Paris - Marseille by bike: Crossing France

🌍 First pedal stroke of the Paris – Marseille bike ride with DolceVia!

🚲 Head to Melun for this first stage, just 70 km from Paris! Leave behind the hustle and bustle of the capital and follow the meanders of the Seine to quickly dive into the calm and greenery of the Île-de-France countryside.

🏰 On the way, enjoy passing by must-see monuments like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame. Then, head towards the majestic Forest of Fontainebleau! Once in Melun, don’t miss the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a baroque gem that will take you back in time.

🌜 For an extraordinary night, drop your bags at the Nomade Lodge. Between Mongolian yurts and cozy lodges, it’s the perfect place to recharge after a day of biking adventure.

🚴‍♂️ It’s a long journey! With the one-way option, enjoy the ride and let us handle the return. Rent your bike from DolceVia and set off equipped with peace of mind.

🚲 Cycle the 90 km between Melun and Sens and traverse the French countryside. Take breaks to explore the villages and enjoy the local atmosphere. ⛪ In Sens, visit the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, one of the first Gothic cathedrals in France. 🍃 Spend the night at La Capucine des Lavandières , a place conducive to relaxation. © France Bleu

🚲 Explore Burgundy by cycling the 72 km between Sens and Auxerre. As you leave Sens, let yourself be charmed by the villages and vineyards as far as the eye can see.

🍷 In Joigny, discover its medieval center with its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. Enjoy a wine tasting at local wineries, renowned for their Burgundy wines. Continue your journey along the tranquil banks of the Yonne, heading towards Auxerre.

⛪ Once you arrive, dive into history with the Abbey of Saint-Germain and the Marine district. Stroll through the medieval streets of Auxerre and admire its half-timbered houses and Gothic buildings.

🏠 Spend the night at Clos Saint Eusèbe, a house located on a quiet street in the heart of the historic center of Auxerre.

© France

🚴‍♂️ Cycle the 20 km between Auxerre and Chablis, following the greenway along the Serein. Forests, fields, and vineyards alternate along the route.
🌿 Discover typical villages like Venoy or Beine, with their family cellars perfect for a tasting break.
🍇 As you approach Chablis, dive into one of the most prestigious terroirs in Burgundy. Stop at a winery to savor a Chablis, with its fresh and mineral aromas.
🏨 Spend the night at the Résidences Guéguen, an elegant collection of suites, apartments, and houses nestled in the heart of Chablis and the vineyards. Comfort, charm, and views of the vineyards await you for an unforgettable stop in Burgundy.
© France

🚲 Set off on an adventure by cycling the 64 km between Chablis and Montbard. Leave the vineyards of Chablis behind and discover the rolling landscapes of Burgundy, with breathtaking views of fields and forests at every pedal stroke.

🌿 Take a break to visit picturesque villages and taste local products. In Montbard, dive into history by exploring the Parc Buffon, a French garden, and the Abbey of Fontenay, a Cistercian masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

© Ot Montbard

🚲 Continue the Paris - Marseille adventure by bike.

🌿 Set off for an 80 km stage between Montbard and Dijon, in the heart of Burgundy.

🏰 Leave Montbard along the Burgundy Canal, with its landscapes and historic locks throughout the route. Cross picturesque villages and discover sites like the Château de Bussy-Rabutin.

🧑🏻‍🎨 In Dijon, immerse yourself in the local culture: visit the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, the Museum of Fine Arts, and savor Burgundy cuisine.

🌙 For the night, settle in at L'Artium, just a 2-minute walk from Place de la République.

© France Tourism Office

🚲 Set off on a memorable stage of the Paris - Marseille by bike, covering the 54 km between Dijon and Beaune, in the heart of the prestigious vineyards of the Côte de Nuits.

🍇 Leaving Dijon, follow the Route des Grands Crus, a cycling path that passes through some of the most famous wine estates in Burgundy. Take a break to savor the wines of Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits-Saint-Georges.

🍷 In Beaune, explore the treasures of Burgundy's heritage, including the Hospices de Beaune, a Gothic masterpiece, and dive into the history of wine at the Burgundy Wine Museum.

❤️ For a night in the heart of Beaune, choose Maison Millot, a charming house located in the historic center.

© Beaune Tourisme

🚲 Set off on a 50 km getaway between Beaune and Chalon-sur-Saône, in the heart of Burgundy's wine landscapes.

📸 Leaving Beaune, follow the Wine Route, lined with vineyards and picturesque villages. Stop in Meursault or Pommard to taste the local wines and explore the traditional cellars.

⛪ In Chalon-sur-Saône, immerse yourself in the local heritage by visiting the Saint-Vincent Cathedral and the Nicéphore Niépce Museum, dedicated to the invention of photography.

💕 To perfect your stay, choose the Romantique, ideally located.

© Winalist

🚲 Discover Burgundy on this 66 km journey between Chalon-sur-Saône and Mâcon, following the banks of the Saône through picturesque landscapes and charming villages.

☀️ Take a break in Tournus to visit the Abbey of Saint-Philibert, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, and enjoy a moment of relaxation on the riverside terraces.

🖼️ In Mâcon, explore this vibrant city by strolling through its lively streets, visiting the Ursulines Museum, and savoring the wines of the Mâconnais.

😌 For the night, rest at the Balcon des Deux Roches, an ideal place to unwind.

© Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme

🚲 Set off on an adventure by cycling the 66 km between Mâcon and Lyon, through the landscapes of the Saône Valley.

🍽️ Leaving Mâcon, follow the roads lined with vineyards and picturesque villages like Saint-Amour and Belleville. Enjoy breaks to taste Beaujolais wines and discover local markets.

🥇 In Lyon, immerse yourself in the city's history and culture: explore Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and savor Lyonnaise cuisine in a traditional bouchon.

🏅 Stay at the Collège Hôtel, ideally located in Vieux Lyon and certified Accueil Vélo!

© L'embarcadère

🚲 Cycle the 39 km between Lyon and Vienne, a section of the Paris - Marseille by bike route, along the Rhône. Leave Lyon and take a bike path offering peaceful views through calm landscapes.

💧 Take a break in Vernaison for a picnic by the water. Upon arriving in Vienne, discover its history by visiting the Temple of Augustus and Livia as well as the ancient theater. Food lovers will enjoy local specialties in traditional bistros.

🏙️ For the night, stay in an apartment, providing convenient access to major cities and local attractions without being immersed in the hustle and bustle of downtown.

© Le Dauphiné Libéré

🚲 Set off on an adventure by cycling the 93 km between Vienne and Valence along the stunning banks of the Rhône. Leave Vienne, a city rich in history, and follow a bike path that will take you through breathtaking landscapes, from terraced vineyards to fields of lavender.

🌷 Along the way, stop in Tain-l'Hermitage to explore its renowned vineyards and taste its exceptional wines. Then continue on to Valence, a sunny city where you can relax in the gardens of Parc Jouvet, visit the Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral, and savor local cuisine in its bistros.

🛌🏻 For the night, rest in a guesthouse at the Ferme des Marettes, located in the heart of the woods and valleys of Northern Ardèche.

© The Good Life France

🚲 Embark on an adventure on this captivating stage of the Paris - Marseille bike ride by covering the 73 km between Valence and Montélimar, through the bright and diverse landscapes of the Drôme. Leaving Valence, follow a winding bike path that crosses fields of lavender, orchards, and vineyards.

☀️ Stop in Crest to admire its medieval tower and stroll through its charming little streets. In Montélimar, famous for its sweet specialties, dive into the world of nougat by visiting local workshops and tasting this must-try treat. Explore the old town with its lively markets and historic buildings, and enjoy the sunny terraces for a pleasant moment.

🌼 Stay at the Maison Saint James, a true haven of tranquility with its lush garden, an oasis to recharge away from the urban hustle.

© Valley of Gastronomy

🚲 Set off on a cycling adventure along the 78 km route connecting Montélimar to Orange, traversing the picturesque landscapes of the Drôme and Vaucluse. Leaving Montélimar, famous for its nougat, take roads lined with fields of lavender and vineyards.

🏆 Take a break in Suze-la-Rousse to discover its medieval castle and renowned vineyards. Continue your journey to Orange, where Roman history comes to life with the Ancient Theatre and the Arch of Triumph, both classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Immerse yourself in the Provençal atmosphere by strolling through local markets and savoring the region's wines.

💤 For your night, stay at the Hôtel l'Herbier d'Orange, ideally located near the Ancient Theatre.

© City of Orange

🚲 Set off on a 35 km bike ride between Orange and Avignon, an ideal getaway to explore the charm of Provence. Leave Orange while admiring the Ancient Theatre and the Arc de Triomphe, remnants of the Roman Empire, before following the roads lined with vineyards and sunflower fields.

✨ Stop at Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a typical village, to savor its renowned wines. In Avignon, dive into history by discovering the Palais des Papes and the Pont Saint-Bénézet.

😌 For a well-deserved break, La Terrasse des Papes will provide the perfect setting for you to relax.

© Slow Provence

🚲 Embark on an 88 km bike ride between Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, completing the Paris - Marseille cycling route in the heart of the Provençal landscapes.

🥰 Leaving Avignon, known for its Palais des Papes and Pont Saint-Bénézet, follow picturesque roads lined with lavender fields and olive trees. Take a break in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to discover its Roman ruins and Van Gogh's inspiration.

🖼️ In Aix-en-Provence, soak in the elegance of this university town: stroll through its markets, admire its fountains, and explore its lively streets. Don't miss Cézanne's studio and the Granet Museum.

💚 For a stay close to nature, book a room at Jardin de Sabine, where you'll feel like nature is at your feet!

© Marco Polo

🚲 Last stage of the Paris – Marseille by bike! Cover the 30 km between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, through the landscapes of southern Provence, before concluding your adventure.

🥰 Leave Aix-en-Provence and enjoy the picturesque views of the Provençal countryside towards the Mediterranean. Pass through typical villages, such as Pennes-Mirabeau, before reaching the vibrant city of Marseille.

🏙️ In Marseille, discover the Old Port, the iconic Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, and stroll through the historic Panier district. Immerse yourself in Mediterranean culture and savor a local meal with bouillabaisse by the water.

🌊 To end your adventure beautifully, stay at the Hôtel Le Corbusier, a 3-star hotel with a pool, where you can relax and enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea.

🚴‍♂️ It’s a long journey! With the one-way option, enjoy the ride and let us handle the return. Rent your bike from DolceVia to set off equipped and worry-free.

✨ Did you enjoy the Paris – Marseille bike adventure? Discover other DolceVia routes as well:

🚴‍♀️ La Vélobuissonnière by bike A gentle route through forests and picturesque villages, ideal for a nature and heritage immersion. 👉 Discover La Vélobuissonnière

🚴‍♀️ Paris → Bordeaux by bike A grand crossing mixing vineyards, châteaux, and iconic cities of the Southwest, perfect for a long journey rich in discoveries. 👉 Discover Paris – Bordeaux

🚴‍♀️ Paris → Nice by bike A spectacular route along the Mediterranean and the Alps, between postcard landscapes and colorful villages. 👉 Discover Paris – Nice

© Marseille Comfort