Our grand cycling routes accross France
France is home to some of Europe’s most iconic bike routes—designed for travelers seeking the joy of slow adventure. From the Canal du Midi to the Vélodyssée, from the Loire à Vélo to the ViaRhôna, these legendary routes offer a different kind of journey—one that unfolds at the pace of the landscape.
At Paulette, we believe cycling holidays are for everyone—whether you’re new to bike touring or dreaming of long-distance rides. Our routes are easy to follow, well signposted, and dotted with Paulette rental hubs where you can pick up a fully equipped bike and drop it off in another city.
Planning a few days on the road, a weekend escape, or a grand cross-country ride? Find the route that matches your rhythm right here.
The Canal du Midi by bike
Ride along one of France’s greatest engineering feats, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Toulouse to Sète, the miles flow by under the shade of plane trees and through sun-drenched southern villages.
From Toulouse to Sète
240 km
Toulouse, Narbonne, Béziers, Sète, Carcassonne
The Vélodyssée
The Vélodyssée follows the Atlantic coast for over 1,200 km, from Brittany to the Basque Country. This salty-scented adventure weaves through wild beaches, pine forests, marshes, seaside towns, and fishing ports. A call to freedom.
From Roscoff to Hendaye
1 300 km
Nantes, Les Sables d’Olonne, La Rochelle, Royan, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Hendaye
The Loire à vélo
The Loire à Vélo route follows Europe’s last wild river, from Orléans to Saint-Nazaire. Expect historic towns, sweeping vineyards, and an endless array of castles. Majestic, varied, and accessible.
From Orléans to Saint-Nazaire
900 km
Nantes, Angers, Tours, Blois, Orléans
The Véloscénie
The Véloscénie leads you through natural parks, forests, cathedrals, and gentle countryside—from the City of Light to the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel. A rich mix of culture and calm.
From Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel
450 km
Paris, Alençon, Chartres, Mont-Saint-Michel
The ViaRhôna
From the Alps to the sea, the ViaRhôna connects Lake Geneva to Sète, via the Rhône Valley and Provence. Expect vineyards, Roman cities, hilltop villages, and southern beaches. A spectacular ride.
From Thonon-les-bains to Sète
815 km
Thonon-les-Bains, Seyssel, Lyon, Montélimar, Avignon, Arles, Sète
The Seine à Vélo
Cycle from Paris to Deauville following the Seine River, through Impressionist landscapes, grand forests, and artistic towns. A scenic and cultural route for all levels.
From Paris to Deauville
510 km
Paris, Vernon, Rouen, Deauville
Canal Latéral à la Garonne
A natural extension of the Canal du Midi, the Canal Latéral à la Garonne offers a calm, shaded ride between Bordeaux and Toulouse. Follow a continuous greenway through bastides, vineyards, and peaceful river ports.
From Bordeaux to Toulouse
193 km
Bordeaux, Agen, Toulouse
More bike routes by Paulette
Beyond these iconic trails, Paulette invites you to explore lesser-known cycling routes—just as charming, and perfect for a weekend or off-the-beaten-path escape. All designed for carefree bike touring.
- Canal de Nantes à Brest: a quiet journey across Brittany’s heartland
- La Voie Bleue: from the Luxembourg border to Lyon via the Moselle and Saône
- La Passa Païs: deep nature cycling in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Park
- La Régalante: a hidden gem between Loire Valley, forest, and ocean, from Saumur to La Rochelle
- And many local loops, perfect for a day ride or weekend escape
Your bike trip planner
Already have a route in mind? Or looking to browse loop rides for a cycling weekend? Use our route finder to filter and discover the perfect itinerary tailored to your travel dreams.