A bike trip is not just an experience. It’s the joy of slowing down. Of (truly) discovering the territories. Of taking detours because you feel like it. Of treating yourself to a gourmet break. Of stopping to admire the view. Of clearing your mind. Of feeling the wind in your hair.

Oops, we’re getting sidetracked… But that’s OK on a bike.

That said, to enjoy a 200% escape on a bike, you need to prepare a little. We say yes to surprises and the unexpected. We say no to mishaps that ruin the adventure.

In this complete guide, we share our best tips for calmly preparing your bike trip: route planning, equipment choices, suitable accommodations… it’s all here.

Come on, let’s ride!

1. Plan your bike route like a pro

Some golden rules:

Choose a suitable route

Are you an experienced cyclist or more of the type to watch the Tour de France from your couch? Are you traveling with friends, as a couple, or with kids who ask “when will we arrive” every 5 minutes?

These are the kinds of criteria that will guide your route choice. A route that is too demanding can quickly turn your dream escape into a hassle.

No inspiration? Check out our destinations. They are categorized by difficulty level, duration, and region to give you ideas.

Already have an idea in mind? Our planner will create a tailored route based on your profile, level, budget, and preferred type of road.

Don’t underestimate the distance

Sure, you’ll cover more kilometers on an electric bike than with the power of your calves, but in any case, it’s better to take it easy—especially if it’s your first bike trip.

Moreover, there are factors to consider: like the weather (30 km in the sun or in pouring rain is not the same), the weight of your panniers (yes, your pajamas and toothbrush won’t carry themselves), or the type of road you’ll be taking.

In general, we recommend:

• 20 to 30 km/day if you’re traveling with children or if you’re a beginner
• 30 to 50 km/day for a pleasure trip (with discovery breaks, restaurants, visits…)
• 50 to 70 km/day if you’re in good physical shape
• 80 to 100 km/day or more: if you’re an experienced cyclist (and a bit addicted to effort)

Are you going on an electric bike? You can probably increase the distance, but be careful: wanting to cover 100 km/day can quickly spoil the fun unless you’re used to riding.

In any case, remember: it’s the journey that matters, not the destination. The goal is not to arrive as quickly as possible but to enjoy every kilometer!

Prepare for the unexpected

OK, you don’t have a crystal ball in your pannier. But we recommend always allowing for a comfortable margin. An unexpected flat tire, an unplanned stop at a cider house (yes, it happens!), a little detour for THE artisanal ice cream, or just an irresistible urge to wander… Leave room for the unexpected. That’s what makes your trip beautiful.

Check the terrain (your thighs will thank you)

A 40 km flat route or one with 800 m of elevation gain is not the same ride at all.

To avoid unpleasant surprises:

• Use tools like Komoot or Géovélo, which display elevation changes
• Check the slope percentages if you’re beginners or with children. Or if intense effort isn’t really your cup of tea!

Tip: be wary of the impact of your luggage. The kilometers and elevation changes feel very different when you’re hauling 10 or 20 kilos.

Identify points of interest

Just because you’re on a bike doesn’t mean you should miss what’s around you; quite the opposite! The beauty of bike travel is precisely being able to stop easily and fully enjoy.

Plan stops that will make your eyes shine or your palate vibrate:

• A picnic break in an orchard
• A stop at a castle or a local museum
• A detour to a farmers' market or a cheese shop

2. Choose your accommodation

Because a good bike trip is not just about pedaling. It’s also about settling in a place where you feel good. It’s about appreciating the surroundings and recharging. It’s about sleeping well to set off again in good shape.

It all depends on your budget, your desires, and the level of comfort you’re looking for. Here’s an overview to help you find the accommodation where you’ll want to drop your panniers.

Hotels and guesthouses - like home (but better)

This is the ultimate cozy option—our favorite at DolceVia. Ideal for recharging after a good day of cycling, with a warm welcome, the friendliness of the locals, and a breakfast worthy of the name to fill up on energy before setting off again.

Tip: prioritize establishments labeled “Accueil Vélo”: it’s a quality guarantee for cyclists: secure garage, local information, services tailored to cyclists... These accommodations understand your specific needs and are often very well located.

Bivouac and camping - for outdoor adventure

Want to sleep under the stars or stay close to nature? Camping (or bivouacking when allowed) is a great, economical, and flexible alternative.

Bring a tent, a mattress, and a sleeping bag—but be careful, choose lightweight equipment.

Some campsites are specifically designed for cycle travelers, with a kitchen area, bike shelter, and sometimes a mini grocery store. And why not camp with locals? You can try it with the app Campspace.

Bivouacking requires a bit more planning: check the tolerated bivouac spots in advance! Generally, bivouacking is allowed from sunset to sunrise. Be careful to minimize your setup and leave no trace of your passage.

Tip: recharge your equipment during lunch breaks!

Youth hostels and stage gîtes

Youth hostels are a good compromise between comfort and affordable prices. Most welcome cyclists and have spaces to store bikes.

Stage gîtes are specifically designed for traveling guests and often line major bike routes like La Scandibérique or La Vélo Francette.

Psst! Don’t feel like searching for your ideal accommodation? If you want, DolceVia can take care of everything. Just contact us and we’ll find the perfect gem tailored to your desires!

Some good addresses

France Vélo Tourisme

Gites.fr

GreenGo

3. Get the right bike equipment

We can’t say it enough: good equipment can make all the difference. It’s not a question of luxury, but of comfort, safety… and pleasure. Nothing is worse than a bag that’s too heavy, a ride in the rain without a raincoat, or a flat tire without a repair kit.

Before the big departure, make sure that your bike is suitable for the type of trip planned. Don’t know how to choose? We explain how to choose a bike here. Don’t have a bike? No stress: rent one ;)

If your bike is ready, here’s our list of essentials for the cycle traveler (without turning you into a pack mule).

Essential bike gear

✔ Basic equipment

• A helmet (of course)
• A sturdy rack
• Waterproof panniers (much more practical than a backpack)
• A robust lock
• Front and rear lights
• A GPS or smartphone holder for navigation (getting lost is fun… up to a point)

🧰 The little repair kit to always have:

• Spare inner tube
• Tire lever
• Pump or mini-compressor (because inflating with your mouth is really not ideal)
• Multi-tool with Allen key and screwdriver
• Patches

DolceVia Tip: we provide a puncture repair spray to our travelers, which allows you to get back on the road in less than 5 minutes. Handy, especially if it’s pouring rain!

Clothing: not too much, not too little

Traveling by bike is a bit like camping light: every gram counts. But you still need to be ready to face all conditions. We’ll help you sort it out!

The basics: comfort above all

• 1 pair of cycling shorts (yes, even for a short trip, your butt will thank you)
• 2 or 3 technical t-shirts (quick-drying)
• 1 pair of shorts or flexible leggings for the evening
• Comfortable shoes, suitable for both walking and pedaling
• A cap or bandana
• A pair of cycling gloves to avoid blisters

In cool or rainy weather

• A breathable and waterproof windbreaker
• A lightweight fleece or thermal sweater
• Long leggings or pants (which can also serve as pajamas, let’s be smart)
• Shoe covers if you want to avoid wet feet
• Freezer bags to protect sensitive items in your panniers (yes, it works!)

And the rest? The little extras that make all the difference

• A first aid kit (with blister plasters, sunscreen, insect repellent…)
• An external battery (especially if you use your phone for navigation)
• Cereal bars or dried fruits to avoid energy slumps
• An insulated water bottle

Tip: remember to distribute the weight in your panniers: heavy items at the bottom and well-centered to avoid unbalancing the bike.

4. Enjoy your bike trip

There you go, you’re ready to hop on your bike! You’ve chosen your route, prepared your panniers, booked your accommodation… All that’s left is to pedal and enjoy.

But before you start the adventure, a few last tips for the road.

Navigate well without getting lost

Before you leave, get detailed maps of your route or use navigation apps. Tools like Komoot, Géovélo, or MapMyRide are your new best friends: they help you plan your route, visualize distances, and spot points of interest along the way. Make sure to download offline maps in case of signal loss.

However, don’t spend all your time with your eyes glued to your phone: observe the signs, often present on marked routes… and above all, enjoy the scenery—that’s why you’re here, right?

Tip: Activate airplane mode + GPS to save battery while keeping your location.

Think hydration

When you ride, you sweat. And if you wait until you’re thirsty to drink… it’s already too late.

**Our recommendations:

• **Drink every 15-20 minutes, even in cool weather.
• Bring at least 1L of water per person.
• Refill your supplies whenever you pass a fountain or water point.
• The site Eau-cyclisme lists all water points to refresh yourself and fill your bottle.

Tip: Cemeteries often have free access to water points. Not glamorous, but super practical!

Know how to savor every moment

Biking is the school of slowness. And that’s what we love. Take the time:

• To take a break by a sunflower field
• To chat with a local artisan
• To take a photo of a panorama around a bend

It’s not the kilometers that create memories. It’s the smiles, the scents, the colors.

And there you go, you’re all set to embark on your adventure! Whether you’re heading out for a day or a week, the main thing is to enjoy yourself.

See you soon on the bike routes of France!