France long-distance cycling routes

In July 2026 French media highlighted a series of newly opened or promoted long‑distance cycling corridors. The Vélosud véloroute, inaugurated in May 2024, stretches 658 km from Biarritz on the Atlantic to Barcarès on the Mediterranean along the foothills of the Pyrenees. Designed as a low‑impact, easy‑grade alternative to high‑mountain passes, it links the Basque Country, Comminges, Béarn and Ariège and showcases cultural sites such as Lourdes, Pau and Foix, aiming to boost tourism and outdoor recreation.

A day later, attention turned to two other routes. The Grande Traversée de l’Ardèche VTT offers a 315‑km mountain‑plateau‑forest trail that can be ridden in about a week, with climbs of up to 7,500 m and options for conventional or electric‑assist bikes. Meanwhile, a five‑day, 1,080‑km loop around Gréoux‑les‑Bains in Haute‑Provence connects the Beaujolais Vert region, the thermal town of Gréoux‑les‑Bains, Moustiers‑Sainte‑Marie, Lac de Sainte‑Croix and the Gorges du Verdon. Together these reports illustrate France’s ongoing effort to develop extensive, accessible cycling infrastructure across diverse landscapes, promoting regional tourism and active travel.