Where should you go for your first cycling trip in France this summer?

Dreaming of a few days on the roads and trails of France, with loaded panniers and no fixed schedule? But as soon as you start planning, the questions pile up: Where do I start? How many kilometers per day? What if the route is too difficult?

Good news: a cycling trip in France is not reserved for seasoned riders. Every year, thousands of people experience their first cycling holiday in France with no prior touring experience.

Gravel, mountain bike or road bike: which one should you choose for your first trip?

Before talking about destinations, one question often comes up for beginners: what type of bike do you need for bike travel?

A road bike is fast on asphalt, but it quickly reaches its limits on uneven terrain. A mountain bike, on the other hand, is built for off-road but can feel slow and tiring over long paved distances.

This is where the gravel bike makes perfect sense for a first trip. Designed to handle both roads and trails, it offers:

• A comfortable riding position over long distances

• Wide tires that absorb vibrations and handle gravel paths and greenways with ease

• Mounting points for bikepacking bags

• Great versatility on mixed terrain routes

France is full of routes combining quiet secondary roads and rural tracks—exactly the kind of terrain gravel bikes were made for. For a first trip, it’s the most comfortable and liberating choice.

Not equipped yet? GravelUp offers gravel bike rentals as part of its trips, and also independently. No need to invest before you know if you enjoy it.

5 accessible gravel routes in France this summer

Here is our selection for a successful first trip. Criteria: limited elevation gain, clear signage, well-developed tourist infrastructure, and mixed terrain ideal for gravel riding.

1. Loire Valley by bike: the reassuring classic

Distance: 800 km total (can be split into 3–7 days)
Elevation: almost flat
Terrain: 80% asphalt, 20% towpaths and greenways
Ideal for: a first solo or group trip, starting from 40 km/day

Cycling along the longest river in France is the most iconic cycling holiday in France experience. Between Nevers and Saint-Nazaire, the route passes castles, vineyards, and charming villages built from tuffeau stone. Signage is excellent, and bike-friendly accommodation is widely available.

Our favorite stretch: Blois – Angers, 160 km of smooth riding, perfect over 4 days.

2. Canal du Midi: sun and plane trees

Distance: 240 km (Toulouse → Sète)
Elevation: almost flat
Terrain: compact gravel towpath — 100% gravel-friendly
Ideal for: lovers of the South and peaceful scenery

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Canal du Midi is a natural greenway perfectly suited for gravel riding. The compact gravel surface works well with 38–40 mm tires. Centuries-old plane trees provide shade, and Occitan villages appear every 15–20 km.

A few days are enough to ride from Toulouse to Sète, with time to stop in Carcassonne or Béziers.

3. Dordogne Valley: between valleys and bastides

Distance: 200–300 km depending on variations
Elevation: moderate (occasional climbs of 100–150 m)
Terrain: mixed countryside roads and trails, ideal for gravel exploration
Ideal for: culture and food lovers, first trip with a bit of elevation

Lascaux, Sarlat, Rocamadour, the cliffs of Beynac—the Dordogne is an endless invitation to wander. Roads are quiet, bike-friendly guesthouses are plentiful, and the local cuisine is reason enough to keep riding.

4. Alsace Wine Route: intensity and efficiency

Distance: 120 km (Marlenheim → Thann)
Elevation: light to moderate depending on variations
Terrain: vineyard roads, cycle paths, and some vineyard tracks
Ideal for: a first weekend trip, easily accessible by train from Paris or Lyon

Alsace is one of the most cycle-friendly regions in France. The Wine Route links half-timbered villages against the backdrop of the Vosges mountains, with excellent signage throughout. Outside peak season, the roads are quiet and the vineyard atmosphere at sunrise is unforgettable.

5. Via Ardèche: wild and accessible

Distance: 100 km
Elevation: low on greenways, higher on alternative routes
Terrain: converted railway lines and greenways — perfect for gravel
Ideal for: a first weekend trip before moving on to longer routes

Ardèche is often explored by canoe, but by gravel bike it becomes a revelation. Old railway lines turned into greenways offer smooth surfaces, illuminated tunnels, and breathtaking views over the gorges. A perfect introduction to bikepacking.

Why choose an organized trip with GravelUp?

The main source of stress during a first bikepacking experience is never physical—it is logistical: Where do I go? Where do I sleep? How do I carry my luggage? What if I have a mechanical issue?

This is where an organized cycling trip in France makes all the difference. GravelUp removes the mental load so you can focus only on the pleasure of the ride and the scenery:

Turnkey logistics: Your luggage is transferred every day from one accommodation to the next. You ride light.
Accommodation & meals included: Local meals and high-quality accommodations throughout the trip.
Safety & guided support: Our expert guides adapt the route in real time depending on weather conditions and your fitness level.

For a first cycling trip, choosing guided support is not a sign of weakness—it’s what turns a stressful experience into a truly memorable one.

Preparing your first cycling holiday in France: the checklist

Whether you’re joining us or traveling independently, here’s what you should prepare before hitting the road.

Physical preparation

You don’t need to be an athlete, but a few training rides will make a big difference. Aim for at least three rides of 40–60 km in the month before departure. The goal is not performance, but getting your body used to spending several hours in the saddle.

Basic equipment

Bike: gravel bike recommended, with 40–45 mm tires
Saddle: invest in a good saddle or padded cycling shorts—this is the most important comfort factor. We also recommend our article: “How to save your butt on a bikepacking trip?”
Panniers: handlebar bag + saddle bag = light and efficient setup
Navigation: bike GPS or Komoot app with offline maps downloaded
Repair kit: spare inner tube, tire levers, mini pump, multi-tool kit

FAQ — Most Frequently Asked Questions

Do you absolutely need a gravel bike to travel?
No, you can travel with any bike, but a gravel bike is by far the most versatile for mixed-terrain routes. If you’re not equipped, renting is the best option for your first trip.

How many kilometers per day can a beginner ride?
Between 40 and 60 km per day is a realistic range for beginners on flat to gently rolling terrain. On routes like the Loire Valley or the Canal du Midi, 50 km/day leaves plenty of time to stop and enjoy the journey.

What is the best time to go cycling in France?
June and early September are the best periods: temperatures are comfortable, roads are less crowded, and accommodation is more available. July–August is still possible, but certain areas will be busier.

Can you go solo on a first bike trip?
Yes, but it feels more reassuring with support—at least for your first experience. Our small group trips allow you to ride with cyclists of a similar level while keeping your own pace.

Does GravelUp offer trips for complete beginners?
Absolutely. Our level 1/5 trips are specifically designed for people who have never done a bike tour or gravel ride before. Short routes, fully managed logistics, and bikes included.

See our gravel trips in France → HERE
Contact us for a tailor-made trip → HERE