Top 5 bike trips for beginners: effort 20%, enjoyment 200%

So, the urge to pedal is tickling you, but you're hesitating to get in the saddle? No worries. At DolceVia, we offer you 5 easy cycling routes to go from “not sure I dare” to “that was amazing.”

I promise, you don’t need to have thighs of steel or an Olympic-level cardio to get started.

A beginner's bike trip is primarily about an accessible route, sprinkled with “what a great time we’re having” breaks and “wow” moments to share. It’s also a well-marked, safe, and reassuring road, not too long, with little elevation gain and smooth enough to take it easy on your legs.

Put on your helmet, adjust your saddle, and discover our selection of 7 perfect routes to kick off your cycling adventure.

1. The Loire à Vélo from Tours to Saumur: the life of châteaux

Distance: ~ 80 km | Ideal duration: 3-4 days

Ah, the Loire à Vélo! If cycling routes had a "green track" equivalent like skiing, this would be it. On the agenda: a completely flat route, bike paths away from cars, and a string of stunning châteaux.

Our tip for a gentle start? The section between Tours and Saumur, with its quaint little roads along the river. Between pedal strokes, treat yourself to a tasting in a troglodyte cave, a visit to the Château de Villandry and its impressive gardens, or a tasting of Touraine wine.

The little extra: train stations dot the route - perfect for adjusting your journey if your calves start to complain.

2. The Véloscénie from Paris to Versailles: royal for beginners

Distance: 34 km | Ideal duration: 1-2 days

What if you went to greet the Sun King while pedaling? The Paris-Versailles section of the Véloscénie is your ideal gateway to the world of cycling travel.

These 30 kilometers will take you along the Seine before arriving at the majestic Château de Versailles. On your way, stop at the Parc de Sceaux, for its historic château and orangerie. If you’re there in spring, you can’t miss Hanami, the cherry blossom festival.

This route is perfect for a first micro-adventure on a bike without pressure: short, flat, mostly safe, and accessible by public transport.

Our little tip: bring your picnic for a royal lunch in the gardens of Versailles.

3. From La Rochelle to Île de Ré: seaside and salty air

Distance: 25-100 km | Ideal duration: 1-3 days

Oh captain, my captain!

Want to combine pedal strokes with maritime heartthrobs? This detour from the Vélodyssée offers you the ideal route: no elevation gain (or very little), omnipresent bike paths, and a panorama that will leave a salty taste on the tip of your tongue.

The major advantage of this spot: you can adapt your route according to your desires and the fatigue level of your legs, from a one-way trip of 25 km to a loop of over 100 km.

From La Rochelle, head to Île de Ré by pedaling over the famous bridge of the same name. The bike path is separated from the road by a wall for a peaceful ride. Enjoy the crossing to admire the view of the ocean.

Once on the island, you have plenty of choices: explore the salt marshes, admire the white villages with colorful shutters, enjoy the beaches, or race with the seagulls. Above all, don’t miss the Phare des Baleines for an incredible panorama.

Our foodie tip: a stop for fresh oysters in Ars-en-Ré.

4. The PassaPaïs: the greenway between Haut-Languedoc and Midi

Distance: ~ 80 km | Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Are you looking for a 100% nature adventure and 0% cars? The PassaPaïs, a section of the Véloccitanie, is an old railway line converted into a greenway, connecting Mazamet (Tarn) to Bédarieux (Hérault).

80 km of pure cycling happiness!

With a gentle slope (never more than 3%), the route takes you into the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park, with its forests, mysterious tunnels, hedgerows, and garrigues.

There are plenty of great spots for breaks: the Baroux massif and its viewpoint, the Éric gorges with swimming spots, the Colombières gorges and its natural pools, Olargues and its medieval streets…

In short, finding good spots: easy. The challenge? Leaving.

The bonus: the possibility of combining bike and train to return to the starting point. Handy when your calves start to protest.

5. The ViaRhôna from Tain l'Hermitage to Bourg-Saint-Andéol: between vineyards and Ardèche landscapes

Distance: ~ 120 km | Ideal duration: 5-6 days

You’re going to enjoy this section of the ViaRhôna, and we’re not just talking about your taste buds.

This cycling route offers you a ride between the banks of the Rhône and vineyard hills, with fun stops worth the detour, like the Himalayan footbridge of Rochemaure.

Start at Tain l'Hermitage, the temple of Valrhona chocolate (mandatory “yum” visit) and the prestigious wines of Hermitage. Be warned: it’s hard to resist the temptation to leave with a bottle or two in your panniers… which we advise against for the health of your dear calves!

The bike path then takes you along the Rhône, through the orchards of the Drôme and the first foothills of the Ardèche.

Rest your thighs in Viviers, a perched medieval town, then head to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, where the gorges of the Ardèche await you. Most of the route is on dedicated paths, perfect for cycling without stress.

Our foodie tip? Montélimar nougats for a well-deserved energy boost.

Tips for preparing your first bike trip

Before you hop on your ride, here are some tips that will make you a happy bike traveler:

• Travel light: No, you don’t need four pairs of shoes for three days of cycling. Promise.
• Listen to your body: No shame in taking a break or shortening a stage. The goal is to enjoy yourself, not to break records on Strava!
• Plan generously: 20-30 km per day to start is perfect to give you room for impromptu breaks. You can always push further if you’re feeling good.
• Think "comfort": Padded shorts make the difference between smiling and grimacing after 10 km.
• Book in advance: Especially in high season, "bike-friendly" accommodations are in high demand.

For more details on preparing your bike trip, check out our complete guide.

So, ready to trade your status as a spectator of the Tour de France for that of a cycling adventurer?