France is one of the best countries in Europe for combining cycling holidays with motorhome travel. With its vast network of traffic-free greenways, scenic long-distance routes, and thousands of motorhome aires, it’s perfectly set up for flexible, adventure-filled trips.
Whether you’re chasing vineyards, coastlines, or mountain views, here is what we consider the top 5 cycle routes in France, all with easy access to motorhome parking along the way. There is one particular resource that you may find useful, and this is the Discover France by Bike website. It provides routes, maps and aids to plan your itinerary once you've decided which part of France you wish to explore.
Loire à Vélo – The Ultimate Easy Cycling Route in France
The Loire Valley is France’s most famous cycling route, and for good reason. Following the Loire River, it takes you past iconic châteaux, vineyards, and historic towns like Tours and Orléans. The terrain is mostly flat, making it ideal for relaxed cycling holidays. You can park, cycle a scenic section, then drive ahead which is perfect for a slow travel itinerary.
🚐 Motorhome Parking: Excellent aires in Amboise and Saumur with many stops directly beside the cycle path.
Map Resource: Checkout the “Loire à Vélo route map” here.
La Vélodyssée – Atlantic Coast Cycling Adventure
Part of the EuroVelo 1 network, this part of the route hugs France’s Atlantic coast with endless beaches, forests, and seaside towns like La Rochelle and Biarritz. Few routes let you cycle all day and park up right by the ocean at sunset.
🚐 Motorhome Parking: Strong network of coastal aires and campsites with great overnight stops in Arcachon.
Map Resource: Checkout this Cycling La Vélodyssée Website which has great information, maps and images. This map also has cycle loops which are particularly great for variation.
ViaRhôna – From the Alps to the Mediterranean
This spectacular route follows the Rhône River through dramatic landscapes, from alpine scenery to sun-soaked Provence. Highlights include Lyon, Avignon, and Arles, this route mountains, vineyards, rivers, and Mediterranean vibes - all in one route.
🚐 Motorhome Parking: Frequent riverside aires, easy parking near major towns and cycle access points.
Map Resource: Use ViaRhôna’s official interactive map to select routes based on difficulty level to suit your own ability.
La Dolce Via – Hidden Gem Greenway
Built on a former railway line, this peaceful route features tunnels, viaducts, and panoramic valley views. It’s considered one of France’s most beautiful short cycling routes.
🚐 Motorhome Parking: Aires near Tournon-sur-Rhône and there is lots of parking close to trail entry points. Perfect for a relaxing 1–2 day stop on a longer motorhome trip.
Map Resource: Checkout this excellent website with itineraries, interactive maps and where to eat and sleep on the La Dolce Via.
Canal du Midi – One of our customers praised it so highly, we just had to give it a mention
Stretching over 240 km between Toulouse and the Mediterranean near Sète, the Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its tree-lined towpaths, stone bridges, and sleepy villages. Built in the 17th century, it feels purpose-made for slow travel.
For cyclists, it’s mostly flat, scenic, and traffic-free. For motorhome travellers, it’s dotted with well-placed aires and campsites that make it easy to hop between cycling sections at your own pace.
🚐 Motorhome Parking: Parking can be found in key locations including Le Somail, Béziers (Fonseranes Locks), Carcassonne, Toulouse.
Map tip: Here is an informative website on cycling the Canal du Midi with great pictures of the highlights .
Final Tips for Combining Cycling + Motorhome Travel in France
- Use “aires”: These are dedicated motorhome stopovers, and often have more availability and flexibility
- Mix short and long rides: You don’t need to cycle entire routes - dip in and out
- Check terrain: Many routes (like Loire or coastal paths) are flat and beginner-friendly
- Download route apps: Tools like Komoot are widely used by cyclists in France (as noted by riders online)
Conclusion
If you are interested in purchasing a motorhome or campervan, come and see the range at our showrooms in Shannonside Business Park, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary V94VY98. Anchor Point Motorhomes is your Burstner, Hymer, Carado, Weinsberg and Westfalia Motorhome Ireland dealer, we pride ourselves on delivering a 5-star service to all our customers.
Call us on 353 (0)61 379903 or pop in to see us. A warm welcome awaits!
