France

France, officially the French Republic(French: République française), is a country in Western Europe and the third largest European country by area. France lies between the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay (to the west), Belgium and Luxembourg (to the north), Germany, Switzerland and Italy (to the east) and Spain, Andorra, the Mediterranean and Monaco (to the south). The Mediterranean island of Corsica also belongs to France, as well as many overseas territories. France lays claim to part of Antarctica: Adélieland.

Including overseas territories, the country has an area of 674,843 km² and a population of about 67.06 million (January 2020).^[5]France, also called l'Hexagone because of its hexagonal shape, is the largest country in the European Union by area and the second largest by population, after Germany. Its capital is Paris, which is also the country's largest city.

GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY

The heart of northern France is the province of Île-de-France. It is surrounded by the provinces of Champagne and Lorraine(Lorraine) in the east; Artois(Artois), Picardy, French Flanders and Normandy to the northwest and north; Brittany, Maine and Anjou to the west; and Touraine, Orléanais, Nivernais and Burgundy(Bourgogne) to the south. The further south consists of Berry and Bourbonnais. Between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River is Alsace.

The southern part of central France is characterized by the rugged mountains and extinct volcanoes of the Massif Central, one of the country's most important natural areas. It consists of the provinces of Marche, Limousin, Auvergne and Lyonnais. The Rhone River separates the Massif Central from the Alps. The Alps forms the mountain range with the highest mountains in the country. East of the Rhone are Savoie, Dauphiné and Provence. Part of the coast of Provence forms the very touristy French Riviera.

The southwestern part of France is divided into two regions: Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. In the south of the regions are the Pyrenees.

FRANCE; MOST DIVERSE CYCLING COUNTRY PAR EXCELLENCE

1. Cycling in northern France
In the north of France you will find Picardy, Champagne and the French Ardennes, among others. All of them beautiful cycling areas.

• Picardy
  North of Paris lies Picardy. This region used to be very popular with the French nobility and this is still reflected in the many cathedrals, abbeys and castles in Picardy. The bicycle-friendly landscape is alternately flat and hilly, you will find lovely valleys, vast grain fields, rivers, lakes and forests. For both experienced cyclists, sporty cyclists will love it here.
• Champagne
  This region is more than just the drink of the same name. A bike ride through the vineyards and a visit to the wine cellars of Pommery or Veuve-Clicquot, for example, is of course a must, but there is more to discover in Champagne. There are numerous cycling, gravel and mountain bike routes. Ideal for visiting, for example, the various World War I memorial sites or seeing the beautiful city of Reims or Epernay.
• French Ardennes
  Green, greener, greenest! Welcome to the wooded French Ardennes. Here you will find a true cycling mecca. Think for example of the International Route of the Meuse. Mountain biking is also abundant.

2. Cycling in eastern France

• Alsace
  Near the German border, about 600 kilometers from Utrecht, you will find Alsace. This region is best known for its vast vineyards, the Riesling, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer. But there is more than just du vin. Alsace is a true cycling region thanks to several marked and often car-free Velor routes. On the many bike paths that dot the rolling countryside, you'll whiz past charming towns and farming villages. If you feel the need for something more challenging, cycle to the vineyards on the popular 'Route des Vins'.
• Vosges
  High above Alsace, the forested peaks of the Vosges Mountains present themselves. The ballons, as the French call these spherical mountains. The area is cycling trip-worthy because of its gently rolling hills, high peaks, forests and lakes, and friendly to both the recreational and the athletic cyclist.
• Jura
  Ready for a challenge? Hop on your bike! Unspoiled nature, cool lakes and vast forests characterize the landscape, which is hilly in the west and becomes more and more erratic towards Switzerland. There are marked cycling routes that are manageable for all levels despite the differences in altitude, as well as tough tours and mountain bike routes for the more experienced cyclist. If you want to challenge yourself, try the "Grande Traversée du Jura" where you cross the Jura from north to south in ten stages (each about 36 kilometers). Burning calves and an unforgettable experience guaranteed!
• The French Alps
  Cyclingin the world's most popular area; that's the French Alps!
  The French Alps are dazzlingly beautiful. Unspoiled nature in optima forma: think colorful alpine meadows, impressive rock formations and views of the eternal snow of the very highest peaks. It is a privilege when you get to drive up among all this beauty. In general, the roads on these cols (due in part to the Tour de France) are of fine quality. The asphalt is fine and often better than the cols in the Pyrenees or in Italy.

3. Cycling in western France

Western France is known for its jagged coastline, steep cliffs, dunes, beaches and oyster and mussel beds. The hinterland consists mainly of orchards, fields, meadows and wheat fields. Rich history can be found in the inner cities of Bordeaux, Nantes, Rennes, Dinan, St-Malo, Bayeux, Honfleur and Rouen.

• Normandy
  The craggy cliffs of the Alabaster Coast, the invasion beaches and charming villages and exceptional gastronomy. There is so much to see and experience in Normandy. The region also has a network of 1,600 kilometers of cycling routes and Voies Vertes, including La Vélomaritime (part of the Eurovélo 4 route), La Véloscénie and cycling route of the year 2017, La Velo de Francette.
• Brittany
  Whether you want to cycle along the coast, on old towpaths and railroad lines, or just on landscaped bike paths. Brittany is a fine cycling destination for young and old. You will find some 2,000 kilometers of cycling fun and eight long-distance routes.
• The Vélodyssée
  One of the most famous is the Vélodyssée. This giant takes you 860 kilometers along the French Atlantic coast, all the way from Roscoff in Brittany to the Franco-Spanish border.

4. Cycling in the south of France

The Rhône splits the south of France in two. With Provence on one side and Languedoc-Rousillon and the Pyrenees on the other. Thanks to its warm summers and mild winters, this part of France is popular with cyclists who like to soak up the sun or go for a ride in early spring and late fall. From rugged mountain peaks to deep blue seawater, from Mediterranean vegetation to marshes, the natural beauty is multifaceted. But cities like Marseille, Nice, Cannes, Avignon, Montpellier, Perpignan and Toulouse are also well worth your visit.

• Provence
  If the phrase "like God in France" applies anywhere, it's in Provence. Hop on your bicycle or mountain bike and tour along past vineyards, fragrant lavender fields, olive groves and picturesque villages. There are numerous cycling routes suitable for both the novice and experienced cyclist.
• Languedoc-Roussillon
  Cycling in Cathar country. Several marked bicycle and mountain bike routes make Languedoc-Roussillon a fine cycling destination. You cycle on quiet roads in a flat to mountainous landscape. The closer you get to the Pyrenees, the spicier it gets.
• Pyrenees
  Want to experience what it feels like to conquer a col from the Tour de France? Then the French Pyrenees is the place to be for cycling enthusiasts. The area is particularly popular with cyclists, mountain bikers and sportive cyclists because of its high peaks, beautiful views and beautiful nature. Keep in mind that on the higher cols there can still be snow from November to May.
• Via Rhôna
  Cycle from Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea on the 815 km long Via Rhôna. This long distance route is mostly flat and occasionally slightly inclined, making it suitable for any level of cyclist.

5. Cycling in central France

Where can you find the peace and romance of the French countryside? In the green heart of France. In Burgundy and Dordogne you cycle past vast vineyards, in the Loire region you visit ancient castles and dormant volcanoes adorn the landscape of Auvergne. For a dose of culture, visit the cities of Lyon, Troyes, Langres, Tours, Dijon and Orleans.

• Bourgogne
  In charming Burgundy you can do great cycling. In the hills of the Morvan, for example, you can take adventurous rides on your mountain bike. Or how about a cycling tour along all the beauty of Burgundy with the 800 kilometer long Tour Du Bourgogne? Cycling in Burgundy is fun for everyone. And don't forget to stop every now and then at one of the many castles, cozy villages or wine cellars and enjoy the pleasures of Burgundy life.
• Dordogne
  Superb nature can be found in the popular Dordogne. While cycling you will enjoy the rolling landscape, the fields full of sunflowers, vineyards, forests and castles. Your taste buds won't be short of anything either, as the Dordogne is known for its gastronomic delights.
• Auvergne
  Auvergne is part of the Massif Central. The landscape of dormant volcanoes, crater lakes and green rolling hills invite you to cycle on deserted country roads. Along the way you will enjoy charming farming villages, medieval castles and Romanesque churches. Whether you are a recreational cyclist, want to cycle leisurely with your family or prefer a sporty cycling trip, the Auvergne has it all.
• Val de Loire
  The beautiful Loire region is best discovered by bicycle! One of the most famous cycling routes is the 900 kilometer long La Loire à Vélo where you follow the Loire and cycle from castle to castle.

source: Oppad.com