Tour de la France à vélo par les itinéraires cyclables

Your journey starts from the square in front of Notre-Dame cathedral, zero point for the highways of France. After cycling along the roads of the capital discovering its sights, you will follow the charming Saint-Martin canal. This greenway gets you out of Paris without too much difficulty and takes you past fascinating isles and parks, into the world depicted by the Impressionists. The Seine will be your private guide taking you to Maisons-Laffitte, and many curiosities lie along your way.

You’ll begin this third stage in a verdant setting. Cross through the royal forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye to reach Conflans-Ste-Honorine, a proud river port marking the confluence of the Oise and Seine Rivers. The itinerary takes you along the edge of the Oise Valley, with its succession of remarkable towns and villages. This charming valley has inspired some of the greatest painters, including Van Gogh, Cézanne and Daubigny.
You can choose between two differents Avenue Verte routes : the Oise Valley via Auvers-sur-Oise, Chantilly…or the Normandy track via Giverny and Gisors.

Exploring the right and left banks, the itinerary of this fourth stage alternates between the charming holiday residences on the banks of the Oise and the powerful industrial sites of Persan and Beaumont-sur-Oise. Your will then cycle to the timeless Royaumont Abbey and the outstanding Château de Chantilly. From the medieval village of Senlis to Pontpoint, the route will also give you a taste of some of Europe’s famous pilgrims routes (the EuroVelo 3 also called « The Scandibérique » in France . You will be able to discover impressive religious building like the gothic cathedral of Senlis or the Moncel Abbaye.

Exploring the right and left banks, the itinerary of this fourth stage alternates between the charming holiday residences on the banks of the Oise and the powerful industrial sites of Persan and Beaumont-sur-Oise. Your will then cycle to the timeless Royaumont Abbey and the outstanding Château de Chantilly. From the medieval village of Senlis to Pontpoint, the route will also give you a taste of some of Europe’s famous pilgrims routes (the EuroVelo 3 also called « The Scandibérique » in France . You will be able to discover impressive religious building like the gothic cathedral of Senlis or the Moncel Abbaye.

You will cycle into the heart of the Oise - Pays de France Regional Nature Reserve, emblematic of the southern Oise landscapes and atmospheres. Along the way, discover municipalities and forests sharing the same rich historic heritage: the Castle of Chantilly, the Potager des Princes («Princes’ Kitchen Garden»), Senlis Cathedral, Royal Moncel Abbey, the forests of Chantilly and Halatte… An itinerary made for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Between the Thérain River Valley and the Picard Plateau, the itinerary becomes wonderfully bucolic, the path will come in what was once the garden of the bishops and counts of Beauvais. Indeed, Castel of Bresles, today’s town hall, was the dignitaries summer residence. The old royal road then takes you to the astonishing church of Saint-Ouen de Therdonne, overlooking the surrounding fields. Finally, you will arrive in Beauvais, with its magnificent cathedral and numerous monuments.

This stage principally follows an old railway transformed into a greenway, passing through a lovely landscape full of attractions, from the gates of Beauvais to the wet meadows of the Pays de Bray. Departing from the SNCF railway station in Beauvais, the itinerary follows the Thérain River, passing right by the painter André Van Beek remarkable garden and the Saint-Paul amusement park. Laughs and thrills guaranteed! The route then offers a succession of varied bucolic scenery, with ponds and picturesque farms and cottages reminiscent of nearby Normandy.
The Oise and the Normandy tracks converge to a single main track close the the famous abbey of Saint-Germer-de-Fly.

Leaving Saint-Germer-de-Fly, the greenway cross a superb region of hedged farmlands and apple-tree orchards making an exceptional rural landscape. This stage takes you into the Norman section of the historic Pays de Bray region . The track takes you as far as the old thermal town of Forges-les-Eaux and it’s casino.
This stage takes you into the Norman section of the historic Pays de Bray region. It was here on the former Dieppe to Paris railway line that the Avenue Verte London-Paris was born. Furthermore the places through which you pass still have reminders of their railway past with the houses of level crossing keepers, old railway stations now put to new uses, signs and marker posts…

This stage begins in the heart of the Bray area, veritable picture postcard Normandy with its cattle and its apple orchards. It was here on the former Dieppe to Paris railway line that the Avenue Verte London-Paris was born. Furthermore the places through which you pass still have reminders of their railway past with the houses of level crossing keepers, old railway stations now put to new uses, signs and marker posts… As the miles pass, you will sense the scent of sea air get stronger. And what a finishing line with the impressive white chalk cliffs of the Alabaster Coast!

The enchanting Cance waterfalls are a focal point of the powerful local terrain, carving between steep hills, an untamed heart of ‘Armorican Normandy’. The greenway then heads towards St-Hilaire which precedes your arrival in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel.

Stronghold between Brittany, Cotentin and the Loire country, St Hilaire du Harcouët offers many activities during the summer around the Prieuré lakes. This stage of la Véloscénie and the Petit Tour de Manche, travelling along a greenway, is full of life.

The final stage of la Véloscénie and a spectacular resting point on the Tour de Manche, where the greenway rolls all the way to the mouth of the Sélune. From there on, as you travel on shared roads, you can indulge in a feast for the eyes: Mont-Saint-Michel rises up, a colourful panorama, set like a jewel in the circle of the bay.

The seaside atmosphere slips into the background once the greenway reaches the upper part of town. From here on, this stage of La Vélodyssée moves into a dense forest setting, typical of the Monts d’Arrée.

The greenway is still the common thread of this very nature orientated stage of La Vélodyssée, giving the feeling that you have been plunged into the green depths of Brittany. The impressive natural setting of Huelgoat is well worth a detour, but is usually the preserve of more advanced cyclists.

Thanks to its train station, the town of Carhaix today offers easy access to greenways crisscrossing the Breton interior, to towpaths beside major waterways and to many hiking paths. Capital of the Poher area, settled between the Monts d’Arrée and Montagnes Noires hills and between the Hyères Valley and the Canal de Nantes à Brest, Carhaix has been an important crossroads in Brittany since Roman times.

At the heart of the Guerlédan-Argoat Country is a steep sided valley where the Blavet winds through the woods until it reaches Gouarec. The Coat Natous double lock in the middle of this stage of La Vélodyssée provides an ideal resting point.Two of the highlights of this stage are the beautiful Cistercian Abbey of Bon-Repos and Brittany’s largest lake, the magnificent Lac de Guerlédan: the perfect place to stop for a swim and sunbathe! This varied leg of the trail follows a towpath, a short stretch of coastal route and the greenway.

Designated track and very steep descent into the Guerlédan dam towards Pontivy. Here the Blavet is no longer navigable. The steep-sided valley, imposing lock keepers’ buildings and lush vegetation, give this stage of La Vélodyssée an enchanting feel.

A section of La Vélodyssée with a dedicated cycle path and one rich in waterway heritage: 54 locks and the Rigole d’Hilvern, which epitomises the huge hydraulic complexity of the work required when constructing the canal. Of particular interest are the numerous tree species which, between them, provide very welcome shade from the sun. At the heart of the Rohan Country, this is a very pleasant stage on La Vélodyssée with designated lanes. Shortly after Rohan, don’t miss out on the essential detour past Timadeuc Abbey. The impressive fortress, moored to its rocky platform, comes into view as we head towards Josselin.

There is a medieval feel to this stage of La Vélodyssée, both in Malestroit and in Josselin with their timber-framed houses and narrow streets. Called “the Pearl of the Oust”, Malestroit readily opens up its treasures to curious pedestrians.
A pretty stage on a designated track of La Vélodyssée through a sinuous valley of the Oust with the foothills of the Landes and Lanvaux as a backdrop. After passing the confluence with the Claie, St Congard and the Guélin Lock provide very welcome breaks.

The area of Île-aux-Pies, with its almost Mediterranean feel – pine trees and rocky peaks – brings a chic ambience to this section of La Vélodyssée. In Redon, at the crossroads called La Croix-des-Marins, the Oust entwines with the Vilaine; take care not to get lost…

Staying close to the Brière and the confluence of the Isac and the Vilaine, this stage of La Vélodyssée follows the river at water level. Keep your ears and eyes open for the host of different animal species which populate the surrounding marshes.A magnificent section which alternately twists and turns, with hedgerows, hillsides and copses to each side - sometimes even little pine forests - before reaching Barel Lock. Following cycle paths right to the heart of Blain.

This is the last, very easy going and enjoyable stage of La Vélodyssée along the Nantes to Brest canal. The Bout-de-Bois Pond or the Chevallerais woods make two very timely stops for weary cyclists.

Quiheix’s second lock marks the end of the Nantes to Brest canal towpath. Gradually you return to the hustle and bustle of urban life during this stage of La Vélodyssée, alternating rural routes with sections of the greenway and the charming Sucé-sur-Erdre crossing - a very comfortable stopping point.

Designated European Green Capital in 2013, the city of Nantes comes into view, a shaded towpath offering a gentle way into town. The new Tabarly Bridge leads over to L’île de Nantes, home to extraordinary outsized machines you can ride on, and to the Malakoff Quarter, being completely renovated. This island makes for a great introduction to the joyous tumult of the largest city along the Loire à Vélo cycle route.

Welcome to the Basse-Loire, or Lower Loire and the county of Loire Atlantique. The importance of the Atlantic begins to be felt on this Loire à Vélo stage, as the ocean starts to exert more of an influence. The Loire islands, vine-covered slopes producing Muscadet wine and flat, very fertile market-gardening fields on the way to Nantes provide pleasingly varied landscapes. This Loire à Vélo stage proves interesting as well as easy.

From Mont Glonne, at the top of St-Florent-le-Vieil, with its great views of the Loire Valley, this Loire à Vélo stage goes on to Champtoceaux, an historic fortified site with further tremendous river views, standing on Anjou’s frontier with the Pays d’Ancenis on the north bank. It’s worth conquering the heights of St-Florent and Champtoceaux for the panoramas! The route is along quiet roads and greenways.

This Loire à Vélo stage in Anjou crosses the startling island of Chalonnes, one of the largest on the Loire. Nearby, along the south bank, are the celebrated Coteaux du Layon vineyards, then the pretty perched villages of Montjean-sur-Loire and St-Florent-le-Vieil. The route is along quiet roads, cyclists able to make the most of the raised Loire-side levées and views across the islands.

Start at La Pointe, in a tremendous setting in the heart of Anjou, where the Maine River joins the Loire. A bit west, this magical Loire à Vélo stage allows you glimpses of the prestigious vine-covered slopes of Savennières. You follow the wild Loire closely here. Don’t miss Béhuard Island before going on to cross Chalonnes’s island.

In the heart of Anjou, this Loire à Vélo stage goes from opposite Angers’s central castle out via the green setting of the Lac de Maine. This urban stage is startling, avoiding motorized traffic, taking you through parkland and alongside the Maine River. Bouchemaine is great for a stop, for its typical quayside restaurants or a picnic beside the Loire.

This Loire à Vélo stage to Anjou’s capital takes you through the startling landscapes of the former slate mines of Trélazé. Then enjoy crossing the Authion River via a little cable ferry. This makes for a fun way to reach the enticing city of Angers, spread across both banks of the Maine River. An equally enjoyable alternative route takes you to Bouchemaine via the Loire-side town of Les Ponts-de-Cé (see stage La Daguenière >Bouchemaine).

For this Loire à Vélo stage, cross to the Loire’s north bank through Anjou, cycling through former marshes turned into rich agricultural lands in medieval times, when the raised levées were built. Pick up local produce on the way! At La Daguenière, either head for Anjou’s capital city, Angers, via Trélazé’s former open slate mines, or follow the Loire to the dramatic confluence with the Maine River at Bouchemaine.

On this Loire à Vélo stage, enjoy some of the most spectacular, luminous stretches along the Loire. The route hugs the south bank of the river, allowing you to appreciate close-up remarkable buildings made in the gorgeous local tufa limestone, including the major church at Cunault and St-Maur Abbey. All told, a magical but easy stage.

La Vélo Francette leaves Saumur via a pretty greenway beside the Thouet River. Then the route adopts farm tracks and quiet country roads. Crossing villages, fields and the sloping vineyards of the Saumurois area, this stage finishes at the foot of Montreuil-Bellay, an historic fortified town on Anjou’s southern border and listed as a member of Les Plus Beaux Détours de France and a Petite Cité de caractère, given its many charms.

From Montreuil-Bellay, you descend back down to the Thouet River, heading for Thouars. The véloroute runs peacefully beside the river. La Ballastière Lake makes for a pleasant stop before you continue towards Taizon. Here, in centuries past, travellers had to pay a toll to cross the bridge. You can make out the town of Thouars on the horizon…

After visiting the historic heart of Thouars, take in the Imbert Floral Park, with its lovely terraces above the River Thouet. Leaving this Ville d’Art & d’Histoire, you can continue to appreciate to the full the charms of the Thouet’s riverbanks. As you cycle along, enjoy glimpses of waterfalls, wooded slopes and lovely historic buildings.

An unforgettable stage, along quiet roads. The village of Airvault, with its abbey church, covered market and underground fountain, sets the tone. Next, the moated château and village of St-Loup-sur-Thouet will surprise you. Then the Lac du Cébron provides room to relax before continuing along the Thouet, crossing via a railway viaduct to reach the haughty medieval fortified town of Parthenay.

From Parthenay, the Thouet à Vélo cycle route branches west via Secondigny towards the Thouet’s source, heading into the county of Vendée. La Vélo Francette continues southwestwards towards the town of Niort. You cross the Pays de Gâtine, a hillier area; turning many a corner, magnificent views open up of the unspoilt countryside and hedgerows. Savour this stage along quiet country roads.

Champdeniers-St-Denis makes for a surprising stop, with its amenities and its remarkably rich local heritage. The route then alternates between quiet roads and farm tracks as it heads on to join the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise River at the level of Ternanteuil. After a big meander, the route arrives in the city of Niort, taking you to the base of its towering twin keeps.

You stick close to the water’s edge, following the meanders of the Sèvre Niortaise River, alternating between the towpath and quiet riverside roads. The sites of Roussille or La Garette offer ideal spots for a pause in these winding parts. Or consider a longer halt at the little capital of the Marais Poitevin, the gorgeous, watery village of Coulon.

Coulon, located at the heart of the wet marshes of the Marais Poitevin and set so prettily beside the Sèvre Niortaise River, can offer cyclists on La Vélo Francette all the amenities they need. After crossing through the marshes, you rejoin the Sèvre Niortaise after Irleau. Approaching Damvix, the canalised river takes a straighter line, as though in a rush to join the ocean.

The Sèvre Niortaise remains your guide on this stage, except on two stretches, one where you follow the Canal du Nouveau Béjou, the other the Canal du Pomère. Enjoy the ballet of little boats exploring the wetlands around these parts. You arrive at Marans via its quaysides, allowing you to appreciate how this little town lives via its waterways. Marans traditionally stood guard over the canal, marshes and river estuary; today it stands out because of its futuristic bell tower.

This final stage of La Vélo Francette shares the way with the longer La Vélodyssée cycle route. You follow the Canal de Marans towards the sea before branching off for the great city of La Rochelle via the Canal de Rompsay. Although this stage is easy, it allows you to end La Vélo Francette with a flourish – plus there’s the possibility of a dip in the Atlantic! Islands beckon just off the coast, if you wish to prolong your experience of douce France!

As the famous towers which defend the port of La Rochelle hove into view, a cycle path section takes us to the Port of Minimes, then onto the Cove of Godechaud, right next to the sea. The delightful Bay of Châtelaillon now comes into sight and offers weary cyclists a very pleasant stopping point. After the Bay of Châtelaillon comes a pretty seaside section before heading back inland towards the ‘royal city’ of Rochefort. While the middle section of this route might appear somewhat commonplace, the remarkable town of Rochefort is well worth exploring.

It’s with great regret that we leave behind Rochefort and its gardens on the banks of the Charente. We take the former steam-train tracks – now the greenway – and La Vélodyssée meets the marshes, criss-crossed with little channels, before heading onto the oyster centre of Marennes (some sections under construction).

The Marennes Country, home to the leading oyster farms in Europe, spreads over salt marshes and the Seudre estuary. Here cycle paths are numerous and a truly memorable part of the route takes you through the forest of Coubre as La Vélodyssée reaches La Palmyre.This part is fit for a king, with splendid sea views. Following cycle lanes throughout, it weaves through the coastal forest and array of pretty beaches, one of which is the charming St-Palais, along the coast road to reach the striking cliffs and sandy beaches either side of the beautiful streets of Royan. All you have to do is to catch the boat!

Upon entering the Gironde, a new world reveals itself to travellers on La Vélodyssée. La pointe de Grave also marks the end of the Médoc, a landscape of great variety, depending on whether you cross the west coast or the estuary and the vineyards. Pleasant cycle lanes wind their way from Verdon to the charming Soulac-sur-Mer with its lively streets and pretty seaside villas, we take the trail towards Montalivet. To the north of this stage, the sea entices you in for a cooling dip; to the south there is a more forested area which is most pleasant in fine weather.

From Montalivet to Naujac (apart from a large chicane and a gentle bend) you can ride on autopilot on this part of La Vélodyssée as you breathe in the scent of the pine trees – there is very little chance of getting lost here: head directly south through the Flamand national forest. The Côte d’Argent truly is the kingdom of cycle lanes. La Vélodyssée follows the central path to meet Hourtin via the forest. The surrounding area offers numerous choices of where you can stop for a refreshing splash in one of the vast lakes, one of which is Hourtin - the largest in France!

Still in the forest and still on cycle paths. The natural reserves encountered throughout the route demonstrate that these large spaces are populated, rich in wildlife and a lot more diverse that we may first think…

From La Réole, the route continues on to the Canal de Garonne, along a pleasant towpath in the shade of plane trees. Between Castets-et-Castillon and Bazas, we continue along a long-distance cycling route. The mediaeval town of Bazas and its cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, listed as UNESCO world heritage sites as part of the Santiago de Compostela routes, are particularly noteworthy. The delicious Bazas beef is a local speciality meat lovers must absolutely try.

Setting off from Bazas, the road follows a cycle path along the former railway line which once connected the Arcachon Basin to the Garonne. Two must see sites along the way: the collegiate church of Notre-Dame d'Uzeste, which houses the tomb of Pope Clement V. And the castle of Villandraut, built by the latter in the 14th century. This is also a great opportunity to sample the delights of the Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes.

How about a stop on the white sandy beaches of the Domaine Départemental Gérard Lagors in Hostens? This huge site is home to numerous open-air activities and services. A 100% nature-themed route awaits you in the Landes de Gascogne regional nature park. Home to Europe's largest planted pine forest, this area offers a number of relaxing places to stop off alongside the Leyre.

Leaving the Gironde's forests behind you, you now enter urban areas as you reach the Arcachon Basin in Biganos. While still along the former railway line, the atmosphere is radically different. You should get off the trail, to discover the oyster-fishing ports. And protected natural areas like Domaine de Certes-Graveyron. You'll find small seaside resorts along the way: Audenge, Lanton, Andernos, all perfect places to discover the region's charming coastal heritage. One variant of the route takes you to Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat, a giant sand dune. From here, a pleasant boat trip will take you to Cap Ferret.

The cycle route joins the Canal de Garonne close to the startling Musée de l’Allumette (Match Museum) at Fontet. This place’s port and outdoors recreation centre make it a great spot to stop before starting out on the greenway beside the canal. This stage is calm, but the perched village of Meilhan-sur-Garonne draws you up to it for fabulous views. For a further short detour, visit the town of Marmande, which conceals some surprises.

Le Mas-d’Agenais is the highlight on this stage of the Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo cycle route. Its church of St-Vincent is an architectural gem, startlingly containing a work by Rembrandt, Christ on the Cross. The wide vista over the Garonne at one end of the village adds to its attractions. At the end of the stage, the cycle track leads to Damazan, a bastide fortified town built from scratch in the 13th century.

The Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo cycle route continues along the greenway beside the Canal de Garonne, passing through the very lively port of Buzet-sur-Baïse. You reach Agen itself via one of the longest canal-bridges in France, at 600m. The town is both capital of the département (French county) of Lot-et-Garonne and French capital of prunes… and it conceals many other curiosities, which you can discover in the remarkable monuments in the historic centre.

Leave Agen’s port via a greenway. The way continues close to the Garonne, although the river is rarely visible from beside the canal. After Lamagistère, you enter Valence d’Agen, passing close to former abattoirs superbly converted into an information centre. The town was built as a fortified bastide in the 13th century. Admire its covered market, dovecotes, washhouses and port. Every summer, the show entitled Au Fil de l’Eau une Histoire revives the town’s important past as a port.

From Valence to Moissac, the cycle route sticks to the tranquil canal. The town of Moissac, located on one of the famous pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, stretches out peacefully beside the Tarn River. Visit Moissac’s splendid medieval Benedictine abbey, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its stunningly carved cloisters and one of the most beautiful Romanesque church entrances in southern France.

The Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo cycle route leaves Moissac via the Pont-canal du Cacor, a remarkable canal-bridge. Not long after, you reach a business park at the entrance to Castelsarrasin, an historic fortified town in the County of Toulouse. From its marina, you can head into the old centre that witnessed many turbulent times, but that has preserved many fine public spaces and buildings, including the imposing St-Sauveur Church, built of fine brick.

Leaving Montech, the Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo cycle route leads south along the greenway beside the Canal de Garonne towards the great regional capital of Toulouse. Numerous big villages are dotted along the way, like Grisolles, with its museum, and many ‘Villeneuves’, ‘new towns’ dating from the construction of fortified grid-plan settlements… in the 13th century. A cycling circuit through the nearby vineyards of the Frontonnais allows you to discover them and a grape variety unique to this part of southwest France – négrette.

You can sense the outskirts of the huge regional metropolis of Toulouse long before reaching the centre of ‘the pink city’, as it’s nicknamed. Sticking to the Canal de Garonne, its historic tranquillity contrasts with the rampant urbanisation beyond. You enter Toulouse at the junction of the Canal de Garonne, the Canal de Brienne and the Canal du Midi, at the level of Les Pont-Jumeaux. Then a cycle track beside the Canal du Midi takes you into the city centre.

Leave Toulouse via the greenway beside the Canal du Midi, a path that is very popular with local cyclists avoiding the car-clogged city roads. The canal-side route transports you swiftly into parts shaded by centuries-old plane trees, where old barges lie sleepily in the water. Soon, the village of Montgiscard appears, and you feel you’ve left the big city behind to enter the Lauragais farmlands.

Up to Le Seuil de Naurouze, the Canal du Midi is shadowed by the Autoroute des 2 Mers motorway, but these parallel ways are worlds apart. Centuries-old plane trees continue to provide green shade for cyclists enjoying a journey transporting them back in time to another era. You should thank the canal’s Ancien Régime designer, Pierre-Paul Riquet, the many wondrous architectural designs along the canal attesting to his genius.

Going from lock to lock, the canal’s towpath leads you through the heart of the Lauragais area. Le Seuil de Naurouze, at the watershed dividing the waters flowing to the Atlantic from those flowing to the Mediterranean, is a key point on the Canal du Midi, supplied by the Rigole de la Plaine channel coming down from St-Ferréol Lake. The canal continues to the town of Castelnaudary, capital of famed cassoulet bean and meat stew, but also boasting the largest canal basin on the Canal du Midi.

Leaving Castelnaudary, you pass the imposing St-Roch lock with its four interconnecting chambers. Further on, at the level of Bram’s port and the canal-side restaurant, l’Ile aux Oiseaux, a cycle track allows you to make a short detour into the centre of Bram, a town which stands out for its silhouette and its circular medieval centre, known as a ‘circulade’, a form typical of the Aude.

From Bram to Carcassonne, the route runs alongside the Canal du Midi, which is in no rush, so take your time to linger over this beautiful stage. You come to the port in the lower town of Carcassonne, built originally as a fortified medieval grid-plan bastide. Above, Carcassonne’s mighty medieval citadel atop its hill dominates the surrounding countryside. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the citadel encourages many cyclists to make a significant halt on the route here.

Not one, but two bridge-aqueducts were needed to cross the Fresquel and Orbiel Rivers to reach Trèbes, with its lively port, its canal-side cafés-restaurants and its church of St-Etienne, in the heart of the historic village. The Minervois area and its reputed vineyards lie just a short cycle ride away from the Canal du Midi here.

This stage is dotted with admirable technical feats, in particular the astonishing hydraulic overflow facility designed for the Canal du Midi at La Redorte by the great 17th-century engineer Vauban. Homps, an historic wine-exporting port, is very lively, with many shops, and a bit of a shock after the sleepy atmosphere along much of the canal. Here you find yourself in the heart of the Minervois area. Close to Homps, Jouarres Lake offers you the possibility of going bathing.

A string of wine-making villages, Argens-Minervois, Roubia, Paraza and Ventenac-en-Minervois, congregate here beside the Canal du Midi, calling for your attention! Le Somail’s port was where the canal’s designer, Pierre-Paul Riquet, calculated that the post barge should stop for the couchée, or sunset, on the third day of its trip from Toulouse. Now, Le Somail is one of the canal’s most attractive stops, a picture-postcard village with its port, chapel, canal-side accommodation and amazing antiquarian bookshop.

It’s a wrench leaving enchanting Le Somail. Although the port of Sète is a long way off, this is just a short stage to Capestang, signalled by the bell tower of St-Félix Church, which guides you to this village’s central square, where you can enjoy a rest in the shade of the plane trees.

This stage is packed with surprises. The 17th-century Tunnel de Malpas draws the attention, built as Europe’s first-ever navigable canal tunnel. On the hill above, visit the impressive vestiges of a pre-Roman, Celtic settlement, the Oppidum d’Ensérune. From here, look down on the amazing pattern of the dried-out circular lake of Montady, originally dug by medieval monks. Then admire the extraordinary nine locks of Fonsérannes and the splendid canal-bridge over the Orb River with magnificent views up to historic Béziers.

From the port at Béziers, the Canal du Midi à Vélo cycle route heads east towards the Mediterranean. You might halt briefly at Villeneuve-lès-Béziers or at Portiragnes before arriving at the Pont de Roque Haute. From here, Portiragnes Beach lies very close by and you can reach it easily for a refreshing dip in the Med! Further on, the mobile bridge built to control the River Libron and the round lock at Agde are extraordinary curiosities.

The town of Agde, with its ancient roots and black basalt architecture, is a startling place. Its soaring church tower looks down on the Hérault Estuary. You’re now reaching the very end of the Canal du Midi à Vélo cycle route, which finishes by the massive Etang de Thau coastal lake and Les Onglous Lighthouse at Marseillan-Plage resort. From here, the superb Lido greenway runs alongside the Mediterranean up to the great port of Sète. Stop for a dip at any point!

On this Mediterranean Cycle Route stage, keep towel and bathers at the top of your pannier! For lunch, taste local shellfish accompanied by a Muscat de Frontignan wine, the perfect reward for tackling this watery scenery. Towards Montpellier, the route meanders between lagoons and beaches. Make a detour to Saint-Pierre de Maguelone Cathedral, the Gardiole Range in the background covered in typical garrigue scrubland. Then head for the lighthouse at Palavas-les-Flots. Next, the great pyramids of La Grande Motte call, man-made reflections of the grand Pic St-Loup rock inland. At the port-resort of Le Grau-du-Roi, why not try some nautical sliding sports, witness a Camargue bull run or savour local produce?

Enjoy the Camargue’s environment further on this stage of the Mediterranean Cycle Route. Cycle beside the Canal du Rhône à Sète, then across a plain dotted with lakes and irrigation canals and crisscrossed by tracks leading to traditional ‘mas’ (farms). Some of the cyclists you encounter will be finishing their journey along ViaRhôna. At the level of Fourques, you can head to Arles with its amazing Roman and Romanesque legacies. Saint-Gilles, at the foot of the wine-producing Coteaux des Costières, has a fine medieval centre. Discover Beaucaire, with its river port, before crossing to Tarascon-sur-Rhône, its imposing fort dominating the opposite bank.

Take a last look back at the great papal city before ViaRhôna leads you across the Rhône into the county of the Gard. A dedicated cycle track will be put in place here; for the moment, follow the green strip of land between the TGV rail bridges and Aramon Bridge. Then the route zigzags between vineyards and orchards before joining the Pont du Gard Greenway, heading to the Rhône-side port of Beaucaire, designated a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire for its rich historical legacy, and set at a point where the regions of Languedoc and Provence meet.

This stage combines a gourmet break (Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its famous vineyards), nature discovery (numerous river islands punctuate the route) and history. Leaving the small village of Caderousse, follow the cycle path along the dike, then the Revestidou lake. ViaRhôna then joins the banks of the Rhone counter-canal as a greenway, offering fine views of the Château de Montfaucon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Tour de l'Hers. The route continues along small roads lined with plane trees on the Ile de l'Oiselay as far as the Pont des Arméniers, before returning to the greenway on the Ile de l'Oiselay, a shaded island of greenery. After a few kilometers, the itinerary joins the banks of the Rhône, to cross it by a superb suspended footbridge, facing the Sauveterre dam. Inaugurated in autumn 2023, this structure provides access to Avignon via Barthelasse Island, Europe's largest river island. The arrival is "papal", offering a breathtaking view first of Villeneuve les Avignon, then of the city of the Popes, the majestic Rhône, the famous Pont d'Avignon, and Mont Ventoux on the horizon. This is one of the most beautiful views of Avignon!

A provisional stretch of the ViaRhôna route has been signposted south from Lapalud, following the Rhône’s east bank through the county of Vaucluse. Cross the agricultural plain to the Canal de Donzère. Next, the route squeezes between the Rhône and parallel motorway, with links indicated to the medieval villages of Mondragon, Mornas and Piolenc and the town of Orange with its grand Roman remains. Fancy a dip in a lake? Try Les Girardes or Li Piboulos before continuing south along a Rhône-side greenway. End gently at the Provençal village of Caderousse, its dykes built to protect it from flooding by the tempestuous Rhône.

Leaving Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, cycle beside branches of the Rhône and pass through historic towns: Viviers, with its medieval spirit; Bourg-Saint-Andéol, its treasures including a rare sculpture of a Mithraic deity; and Pont-Saint-Esprit. This ViaRhôna stage is packed with heritage treasures, especially religious ones, including cathedrals, chapels and grand clerical residences. Those who love history as well as nature can enjoy their fill. The route takes you along portions of greenway and of quiet roads.

ViaRhôna cycle route continues south towards Cruas. Heritage sites stand out in this area. Cruas Abbey, with its extraordinary medieval architecture, contrasts greatly with the industrial heritage around here, marked by cement-making works. An intriguing link between old and new is provided by the recent Himalayan-style footbridge at Rochemaure, built using the pillars of the Vieux Pont, an historic bridge over the Rhône.

After a halt at Valence’s southern river port of L'Epervière, ViaRhôna leads you back onto the western, Ardèche bank of the Rhône. The Ardèche is known for its exceptional caves, archaeological sites, characterful villages, châteaux and nature reserves. From La Voulte-sur-Rhône, you can discover rugged central Ardèche by taking the Dolce Via route up the Eyrieux Valley. Continuing south along ViaRhôna, cross the Printegarde Nature Reserve to reach Le Pouzin after another short trip across the Rhône into the Drôme.

This easy ViaRhôna stage offers a gentle introduction to the South of France. There’s much to enchant: pretty villages in typical southern style; a surprising branch of the Rhône encircling La Roche-de-Glun; and biodiversity. The big town of Valence presages Provence to the south, with its colourful markets, shaded gardens and historic quarters, including pedestrianized area. This stage goes along greenways, except through Valence.

This ViaRhôna stage runs between steep vineyards and dense orchards. Heading south from Lyon, this is the first ViaRhôna stage to enter the rugged Ardèche, a beautiful département (or French county) on the mighty Rhône’s west flank. Here, the tamed river supports orchards, market gardens and vines producing top-class Saint-Joseph wines. Arriving at the town of Tournon-sur-Rhône, follow the provisional signage to continue along the route.

This remarkable ViaRhôna stage offers a great variety of landscapes. From Vienne, once an ancient capital of Roman Gaul, to the nature reserve of L’île au Beurre, bearing witness to the Rhône’s wild side, via steeply terraced vineyards, including the prestigious Côte-Rôtie, and the first major orchards along the Rhône Valley, this stage will delight those interested in history, nature and gastronomy. You follow greenways for almost the entire length, joining a road to enter Sablons.

After buzzing Lyon, this ViaRhôna stage leads through the towns of Grigny and Givors, on to St-Romain-en-Gal. The historic importance of navigation is clearer here than anywhere else along the Rhône. Museums at St-Romain-en-Gal and Vienne give a good picture of the river’s rich history, from classical to contemporary times. A provisional link goes along the Rhône’s west bank, on very busy roads. Best take a train from Lyon to Givors.

This stage on the greenways of Southern Burgundy is lined with charming villages built around Romanesque churches. Here you join the Voie Bleue (Blue Way), laid out between Mâcon and Fleurville, before reaching the remarkable old town of Tournus. This stage, close to the Saône River, known since ancient times for its river mariners, offers fairly easy cycling.

This stage through Southern Burgundy takes you along a provisional, unofficial stretch of cycle path on the Voie Bleue. It will be laid out properly between Tournus and Chalon in due course. The route is along small, flat roads through the alluvial plains of the Chalonnais area. This stage is for experienced cyclists. Enjoy the majestic arrival in Chalon along the Saône quays.

Between Beaune and Santenay, the Burgundy Vineyard Way takes you meandering through the region’s most famous wine appellations. Make fascinating discoveries among these blessed vineyards: visit wine cellars and winemakers’ villages; enjoy local gastronomy among the vines; and take in the views of the Burgundian hills. This stage is easy and well signposted.

This stage of the Burgundy Voie des Vignes à Vélo (Vineyard Way) links the region’s two most celebrated wine towns. Nuits-Saint-Georges makes a lively wine stop along the vine-covered slopes; Beaune impresses visitors with its rich architectural heritage and was once an historic residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. Although this is an unofficial stage, it is easy.

This stage of the Burgundy Vineyard Way by bike links the region’s elegant capital, Dijon, and the winemaking villages of the famed Côte to the south. Although this stretch is provisional and as yet unofficial, it is of intense interest to wine-lovers, taking small roads through villages that carry prestigious appellation names, like Le Clos de Vougeot.

Starting from Pont-de-Pany, this stage of the Canal de Bourgogne à Vélo links the Burgundy countryside to its capital. Lovely surprises lie tucked away in this stretch of the Ouche Valley, where wealthy Dijon families used to come to relax. You arrive in the city of Dijon via Lake Kir and its large park much appreciated by families and sporty types.

This is surely one of the most beautiful stages on the Burgundy Canal by Bike. The route takes you down the Ouche Valley, beside a series of locks, to the little port of Vandenesse. Then head through wooded straits dotted with historic curiosities to uncover, hidden away in corners of the deep little valleys round and about. A memorable stage.

After a hemmed-in part at Pont-Royal, this stage of the Burgundy Canal by Bike leads you up onto the so-called ‘roof of Burgundy’. At 378m above sea-level you come to the highest point of the highest canal in France! Located at the foot of the Monts de Bourgogne (Burgundian Hills) Pouilly-en-Auxois is a green little town, a welcoming stop-over by the canal.

The first part of this stage of the Burgundy Canal by Bike is dominated by the Mont-Auxois hill, where Caesar vanquished the Gauls at the Siege of Alésia of 52 BC. Tackle the slow ascent of the ‘Valley of 40 Locks’ to the impressive Voûte de Pouilly-en-Auxois, a canal tunnel under Pouilly-town. A memorable stage, with the striking old port at Pont-Royal to see too.

This stage of the Burgundy Canal by Bike goes from the Montbardois to the Auxois area, through lands rich in history. The countryside is marked by wooded hills and plateaux where white cows graze. The greenway leads to Mont-Auxois, a hill dominated by a statue of Vercingétorix, leader of the Gaulish tribes beaten here by Caesar.

This stage of the Burgundy Canal by Bike is on a greenway laid out along the towpath. After Ravières, the valley route is quite wild, set between wooded banks. Don’t miss the Grande Forge, one of the finest vestiges of France’s industrial past, at Buffon, where Armançon and Brenne Rivers merge. Go via the Brenne to see the interesting town of Montbard.

This Burgundy Canal by Bike stage is along a greenway meandering around the limestone plateaux of the Tonnerrois area from which so much of Burgundy’s celebrated white stone was quarried. From Tanlay on, follow a wilder stretch of valley. From here, the route is dotted with abbeys, elegant villages and Renaissance castles, that at Ancy-le-Franc the finest.

Keeping close to Burgundy’s border with the Champagne region, this stage of the Burgundy canal by bike runs between unspoilt hills and the little villages of the Florentinois and Tonnerrois areas. Finally, you’ll see the church steeple of Tonnerre ahead, marking the medieval town. Following the towpath on this stage, note that it hasn’t been done up yet.

The route is provisional on this stage of the Canal de Bourgogne à Vélo. It starts north of Auxerre at Vieux Migennes, where a church known as ‘the Railwaymen’s Lourdes’ watches over a major rail junction. The port at Migennes, where the Yonne River is joined by the Canal de Bourgogne, is the starting point into the Burgundian hills.

A pleasant stage of La Vélodyssée on designated lanes between dunes and the forest. Take time out to stray off the cycle lane and appreciate one of the handful of connections to the sea and enjoy the fantastic ocean views. Take care on the Atlantic beaches! You’re constantly discovering new horizons in the direction of Bassin d’Arcachon Bay. A hugely different atmosphere with a return to the land of oysters. Here we can take a splendid alternative route down the tracks leading to Cap Ferret

On this La Voie Bleue stage, savour the last stretch of the Saône before it joins the Rhône. From Trévoux to Lyon, southern capital of French gastronomy, enjoy views of the Monts d’Or hills and the Saône’s holiday atmosphere, with its waterside restaurants and nautical activities. Entering Lyon, the riverbanks are well laid out. Finally, you come to the Saône’s confluence with the Rhône, marking a sensational end to your cycling adventure, or a stopping point before continuing to the Mediterranean on the ViaRhôna cycle route. Lyon’s contemporary Confluence Quarter stands out for its funky architecture and cultural venues, adding a new facet to this city whose historic quarters have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seek out a fine restaurant, maybe a traditional Bouchon Lyonnais, and make the most of the innumerable activities on offer in France’s third-largest city.

From Thoissey, head for Trévoux by bike, enjoying the natural setting of the towpath down the Saône Valley, the Beaujolais hills opposite. Along the route, several unmissable cultural and gastronomic sites compete for your attention. If a fan of water sports, try canoeing on the river, or going for a dip in the Saône at one of the specially laid-out spots. Visit the remarkable châteaux in these parts, and eat at the outdoor summer riverside restaurants, guinguettes. Trévoux is a little old town full of surprising discoveries – this was once historic capital of the tiny Principality of Dombes.

Leaving Mâcon, you start to feel the pull of southern France as you race straight southwards towards Thoissey. Having made the most of visiting this town’s historical and archaeological sites, La Voie Bleue leads you along the east bank of the Saône. Around here, you pass through natural landscapes marked by wetlands and poplar plantations, home to many species of birds. This stage of the route also offers lovely views on the Mâconnais and Beaujolais hills. Along the way, stop at the restaurant at Port de By or at the outdoor leisure lake at Cormoranche-sur-Saône.