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Le vélo gravel est une aventure unique qui vous plonge au cœur de la nature, mais il exige une préparation adaptée aux caprices de la météo. Que vous rouliez sous la pluie, dans le froid hivernal ou par temps chaud, chaque condition demande un équipement spécifique pour garantir votre confort et votre sécurité. Dans cet article, nous partageons nos conseils pratiques pour affronter toutes les situations climatiques !

Météo et gravel

Under the shifting light of a sky that never sleeps, Iceland reveals itself as a land shaped by towering mountains, the fiery breath of volcanoes, and the shimmering silver of glaciers. Cycling through this island of raw, untamed beauty means moving to the rhythm of nature’s whims, feeling the northern wind whistle past your ears, and letting the solitude and vastness of the landscape engulf you.

Islande

Running out of inspiration? As Christmas approaches, it's time to finalize your gift list. For all gravel biking enthusiasts and adventure lovers, we've curated the perfect Christmas gift list just for you!

Cadeau de noël

The season’s not over yet! Even though the summer holidays are ending, there’s still some gravel events not to be missed this summer, from races to test yourself against the clock  to festivals dedicated to gravel to try it out or even test a bike. Here’s some of the main gravel events that are coming up soon :

roc dazur.2

3 days, 8 cyclists, 1 local guide, and the stunning Alpilles as a backdrop: welcome to a sporty and immersive adventure in the heart of Provence. With wild trails, the sea, sunshine, and charming villages, let yourself be captivated by the raw beauty of this region.

Paysages Alpilles

To prevent discomfort on your gravel bike, adjust your saddle, choose suitable tires, and optimize your riding posture. These simple tweaks will ensure maximum comfort during your rides. Our guided trips, led by expert instructors, will help you master these techniques and fully enjoy your adventures.

Gravel douleurs

The key to keeping warm is… staying dry! Gravel is ideal for year round riding, on dry trails and muddy tracks alike. Winter riding needs good kit, and there’s two golden rules to help keep you as warm and dry as possible.

Gravel en Hiver

Gravel biking is the perfect way to explore new landscapes while venturing onto diverse trails. For beginners, certain destinations offer an ideal introduction, allowing for an enjoyable experience from the very first ride. In this article, discover four must-visit spots to start your gravel journey: the Alpilles, Andalusia, Morvan, and Norway.

Andalousie Explorer

Nestled between Italy, Austria, and Hungary, Slovenia is a natural gem, perfect for a gravel bike adventure. Its diverse landscapes, from majestic mountains to deep forests, offer the ideal playground for those seeking freedom and unspoiled nature. A unique destination for travelers in search of authenticity and wide-open spaces.

Slovenia

For an adventure, for the challenge, for the feel of the ride...It’s not easy to choose only 5 reasons to ride gravel as it unites some of the best parts of cycling for a unique and addictive discipline!

Vélo Gravel

Explore Morocco in a different way by biking through its stunning landscapes...Interested? From the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara dunes, every ride takes you through breathtaking scenery and rich culture. Perfect for adventure and nature lovers, this mode of travel offers a truly unique and immersive experience.

Maroc à vélo

The temperatures are gently dropping and the mornings are getting that bit fresher. Armwarmers and a wind jacket are probably your go-to items for a ride, and soon it’ll be your gloves and legs. If riding in the cold isn’t really your thing, you’ll love this months article - our top 3 places for winter riding.

Où rouler en hiver - header

Discover the Morvan Regional Park, just 2.5 hours from Lyon and Paris, for an unforgettable gravel weekend filled with nature, tranquility, and adventure. Perfect for cycling enthusiasts and outdoor activity lovers.

Gravel Morvan

The Dolomites, with their winding roads, mountain trails, and breathtaking views, are a true paradise for cyclists. From legendary climbs to unique landscapes, this Italian region offers awe-inspiring challenges.

dolomites

Discover 5 practical tips to travel by train with your bike effortlessly. Learn how to book, transport, and optimize your trip for a stress-free journey!

Vélo train

To all gravel bike enthusiasts, we've found the 3 best destinations for riding in the fall! GravelUp takes you on a journey to discover hidden gems in France and Europe, where you can ride under the sun, guided by our local experts.

meilleures destinations gravel

Welcome to a cyclist’s paradise! Girona, a small Catalan city nestled in the north-east of Spain, has become a top destination for cyclists in search of nature and adventure. Ideally situated between the foothills of the Pyrenees and the shores of the Mediterranean, you’ll find the perfect combo of small winding roads, steep trails and varied landscapes for gravel biking and hiking. Girona is the perfect playground with plenty of treats in store. Read on for an overview of this renowned cycling destination!

Header_Andalousie

Thanks to its versatility, sturdiness, and geometry, the gravel bike is the perfect bike for adventure and bike touring, allowing you to carry everything you need in a very minimalist way. Ready to try bikepacking? Here are the essential pieces of equipment you shouldn't forget!

Itinérance gravel

Discovering Tuscany on a gravel bike: 10 must-visit spots for a successful gravel trip! From Florence to Siena, passing through the walls of San Gimignano, Volterra, and Lucca, Tuscany, nestled in the heart of the Italian peninsula, is an enchanting region indeed.

Toscane

An emblematic region par excellence with its vineyards, famous champagne houses and picturesque white chalk trails. You’ll find it has everything you need for a micro-adventure just a stone’s throw from Paris.

Champagne

It's not always easy to find the right tools and apps to create your bike routes. In this article, we provide the best tips for planning your bike rides easily and for free, whether it's gravel, road, or mountain biking!

Carte IGN

At GravelUp, adventure and cycling are important, but we won't leave you to sleep in the wild. Our 8 superb base camps are ready to welcome you! Located in exceptional and typical natural settings of the regions we traverse, each accommodation has been carefully selected to offer you a unique experience. They allow you to rest after your days of cycling and to share moments together.

Hébergement Corse

Discovering the Alps on a gravel bike: a closer look at 3 natural parks to explore! The Galibier, Alpe d'Huez, Iseran, and Izoard, like the Pyrenees, are a string of legendary and historic mountain passes that have always been a prime destination in the world of cycling. But did you know that they can also be a top choice for all cycling travelers in search of beauty and diversity?

Alpes francaise

A legendary and demanding climb, Mont Ventoux is a dream for cyclists worldwide with its three routes accessible by road. What if we told you that you could also conquer it by gravel bike or on foot?

Gravel Ventoux

With an average 300 days of sunshine a year and jaw dropping scenery, Provence may just about have it all for gravel riders. With various Natural Regional Parks in the region, it’s one of the most diverse areas you’ll find in France. We’ve chosen 4 of the parks for starters that connect together nicely for a great bike adventure - the Alpilles, Luberon, Verdon and Ventoux.

Riding Alpilles

Are you looking to get into gravel riding but not sure where to start? We'll help you choose the right equipment, the perfect bike, effective training, and plan your first multi-day trips. Welcome to the adventure!

gravel débutant

If you’ve made it this far, it’s no coincidence; you’re probably looking for a cycling getaway close to the capital. Look no further, you’re in the right place! Paris, the City of Light, is undeniably famous for its iconic landmarks, charming cafés, and timeless allure. But did you know that Paris and its surroundings also offer incredible opportunities for all Gravel biking enthusiasts?

Paris Gravel

Don’t miss the three bikepacking adventure movies we have selected for you! You’ll only want to do one thing after watching them: explore the world on your bike.

Bikepacking films

The Tourmalet, Col d’Aubisque, Cirque de Gavarnie or the Vallée d’Aspe… who hasn’t trembled with excitement when hearing of these mythical places in the Pyrenees? This magnificent mountain range, stretching from the Atlantic to the Med, is well known for road cycling and mountain biking. But for those in search of something different, the gravel bike brings a breath of fresh air and takes you on the most beautiful routes in the Pyrenees.

Pyrénées en gravel

Looking for a sporty holiday this year? Oslo is brimming with unique activities and experiences to discover. For lovers of the great outdoors, the Norwegian capital offers a journey filled with nature and exploration. Cycling, hiking, cultural visits... Here is our top 3 list of activities to do in Oslo!

La Norvège en été

Are you passionate about cycling and eager to discover off-the-beaten-path destinations? Look no further! We offer you three exceptional French destinations, perfect for gravel riding. GravelUp will take you to explore France's hidden gems, accompanied by enthusiastic local guides.

Gravel destinations

An exploration in the heart of Provence, on a gravel bike, to discover Mont Ventoux from every angle. Did you think the Giant of Provence was only accessible by road? Dive into our 100% gravel adventure story!

Ventoux gravel road

Discover Aveyron, in France, a true paradise for nature and adventure lovers! Dive into the Grand Causses, where outdoor activities take center stage: from cycling to climbing, from hiking to spelunking... There's something for everyone! Let yourself be captivated by this infinite playground. Ready for an active holiday?

grands causses activités

Point to point bike trips are becoming more and more popular but, depending on your kit, it can be a rude awakening for certain parts of your body! Saddle discomfort is one of the main issues that can ruin a good weeks cycling. But rest assured, it’s not inevitable. In fact there’s some easy steps you can take that will make all the difference and we reveal all in this article.

selle 2

It was with the impressive Millau viaduct, limestone plateaus and deep gorges as a backdrop that we set off to explore this incredible area, and where it seems you can do almost any outdoor sport. The Tarn and Dourbie rivers meet at Millau, creating an natural amphitheatre, and its from here that our journey begins, on gravel bikes, ready for adventure.

gravel grands causses

When we plan to set off on a 3, 5 or even 7-day cycling adventure, it's important to train beforehand to be sufficiently prepared for the physical challenge involved. Spending several hours on the gravel, even if we're not talking about performance or competition here, can be difficult when you're not used to it.

gravel préparation séjour

Join me for an exhilarating five-day bike tour itinerary ! Embark on an unforgettable scenic escapade through the stunning landscapes of Norway, where every twist of the road unveils breathtaking vistas and every pedal stroke immerses you deeper into the heart of this majestic country.

Norway by bike

Would you believe us if we were to tell you that you can be in a forest, deep in the heart of nature, and just a few kms from Paris? Adventure is never far away, even if you call Paris home! You just need a good route and the right kit to get out there and make the most of the fresh air just outside the city.

Gravel à Paris

Spring is approaching, bringing with it the irresistible desire to embark on a cycling adventure, to traverse trails, paths, and winding roads through blooming landscapes, immersed in nature. If you're searching for the best gravel destinations in France, here's our top 5 to explore this spring!

Destination gravel

Looking for a sporty getaway for your next weekend? Why not try gravel biking? Our trip to the Morvan is perfect for escaping and getting a big breath of fresh air without taking any vacation days. Here are 5 reasons to take the plunge!

Morvan en gravel

Looking to maintain your gravel bike but don't know where to start? Colin, our mechanical expert at GravelUp, shares his top 5 maintenance tips. A well-maintained gravel bike ensures a long life for your faithful adventure companion!

Entretien gravel

Just as there’s all sorts of surfaces, there’s all sorts of cyclists. Some prefer smooth gravel and tarmac, others the rougher the better, rarely riding on the road. And this is where tyre choice comes into play to make your bike ideal for where you ride. We thought it was time to have a look at the different options so no one gets left behind!

Pneus

You've decided you really need a gravel bike ? You’re in the right place! A gravel bike is really the ultimate utility bike! Often used by long distance cyclists, it’s ideal for everyone from leisure riders, commuters and racers alike. Theres hundreds of models on the market now, here’s some points to bear in mind when making your choice.

gravel bike

Gravel, Corsican style. The Beautiful Isle is well known for it’s rocky coastline with beautiful beaches and mountains aplenty, not to mention it’s culinary delights, traditions and an all round generous nature. Which all makes for an intoxicating mix, so it’s easy to see why we’re so keen to take more trips there !

GravelUp-Corse

Grab your gravel bike, the good weather is not far away! The days are getting longer which, coupled with the warm weather we’ve been having of late, means it's time to get planning your next adventure. And what better adventure to have than exploring some of Europe’s best gravel trails with us?

Adventurer Grands Causses

Are you dreaming of your next gravel getaway, but not sure which of our trips to choose from? It’s understandable, all 8 are very appealing! Each of our destinations have their own unique feel, with landscapes, challenges and experiences specific to each of them. In this article, we provide more details on each of our cycling trips to help you find the perfect destination for you!

Destinations article 2

As everyone heads back to work and school after the summer break, we’ve put all the key info together to help you get back on the bike (if you stopped!): Getting (back) on the bike, choosing the right kit, heading off on a bike trip, gravel events to take part in...

Rentrée-Olivier-Origine-Causses

Getting away from the crowds, mass tourism and all it’s trappings is what a bike trip to Norway is all about. Norway is a mythical place for nature lovers, adventure lovers and those in search of some space. In this northern corner of Europe you’ll find spectacular scenery, jaw dropping fjords, majestic mountain, glaciers, waterfalls, crystal clear lakes… the list goes on!

norway1

It’s not really news anymore that gravel is having it’s moment, with all kinds of bikes now available for all kinds of riding. It’s where MTB meets road riding, for a do-it-all bike that can take on a large variety of terrain, with unrivalled versatility. A gravel bike can take you from your daily commute to a long distance trip, via any trail it can find in between. So is a gravel bike just another bike on the market??

Gravel Vs Route

To read by the water, between bike rides, or under the tent by the light of your headlamp, these three summer reads will surely inspire you to embark on an adventure and explore distant lands. Here are three cycling travel books we've selected for you, in the form of graphic novels, journals, and narratives. From solo travelers to trips with friends, these books will transport your imagination to Armenia, Senegal, Italy, Canada, and even China. Happy reading… or rather, happy travels!

Plouheran-Livre vélo 1

Alice has lived in the Vosges for the last year and a half. Having grown up in the south west of France she decided to return to her roots at the ripe old age of 35. Searching a connection with the natural world, living by the side of a lake in harmony with nature was a no brainer for her.

Portrait Alice

Right from the beginning our co-founders envisaged adding new destination each year. But not just anywhere! Putting everything together in a new location doesn’t happen overnight, so we thought we’d share a little of our process: 1. Make sure the destination meets our exacting criteria. 2. Get in touch with the various local people and authorities who will contribute to the trip. 3. Make several recce trips. 4. Keep improving the overall experience once the trips are up and running.

Destinations

If, like us, you have a real need to prolong your short-sleeve riding season or to get some welcome vitamin D during winter, then you’ll be pleased to know that the GravelUp team invites you on a special trip to the winter sunshine. We’ll be heading to southern Spain and the Sierra Morena Natural Park, just to the north of Andalusia. Far from the resorts of the coastline and the crowds you’ll find yourself in the heart of a unique and protected landscape, riding top notch gravel.

Sierra Morena 5

We’ve had great feedback from our first all female gravel trip in the Morvan, and we’ve got this to report : “Ladies, bike adventures are for you too!” More and more women are booking a gravel bike trip.

Articles Femmes

Gravel has become one of the most popular ways to ride a bike in France in the last few years. And for good reason, it’s the only bike that has the best of both the worlds of road and MTB. Which means that you, the cyclist, can explore all sorts of tracks and trails without compromising on the tarmac.

Gravel pratique populaire

We created GravelUp around 4 essentials: our guides for sharing the experience, the routes for adventure, locals for authenticity and of course gravel bikes to enable our adventure. Getting just the right mix of these fundamental ingredients makes for our unforgettable experiences. Here we focus on the first of these: our guides.

Guides GravelUp

Based in Nice and passionate about travel, Peter is an American who has fallen in love with France and all things gravel. Here he chats about his experiences with GravelUp (having already explored a few of our destinations!) as well as how he finds balance in his life through bike trips and mini adventures.

Peter

GravelUp and Origine join forces to develop the gravel adventure. We have chosen Origine to accompany you in 2023 through the most beautiful mountain ranges of France and Europe, on our 100% gravel trips.

musculaire vélos origine

In the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan, the van heads straight towards the horizon, with the (future) adventurers on board, eager to give the first pedal strokes of this Up Morvan trip. An air of Indian summer reigns in Saint Brisson, where we arrive around midday. Autumn colors are already in evidence, and temperatures are still mild for November 11th...

Morvan

So how has living the dream been?! We catch up with Aurelien, Olivier and Jean-Baptiste to find out how their first year of GravelUp has been and how far they’ve come since that ride in Shanghai where they first met, all those years ago. Has sharing their passions of travel and cycling with others been all they hoped it would be?? Read on!

3 founders

It all goes back to a catch up with JB in October 2020 - he was still in China with some time on his hands but unable to leave due to covid and we were about to go into our 2nd lockdown here in France.

oliv couv

My mother always said that you have to take the plunge, a phrase that is entirely appropriate here. No matter what has brought us here and where we have come from, we find ourselves in the saddle ready explore the roads, gravel and paths less travelled here.

Grands Causse Pierre

Trip report of a bike adventure in The Vosges, a fantastic region of forest covered, dome shaped mountains and jaw dropping landscapes.

Vosges Gravel

Flashback on a three-day traffic-free adventure beyond the tarmac of the Côte d’Azur. Read how GravelUp and Café du Cycliste joined forces to offer a unique experience of the French Riviera to 8 lucky riders coming from all over Europe.

gravelupnice-LouisLegon-4836

GravelUp was born of passion, freedom and adventures with friends, Here’s an interview with Jean Baptiste Le Blan, one of the founders of GravelUp and a passionate cyclist to boot, as free-flowing as the singletracks that take him towards adventure.

Jean-Baptiste

Discover the story of GravelUp: the brainchild of 3 forty-somethings who, after meeting each other on the other side of the World, decided to throw themselves into a slightly crazy adventure!

Founders