Veloroutes 2023: Which bike routes to ride in France?

The national véloroute scheme provides an update and a new, more readable map of the available routes in France for cycling.

Cycling has seen strong growth in cities in recent years, and the infrastructure has also improved, though there is still progress to be made. But outside urban areas, the practice doesn’t evolve as quickly, due to a lack of dedicated bike paths and lanes. To better inform cyclists, Vélo & Territoires has published a new véloroute map for 2023.

+465 km of véloroutes in France

Véloroutes are the equivalent of departmental or national roads for bicycles. They are used both for daily commuting and for cycling tourism, as an alternative to cars or trains. They are categorized into national véloroutes (e.g., V80) and EuroVelo routes (EV1).

For the 2023 edition, after three years of updates, the organization added 465 km to the national network. The new routes are as follows:

• New véloroute V95 (225 km), between Sables-d’Olonne (85) and Bressuire (79);
• Extension of V92 (+110 km southeast) between Île-d’Aix (17) and Sarlat-la-Canéda (24);
• Extension of V93 (+240 km west) between Royère-de-Vassivière (23) and Saint-Nazaire (44);
• Extensions of V94 (+100 km west and 180 km east), between Bourges (18) and La Rochelle (17).

“These new route sections total 855 km, with a part (390 km) overlapping existing routes listed in the SNV [National Véloroute Scheme]” clarifies Vélo & Territoires, explaining the addition of only 465 km.

26,115 km of current and future véloroutes

More than just an update, Vélo & Territoires has completely redesigned the véloroute map for 2023. More legible and resembling a metro map of the whole country, it will improve communication with the general public and promote cycling tourism. The map includes usable véloroutes, as well as ongoing work and projects planned for the next three years. The interconnections are also clearer on the routes.

This means that 26,115 km of véloroutes should make cycling in France easier. However, Vélo & Territoires adds that “the cartographic distances […] are no longer exact”, but they are indicated at the bottom of the map with their respective progress rates.

Happy cycling!

Also read: Bike lanes and bike parking: where is your region located?