Explore Europe by Bike: Cycling Itineraries for Eco-Friendly Travel

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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