The best safe routes for cycling from Paris.

The Best Safe Routes for Cycling from Paris

Leaving Paris for a bike trip may seem intimidating at first, but fortunately, several safe routes allow you to distance yourself from the capital with peace of mind. Here are the best roads to prioritize for a safe exit from Paris.

1. La Coulée Verte of East Paris (from Bastille to Vincennes)

The Coulée Verte René-Dumont (or Promenade Plantée) is an excellent option for the start of a bike journey. This route begins at Place de la Bastille and follows a former railway line converted into a bike path and pedestrian walkway. You will pedal away from traffic, on a path lined with numerous flowered spaces and walkways offering beautiful views of the Parisian rooftops.

It is:
- Fully developed and secure
- Ideal for beginners and families
- Directly connected to routes in Île-de-France

2. La Seine à Vélo (Towards Normandy)

La Seine à Vélo is a perfect bike route for a cycling trip that follows the banks from Paris to the sea. The section leaving Paris starts at Notre-Dame and follows the developed quays to Saint-Germain-en-Laye before continuing to Rouen and the Normandy coast.

It is:
- Mostly on greenways or bike paths
- Perfect for long-distance travel
- Composed of numerous cultural and gastronomic stops

🔗 Recommended final destination: Honfleur or Le Havre

3. La Véloscénie (Towards Chartres and Mont-Saint-Michel)

La Véloscénie is a major route for cycling trips connecting Paris to Mont Saint-Michel. The exit from the capital is via the Coulée Verte to Massy, then takes country roads to Rambouillet, Dreux, and Chartres.

Advantages:
- Marked and secure route
- Varied landscapes between nature and historical heritage
- Numerous accommodations labeled "Accueil Vélo"

4. L’Avenue Verte Paris-Londres (Towards Normandy and England)

For those dreaming of a bike trip to London, the Avenue Verte is the ideal solution. It starts in Paris and crosses the Oise Valley, then Normandy before reaching Dieppe, where a ferry allows you to cross the English Channel.

Advantages:
- Well-developed and suitable for cyclists
- Easy connection with other routes in France and the UK
- Perfect for a touring trip

5. La Scandibérique (EuroVelo 3, towards Bordeaux and Spain)

EuroVelo 3, also known as La Scandibérique, is the longest bike route in France. It allows you to leave Paris via the Fontainebleau forest before continuing to Orléans, Tours, Bordeaux, and even to Spain for a fantastic bike journey.

Advantages:
- Very long distance for a significant trip
- Well-marked route with suitable infrastructure
- Varied landscapes between forests, rivers, and vineyards

🔗 Recommended final destination: Bordeaux or Santiago de Compostela

Conclusion

Whether you are an experienced cyclist or an occasional bike traveler, these safe routes allow you to leave Paris stress-free and embark on a discovery of France (and even beyond!). With suitable infrastructure, beautiful landscapes, and must-see cultural stops, these roads are perfect for all cycling enthusiasts wishing to distance themselves from the capital with peace of mind.

To make the connection, feel free to check out our article on the Top 5 Most Beautiful Bike Routes in France to Explore by Bike!