine yourself pedaling along the Hautes-Vosges greenway, a 53 km route winding through forests and valleys. Here, nature leads the way, with sites as varied as the Crozery gorges and the Théâtre du peuple in Bussang. And let's not forget the museums along the way, perfect for a cultural break between pedal strokes! 🎭
Next, plunge into the Vallée de la Plaine, where the greenway stretches for 27 km of pure forest beauty. It's the ideal spot for lovers of leisurely strolls, with rest areas where you can picnic while listening to the murmur of the La Plaine river. And for the more adventurous, this route is the starting point for numerous mountain bike circuits. 🌳
Wait, there's more! The Vallée du Rabodeau awaits you with its 16 km of history and architecture, a veritable open book on the region's past. It's a stroll through time, where each history panel enriches your journey. 🏰
And for long-distance fans, the Voie Bleue (V50) is a must. For 73 km, you follow the Vosges Canal, discovering cultural and heritage treasures along the way. It's like a magical route linking different worlds, from Schengen to Lyon. 🚤
Finally, for a more intimate experience, the Haute-Meurthe greenway offers 9 km of serenity. Perfect for a family outing or a soothing stroll, it links villages with a promise of safety and discovery. 🌄
