France is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts, with picturesque landscapes and a network of cycling trails. Buycycle, the European leader in the high-end used bicycle market, has revealed the must-visit destinations for cycling in 2024, considering factors such as the length of the cycling trails, terrain, availability of bicycle shops, bike-sharing stations, and the overall experience for cyclists.
To conduct the study, eight factors were used to rank the cities, providing a total score out of 8. From the density of bike-sharing stations to weather conditions, every detail was taken into account to guide cyclists across France.
Paris stands out with an impressive network of 20,131 cycling routes, 185 bicycle shops, and 127 bike-sharing stations. The overall cycling atmosphere is rated at 3.33, making the city welcoming for both beginners and experts.
In second place, Lyon offers 3,729 cycling routes, 132 bicycle shops, and 178 bike-sharing stations. The cyclists’ experience, rated at 3.51, confirms the city’s friendliness for bike enthusiasts. Strasbourg closes the podium with a remarkably high cycling atmosphere, rated at 4.18. The city offers 3,059 cycling routes and has one of the lowest air pollution indices among the 40 destinations studied.
For new cyclists seeking a friendly atmosphere, Lille (197 bike-sharing stations) and Toulouse (171) are smart choices. For those seeking challenging terrain, Saint-Paul (2,597) and Saint-Étienne (906) promise thrilling rides. Long-distance cycling enthusiasts will find their happiness in Paris (972,548) or Nantes (371,561).
So, cyclists in Paris, do you agree?
Read also: The most beautiful bike rides in Paris and the Paris region!
