France has a number of greenways and cycle routes that allow cyclists, hikers and other soft means of transport to explore the diversity of our regions.
National cycle route plan
Since 2010, France has had a national scheme for cycle routes, making it possible to identify and define the network that structures the greenways throughout the country, in conjunction with the existing regional schemes.
In April 2020, Vélo & Territoires published the updated version of this report, which includes :
- 25,408 kilometres of existing or planned cycle routes
- 58 routes, including 10 with a European vocation(EuroVelo)
- 17,515 km open (69%), of which 46% on dedicated lanes
- 474 km open in 2019, of which 34% on reserved lanes
- 7,894 km of national routes to be completed by 2030
Map of cycle routes
Geographically, a regularly updated map of France provides an overview of existing cycle routes, those in the planning stage and those under construction:
In addition to the national version, the regional cycle route maps provide more detailed local information:
AF3V, cycle routes and greenways
AF3V is the French association for the development of cycle routes and greenways.
Since 1997, this users’ association has been campaigning for :
- Represent and defend users of cycle routes and greenways
- Promoting and developing the network
- Find out more about this network
The AF3V’s digital initiatives include an interactive map of greenways and a practical guide to finding a greenway by region, department and type of sport.
National map of greenways
Find your green route
Looking for a cycle route or greenway for your next holiday?
The AF3V website has a search engine with more than 860 greenways listed and presented.
By region and by department, with the type of track (smooth, rough, shared, planned) and the activities (cycling, mountain biking, inline skating, running, walking, horse riding):
EuroVelo, cycle routes in Europe
Beyond France, there are many cycle routes in Europe, with over 86,000 kilometres of cycle routes.
In France, 9 EuroVelo routes criss-cross the country, covering a total of 8,280 kilometres and acting as a crossroads between northern and southern Europe.
The EuroVelo map shows the route and the countries crossed by the greenways:
You can also find detailed information on each EuroVelo route by country, plus news and offers dedicated to cycling on the official website :
Cycle routes
Looking for more ideas for cycling and mountain biking tours? Visit our dedicated page:
Atlas, map and guide to greenways
To help you prepare for your trip, find out about itineraries and follow your route, here is our selection of guides and maps:
- Atlas de France des voies vertes et véloroutes, Chamina(Boutique IGN / FNAC)
- Map of France’s greenways and cycle routes, IGN
- Grand atlas of the most beautiful greenways and cycle routes, Michel Bonduelle
See also
- Greenways and cycling: Articles and pages
- Greenways and cycle routes in Auvergne-Rhône-alpes (French)
- ViaRhona, a green route along the Rhône valley
- Mediterranean coast cycle route, the Var by bike (French)
- ViaFluvia, between the Rhône and Loire rivers (French)
- Train+bike in the Rhône Valley (French)
- Greenways and cycle routes in the Ardèche (French)
Travel+
- The scheme via Vélo & Territoire (French)
- France Vélo Tourisme, the website (French)