LA VUELTA DEL MUNDO · TRAVEL & KNOWLEDGE

France by bicycle

France is undoubtedly one of the countries that made cycling popular.

Travelling by bicycle

Of course, the Tour de France, the most prestigious and difficult stage race on the professional calendar, has contributed to France’s prestige as a cycling nation. In addition, cycling was France’s national sport until the late 1960s and was more popular than football.

Sights and activities

For tourists, the country is phenomenal because it has something for everyone: mountains, the sea, churches, cities, fortresses, castles and sites from different historical periods. In the Hexagon or the “Grande Nation”, as the French call their country, cycle touring can therefore be combined with many other activities. Good food and wine, camping, beach holidays and mountaineering are just a few examples.

Landscapes and villages

But cycling in France does not have to be combined with other activities: its wide plains, vineyards, rivers and mountains often provide more than enough scenic interest for touring cyclists. The bicycle is an ideal means of transport for discovering all these natural wonders and small villages.

Hospitality

The French know how to enjoy life; they are good hosts and usually have a good bottle of red wine ready. Thanks to the love of cycling in the “Grande Nation”, you always feel welcome and well looked after.

Further travel information

France is generally easy to travel around: it is a well-organised country with Western standards. Language is rarely a problem; many French people now speak at least some English, and German is still widely spoken in Alsace.