Slow travel: why choose bike travel

"Honestly, what's the point of traveling by bike when you can cover 20 times more kilometers by car?"

Have you ever had this question from Uncle Raymond?

Maybe you also need a little push to convince yourself (or your partner to join you)?

At DolceVia, we've seen thousands of travelers transform their bike holidays into unforgettable adventures, simply by hopping on a bicycle. So here are 8 reasons to choose slow tourism by bike.

And show Uncle Raymond what the interest is!

The exhilarating feeling of freedom

If we wanted to keep it simple, we could sum up bike travel in three words: freedom, freedom, freedom. The freedom to slow down. The freedom to take a detour. The freedom to take a break.

Isn't that the Dolce vita?

This freedom is about moving at your own pace. Want to take a nap under a centuries-old tree? To extend your lunch break in front of a breathtaking view? To stop and take (yet another) photo?

No schedule constraints, no traffic jams. On a bike, you decide.

And then, that feeling of escape when you have the wind in your hair and the landscapes pass by at the rhythm of your pedaling is unmatched.

2. A (real) immersion in the territories

When you embrace slow travel, you take your time. Goodbye quick visits and hasty selfies before moving on!

That's when you catch the subtleties of a region and its hidden gems: the fields of poppies, the perfect picnic spot, the swimming hole, the little tavern, the picturesque village, the tiny chapel...

"I will always remember the fields of poppies on the ViaRhona. And especially our encounter with a deer, frozen in one of those fields, just as astonished as we were! Magical," says Audrey, a regular on bike adventures.

3. It's good for your morale (and health)

Let's be honest, how many people come back from vacation more tired than before they left? Bike travel literally takes care of your body and mind.

On the physical health side, it's a winning combo. Biking is a highly complete sport: breath? Check. Cardio? Check. Blood circulation? Check. All gently for your joints.

Last check: mental health. Here too, bike touring has its virtues. The regularity of pedaling, the connection with nature, the absence of screens... Without realizing it, you enter a semi-meditative, semi-contemplative state that does wonders for you.

Result? You come back rejuvenated.

4. A trip accessible to everyone

"My muscles are like minions: fictional," "I haven't exercised since prehistoric times," "with my sense of direction, I would get lost even in my garden."

Hmm... Sounds like some false excuses!

First, you can control the effort. No need to plan stages of the Tour de France. Greenways and bike routes are multiplying all over Europe, with flat and safe paths where even the most effort-averse will find their happiness. Stages of 20 or 30 km per day to start is already a great adventure.

If that's not enough, the revolution of electric bikes is a bit magical. Even with the physical condition of a hibernating mollusk or a gradient that resembles a roller coaster profile, the assistance helps you move forward without (too much) effort.

5. Unforgettable family vacations

A bike trip with kids, mission impossible?

100% possible.

You will love seeing your little ones take a liking to this discovery. Just plan short stages, with regular and fun breaks. If you want to cover more kilometers, e-bikes are also an excellent option for the family.

"I rented e-bikes with DolceVia for my two children and me to travel the Véloscénie, from Paris to Mont St Michel. It was so powerful to see those kids pedaling towards their goal!" shares Marie.

6. Fun!

We challenge you not to want to shout "Wouhouuuuuu!" on your first descent. Or not to smile stupidly while speeding through puddles.

The bike adventure awakens your inner child.

Just for that, it's worth getting back in the saddle, right?

7. The art of overcoming challenges

A bike trip is also about accepting the unexpected: a flat tire, a closed road, a restaurant that’s shut... Nothing like it to learn to adapt, and above all: to let go. This ability, once acquired on the road, is precious in everyday life.

Finally, what better boost for the ego than covering kilometers with just the strength of your calves? We're not talking about the fleeting pride of likes on Instagram. We're talking about the satisfaction of having conquered that hill that seemed insurmountable. The satisfaction of having dared the bike adventure.

"I love bike trips for the personal challenge. Pushing yourself, managing the unexpected, pushing your limits... Every day on the road is a small victory," explains Alexis, our travel planner who is about to cycle from Paris to Istanbul.

8. Truly responsible tourism

We saved this argument for last. Not because it matters less - quite the opposite.

But because we think that talking to you about carbon footprint doesn't really make you want to go bike riding. What excites you is the promise of adventure, freedom, and suspended moments.

Now that you are (hopefully) convinced, we can slip in that this mode of travel is also a more responsible choice for the planet.

Global tourism is responsible for nearly 9% of greenhouse gas emissions. And 70% of these emissions are related to transport.

Biking? Zero direct CO2 emissions (except for what you exhale while pedaling!). Electric bikes emit, on average, 20 times less than a gasoline car. Not bad, right?

Add to that: no noise pollution, no fine particles, and very little space taken up on roads or in parking.

How to embark on the adventure?

Here are some bike travel tips to prepare for your first beautiful getaway:

• Start small: a long weekend on a greenway is perfect for beginners
• Choose a marked route: La Loire à Vélo, the ViaRhôna, or the Vélodyssée offer great secure paths
• Test your equipment before you leave: bike, panniers, clothing...
• Pack light: every extra kilo is felt!
• Embrace the unexpected: that's often where the best surprises lie

No bike? No worries! DolceVia offers all types of bike rentals you need: gravel, road, hybrid, e-bikes...

Don't want to do a round trip? We understand. You can rent a bike "one way," with bike return at any train station in France. Easy.

And if logistics scare you (accommodations, bike routes, assistance), we can take care of everything. You just have to pedal and enjoy!

So, ready to change your way of traveling?

Bike travel is not just a way to get around - it's a way of life. That feeling of freedom, that connection with the territories you cross, that incomparable satisfaction of having traveled under your own power...

As all converts to bike touring will tell you: once you've tasted slow bike travel, it's hard to go back! So, we bet your next postcard will be sent from a stop on your bike adventure?

And above all, don't forget to tell Uncle Raymond all about it!