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With thousands of kilometres of well-maintained cycle paths, Europe is the perfect playground for cycling enthusiasts and environmentally conscious travellers. Teritoria revisits the appeal of cycling travel and suggests some charming cycling itineraries in Europe for a two-wheeled getaway across the continent.

Cycling in Europe: some major advantages

©Istock – Uwe Moser

Just like travelling by train, choosing the bicycle as a means of transport contributes to sustainable and eco-friendly tourism. It is a green way to cover both short and long distances while minimising your carbon footprint. Cycling in Europe is more than just a tourist activity, it is also a resposible travel choice.

As you pedal through the cobbled streets of medieval towns, along winding rivers and over majestic mountain passes, you connect directly with diverse landscapes and local communities.

Cycling also gives you the freedom to explore places that are hard to reach by car or public transport. This mode of transport let’s you get off the beaten track and escape the overly touristy places, that often lack authenticity. Beyond the physical benefits, travelling by bike allows you to be present, to slow down, to stop spontaneously and take in the view, taste local specialities, or interact with locals, hosts, and restaurateurs. It’s a form of slow tourism, where you take the time to appreciate every moment, every place and every culture.

Cycling in Europe: a variety of itineraries

To offer you these itineraries, Teritoria drew in particular on the EuroVelo network, made up of 17 long-distance cycling routes that weave connections across all of Europe. They are designed to be explored by both cycle tourists travelling long distances and local residents on their daily journeys.

Cycling itinerary from Paris to the Atlantic coast via the Loire (France)

© Istock – venemama

Follow the pilgrims’ cycle route, then continue along EuroVelo 6, which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea. Begin your journey in Paris, the City of Light, and cycle along the majestic Loire to the Atlantic Ocean. Ride past picturesque castles, renowned vineyards and charming villages. This route offers a glimpse into the history of France, with opportunities to taste world-renowned wines and savour the local cuisine. End your journey at the Loire estuary, where the river meets the ocean.

Cycling itinerary from Geneva to Nice through the Alps (Switzerland-France)

©Istock – Uwe Moser

Follow the Rhône cycle route and then the Mediterranean route. For mountain lovers, this itinerary offers an unforgettable experience. Start in Geneva, cross the iconic passes of the French Alps, such as the Col du Galibier and the Col du Lautaret, and finish by following the Mediterranean coast to arrive in Nice on the Côte d’Azur. This journey will take you through spectacular landscapes, picturesque Alpine villages and thrilling descents.

Cycling itinerary from Bayonne to León through the Pyrenees (France-Spain)

©Istock – Alba Boix

Follow the Atlantic Coast Cycle Route, then continue along the Pilgrims’ Cycle Route. This itinerary will takes you from France to Spain, from the French Basque Country to León, the capital of one of the nine provinces of the autonomous community of Castile and León. Discover the richness of the Atlantic coastline and cycle through green valleys, cross the Pyrenees and enjoy the charm of these unique regions.

Cycling itinerary from Tuscany to Puglia (Italy)

©Istock – SurkovDimitri

For a memorable Italian experience, the Via Romea cycle route takes you from Tuscany to the charming town of Brindisi in Puglia, passing through Rome. In medieval Europe, this route was a pilgrimage trail to Rome and Jerusalem via the port of Brindisi. This route offers a journey through history, but also a variety of landscapes and picturesque villages for a total immersion in authentic Italian culture.

Cycling itinerary from Hamburg to Prague (Germany and Czech Republic)

© Istock – MikePax

Explore the Elbe Cycle Route. This cycle path follows the course of the River Elbe through Germany and the Czech Republic. Start your journey in Hamburg and cycle through picturesque river landscapes, medieval castles and historic cities such as Dresden. End your trip in Prague, the city of a hundred spires.

In addition to offering an intimate and sustainable way to discover a region, a cycling trip is always a unique, immersive and enriching experience. Routes across Europe offer a diversity of natural landscapes, cultural heritage and authentic experiences that everyone will enjoy! Whether you prefer mountains, rivers, coastlines or historic towns, there is a cycling route in Europe to suit your tastes!

To ensure that this trip turns into an authentic exploration, offering genuine encounters and a deep immersion in the regions you travel through, the hosts and restaurateurs carefully selected by Teritoria will welcome you with enthusiasm, proud to introduce you to the riches of their region. Their commitment to eco-responsibility is also perfectly in line with the philosophy of eco-friendly cycling travel.

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To offer your loved ones an unforgettable and lasting experience during their cycling trips in Europe, visit our gift shop.

By Nadia Hamam

It was in 2006, on the occasion of the Winter Olympics in Turin, that the destination revealed all its treasures. The most discerning travellers discovered its stone monuments. Those of nature, first of all: the reliefs of the Italian Alps, such as Monte Rosa and Monte Viso, where Italyʼs longest river, the Po, rises. And those of culture, spread across villages and towns, starting with the epicenter of the region: Turin.

Turin, a hub of art and culture

Long perceived as an industrial city dominated by the mobile car manufacturer Fiat, the beating heart of Piedmont has nothing to envy the great Italian cities.

Elegant and eclectic, the country’s first historic capital is a priceless gem.

Explore its historic center on foot, dominated by the 167-metre-high Mole Antonelliana, which offers a unique panorama from its 85-metre-high balcony. Designed by Baroque architects, the long avenues thread luxury boutiques, authentic cafés and cultural hotspots under majestic arcades. Piazza Castello is home to the Palazzo Madama and the Palazzo Reale, once the principal residence of the Savoy royal family.

The Castello del Valentino, another residence of the kings of Savoy, and the Borgo Medievale, a historical reconstruction inspired by various castles in Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta, take pride of place in the immense Parco del Valentino. This lung of greenery along the River Po is the perfect rendezvous for lovers.

In the Piazza San Carlo, you can play the game of seven differences in front of the Baroque churches of San Carlo and Santa Cristina: true false twins! Soccer fans take note: Juventus tifosis come here to celebrate victory.

F1 fans? Take a detour to Turin’s famous national mobile car museum. The city, with its natural creative energy, boasts some 50 museums, including the imposing Musei Reali (Royal Museums), Fondazione Torino Musei (GAM – modern and contemporary art gallery), MAO (Oriental Art Museum) and Palazzo Madama.

Art towns, charming villages and listed landscapes

Alessandria, Asti, Biella, Cuneo, Novara, Vercelli, Verbania… The refinement of Piedmont’s art towns knows no bounds. The small villages have nothing to envy them: there are twenty “ Most Beautiful Villages in Italy ” in Piedmont! Special mention goes to Roddi, with its most picturesque square, and Cherasco, with its star-shaped ramparts.

Outside the walls, the valleys are home to Romanesque treasures such as abbeys, fortresses, cathedrals and presbyteries. In Cuneo, the sanctuary of Vicoforte houses the largest elliptical dome in the world. Following in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims, a network of paths converges on the sacred mountains of Piedmont (Belmonte, Crea, Domodossola, Ghiffa, Oropa, Orta and Varallo), which are listed as World Heritage Sites. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, these architectural microcosms were created as places of prayer as an alternative to the Holy Land. Not to be missed, at the top of Mount Pirchiriano: the Sacra di San Michele abbey, immortalized in Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose.

Birthplace of the Slow Food movement

Piedmont is a destination that can be enjoyed as much as it can be visited! Turin is the birthplace of vermouth and aperitif, gianduja and artisanal ice cream. From one street to the next, it’s great to sip a caffè, a bicerin (a blend of coffee and chocolate) or nibble an apericena (literally the aperitif-dinner drink), typically Turinese. At the Lavazza Museum, which tells the story of the country’s largest coffee manufacturer, you can taste freshly ground black beans in expert mode.

The region is also renowned for its IGP chocolate and hazelnuts, meats and rice varieties, artisan cheeses and, of course, dʼAlba white truffles. It’s no coincidence that the Slow Food movement was born here. A trip to Piedmont also includes UNESCO-listed wine-growing landscapes such as the Langhe and Roero. An opportunity to meet passionate producers, and taste excellent reds (Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo…) and the most distinguished whites (Erbaluce, Gavi, Arneis…).

The power of nature

Many artists have tried to capture the wild beauty of Piedmont’s landscapes. A skilful blend of rice paddies and lakes, hills and peaks that outdoor sports enthusiasts will embrace wholeheartedly. With 2 national parks and 77 parks and nature reserves, there’s plenty to do! In autumn, you can explore the 20,000 km of roads with their strong military, spiritual and commercial history by bike or motorcycle.

Wonderful cycle paths, ideal for families, gently follow the course of the River Po. Hardened mountain bikers will prefer the banks of the Sesia. In winter, when the Alps are dressed in white, it’s time for great skiing! 1,350 km of slopes, 50 ski resorts and 300 ski lifts guarantee a thrill on the slopes, punctuated by gourmet delights: excellent cuisine in hotels and refuges alike. The pristine landscapes of the Ossola in particular are a veritable paradise for skiers, snowboarders and freeriders, but also for walkers, alone, with family or friends, in search of charm and mountain villages. Sledging, climbing, ice-climbing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing… Piedmont has it all!

Getting there

Turin can be reached without takin off:

By train, thanks to the Paris-Milan TGV line. The line also serves Chambéry to connect with other lines, or from Nice with a connection in Ventimiglia.

By bus, either on the Flixbus Paris-Rome or Barcelona-Venise routes, which provide connections to the cities of Lyon, Montpellier, Grenoble, Nîmes or Châlon-sur-Saône. Or thanks to the Blablabus Paris-Turin lines, which provide connections to Lyon or Chambéry and Paris-Milan.

For further information, visit VISITPIEMONTE.COM

Our nearby addresses

Corte Realdi Torino – In the heart of Turin, this warm and elegant address offers seven magnificent rooms for living the palace life in the magnificent Palazzo Negri. Ideally located on Piazza Castello, it’s a short walk from the best of Turin. A must.

PIAZZA CASTELLO, 153,
10121 TURIN
TEL : +39 392 237 2036

Relais Il Nazionale – For five generations, the Macario family has welcomed guests to their home between the sea and the mountains. Spacious rooms, breathtaking views, cuisine that sings the praises of Alpine terroir, an exceptional spa and solarium… A soothing moment of reconnection with nature.

STRADA STATALE 20, 14,
12019 VERNANTE CN
TEL : +39 017 192 0181

Cascina Era Wellness Relais – Opposite the castle of La Rocchetta, this hotel-restaurant is the result of a contemporary renovation of former stables. The 23 suites, some with sauna and whirlpool bath, offer exclusive comfort and privacy.
VIA CASALE, 5,
13876 SANDIGLIANO BI
TEL : +39 015 249 3222

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Where to go for Christmas? Teritoria takes you to magical destinations for a memorable stay in France or Europe… Just a short train ride away!

A Christmas Getaway in France

There’s no need to travel far to enjoy the magic of Christmas! France is brimming with picturesque and grand destinations just a few hours away by train or carpool.

Strasbourg, the Christmas capital

Strasbourg, dubbed as “The Christmas Capital“,is a dream destination to experience the enchantment of the holiday season. The picturesque streets of the old town are adorned with glowing decorations, and its Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe, is a real enchantment. If you’re spending the holidays in Strasbourg, the cathedral market is a must-see, along with boat tours held on the Ill River to admire the festive lights!

Colmar, a Different Kind of Alsatian Christmas

For a more intimate Alsatian Christmas away from the crowds, head to Colmar! This charming town boasts no fewer than 6 distinct markets, each with its own special theme. These include the Gourmet Christmas Market at the Cathedral Square, where chefs offer tastings, the Craftsmen’s Christmas market and the Children’s Christmas market, dedicated to kids.

Paris, at the Heart of the Festivities

France’s capital dresses in its finest attire during the festive season. Streets and monuments light up, and department stores ompete to create the most breathtaking window displays. You’ll also discover a wide range of Christmas markets: from the most traditional one on the Champs Élysées to more unique options like the Japanese or the African markets and even an eco-friendly and solidarity market!

Lyon, the City of Lights

Lyon, often called the “City of Lights“, shines brightly during the Christmas season. Its famous Fête des Lumières (or Festival of Lights) in early December offers a breathtaking display, with residents placing traditional candles in their windows and many visual and interactive shows illuminating the city’s buildings and streets. While you’re there, explore the charming Christmas markets, savor a Lyon-style praline brioche, and wander through the picturesque streets of the old town.

A Christmas Getaway in Europe

Where to go for a Christmas holiday in Europe? Major European cities are known for their festive flair, where the magic of Christmas can be felt on every street corner. Take advantage of a few vacation days to travel by train and enjoy a truly memorable Christmas!

Naples, the Land of Exceptional Nativity Scenes

Naples offers an authentic and heart-warming experience during the holiday season. The narrow streets of its historic center are beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and festive ornaments, creating a captivating atmosphere. By visiting the numerous churches of the city you will be able to see the world-renowned neapolitan nativity scenes, showcasing the city’s rich artisanal traditionVisitors can also partake in the traditional “Festa della Befana” on January 6th, celebrating Epiphany and marking the joyful conclusion of the Christmas festivities.

Rome, the Eternal City Aglow

During Christmas, Rome transforms into a magical wonderland, with its streets adorned in festive lights, vibrant Christmas markets, and historic churches celebrating Midnight Mass. St. Peter’s Square dazzles with a majestic Christmas tree and a beautifully crafted nativity scene. Strolling through the festively lit city center, sampling Italian delicacies and taking part in religious celebrations make Rome an unforgettable holiday destination for winter.

Bruges, the Romantic City

Bruges, often called the “Venice of the North“, is famous for its romantic charm, colourful houses, canals and medieval architecture. During the Christmas season, the city becomes even more magical, with its pedestrian streets adorned with festive decorations, charming Christmas markets, and beautifully illuminated gardens! A horse-drawn carriage ride along the twinkling canals offers an unforgettable experience, perfect for couples and families alike.

Prague, a Medieval Charm

Prague is an enchanting city year-round, but at Christmas, it takes on a special atmosphere. Its medieval setting, featuring landmarks like the astronomical clock and Gothic church, provide a captivating backdrop for the festive season. The bustling Christmas market in the Old Town Square becomes the heart of the celebrations. Here, you can savor local specialties such as the sweet pastry, trdelník, and find unique handcrafted gifts!

Conclusion

Teritoria is a community of hoteliers and restaurateurs across France and Europe, committed to making every journey a sincere and sustainable experience, all while sharing the same sense of hospitality and generosity. Visit our website or guide to discover our finest destinations and prepare for an unforgettable and sustainable Christmas getaway!

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To offer an unforgettable and sustainable experience to your loved ones this Christmas, visit our gift shop and find the perfect gift box! The person you’re giving it to will have the freedom to choose from our extensive selection of establishments to enjoy an authentic experience. Last-minute surprise? Opt for the digital version! Want to contribute to a loved one’s holiday gift? You can also create a fund directly from our website. And don’t forget to add the finishing touch by personalizing your gift card!

Between steep cliffs, secret coves, and long stretches of fine sand, every corner of Brittany offers a new wonder to discover. Let’s dive into the hidden treasures of Brittany beaches, perfect for a seaside getaway.

Étang Beach

Étang Beach, located in the Finistère department, is a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful, unspoilt escape. Nestled between dunes and ponds, it’s the perfect place to recharge away from the crowds.

The calm, crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, while the surrounding dunes offer a serene setting for quiet walks. This spot is also popular with birdwatchers, thanks to its rich and varied wildlife.

Porteau Beach

Located in Pornic, Porteau Beach charms visitors with its intimate, picturesque setting. This small cove, bordered by rocks and lush vegetation, is a peaceful haven ideal for relaxation.

At low tide, the natural pools formed by the rocks become a perfect playground for children, while adults can enjoy the sun on the golden sand. The clear waters are ideal for snorkelling, offering breathtaking views of the local marine life.

Sablons Beach

Plage des Sablons in Saint-Malo is a must-visit destination for sea lovers. This wide sandy beach is perfect for family activities, offering plenty of space for beach volleyball, sandcastles, and other seaside games.

Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy surfing, kitesurfing, and sailing, thanks to favourable wind conditions. As the day winds down, don’t miss a stroll along the promenade that borders the beach, the perfect spot to catch a breathtaking sunset.

Cult Classic: Pornic Pottery, a Breakfast Table Icon

Insert by Laurence Gounel for lifestyle magazine Teritoria, le Mag

Who hasn’t received a bowl with their name on it? With 22 million copies produced since its creation, the Petit Breton with blue ears for handles has earned its place in French heritage. In 2021, it broke records with 87,000 pieces sold. And each one bears the same signature: the name of its owner, painted in the calligraphic style pioneered by Raymond Cordier, then workshop manager in 1950, alongside two small, naive figures outlined in black and frozen amid the vegetation.

Although the company has been producing decorative earthenware since 1946, it has been adapting to baby name trends for 70 years, with 3,809 different names and 2,036 unique ones (ordered only once). It’s such a reliable barometer of naming trends that the company’s website even offers a PDF of the top 500 names…

And while the tableware range has expanded, notably with the tart dish inspired by the decorators’ dividing tray (available in around a hundred designs), it’s the personalised name bowl that remains the company’s enduring success. Founded by Alsatians, the company is now firmly rooted in Brittany.

Bernard Serraz, a graduate of the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, is undoubtedly one of the key figures behind this French success story. Arriving from the Niderviller pottery, the founders’ parent company, he was responsible for setting up the Pornic factory in 1947 and running it until 1981, the year he retired. After a brief period of decline, Jules Wagner from Luxembourg (formerly of Villeroy & Boch) purchased the factory and renamed it La Faïencerie de Pornic.

They even market this savoir-faire in the United States under the French Heritage label. Since 2003, new owner Pierre Woda has been breathing new life into the company, inviting French and international artists and designers to reinterpret this instantly recognisable hand-painted earthenware. Each artist brings a unique style, but all share a common thread: illustrations that pay homage to Brittany.

Conclusion

Brittany is a region brimming with beaches, each more beautiful than the last, and each with its own unique charm and character. Whether you’re seeking tranquillity, water sports, or family fun, Brittany’s beaches are sure to captivate you and leave you with unforgettable memories, all while giving you the chance to discover local crafts.

Stay up to date with our latest discoveries and travel tips by signing up for our newsletter. Looking to surprise your loved ones with a unique gift? Explore our gift shop and discover our gift boxes and gift cards valid in all Teritoria hotels and restaurants. Enjoy the magic of Brittany and all the wonders it has to offer!