June is still spring, with its flowers and fresh new leaves, yet summer is already here, with its long, sunny days: the ideal time to head out for a bike ride! Enjoy quiet cycle paths and roads, and leisurely visits to castles. Here are a few suggestions for cycling trips, some a little less well known, all wonderful.
From Rothenburg to the Danube, following the Altmühl
This is one of Germany’s favourite cycling routes, along the Romantic Road. It is simply magnificent. The terrain? An immaculate, paved cycle path that is easy to ride. The scenery? The landscapes of Franconia: first the lush lake district, then the deeply carved rock formations of the Franconian Jura, all the way to the Danube and its gorges. The heritage? Incredibly well-preserved medieval towns and villages, starting with Rothenburg, fortified castles and Kelheim Abbey. The food? Wonderfully indulgent in Franconia. Add excellent hotels and easy transport connections, and everything is in place for a perfect holiday. You can even continue with trips along the Danube.
View of Innsalzach and Burghausen
The tour of the eleven Frisian towns
In the far north of the Netherlands, discover the beautiful province of Friesland by following the canals that connect 11 towns and, in winter, form a race route on natural ice unlike any other in the world. Vast stretches of water, forests and nature reserves, lush green meadows, coastal stretches with views of the IJsselmeer and the Frisian Islands, as well as history and a rich heritage: there is so much to inspire wonder and capture your imagination!
The Frisian Islands in the Netherlands
The Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara
At the far western edge of the Connemara coast, this route takes you through some of the coast’s most remote and wildest landscapes, including some of its most mountainous areas. Short daily stages allow you to take your time and fully enjoy the natural surroundings, beaches, Ireland’s only fjord and charming little harbours. A day and a night on the delightful island of Inishbofin is a rare experience…
Clifden Castle in Connemara
Not decided yet? Let us keep in touch.
A route idea, a seasonal tip, a date that opens up: one letter a week, written by the advisors who design the trips.
Your weekly dose of travel inspiration.
Cycling the Alsace Wine Route
And its geraniums! While Austria is renowned for its floral displays, Alsace goes one better, offering a magnificent cycling route full of colour. The medieval villages with their half-timbered houses are beautiful, vineyards producing grand cru wines generously cover the hillsides, the lovely cities of Colmar and Strasbourg are a joy to explore by bike, the food is excellent, and the route follows easy-riding paths and quiet roads.
Cycling through the vineyards of Andlau
La Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royan
La Vélodyssée south of the Loire begins here, bringing with it the gentle charm of the Atlantic coast! The beautiful city of Nantes welcomes you; the majestic Loire, with a touch of wildness, guides you to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins and the Jade Coast. All the way to Royan, through the Vendée and the Charentes, a succession of rugged rocky coastline, vast sandy beaches, salt marshes, oyster beds, dunes and harbours awaits along an outstanding cycle path… Pornic, Les Sables-d’Olonne, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, La Rochelle, Noirmoutier, Marennes-Oléron, Ré: names that evoke holidays, as well as a thriving way of life centred on the sea. Ask us to add an extra night at some stops so you can make the most of the Atlantic islands. Personally, this is my favourite route…
Cyclists on the Jacobsen jetty in Noirmoutier © Jean-Claude Praire
From Lisbon to the Algarve: a fabulous coastline
From the banks of the Tagus to Cape St Vincent and then Sagres, in the Algarve, the route (not entirely flat!) follows the Alentejo coast, one of Portugal’s most beautiful coastlines. You pass through parks and nature reserves, hills planted with pines and holm oaks, and deserted plateaus. You see why the vast sandy beaches backed by cliffs are renowned surfing spots. You watch the sunsets while enjoying a meal in one of the harbours or whitewashed villages. And you find yourself thinking that this really is a wonderful journey.
Cycling trip from Lisbon to the Algarve
Did you enjoy this story? Explore all our cycling trips.
