Set off on an adventure without a car: our top 6 great bike trips to discover this summer.

This summer, swap the highway and tarmac for the bike paths of France (and England). Whether you’re team cheese or team seafood, team forests or team coastline, there’s a great cycling route for you. All with minimal carbon impact and maximum enjoyment.

We offer you 6 routes, between 8 and 12 days, to (re)discover France by bike. An ode to slow tourism, to toned calves (or not), to laughter and joy, and to arrivals with hair blowing in the wind.

1. La Véloscénie: from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel

Mood: Great Escape with the Tribe

450 km, 8-10 days

A classic, and we know why: a route fully marked, dotted with little gems of French history, varied landscapes, and a grand finale facing Mont-Saint-Michel.

Plan some time for visits, or risk FOMO. On your route: the Palace of Versailles, the Cathedral of Chartres, the Thermal Baths of Bagnoles de l'Orne, and the Lace of Alençon.

But beware, the Véloscénie is not just about pedaling from monument to monument. It’s also about going from adventure to adventure (thanks, Serge Lama), passing through the Chevreuse Valley, the Perche, and the Norman bocage.

Why we love it? For its epic nature, its marked path, and its modularity. Feeling tired? Want to skip a stage? Train + bike, it’s possible.

2. La Voie Bleue: from Metz to Lyon

Mood: Delicacies along the Water

620 km, 10-12 days

From Moselle to Saône, this journey is a toast to French terroir: vineyards, riverside breaks, terrace tastings, Jura specialties, Mâconnais wines… We follow 2 rivers, cross 7 departments, all along the water and on a nearly flat route. The perfect itinerary to get started with bike travel!

Why we love it? The perfect route for those who like to ride with a full belly, a light heart, and well-digested truffade.

Recommended BPM: "Sous le soleil exactement," to pedal while whistling (we really like Serge). Or for younger generations, "it's always sunny above the clouds," that works too.

3. La Vélomaritime: from Morlaix to Saint-Malo

Mood: Salt Bath and Breath of Fresh Air

370 km, 6-8 days

A concentration of wild coast, pink granite, corsair cities, and invigorating sea baths. Perfect for lovers of salty fresh air, oysters at lunch, and sunsets over the ocean. A great plan for a iodized trip with a 360° view of the Atlantic.

If you want more, you can continue the adventure: the Vélomaritime extends over 1,500 km, all the way to Dunkirk. Enough to work those calves and dazzle your eyes!

Why we love it? We pedal with a sea view, stop to enjoy a galette, and get back on the road between two Breton lighthouses.

DolceVia Tip: Slip a kouign-amann into your panniers for those low moments.

4. La Vélidéale: from Lake Vassivière to Saint-Nazaire

Mood: Disconnection & Freewheel

675 km, 10-12 days

Psssst! We have a (almost) secret route to propose. A wild and poetic itinerary that was born in 2024, still unknown to bike enthusiasts.

From the lake to the coast, the Vélidéale takes you to discover 5 natural parks, marshes, and small towns, all in slow life mode. Perfect for disconnecting (really), far from tourist buses and Insta stories.

Why we love it? To discover discreet France, preserved nature, and venture off the beaten path.

5. La Seine à Vélo: from Paris to Deauville

Mood: Sweetness and Romance

450 km, 8-10 days

From the capital to the Côte Fleurie, La Seine à Vélo offers an elegant and arty route, alternating urban territory and bucolic ambiance.

You will follow in the footsteps of the Impressionists, cross Monet’s garden in Giverny, stroll along river ports, and wander through half-timbered villages. Not to mention the must-see Alabaster Coast and its dizzying cliffs. Upon arrival: Deauville, its cabins, its casino, and maybe even a little dip in the English Channel.

Why we love it? A beautiful diagonal full of charm, between heritage, culture, and seaside.

Essential accessory: a sketchbook if you have the soul of an artist.

6. L’Avenue Verte: from Paris to London

Mood: So British!

470 km, 8-10 days

Want a city break without taking a plane or the Eurostar? Head to London on the power of your calves. Between the forests of Oise, the marshes of Normandy, and the arrival at Buckingham Palace (in theory), it’s the green version of London Calling.

Departure by ferry from Dieppe for a sunrise crossing to the English coast.

Why we love it? For the catchy anecdote, “I went to London… by bike.” But not just that! Also for the castles and abbeys, the gourmet breaks, the South Downs nature reserve, the beautiful villages, and encountering deer in Richmond Park.

Cinematic moment: Arriving in London with the wind in your hair, like Bridget Jones who swapped her convertible for a gravel bike.

How to make the most of your bike trip?

• Prepare gently. We’re not aiming for the Tour de France, just the pleasure of riding every day.
• Choose a good bike. If yours is a clunker, the kilometers will feel longer… Instead of investing for 10 days of vacation, rent your bike from DolceVia, for example. Bonus: one-way option for a hassle-free train return!
• Manage the weight of your panniers. Less is more. A toothbrush, a pair of shorts, a down jacket, and that’s it.
• Plan, but not too much. The unexpected is part of the charm: a meeting, a guinguette, a detour.
• Treat yourself. A great guesthouse, a glass of wine on the terrace, a day off, a swimming break… Luxury is the pace we choose.

Ready for departure?

Helmet clipped. Kickstand removed. And off we go!

Get your helmets and panniers ready: the journey begins with the first pedal stroke.