Taking your bike to Europe couldn’t be easier when you travel by ferry, and with so many fantastic places for cycling in France within easy reach of the port in Calais you can be riding around some great destinations in no time.
So dust off your helmet, pump up your tyres, and take a look at some of the best places for cycling in France before booking a fun-filled holiday for you and your bike.
Cycling in France: Paris
Travelling around Paris on two wheels is a great way to see the city’s highlights in a short space of time, and with plenty of cycle lanes and car-free zones for cyclists to use it is actually more relaxing than you might think.
Cycle down famous boulevards and avenues, stop to take photos of landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame, and have regular breaks at lovely little Parisian cafés where you can relax with delicious coffee and pastries.
Once you have seen all that the centre of Paris has to offer, head to the outskirts where you will find plenty of quaint neighbourhoods and can enjoy a bit of peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you would like to learn all about Paris from a local, opt for a bike tour and discover some of the city’s secrets from someone who knows this great cycling destination inside out.
Cycling in France: Nice
For a bike ride with a difference, head to beautiful Nice where you can cycle through mountains, gorges, forests, and medieval villages while enjoying panoramic views across the Mediterranean Sea.
Nice is a great place for cycling in France as it boasts lovely weather throughout the year, 125km of cycle paths, and plenty of cultural delights to discover while you’re not on your bike, which makes it a very desirable destination whether you are hoping to explore on two wheels or not.
The locals and motorists are very bike-friendly in Nice, so even if you don’t have much experience you will feel safe on the roads, and if you don’t want to give cycling up the mountain roads a go you can always stick to the flat coastline until you feel more confident.
Keen cyclists may like to visit the Musée National du Sport, France’s only dedicated sports museum, which offers interactive and informative exhibits focused on the challenging aspects of a range of different sports, including cycling.
Cycling in France: Burgundy
Burgundy is definitely the best place for cycling in France if you are a wine lover, as you will be able to explore the region’s beautiful vineyards in addition to discovering picturesque towns and impressive chateaux.
One of the wealthiest French regions, Burgundy is known for its amazing food and wine, and choosing to cycle around this stunning destination gives you the chance to take part in a number of tastings and enjoy cellar tours too.
You’ll find hundreds of kilometres of signposted paths along the rivers and canals which provide an easy ride, and heading into the towns and villages will give you the opportunity to see Burgundy’s collection of grand buildings and medieval architecture.
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Head to Parc Regional du Morvan where you can cycle in the mountains along uneven paths, through wild landscape, and past castles and abbeys.
Whether you are a cycling enthusiast, or just fancy a leisurely ride through a great location, you will find the perfect option for you in France, so why not book a Dover to Calais crossing and start planning your perfect cycling holiday today?
