Journal

Our TOP 3 French gravel destinations for summer!

Any discerning gravel cyclist will be spoilt for choice of bike routes in France, thanks to the incredible variety of landscapes to be found. In fact choosing where to go can be the hardest part! Whether you’re an experienced gravel rider or an occasional cyclist ready for adventure, the network of paths, trails and tiny roads of the “Hexagon” will give you infinite possibilities to explore its beauty on two wheels.

A gravel bike is a perfect blend of MTB and road riding - ideal for exploration and adventure thanks to its versatility and ability to ride over (almost!) all terrain. And for those on the hunt for routes to take them way off the beaten track, France is littered with little known mountains and Natural Parks.

The Grands Causses Natural Regional Park

Escape on the Wild Side

Found in the department of Aveyron in the south of France, the Grands Causses are a spectacular blend of limestone plateaus, impressive gorges and picturesque villages. The pristine and at times wild landscape is crisscrossed by gravel trails and winding paths, leading nature lovers to a guaranteed unique adventure. You’ll find tiny stone villages dotted with historical landmarks, and some incredible local specialties just waiting to be tested along the way. Each day promises another adventure, in tune with the diversity, beauty and culture of the region.

Our gravel routes have been carefully crafted by our expert local guides so you can discover the best of the area. You’ll experience the local history and culture from every angle, be it road, track or trail, with the chance to explore the ancient templar cities and taste the best of the local cuisine at our favourite local inns.

Our different formats

3 days of riding from our Basecamp or 5 days point to point - the choice is yours! Whether you ride regularly or just manage the occasional ride, our trips adapt to you. Our experienced and passionate guides are on hand to help you as much as you need, and adapt each day’s riding to the group.

Our gravel adventures are all-inclusive to give you the best experience possible. We take care of everything (accommodation, food, transfers, route planning, guides, yoga, tasting sessions etc etc) so that you can focus on the serious business of pedalling, testing the local delicacies and admiring the view.

Click here to find out more and see our upcoming dates!

The Vosges

Nature and Tradition

Situated in eastern France, the Vosges mountains top out at 1424m of altitude and separate the Alsace Plain from the Lorraine Plateau. If you love peace and tranquility the the Vosges is for you - Nature reigns supreme here and takes you far from daily life in an instant. You’ll discover a rich and diverse flora and fauna as you ride though the greenest forests, fields and meadows you’ll have set eyes on.

The forest tracks here are enchanted, connecting charming villages and tranquil lakes tucked away in the heart of the hills. Our local guides will take you to jaw dropping views as far as the eye can see, on their favourite hidden gem trails and proudly introduce you to their local culture.

Our 3 day format

Our local guide has put together 3 days of gravel riding for you from our Basecamp deep in the Vosgian forest. Log cabins surrounded by nature are a perfect base to explore the majestic landscapes and secret trails of the Vosges.

Our gravel trip is ideal for any cyclists who are happy on moderate trails, fitness isn’t important but a sense of adventure is! The ambiance is we start together and finish together - no racing, no timing, just pure pleasure.

Click here to find out more and see our upcoming dates.

And if you can’t see a date that suits you, we’d love to organise a made to measure trip just for you. Get in touch with our team and we can get to work creating your dream gravel adventure together!

The Morvan

A true haven of peace

Hidden in the heart of Burgundy, the Morvan is a place where serenity and a sense of calm rule. Here there is no fuss, nature blossoms simply and the hillsides hide a raw beauty that feels a world away from Paris or Lyon, which are in fact just 2 1/2 hrs away.

Green is the theme here - you’ll ride through majestic forests with a luscious mix of oak, beech and pine trees. Coupled with the tempting rivers and lakes like Lac des Settons, a refreshing pause is never far away. With a bit of luck (and if you’re not too loud!) you’ll spot deer and wild boar on the ground, and rare birds soaring above you.

Our weekend getaway

Join us for a weekend away in “little French Canada” filled with authenticity and adventure. An ideal intro to riding gravel, far from the stresses and strains of of the daily grind.

Our gravel rides are loops designed for those new to riding off road, and indeed cycling trips. They will not only introduce you to gravel riding, but also allow you to reconnect with nature and enjoy some precious moments of relaxation.

Click here to find out more about the Morvan and see our upcoming trips!

All-inclusive gravel trips for an unforgettable experience

Here at GravelUp we have an obsession - ensuring that you have the best experience possible and make memories that will last a lifetime!

We take care of everything on our trips so that you don’t have to worry about a thing. Our local guides are passionate not only about riding but also their region, and through them you will discover all manner of highlights in each destination.

If we don’t have a date that suits you, we’ll be happy to put together a bespoke trip just for you. Get in touch with our team to chat all things gravel - we’d be honoured to help create your dream gravel adventure.

And if you’re still not sure you can check our google reviews here ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Journal

Gravel bike trips: the essential kit list!

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
Champagne - a gravel adventure to be enjoyed with NO moderation!

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