France has long lagged behind daily cycling, but has been catching up quickly over recent years, driven by major cities and a national cycling plan. Between urban networks and major itineraries, the landscape is changing before our eyes.
The urban network in rapid growth
Major cities — Paris, Strasbourg (pioneer), Grenoble, Nantes, Bordeaux — have massively expanded their cycle paths, often separated, with usage that is exploding. The "corona paths" made permanent accelerated the movement. Quality and continuity remain uneven, but the trend is clear.
Cycle routes and EuroVelo
France has a vast network of cycle routes (long-distance cycle itineraries) and hosts several EuroVelo axes (the European cycle network). Loire à Vélo, la Vélodyssée, la ViaRhôna: these axes serve tourism but also peri-urban mobility on their developed sections.
e-bikes and workplace cycles
The rise of e-bikes and workplace cycle schemes (employer schemes) is driving long-distance commuting. More and more workers are doing 10-20 km on electric power, which justifies continuous facilities and secure parking.
