The best cycling routes in Northern France

Northern France offers a vast network for touring cyclists, with over 15,900 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including more than 6,700 easy routes, over 6,800 moderate routes, and around 2,400 difficult routes.

Touring cycling in Northern France offers a diverse range of landscapes. You can explore dramatic coastlines with white cliffs, expansive beaches, and unique ecosystems like the Baie de Somme. Inland, routes follow tranquil rivers and canals, often on former towpaths, through rolling countryside, dense woods, and agricultural lands. Regional natural parks also provide varied scenery, from hedgerows and peat bogs to forests and hills.

Yes, Northern France is well-suited for easy and beginner-friendly touring cycling. Many routes follow flat canal paths or former railway lines, known as 'véloroutes,' which are traffic-free. An excellent option is the Plage de Malo-les-Bains and Dunkirk city center — loop from Bray-Dunes, an easy 17.2-mile (27.8 km) path that combines coastal scenery with urban exploration.

Northern France is part of several major European cycling networks, making it ideal for long-distance touring. Routes like the La Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) stretch along the Normandy coastline, and the L'Avenue Verte London to Paris connects the two capitals. For a significant point-to-point journey within the region, consider the From Abbeville to Amiens via the Somme valley — from Abbeville, a challenging 63-mile (101.4 km) route.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Northern France are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. A popular circular route is the Saint-Valery-Sur-Somme via the pointe de Houdel — loop from Cayeux-sur-Mer, which explores the coastal landscapes of the Baie de Somme. Another option is the Saint-Jean-aux-Bois and the Compiègne state forest — loop from Pierrefonds, offering a scenic ride through woodlands.

Northern France offers many natural attractions and landmarks. Along coastal routes, you can visit the impressive Cape Blanc-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez Viewpoint, or explore the Cran d'Escalles beach and the Dunes of the Slack. For those interested in waterfalls, highlights include the Denacre Valley Mill Estaminet and Waterfall, La Comté Waterfall, and Vieux-Reng Waterfall.

Yes, Northern France has many routes suitable for families, particularly those along canals and former railway lines which are generally flat and traffic-free. The region around Lille is known for its cyclist-friendly infrastructure. A great option for families is the largely flat circuit around the Baie de Somme, such as the Le Crotoy by Marais Communal — loop from Quend Plage les Pins, which leads through marshlands and coastal areas.

While cycling is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, spring and early autumn often provide ideal conditions for touring cycling in Northern France. The weather is typically milder, and the landscapes are vibrant. Autumn, in particular, can offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery as the foliage changes, making it a great time to explore the region's diverse terrain.

Absolutely. Northern France features several regional natural parks and extensive woodlands perfect for touring cycling. For example, the Château d'Hardelot through the forêt d'Hardelot — loop from Hardelot Plage takes you through the beautiful Hardelot forest within the Parc naturel régional des Caps et marais d'Opale.

Yes, Northern France offers routes that blend urban exploration with natural beauty, and even cross international borders. The Citadelle de Lille — loop from Marquette-lez-Lille allows you to cycle around the historic city of Lille. For a cross-border experience, consider the French - Belgian border via Bergues — loop from Dunkirk, which takes you into Belgium.

The touring cycling routes in Northern France are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 12,000 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's varied terrain, from coastal paths to serene canal routes, and the extensive network that offers options for various ability levels. The blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and well-maintained paths are frequently highlighted.

Northern France is known for its relatively low elevations, and many touring cycling routes are notably flat, especially those following river valleys and canal towpaths. These 'voies vertes' (greenways) are perfect for relaxed cycling. For more information on cycling along canals, you can visit France Vélo Tourisme.