It's official! Summer is finally here, and we're all delighted. But the complicated start to the year has left its mark...
While some may regret having to postpone their trip abroad, others are more worried about their finances. At Rainette, we've come up with the ideal solution that combines the discovery of the French countryside with the economy: bicycle tourism. So, are you ready for a sporty summer of cycling?
1# - Vélodyssée
--
The advantage of bicycle touring? The destinations are endless. However, for safety reasons, it is recommended that you follow the "véloroutes" and "voies vertes". This is not a "constraint", as there are now 22,800 km of roads suitable for cycling.
Some routes are also more famous than others for their layout, beauty and cultural interest. Among them, the Vélodyssée. This is France's longest cycle route. Over 1,200 km long, it runs along the entire Atlantic coast, from Brittany to the Basque coast. It's an invigorating, wild and exotic route, with the ocean as a backdrop.
Note that the route is fully signposted, with 70% car-free lanes. A ready-made vacation just waiting for you!
More about La Vélodyssée 
2# - Canal des Deux Mers
--
This time, the cycling route links two aquatic universes: the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. For almost 800 km, you'll cycle along the Gironde Estuary, the Canal de Garonne and the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From Royan, you'll reach Bordeaux, Agen, Montauban, Toulouse, Carcassonne, then Béziers, Agde, Sète and Montpellier. A signposted cycle route to discover the sites and landscapes of the South of France.
Find out more about Canal des 2 Mers
3# - Loire
--
How about discovering the Loire by bike? This 900 km cycle tourism route follows the Loire River from Cuffy (Centre-Val de Loire) to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins (Pays de la Loire). On the official websiteThere are several cycling routes to choose from.
Whether you're staying for a week, a weekend or a day, you're sure to find the right hiking shoe for you. Whatever the case, your vacation will be punctuated by cultural discoveries (castles, monuments, museums). All in a natural setting, cycling from town to town, through parks and gardens. Some cycling itineraries even include a refreshing swim. 
4# - Véloscénie
--
Discover the history of France on the Véloscénie cycle route. This 450 km cycle route takes you through the heart of the Vallée de Chevreuse, the Perche and the Normandy bocage. A cultural immersion in the heart of France's monuments, including five UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The cycling route is simple. Departing from Paris, you pass through Versailles to admire the famous Château de Versailles. Then on to Chartres, where you'll discover the Cathedral. Next stop: Alençon, famous for its lace. Finally, you reach the thermal baths of Bagnoles de l'Orne, for a relaxing wellness break. The cycle tour ends at the foot of Mont Saint-Michel, which only the most daring will have the courage to climb.
Find out more about Véloscenie
5# - ViaRhôna
After cycling along the Loire, what about cycling along the Rhône? From Lake Geneva to the beaches of the Mediterranean, the 815 km cycle path takes you from the panoramas of the Alps to the beaches of the Camargue, crossing the emblematic landscapes of the Côtes du Rhône vineyards and those of southern Provence.
Perched villages, lavender and olive groves, gastronomic discoveries... The ViaRhôna plunges you into over 2,000 years of history and heritage, alternating safe greenways and shared roads.
This itinerary is ideal for those setting off from Lyon, Valence, Montélimar, Avignon, Arles or Montpellier. Discover the "véloroute du soleil"!
Find out more about ViaRhôna
6# - Vélo Francette
--
New cycle route, new destination. This time, it's northwest France. From Normandy to the Atlantic, the Vélo Francette offers 600 km of cycling itineraries to discover the flavours of a gentle France. On the program: historical and cultural heritage, as well as the charm of French towns and villages.
Among the natural and cultural sites not to be missed on this bike tour:
- The landing beach at Sword Beach
- The city of Caen
- Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park
- Norman Switzerland
- The Roche d'Oëtre viewpoint
- The medieval town of Domfront
- The Mayenne Valley
- Château-Gontier
- Île Saint-Aubin
- The Thouet Valley
- ...
7# - Alsace
--
Canal and vineyard cycle routes
We could have started here: with its 2,500 km of cycle paths and roads, Alsace is France's leading region for cycle tourism. And nothing is easier than crossing Alsace by bike, whether on the plains, in the vineyards, or in the mountains: small and large itineraries combine in Alsace for everyone's pleasure.
In fact, Alsace is at the crossroads of three EuroVelo routes: the Rhine cycle route EuroVelo 15 from Andermatt to Rotterdam, EuroVelo 5 - Via Romea Francigena from London to Rome, and EuroVelo 6 - Véloroute des Fleuves:
You can discover local specialities at your leisure on the Alsace vineyard cycle route, which runs along the wine route.
Make a detour to Colmar on the Rhine cycle route, which takes you to Strasbourg cathedral and Molsheim.
As for EuroVelo 6, with more than 1,400 km of cycle routes, this is one of the easiest and most pleasant cycle routes in France. From east to west, it follows the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, the Doubs and Saône valleys and the Canal du Centre in Burgundy, before following the Loire for 800 km from the Bec d'Allier to its mouth.
We hope you have a wonderful vacation!
Find out more about Alsace by bike
Cycling in France, in brief
Here's a list of the 7 must-do tours in France for cycle tourists. Of course, there are plenty of others that we invite you to discover, whether you're on vacation with friends, family, as a couple or on your own. But whatever your destination, you need to ride with peace of mind. That's why Rainette offers a range of reflective accessories that guarantee visibility in all circumstances.
