Green Mountain
Cycling in the French mountains
Explore the French mountains by bike: an unforgettable adventure through breathtaking scenery! Whether you’re an amateur cyclist or a thrill-seeker, cycling in the French mountains offers a unique experience combining sport, nature and culture.
Why choose mountain biking?
Mountain bike touring offers a unique adventure in the heart of France’s most beautiful landscapes. From the charm of the winding roads of the Alps to the impressive panoramas of the Pyrenees, each region abounds with cycling trails suitable for all levels, promising memorable discoveries for lovers of nature and freedom.
This type of trip is an invitation to admire grandiose landscapes, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys and crystal-clear lakes along the way. Away from the usual routes, touring by bike also offers you an immersive experience: each stage is an opportunity to meet local producers, taste regional specialities, and discover the unique heritage of mountain villages, rich in culture and tradition.
With a variety of itineraries ranging from leisurely strolls for families to more demanding routes for experienced cyclists, the mountains give you the freedom to choose the pace and level of challenge that suits you best.
Practical advice for your cycling tour
- Prepare your equipment: make sure your bike is in good condition and adapted to the mountains (suitable tyres, repair kit, etc.).
- Plan your stages: consult maps and guides to choose safe and accessible routes.
- Stay safe: wear a helmet, obey the rules of the road and keep informed about the weather…
The best destinations for touring by bike
Cycling in the French mountains is an experience that combines sport, discovery and wonder. Get ready to pedal through magnificent landscapes and experience unforgettable moments.
Cycling in the Northern Alps
The Northern Alps are the ideal playground for cycling enthusiasts. With routes to suit all levels, you can discover breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear lakes and typical villages.
- Véloroute des Grandes Alpes : This iconic route winds its way through the highest peaks in the Alps, taking you from the shores of Lake Geneva to Nice (720km). Along the way, admire spectacular panoramas of glaciers, lush green valleys and charming Savoyard villages. The diversity of the scenery will amaze you with every pedal stroke.
- Les Balcons du Mont-Blanc: on this tour, you’ll discover breathtaking views of the Mont-Blanc massif as you pedal along well-marked trails. Shady paths wind through flower-filled meadows, and you can stop off at refuges to sample local specialities.
- The Grande Traversée du Vercors: the Grande Traversée du Vercors is a unique immersion in one of Europe’s largest protected natural areas. This spectacular route, between forests, plateaux and breathtaking cliffs, reveals the richness of the Vercors Regional Nature Park.
- La Belle Via: this route crosses Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère and Drôme. This universally accessible route winds through the heart of the Alpine valleys, offering panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the Jura, Bauges, Chartreuse, Belledonne and Vercors massifs. Along the way, enjoy a swim in Lake Annecy or Lake Bourget, explore the local heritage and savour the regional cuisine.
- The Tour of Lake Annecy by bike: a must for lovers of enchanting scenery! This easy, accessible 42km route follows the shores of the “blue lake”, offering breathtaking views of its crystal-clear waters and the surrounding mountains.
Cycling in the Southern Alps
Cycling in the Southern Alps takes you through a variety of landscapes, from lush green valleys to snow-capped peaks. The climate is mild, ideal for cycling almost all year round.
- Route des Grandes Alpes: a legendary crossing that offers challenges for seasoned cyclists and breathtaking panoramas. This legendary route takes you over famous passes such as the Iseran and Galibier, while discovering mountain culture and local produce.
- The Durance Valley: a more accessible route, perfect for families, with plenty of cultural stops. You’ll pass through picturesque villages and have the chance to sample local specialities in farms and inns.
- The Ecrins National Park: breathtaking scenery and roads, where the flora and fauna are preserved.
- Lac de Serre-Ponçon: one of Europe’s largest man-made lakes, perfect for cooling off and enjoying water sports after a day’s cycling.
- Les P’tites Routes du Soleil: an intimate, authentic alternative for cycling from the Alps to the Mediterranean. Away from the main roads, this route passes through a variety of unspoilt landscapes: Alpine massifs, hilltop villages, lush green valleys and spectacular gorges.
Cycling in the Massif Central
The Massif Central is a real gem when it comes to cycling, with its volcanic landscapes and quiet roads. There are plenty of cycle paths, and many of them are not very busy, so you can cycle in complete peace of mind.
- La Grande Traversée du Massif Central by bike: discover the Massif Central on this unique cycling route through breathtaking scenery: volcanoes, wild plateaux, deep valleys and picturesque villages. From the Auvergne to the Cévennes, this route promises total immersion in unspoilt nature.
- The Voie Verte du Haut Allier: a family trail that follows the river Allier through forests and lush green countryside. Accessible to all, this route is dotted with points of interest such as ancient mills and typical villages.
- The Chemin des Crêtes: a more challenging route offering exceptional views of the Auvergne volcanoes. This route passes through a variety of landscapes, from lush green meadows to steep paths, plunging you into the heart of the wilderness.
- The Tour du Sancy : lakes, forests, pastures and breathtaking views of the volcanic peaks of the Auvergne. A sporty and rejuvenating loop in the heart of authentic nature.
- The Puy de Dôme: an iconic site with spectacular views of the Puys mountain range, accessible by bike along a well-marked path.
- The Lavaud and Montagnol lakes: ideal for a picnic break or a swim after a day on the winding roads.
Cycling in the Jura Mountains
The Jura is the perfect place to combine sport and nature. Its valleys, rivers and mountains offer routes to suit all cyclists, from the most novice to the most experienced.
- The Transjurassienne à Vélo: a multi-day adventure through the Jura, combining culture and scenery. This route will take you through typical villages and enchanting landscapes, while enjoying the beauty of lakes and forests.
- La Grande Traversée du Jura: a cycle route of almost 500 km that plunges you into the heart of the Jura’s wild and unspoilt landscapes, with lush forests, panoramic ridges and charming villages, offering a unique experience for cycling enthusiasts.
Cycling in the Pyrenees
The Pyrenees offer some major challenges, with legendary passes and breathtaking panoramas. Cyclists will find routes to suit all levels, as well as a wealth of culture and gastronomy.
- The Vélosud : this route links the Atlantic Ocean (Biarritz) to the Mediterranean Sea (Le Barcarès) via the legendary Pyrenean passes.
- The Route des Cols: A route that crosses the most beautiful passes in the Pyrenees, perfect for thrill-seekers. The climbs and descents will challenge you while offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
- The Pyrenees National Park: A nature reserve where biodiversity is preserved. Ideal for nature lovers and hikers.
Cycling in the Vosges
The Vosges offers a multitude of trails for cyclists. Mountain landscapes, lakes and forests await you along the way. This region is particularly popular for its well-maintained cycle paths and magnificent panoramas.
- The Route des Crêtes : A legendary route through the Vosges mountains, ideal for lovers of wide open spaces. You’ll discover spectacular views over the surrounding valleys and can stop off at refuges to sample local specialities.
- The Véloroute du Lac de Gérardmer : An enchanting route around the lake, accessible to all abilities. Families will appreciate the tranquillity of this route, ideal for safe cycling.
- The Tour de la Bresse: a route through forests, ponds and typical villages, immersing you in the unspoilt nature of this region between the Jura and Saône-et-Loire, ideal for cyclists in search of tranquillity and bucolic landscapes.
