Biking through France from North to South is no longer a dream reserved for a few enthusiasts: it is now an experience accessible to everyone thanks to the Scandibérique. Spanning over 1,700 kilometers, this bike route traverses twenty departments and connects iconic cities like Paris, Bordeaux, and Toulouse. Between heritage, diverse landscapes, and a spirit of adventure, this grand itinerary invites exploration by bike from a decidedly sustainable and friendly perspective. VéloCité and Roulons Vert find an ideal ground to experience the epic of cycling tourism in France in XXL version, along routes designed to please both athletes and families. Ready to take on the challenge and reinvent your discovery of France by bike?
Scandibérique: the longest bike path to discover France differently
Choosing the Scandibérique means opting to explore France from the northeast to the southwest, along a historic trail: the Pilgrim’s bike route. An integral part of EuroVelo 3 – from Trondheim (Norway) to Cap-Fisterra (Spain) – it connects Maubeuge to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. On this route, VéloAventure and ÉcoCyclo blend perfectly, allowing travelers to chain together forests, peaceful canals, medieval cities, and majestic mountains.
- Complete route: over 1,700 kilometers marked
- Start: Maubeuge, at the gates of Belgium
- Finish: At the edges of the Pyrenees, in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
- Cities crossed: Paris, Orléans, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and many more
- Particularity: Unique blend of heritage, nature, and adventure
| Stopover City | Landscape Type | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | Urban, monuments | Culture, heritage |
| Orléans | Loire Valley | Wineries, relaxation |
| Bordeaux | Forests & rivers | Gastronomy, local products |
| Toulouse | Canals, plains | Southern atmosphere |
| Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port | Pyrenees | Adventure, mountains |
Cycling paths and mythical segments: a grand tour of France in all its glory
This long cycling ribbon embraces the spirit of France, alternating low-traffic shared roads (around 75%) and paths entirely reserved for bikes. For those who love cycling in France, each segment of the route is an opportunity to encounter local markets, cross medieval villages, or admire historic bridges over the Loire. For those who wish to go further, this comparison of the most beautiful routes across Europe opens up other horizons to explore.
- 48 stages mark the Scandibérique, from its northern entry to the threshold of the Pyrenees
- Numerous rest areas and refreshment points: ideal for slow travel
- Cultural getaways possible near the route
- Easy connections with other major bike paths such as the Canal des Deux Mers
- Local suggestions provided by Vélos du Terroir or RandoCyclo to fully enjoy each stage
The atmosphere changes day by day: the cyclist gently flows from the forests of Avesnois to the vineyards of the Loire, from the sweetness of Aquitaine to the majesty of the Pyrenean mountains. Every VéloCité specialist or Roulons Vert ambassador agrees that the authenticity of biking travel lies in the freedom of spontaneous stops and unexpected encounters along the way.
Practical tips for traveling on the Scandibérique: accessibility, safety, and routes
Contrary to what one might imagine, the Scandibérique, although long, does not impose an extreme fitness level. The moderate terrain — except for the last three stages in the Pyrenees — opens the adventure to both novices and enthusiasts of long challenges. Cyclotourism France enthusiasts find here an ideal playground for practicing Pedalons Ensemble, whether with family or friends.
- Prepare for short stages (30-60 km/day to enjoy each stop)
- Look into suitable accommodations (green campsites, partner accommodations of the bike route)
- Don’t overlook safety equipment and maintenance supplies (puncture repair kit, fluorescent vest)
- Discover beach stages and gourmet breaks in Bordeaux or Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
- Anticipate sections with significant elevation, especially approaching the Pyrenean range
| Recommended Equipment | Utility |
|---|---|
| Waterproof panniers | Protect clothing and supplies during rainy stages |
| Bike GPS or mobile app | Never get lost on the cycling path network |
| Sturdy lock | Secure your bike during visits to villages |
| Headlamp | Useful for early departures or late arrivals |
| First aid kit | Ensure safety even in the wilderness |
Ideas for anecdotes and tips to experience the VéloAventure in a French way
Some cyclists recount having shared an impromptu coffee with locals in a village near Orléans; others mention their awe before the sunlit landscapes of Gers. Members of RandoCyclo particularly enjoy crossing rivers by ferry or stopping at flower-filled picnic areas, often enlivened by farmers’ markets.
- On the Bordeaux section, enjoy the view from the left bank – perfect for a gourmet break: hotel experience with an Atlantic view
- To pace your itinerary, integrate French cultural and gastronomic stops
- Explore nearby the richness of lagoon basins and lakes: nature discovery guaranteed
Taking your time, remaining flexible, and knowing when to stop: this is the motto shared by the happiest travelers on the Scandibérique. This philosophy enchants lovers of slow travel and inspires numerous articles and experiences on green mobility in 2025.
The Scandibérique: a key segment of cycling tourism in France and a springboard to Europe
By being part of the EuroVélo 3 network, the Scandibérique is merely an invitation to continue the adventure beyond borders. Those driven by a passion for travel are already looking towards bike paths leading to Italy, mythical Spanish roads, or unexpected discoveries in Belgium and Scandinavia.
- Connection with other major European bike routes for continuity of itinerary
- Multiple intermodality options (regional trains, bike shuttles) to facilitate planning
- Networks of accredited EcoCyclo accommodations and stops for responsible travel
- Access to detailed advice on routes to escape Paris by bike, or on unknown beach destinations
| Departure | European destination | Total distance (km) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maubeuge | Trondheim (Norway) | approx. 5,100 | Woodlands, fjords, Nordic countryside |
| Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port | Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle | +800 | Pilgrimage, Iberian hills |
| Bordeaux | San Sebastian | approx. 300 | Atlantic, seaside resorts, gastronomy |
Thus, whether you are a slow travel enthusiast with VéloAventure or an explorer in search of new challenges with France à Vélo, the Scandibérique represents an exciting and concrete answer to the growing desire to travel differently, discovering preserved territories and authentic human encounters.
- Embarking on the Scandibérique signifies a commitment to active and sustainable discovery
- It also means joining a large community of enthusiasts mobilized around shared projects such as ÉcoCyclo or Pedalons Ensemble
- To deepen your preparation, also explore these artistic getaways or plan an original cultural stop in Ghent: discover the wonders of Ghent
This grand bike journey, the result of a collective adventure fueled by the experience of VéloCité, will long retain the unique savor of horizons gained at the rhythm of the pedals. For those who undertake this crossing, France unveils its most beautiful facet, guided by the simple and universal pleasure of freedom on two wheels.
