With spring comes the time to get back in the saddle and plan trips centred on two wheels and open-air adventures. We tempt you, then, with a few itineraries that lead you to discover different parts of Europe, suggesting five cycle routes that are "classic" and accessible to everyone. They can be ridden in their entirety over longer periods, or just in sections, with the idea of savouring a region in a different way and experiencing what might, for some, be their first cycling trip.

Choose the bike and set-up you prefer: e-bike or pedal-powered, hired locally or brought from home, with rear panniers, a tent for camping or a nimble bikepacking kit — whatever suits your needs. And first of all, let yourself be inspired!

The Loire cycle route, between nature and history

This cycle route is known in French as the Loire à Vélo. It winds for approximately 900 kilometres along the course of the Loire river, linking Cuffy (near Nevers) to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins on the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire Valley is recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site and offers an incredible wealth of points of interest for a journey in which the beauty of nature alternates with cultural richness.

The châteaux, cities such as Nantes, the villages and the food and wine heritage are all celebrated. Two elements make it particularly appealing for those who have decided to try a cycling trip for the first time, or for those travelling with family: the nature of the route and the services provided. The itinerary is essentially flat, runs along dedicated cycle paths and stretches of low-traffic road. It is also very well organised thanks to the services offered by the "Accueil Vélo" scheme, making it easy to find facilities equipped for cycle tourists, with information points, maintenance kits, parking areas, bike hire services and luggage transfer. Signage is well organised too, and for those who wish, there is the option of transporting a bike free of charge on specially equipped trains.

Via Verde Ojos Negros, along old railway tracks

Spain's Vías Verdes are routes created from disused old railway lines, now restored and dedicated exclusively to walkers and cyclists. They are generally flat routes that guarantee universal accessibility, suitable for people with reduced mobility too. There are around 120 of them across the country, covering a total of 2,900 kilometres.

The Via Verde Ojos Negros is the longest, crossing the region of Valencia and stretching for approximately 160 kilometres. The first section lies in the province of Teruel and follows the route of the Sierra Menera mining railway. Starting from the plateau of the Meseta Central, it reaches Barracas. From here the second section of the route begins, leading to Sagunto, on the shores of the Mediterranean. From there you can join another vía verde, the Vía Verde de Xurra, which covers just a few kilometres into the heart of the beautiful city of Valencia.

Viaducts, tunnels, bridges and protected natural areas will accompany you along the way, which we recommend riding from the interior towards the sea, so as to travel downhill. The total elevation drop is around 1,300 metres. Alongside the natural landscapes, there are villages with historic centres worth visiting. Teruel, for example, is considered the "city of Mudéjar" (architecture of Moorish influence) and is recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site for this reason. The famous black truffle is a typical product of this region.

From Paris to London

A captivating journey from capital to capital along the Avenue Verte, which sets off from the foot of Notre-Dame Cathedral before heading up through the enchanting north of France, crossing the Channel and continuing to London along the National Cycle Route.

The cycle route offers an interesting and varied journey, with the picturesque scenery of the countryside alternating with the urban environments of the two great cities. This greenway of approximately 400 kilometres was inaugurated in 2012 and immediately became an attraction for international cycle tourism. It is a well-signposted route with no significant gradients, making it suitable for families with children too. Accommodation along the way is good; it is easy to find facilities such as hotels, campsites and cafés to stop at.

Cycle routes not to miss: around Lake Constance

For lovers of lake settings, we recommend the cycle route around Lake Constance (Bodensee), a body of water nestled between Switzerland, Austria and Germany. It is the third largest lake in central Europe, with a perimeter totalling 280 kilometres.

The route is virtually flat and almost entirely paved, making it easily accessible even for families with children. More seasoned cyclists won't find it dull, because in addition to the lakeside cycle path, just a few kilometres away there are routes that climb into the hinterland, reaching for example the summit of Mount Pfänder. You ride through greenery, passing through small villages, historic towns, gardens and waterfalls such as those at Schaffhausen, for a holiday that combines cycling, culture and relaxation. Wines and craft beers will not be in short supply either. One thing to bear in mind: as this is a very popular tourist destination, it is advisable to book accommodation well in advance.

The Alpe Adria, between Italy and Austria

You set off from the Alps and arrive at the sea through breathtaking scenery, along a route that runs mostly along disused former railway lines and allows you to cycle in safety. This, in brief, is the Alpe Adria cycle route, which over 415 kilometres links Salzburg to Grado, on the Adriatic Sea.

The Ciclovia Alpe Adria Radweg project is not only an example of cross-border cooperation for the development of sustainable mobility, but has also received several awards for the beauty of the landscape and the organisation of cycle tourism services. It features some ascents and descents for a total elevation gain of around 5,800 metres and can be completed in eight stages. Accommodation and support services for cyclists are easy to find throughout.

Here the journey is all about culture, sport and gastronomy. As well as the magnificent Salzburg, you encounter the medieval town of Venzone, Gemona with its majestic cathedral, and Udine, with its Tiepolo masterpieces and traditional osterie, followed by Aquileia and Grado. There are countless museums, ancient villages and castles to visit along the way, as you pedal through greenery amid lakes, forests and mountains.

Cycle routes, a guide to European itineraries

If you are looking for further itineraries, we recommend the book In bicicletta. L'Europa a due ruote written by Monica Nanetti and published in 2021 by National Geographic. It is a guide bringing together the most evocative cycling routes in Europe, from the Camino de Santiago to the Norwegian canals, from the Via Francigena to the British Great North Trail. The volume offers a good overview of routes of varying length, duration and difficulty, presented through technical fact sheets and practical advice.