Cycling in France
147 spots written up in France, across every type of ride.
FranceAlpe d'Huez: the 21 hairpins of the Tour's most famous climb
Climbing Alpe d'Huez from Le Bourg-d'Oisans: profile, the 21 numbered hairpins, difficulty and tips for this legendary ascent.
Ax 3 Domaines: Ariège's relentless Tour de France ramp
Climbing Ax 3 Domaines from Ax-les-Thermes: 8.6 km, 663 m of elevation gain, a gradient that barely dips below 7-8% all the way to the resort.
Canal du Berry à Vélo: the Cher's family-friendly greenway
Riding the Canal du Berry à Vélo from Saint-Amand-Montrond: a flat greenway along a former canal, ideal for a family outing.
Canal du Nivernais by bike: Burgundy's family-friendly cycle route
Riding along the Canal du Nivernais from Clamecy: a flat towpath, locks and stone villages, an ideal cycling route for a family outing.
Cauterets - Pont d'Espagne: a Pyrenean classic with a wall in the middle
Climbing to Pont d'Espagne from below Cauterets: 18 km, 981 m of elevation gain, 5.4% average — including the steep 'Mur de Cauterets' hairpins.
Chamrousse: the forgotten Tour climb from Saint-Martin-d'Uriage
Climbing Chamrousse from Saint-Martin-d'Uriage: 19.2 km, 1,383 m of elevation gain, hors catégorie, between Armstrong's legendary time trial and Nibali's win.
Col d'Agnès: Ariège's wide-open pass
Climbing Col d'Agnès from Aulus-les-Bains: 10.2 km, 826 m of elevation gain, 8.1% average — an Ariège col exposed to sweeping Pyrenean views.
Col d'Allos: the historic pass on the Route des Grandes Alpes
Climbing Col d'Allos from Barcelonnette: 16.9 km, 1,105 m of elevation gain, 6.5% average — a Tour de France classic since 1911 in the Ubaye valley.
FranceCol d'Aspin: the gentlest pass between the Tourmalet and Arreau
Climbing the Col d'Aspin from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Tour de France classic.
FranceCol d'Aubisque: the great Pyrenean ride by bike
Climbing the Col d'Aubisque from Laruns: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Pyrenean ascent.
Col d'Èze: the legendary Paris-Nice final time trial climb
Climbing the Col d'Èze from Nice: profile, the history of Paris-Nice's final time trial, difficulty and tips for this pro training climb on the Riviera.
FranceCol d'Ispéguy: the green passes of the Basque Country
Climbing the Col d'Ispéguy from Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Basque border pass.
FranceCol d'Izoard: the Casse Déserte and the legends of the Tour
Climbing the Col d'Izoard from Briançon via Cervières: profile, the Casse Déserte, difficulty and tips for this legendary Hautes-Alpes pass.
Col d'Ornon: the quiet gateway to the Oisans from Bourg-d'Oisans
Climbing Col d'Ornon from Bourg-d'Oisans: 11.6 km, 643 m of elevation gain, 5.8% average — a pastoral pass with a Tour de France past.
FranceCol de Bavella: highland Corsica by bike
Climbing the Col de Bavella from Zonza: profile, difficulty, the Bavella needles and tips for this spectacular Corsican pass.
Col de Braus: the historic hairpins of the Nice hinterland from Sospel
Climbing Col de Braus from Sospel: 10.3 km, 700 m of elevation gain, 6.8% average — a celebrated switchback road in the Nice hinterland.
FranceCol de l'Iseran: one of the highest paved passes in Europe
Climbing the Col de l'Iseran from Val-d'Isère: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Haute-Maurienne giant.
FranceCol de la Bonette: Europe's highest through-road
Climbing the Col de la Bonette from Jausiers: profile, the 2,802 m Cime de la Bonette loop, difficulty and tips for this legendary road.
Col de la Cayolle: the wild crossing between the Var and the Ubaye
Climbing the Col de la Cayolle from Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes: 20.3 km, 1,282 m of elevation gain, 6.3% average — a border pass at 2,326 m.
FranceCol de la Colombière: the great Tour de France classic above Le Grand-Bornand
Climbing the Col de la Colombière from Le Grand-Bornand: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this iconic Tour de France pass.
Col de la Core: Ariège's Pyrenean crossroads
Climbing Col de la Core from Seix: 13.8 km, 885 m of elevation gain, 6.4% average — a recurring Tour de France col deep in the Ariège Pyrenees.
FranceCol de la Croix de Fer: the Maurienne giant
Climbing the Col de la Croix de Fer from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne: profile, views of the Aiguilles d'Arves, difficulty and tips for this legendary climb.
Col de la Croix Fry: the Aravis companion between Manigod and La Clusaz
Climbing Col de la Croix Fry from Manigod: 11 km, 800 m of elevation gain, an uneven ascent at the heart of the Aravis massif.
FranceCol de la Croix Morand: the Sancy massif by bike from Le Mont-Dore
Climbing the Col de la Croix Morand from Le Mont-Dore: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Sancy massif pass.
Col de la Loze: the highest cycling path ever built for the Tour
Climbing the Col de la Loze from Brides-les-Bains: 21.5 km, ramps up to 24%, the highest road ever used by the Tour de France, at 2,304 m altitude.
Col de la Machine: the road carved into the Combe Laval cliff face
Climbing Col de la Machine via Combe Laval from Saint-Jean-en-Royans: 12 km, 745 m of elevation gain, a vertiginous cliffside road in the Vercors.
FranceCol de la Madeleine: the giant linking Maurienne and Tarentaise
Climbing the Col de la Madeleine from La Chambre: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Tour de France giant.
Col de la Madone: the pros' secret testing climb above Menton
Climbing the Col de la Madone from Menton: profile, difficulty, best season, and why this quiet pass is the pros' favourite fitness test on the Riviera.
Col de la Ramaz: Haute-Savoie's understated giant
Climbing Col de la Ramaz from Mieussy: 14 km, 982 m of elevation gain, 7% average — a recurring Tour de France climb above the Giffre valley.
Col de la Schlucht: the historic crossing of the Vosges from Munster
Climbing Col de la Schlucht from Munster: 15.3 km, 690 m of elevation gain, a former Franco-German border high in the Vosges mountains.
Col de Larche: the Alpine gateway to Italy
Climbing Col de Larche from Barcelonnette: 23.5 km, 775 m of elevation gain, 3.5% average — a long border pass into Italy's Stura valley.
Col de Marie-Blanque: the short, sharp Pyrenean wall from Escot
Climbing the Col de Marie-Blanque from Escot: 9.1 km, 705 m of elevation gain, 7.75% average — one of the most uneven climbs in the Pyrenees.
Col de Menté: Ocaña's storm
Climbing Col de Menté from Saint-Béat: 9.2 km, 801 m of elevation gain, 8.7% average — the col where Ocaña's 1971 crash changed the Tour de France.
Col de Péguère: the Ariège Wall of the Tour 2012 tack incident
Climbing Col de Péguère from Massat: 9.4 km, 747 m of elevation gain, a narrow road topped by the infamous Mur de Péguère.
FranceCol de Peyresourde: the classic climb of the Luchon valley
Climbing the Col de Peyresourde from Bagnères-de-Luchon: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Tour de France pass.
Col de Portet-d'Aspet: a Pyrenean memory
Climbing Col de Portet-d'Aspet from Aspet: 14.3 km, 594 m of elevation gain, 4.2% average — a col steeped in history above the Comminges.
Col de Portet: the Pyrenees' newest hors catégorie giant
Climbing Col de Portet from Saint-Lary-Soulan: 16 km, around 1,420 m of elevation gain, 8.7% average to 2,215 m — the road that made its racing debut at the 2018 Tour de France.
Col de Romme: the feared warm-up before the Colombière
Climbing Col de Romme from Cluses: 9.3 km, 813 m of elevation gain, 8.7% average — often paired with Col de la Colombière at the Tour de France.
Col de Sarenne: the climb made famous by the Tour de France near Alpe d'Huez
Climbing Col de Sarenne from Mizoën: 12.8 km, 954 m of elevation gain, 7.5% average — a narrow, wild road in the heart of the Grandes Rousses.
Col de Turini: the legendary climb of the Monte Carlo Rally
Climbing the Col de Turini from Sospel: 24 km through the Nice hinterland, difficulty, best season and practical tips.
Col de Val Louron-Azet: the Pyrenean wall
Climbing Col de Val Louron-Azet from Génos: 7.5 km, 620 m of elevation gain, 8.3% average — ten Tour de France crossings between Saint-Lary and Peyragudes.
FranceCol de Vars: the overlooked link on the Route des Grandes Alpes
Climbing the Col de Vars from Guillestre: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this key pass on the Route des Grandes Alpes.
Col de Vence: the pros' classic training climb above Nice
Climbing the Col de Vence from Vence: 9.7 km at a 6.6% average, a Paris-Nice classic with views of the Baous cliffs and the Mediterranean.
Col des Aravis: the Tour de France classic between La Clusaz and Beaufortain
Climbing Col des Aravis from La Clusaz: 11 km, 600 m of elevation gain, a steady ascent at the heart of the Haute-Savoie Alps.
Col des Saisies: the uneven Beaufortain climb
Climbing Col des Saisies from Flumet: 14.6 km, 807 m of elevation gain, 5.5% average — a Beaufortain pass with a constantly changing gradient.
FranceCol du Galibier: the roof of the Tour de France
Climbing the Col du Galibier from Valloire: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for tackling one of the highest passes in the Alps.
FranceCol du Glandon: the Savoie giant that ends at the Croix de Fer
Climbing the Col du Glandon from Allemont: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this pass often combined with the Croix de Fer.
Col du Granon: the climb that flipped the 2022 Tour
Climbing the Col du Granon from Saint-Chaffrey: profile, brutal gradients, Vingegaard's 2022 attack, difficulty and practical tips.
Col du Lautaret: the great Alpine crossroads to the Galibier
Climbing Col du Lautaret from Briançon: 26 km, 800 m of elevation gain, 3% average — the long gateway to the Galibier and the Oisans.
Col du Mont-Cenis: the great reservoir lake above the Maurienne from Lanslebourg
Climbing the Col du Mont-Cenis from Lanslebourg: 9.9 km, 686 m of elevation gain, 6.9% average, up to the Mont-Cenis reservoir lake.
Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard: the historic crossing into Italy from Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Climbing the Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard from Bourg-Saint-Maurice: around 30 km, 1,380 m of elevation gain — a border pass between Savoie and Aosta Valley.
FranceCol du Tourmalet: the Pyrenean giant by bike
Climbing the Col du Tourmalet from Luz-Saint-Sauveur: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Tour de France legend.
FranceCormet de Roselend: the climb beside the turquoise lake
Climbing the Cormet de Roselend from Beaufort: profile, views of the turquoise Lac de Roselend, difficulty and tips for this Tour de France classic.
Cycling around Lac du Bourget with the family
Family-friendly loop on the Lac du Bourget greenway, France's largest natural lake: route, distance and practical tips.
FranceCycling the Ballon d'Alsace: the very first Tour de France mountain pass
Climb the Ballon d'Alsace from Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle: 9 km at 6.9% average, the first mountain pass ever tackled by the Tour de France in 1905.
FranceCycling the Camargue with kids, among pink flamingos and salt marshes
Family-friendly cycling loop in the Camargue from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer: sea dike, pink flamingos, distance and practical tips.
FranceCycling the Col de Joux Plane from Morzine: the climb that has shaped the Tour de France
Climb the Col de Joux Plane from Morzine: 10.7 km at 7% average, a cult Tour de France pass between the Chablais and Faucigny.
FranceCycling the Col de la Faucille: the Jura facing Mont Blanc
Climb the Col de la Faucille from Gex: 10 km at 6.5% average, with a summit view over Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.
FranceCycling the Col du Soulor from Ferrières: the great Pyrenean balcony
Climb the Col du Soulor from Ferrières: 12 km at 7.5% average, with panoramic views over the Cirque du Litor and the high Pyrenean peaks.
FranceCycling the loop around the Gorges du Verdon: Corniche Sublime and Route des Crêtes
Cycling a full loop around the Gorges du Verdon from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: the Corniche Sublime and Route des Crêtes route, profile and tips.
FranceÉtang de Biguglia for families, from Bastia
Family cycling loop around the Étang de Biguglia lagoon from Bastia: nature reserve, flat path and practical tips.
FranceGrand Colombier from Culoz: the hardest climb in the Bugey
Climbing the Grand Colombier from Culoz: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for one of the hardest climbs in France.
FranceGravel in the Avesnois, the north's 'little Switzerland'
Gravel route through the Avesnois from Avesnes-sur-Helpe: rolling hedgerow country, tracks and practical tips.
FranceGravel in the Brenne, land of a thousand ponds
Gravel route through the Brenne Regional Nature Park from Mézières-en-Brenne: ponds, distance and practical tips.
FranceGravel in the Cévennes: Mont Aigoual from Meyrueis
Gravel route from Meyrueis in the Cévennes: forest tracks, the Mont Aigoual climb, and practical tips.
Gravel in the Chartreuse, from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse
Gravel route through the Chartreuse range from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse: forests, ridge passes, distance and practical tips.
Gravel in the Lot valley: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and the Causses du Quercy
Gravel route from Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in the Lot: cliffs, limestone plateaus, white gravel roads and tips for a ride in Occitania.
FranceGravel in the Luberon: hilltop villages and ochre trails
Gravel route from Lourmarin in the Luberon: trails, hilltop villages, difficulty and the best season to ride in Provence.
Gravel in the Monts d'Arrée
Gravel route through the Monts d'Arrée from Huelgoat: moorland, granite boulder fields, distance and practical tips.
Gravel in the Morvan
Gravel route through the Morvan Regional Nature Park from Château-Chinon: forests, lakes, distance and practical tips.
FranceGravel in the Périgord Noir: Sarlat and the Dordogne valley
Gravel route from Sarlat in the Dordogne: bastide towns, hilltop villages, tracks and tips for a ride in the Périgord Noir.
FranceGravel riding in Champagne from Épernay
Gravel route through the Champagne vineyards from Épernay: vineyard tracks, villages, distance and practical tips.
Gravel riding in Suisse Normande from Clécy
Gravel route through the Suisse Normande from Clécy: the Orne valley, rural tracks, distance and practical tips.
FranceGravel riding in the Ardèche Gorges from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
Gravel route from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc: the plateau above the Ardèche Gorges, the Pont d'Arc arch, and practical tips.
FranceGravel riding in the Désert des Agriates from Saint-Florent
Gravel route through the Désert des Agriates in Haute-Corse: wild scrubland, remote tracks, distance and practical tips.
FranceGravel riding in the Drôme Provençale from Nyons
Gravel route through the Drôme Provençale from Nyons: olive groves, hilltop villages, distance and practical tips.
Gravel riding in the Vendée bocage from Pouzauges
Gravel route through the Vendée bocage from Pouzauges: hills, rural tracks, distance and practical tips.
Hautacam: the summit finish that has shaped the Tour de France
Climbing Hautacam from Argelès-Gazost: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Tour de France summit finish.
Hourquette d'Ancizan: the understated Hautes-Pyrénées pass
Climbing Hourquette d'Ancizan from Guchen: 10.4 km, 788 m of elevation gain, 7.6% average — a recent Tour de France regular between the Aure and Campan valleys.
FranceÎle de Ré by bike, for the whole family
A family cycling loop on Île de Ré from Saint-Martin-de-Ré: dedicated cycle paths, distance, difficulty and practical tips.
La Loire à Vélo with kids: Blois, Chambord and Cheverny
Family loop on La Loire à Vélo from Blois: the Chambord and Cheverny castles, distance, difficulty and practical tips.
La Loire à Vélo: the great châteaux crossing
405 km of nearly flat greenway along the Loire, from Orléans to the Atlantic estuary: the guide for planning a cycling crossing, stage by stage.
La Pierre-Saint-Martin: the Pyrenean giant that crowned Chris Froome
Climbing La Pierre-Saint-Martin from Arette: 24.7 km, 1,427 m of elevation gain, 5.8% average — the Hors Catégorie climb of Froome's decisive 2015 Tour de France stage.
La Plagne: Savoie's legendary Tour de France climb
Climbing La Plagne from Aime: 19.6 km, 1,430 m of elevation gain, 7.3% average — a Hors Catégorie Tour de France summit finish in the Tarentaise.
La Planche des Belles Filles: the Vosges ramp that reshaped the Tour de France
Climbing La Planche des Belles Filles: 6 km, 494 m of elevation gain, 8.2% average, the Vosges summit finish that has decided the Tour de France six times since 2012.
La Toussuire: the Tour de France ski-station finish in the Maurienne
Climbing to La Toussuire from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne: 18 km, 1150 m of elevation gain, a steady stage-finish climb at the heart of the Maurienne valley.
FranceLa Vélodyssée: the great family-friendly Atlantic crossing
1,200 km of near-flat greenway along the French Atlantic coast: the guide to planning a family ride on La Vélodyssée.
Lac de Vouglans with the family, from Surchauffant
Family bike loop around Lac de Vouglans in the Jura: beaches, forests, distance and practical tips.
Lacets de Montvernier: 18 hairpins carved into the cliff toward Col du Chaussy
Climbing the Lacets de Montvernier and Col du Chaussy from Pontamafrey: 18 numbered hairpins, profile, difficulty and tips for this Maurienne ascent.
FranceLake Annecy by bike, for the whole family
A family cycling loop on the Lake Annecy greenway: flat, traffic-free route, distance, difficulty and practical tips.
Le Markstein: the gentle Vosges climb from the Tour de France
Climbing Le Markstein from Oderen: 20.5 km, 720 m of elevation gain, 3.5% average — a Tour de France finish town on the high Vosges ridge road.
Le Semnoz: the Tour de France summit above Lake Annecy
Climbing Le Semnoz from Annecy: 15.9 km, 1,280 m of elevation gain, 8.1% average — a Tour de France 2013 stage finish overlooking Lake Annecy.
Luz Ardiden: the legendary Tour climb in the Pyrenees
Climbing Luz Ardiden from Luz-Saint-Sauveur: profile, around thirty hairpins, difficulty and tips for this iconic Tour de France climb.
Mont du Chat: Savoie's fiercest climb above Lac du Bourget
Climbing Mont du Chat from Le Bourget-du-Lac: 8.7 km, 905 m of elevation gain, 10.3% average — one of the steepest hors catégorie climbs ever tackled by the Tour de France.
Mont Faron: Toulon's historic hairpin climb
Climbing Mont Faron from Toulon: 6 km, 435 m of elevation gain, 7.3% average — a Paris-Nice classic above the harbour, tight switchback after switchback.
Mont Poupet: a Jura climb from Arbois
Climbing Mont Poupet from Arbois: profile, difficulty, the view over the reculée and tips for this short, demanding Jura climb.
Mont Salève: the Balcony of Geneva from Collonges-sous-Salève
Climbing Mont Salève via Col de la Croisette from Collonges-sous-Salève: 7.5 km, 680 m of elevation gain, 9% average, views over Geneva and Mont Blanc.
FranceMont Ventoux: climbing Provence's Giant by bike
Complete guide to climbing Mont Ventoux from Bédoin: profile, difficulty, water stops and where to stay at the foot of the Giant of Provence.
Montagne de Lure: Ventoux's quieter sibling
Climbing Montagne de Lure from Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues: 17.5 km, 1025 m of elevation gain, 5.8% average — a Provençal giant far calmer than neighbouring Ventoux.
Mountain biking at Métabief, the Haut-Doubs bike park
MTB guide to Métabief in the Jura: a chairlift-served bike park with DH and enduro trails in the forest, levels and practical tips.
FranceMountain biking in Chamonix: at the foot of Mont Blanc
MTB guide to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: cable cars, high-altitude alpine trails, skill level required and tips for riding facing Europe's highest peak.
Mountain biking in Font-Romeu: the Cerdagne bike park
MTB guide to Font-Romeu in the Pyrénées-Orientales: chairlift-served trails, skill levels, and tips for a ride in the Cerdagne.
Mountain biking in Le Mont-Dore, the Sancy massif bike park
MTB guide to Le Mont-Dore in Auvergne: cable-car-served bike park, volcanic forest trails, levels and practical tips.
Mountain biking in Les Deux Alpes, the reference bike park in Isère
MTB guide to Les Deux Alpes in Isère: cable-car-served bike park, DH and enduro trails, levels and tips for a ride in the Oisans.
Mountain biking in Peira Cava: Nice's hinterland and the Mercantour
MTB guide to Peira Cava in the Alpes-Maritimes: forest trails, skill level required and tips for riding at the gates of the Mercantour.
Mountain biking in Saint-Lary-Soulan, the Pyrenees' bike park
MTB guide to Saint-Lary-Soulan in the Hautes-Pyrénées: bike park served by cable car to Pla d'Adet, levels and tips for a mountain ride.
Mountain biking in Sologne from Romorantin-Lanthenay
MTB guide to Sologne from Romorantin-Lanthenay: forests, ponds, sandy trails, skill level required and practical tips.
Mountain biking in the Bercé forest
MTB guide to the Bercé forest from Jupilles: centuries-old oak stands, approachable terrain, required level and tips.
Mountain biking in the Brocéliande forest
MTB guide to the Brocéliande forest from Paimpont: Arthurian legends, forest terrain, required level and tips.
Mountain biking in the Compiègne forest
MTB guide to the Compiègne forest: historic woodland, required level, terrain and practical tips for a ride in the Oise.
Mountain biking in the Estérel from Agay
MTB guide to the Estérel massif from Agay: red volcanic rock, coastal trails, skill level required and practical tips.
Mountain biking in the Jura: Les Rousses and the Haute Chaîne
MTB guide to the Jura mountains from Les Rousses: trails, forests, skill level required and tips for a ride in the Haut-Jura.
Mountain biking in the Lyons forest
MTB guide to the Lyons forest from Lyons-la-Forêt: Norman beech woods, hilly terrain, required level and practical tips.
Mountain biking in the Restonica valley, Corte
MTB guide to the Restonica valley from Corte: glacial lakes, granite terrain, required level and practical tips.
FranceMountain biking in the Vercors from Villard-de-Lans
MTB guide to the Vercors massif from Villard-de-Lans: forests, limestone plateau, skill level required and practical tips.
Mountain biking in the Vosges: La Bresse and Le Markstein
MTB guide to the Vosges mountains from La Bresse: bike park, trails, skill level required and tips for a ride between La Bresse and Le Markstein.
Peyragudes: the finish on the altiport runway
Climbing Peyragudes from Loudenvielle: profile, a final wall on the altiport runway at 16%, difficulty and tips for this Tour de France finish.
Pla d'Adet: the resort-summit finish of the Tour de France's great duels
Climbing Pla d'Adet from Vignec, above Saint-Lary-Soulan: 10.7 km, 861 m of elevation gain, a classic Pyrenean mountaintop finish.
Plateau de Beille: the relentless wall of the Ariège
Climbing the Plateau de Beille from Les Cabannes: profile, hors catégorie difficulty, best season and tips for this Tour de France climb.
Port de Balès: the Pyrenean pass of the Contador-Schleck incident, from Luchon
Climbing Port de Balès from Bagnères-de-Luchon: 19.1 km, 1,177 m of elevation gain, 6.2% average — famous for the 2010 Tour de France incident.
FrancePortes du Soleil: enduro and bike park MTB paradise
MTB guide to the Portes du Soleil from Morzine: trail network, lifts, skill level required and tips for a day at the bike park.
Pra-Loup MTB: enduro and DH bike park in the Ubaye
MTB guide to the Pra-Loup bike park: lift-served trails from a family-friendly path to technical runs, skill level and practical tips.
FrancePuy Mary: Cantal's volcanoes by bike
Climbing to the Pas de Peyrol from Mandailles-Saint-Julien: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this Cantal volcanic pass.
Risoul: the Queyras climb made famous by Rafał Majka
Climbing Risoul from Guillestre: 14 km, 850 m of elevation gain, 6.1% average — the Tour de France summit finish of Rafał Majka's first pro win.
Serre Chevalier MTB: a lift-served bike park in the Hautes-Alpes
MTB guide to the Serre Chevalier bike park: lift-served trails from a family-friendly path to technical runs, practical tips.
Superbagnères: the resort overlooking the Luchon valley
Climbing Superbagnères from Bagnères-de-Luchon: profile, panoramic views over the Pyrenees, difficulty and tips for this Tour climb.
FranceThe Alsace Wine Route with kids, from Colmar
Family bike loop from Colmar on the Alsace Wine Route: Eguisheim, Riquewihr, half-timbered villages and practical tips.
FranceThe Baie de Somme by bike, between Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
Family cycling route in the Baie de Somme between Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: greenway, migratory birds, distance and practical tips.
FranceThe Canal de l'Ourcq by bike with kids, from Paris to Meaux
A family bike ride along the Canal de l'Ourcq between Paris and Meaux: flat greenway, distance and practical tips near Paris.
FranceThe Canal de Nantes à Brest: the great Breton crossing by bike
330 km of nearly flat towpath between Nantes and Brest: the guide for planning a cycling crossing of Brittany, stage by stage.
FranceThe Canal des Deux Mers à Vélo: from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean
490 km of greenway between Bordeaux and Sète, along the Canal latéral à la Garonne and the Canal du Midi: the stage-by-stage guide.
FranceThe Canal du Midi by bike, for the whole family, from Carcassonne
A family cycling loop on the Canal du Midi towpath from Carcassonne: shaded route, distance and practical tips.
FranceThe Côte d'Albâtre by bike, from Étretat
Road cycling loop on the Côte d'Albâtre between Étretat and Fécamp: chalk cliffs, dry valleys, distance and practical tips.
FranceThe Côte d'Opale by bike, for the whole family, from Le Touquet
A family cycling loop on the Côte d'Opale between Le Touquet and Hardelot: cycle paths, dunes, distance and practical tips.
FranceThe Côte de Jade for families
Family cycling loop on the Côte de Jade from Pornic: cliffs, beaches, distance and practical tips.
FranceThe Côte Fleurie for families, from Deauville
Family cycling loop on the Côte Fleurie between Deauville, Trouville and Villerville: beaches, distance and practical tips.
The Crozon peninsula for families
Family cycling loop on the Crozon peninsula: cliffs, beaches, distance and practical tips for a family day out.
FranceThe Grand Ballon: the roof of the Vosges by bike
Climbing the Grand Ballon from Willer-sur-Thur: profile, difficulty, best season and tips for this legendary Vosges summit.
FranceThe Gulf of Morbihan by bike, for the whole family
A family cycling loop around the Gulf of Morbihan from Vannes: flat route, distance, difficulty and practical tips.
The Layon vineyards for families
Family cycling loop through the Layon vineyards from Rochefort-sur-Loire: wine villages, distance and practical tips.
The Marais Poitevin by bike, for the whole family, from Coulon
A family cycling loop through the Marais Poitevin from Coulon: towpaths, the Green Venice, distance and practical tips.
The Monts de Flandre by bike, from Cassel
Road cycling loop through the Monts de Flandre from Cassel: Mont Cassel, Mont des Cats, short climbs and practical tips.
The Puy de Dôme by bike, Auvergne's legendary volcano
Climbing the Puy de Dôme from Col de Ceyssat: profile, cyclist-access days, difficulty and tips for this iconic summit.
The Route des Grands Crus for families, Burgundy
Family cycling loop on the Route des Grands Crus from Beaune: greenway, wine villages, distance and practical tips.
The Sancerre vineyards by bike
Road cycling loop through the Sancerre vineyards: hills, wine villages, views over the Loire, distance and practical tips.
The ViaRhôna: from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean by bike
485 km of greenway along the Rhône, from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean: the guide for planning a cycling crossing, stage by stage.
Val Thorens: climbing to the highest finish in Tour de France history
The Val Thorens climb from Moûtiers: 33.5 km, 2,000 m of elevation gain up to 2,300 m, the highest stage finish ever organised by the Tour de France.