11 must-see spots for mountain biking in France
France has an abundance of exceptional mountain bike routes, offering enthusiasts breathtaking scenery and a variety of technical challenges. From the peaks of the Alps to the plateaux of the Massif Central, from the volcanoes of the Auvergne to the gorges of the Verdon, France offers an incredible diversity of terrain to suit all abilities. Whether you’re a beginner looking for family-friendly rides or an experienced mountain biker looking for a thrill, these 11 must-visit destinations promise memorable adventures in the heart of the French countryside.
Also in the Chamonix guide:
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1. Chamonix and the Mont Blanc valley
The Chamonix valley is one of France’s mountain bike paradises, offering exceptional technical trails at the foot of Mont Blanc. The trails take you through fir forests, green mountain pastures and breathtaking views of the glaciers. The Chamonix mountain biking area offers routes for all levels, from the small southern balcony for families to the vertiginous descents of the Grands Montets for experts.
Must-dos include the Lac Blanc loop with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the peaks, the descent from the Aiguille du Midi for the more adventurous, and the many single tracks winding between the alpine chalets. In summer, the ski lifts provide easy access to the mountain starts, turning the valley into a veritable playground for mountain bikers.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Chamonix on foot and on your own
Before or after your mountain bike outings, let yourself be guided in the discovery of Chamonix thanks to the Navaway tour. This audio-guided tour will take you to 22 emblematic sites in the world capital of mountaineering, from the National Ski and Mountaineering School to stories of the first ascents of Mont Blanc. An excellent way to round off your sporting holiday with a cultural immersion in this legendary city.
2. The Vercors, a mountain bike stronghold
Nicknamed the “fortress”, the Vercors massif richly deserves its reputation as one of the best places for mountain biking in France. This iconic destination offers over 1,200 kilometres of signposted routes, spread across the departments of Isère and Drôme. The limestone plateaux, deep gorges and beech forests offer a remarkable diversity of landscapes.
The routes in the Vercors are particularly attractive for their steep gradients and technical descents. The Grande Traversée du Vercors mountain bike race is one of the most popular challenges, while the walks around Villard-de-Lans are perfect for families. The gorges of the Bourne and the Grands Goulets offer spectacular panoramic views, particularly from viewpoints accessible by electric mountain bike.
3. Mont Ventoux and the Luberon
Mont Ventoux, the limestone giant of Provence, is one of France’s most legendary mountain bike destinations. Nicknamed the “Giant of Provence”, this 1,912-metre peak offers a variety of routes on its three sides. The Ventoux mountain bike trails alternate between shady forest paths and typically Mediterranean stony tracks, offering exceptional panoramic views of Provence and the Alps.
The Luberon massif is the perfect complement to this Provencal destination. Its trails wind between hilltop villages, vineyards and lavender fields. The 277-kilometre Grande Traversée VTT de Vaucluse links Mont Ventoux with the Monts du Vaucluse, passing through the heart of the Luberon. The region’s climate is ideal for mountain biking almost all year round.
4. The Catalan Pyrenees and Canigou
The Canigou massif in the Pyrénées-Orientales is one of France’s finest playgrounds for mountain biking. This unique destination combines mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, offering exceptional routes from the Pic du Canigou to the beaches of Collioure. The region’s sunny climate means that mountain biking can be enjoyed almost year-round.
The 200 kilometres of signposted trails in the Canigou massif offer a huge variety of routes. From family outings in the Tech valley to technical climbs to mountain huts, there’s something for everyone. The single tracks leading down to the Mediterranean coast offer unique panoramas, combining Pyrenean peaks with the maritime horizon.
5. The Cévennes and the Grands Causses
The Cévennes National Park is one of France’s most authentic mountain bike destinations. This unspoilt region offers 500 kilometres of signposted trails through a mosaic of contrasting landscapes: chestnut forests, heather moors, Caussen plateaux and deep valleys. The geological and climatic diversity of the Cévennes makes it an exceptional playground for all levels of ability.
The mountain bike trails in the Cévennes take you in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson and his donkey Modestine, through picturesque villages such as La Couvertoirade. The Grands Causses Regional Nature Park extends the adventure with grandiose panoramas of the Cirque de Navacelles and the Trévezel gorges. This unspoilt wilderness offers total immersion in French nature.
6. The Mercantour, between the Alps and the Mediterranean
The Mercantour National Park offers one of the wildest settings for mountain biking in France. With 600 kilometres of groomed trails, this unique territory blends Alpine and Mediterranean influences. The trails take you from the olive groves of the Riviera to the snow-capped peaks, via the Vallée des Merveilles and its 40,000 prehistoric engravings.
The Lac d’Allos, Europe’s largest natural mountain lake, is one of the jewels in the crown of mountain biking. The Mercantour routes alternate between technical single tracks and panoramic trails, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea from the mountain passes. This unique destination combines mountain biking and the mild climate of Provence in a single outing.
7. The Volcanoes of Auvergne
The Parc naturel régional des Volcans d’Auvergne offers a unique mountain biking experience in France, in the heart of Europe’s largest volcanic area. The routes wind their way between puys, craters and high altitude lakes, offering exceptional lunar landscapes. The diversity of the terrain, from lava flows to summer meadows, makes this region one of the most original mountain bike playgrounds in the country.
The Volcans d’Auvergne trails take you from the Puy de Dôme to the Monts du Cantal, past mysterious Auvergne lakes such as Lac Pavin and Lac d’Aydat. Family routes alternate with technical ones, particularly on the steep slopes of the volcanoes. This destination also offers a rich local gastronomy, perfect for recovering after the effort.
8. The Queyras, authentic and unspoilt
The Queyras Regional Nature Park is one of the most authentic mountain-biking destinations in the French Alps. This unspoilt valley, dominated by the Rochebrune peak (3,320 metres), offers some exceptional routes in a wild and authentic setting. Traditional villages such as Saint-Véran, the highest commune in Europe, punctuate the routes through mountain pastures, larch forests and high mountain passes.
The trails in the Queyras offer all levels of difficulty, from family outings in the Guil valley to technical climbs to high-altitude refuges. This destination favours sustainable tourism that respects the environment, ideal for mountain bikers in search of authenticity. Panoramic views of the Franco-Italian peaks reward the efforts of the most demanding climbers.
9. The Vosges and its balloons
The Vosges mountain range offers a little-known but remarkable terrain for mountain biking, particularly suited to family outings and beginners’ trails. The Vosges “ballons”, rounded peaks characteristic of the massif, offer panoramic routes accessible to all levels. Fir forests, glacial lakes and high-altitude stubble fields create varied and relaxing landscapes.
The Route des Crêtes des Vosges can be explored by mountain bike, offering exceptional views over Alsace and the Black Forest. The routes around Lac de Gérardmer, the Ballons de Servance and the Hohneck are ideal for families. This mountain destination, accessible from the east of France, offers excellent value for money and unspoilt nature.
10. The Ardèche and its gorges
The Southern Ardèche is one of the most spectacular mountain biking destinations in the south of France. The Ardèche Gorges, limestone plateaux and deep valleys offer a variety of routes in an unspoilt Mediterranean setting. The 315-kilometre Grande Traversée de l’Ardèche VTT links Annonay to Bourg-Saint-Andéol through some of the most beautiful countryside in the department.
The Ardèche mountain bike trails take you from lookouts over the gorges to characterful villages like Balazuc and Labeaume. The Cévennes d’Ardèche offers over 615 kilometres of FFC-marked trails, alternating between technical single tracks and panoramic trails. This sunny destination is ideal for mountain biking all year round, with landscapes that change with the Mediterranean seasons.
11. Brittany and Armorica
Brittany offers an original approach to mountain biking with the mysterious landscapes of the Armorique Regional Nature Park. The Monts d’Arrée, the highest point in Brittany, offer undulating trails through heather moorland, peat bogs and granite chaos. This exotic destination offers a little-known facet of French mountain biking, far from the Alpine peaks.
The Breton trails take you from the forest of Huelgoat, with its legendary rocks, to the wild coastline of Finistère. Family trails alternate with more technical routes in the Montagnes Noires. The region has an oceanic climate that makes it ideal for mountain biking all year round, with landscapes that change with the tides and the Atlantic seasons.
In conclusion, France offers an exceptional diversity of destinations for mountain biking, from the peaks of the Alps to the moors of Brittany, via the volcanoes of the Auvergne and the Mediterranean scrubland. Each region offers its own special features, technical challenges and scenic rewards. Whether you’re drawn to the wide open spaces of the national parks or the family-friendly tours of the mid-range massifs, these 11 destinations guarantee memorable adventures on France’s most beautiful trails. Don’t hesitate to discover Chamonix and its cultural treasures to complement your sporting escapades with an immersion in French heritage.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to go mountain biking in France?
The ideal period is from May to October for most regions. In the mountains, prefer June to September to avoid the snow. Mediterranean regions such as the Luberon and the Ardèche have a mild climate, so you can enjoy skiing almost all year round.
What level of ability do you need to mountain bike in the Alps?
The Alps offer routes to suit all abilities. Beginners will find suitable routes around Annecy or on the small balconies of Chamonix, while experts can tackle the technical descents of the Vercors or Mercantour. It’s essential to assess your level before setting off.
Is it possible to hire a mountain bike in these destinations?
Yes, all these destinations offer mountain bike hire services, including electric bikes. Resorts such as Chamonix, villages in the Vercors or mountain bike bases in nature parks have professional hire companies who also provide helmets, protection and advice on routes.
How to prepare for a safe mountain bike ride?
Prepare your outing by checking the weather forecast, informing your friends and family of your itinerary and taking all your safety equipment with you: helmet, first-aid kit, repair tools, water and food. Download IGN maps or applications such as Komoot to avoid getting lost on the trails.
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