Loire Valley offers extraordinary cycle tourism vacations to tourists
In the heart of France, the scenic Loire Valley is not just a haven for history and culture enthusiasts, but also for cyclists seeking an immersive and eco-friendly adventure. The Loire à Vélo route, France's oldest and most structured cycling path, is playing a significant role in the surge of cycling tourism, contributing to the country's goal of becoming the world's leading destination for cycling tourism by 2030.
The Loire à Vélo, part of France’s expanding network of iconic cycling paths, offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and eco-friendliness. This route, perfectly signposted and almost dedicated to cyclists, connects tourists with historic villages, castles, vineyards, and UNESCO sites.
The economic benefits from cycling tourism are substantial. The Loire à Vélo alone contributes approximately 55 million euros to the local economy, supporting a variety of businesses such as cycle campsites, workshops, accommodations adapted for cyclists, gastronomy, and local artisan ventures.
Philippe Coupy, a French specialist in cycling tourism, wrote the first guide for the Loire à Vélo 20 years ago. Today, the number of cycling leisure activities has significantly increased, with businesses like "Les Vélos Verts" expanding rapidly. Pierre Lambin's "Les Vélos Verts" warehouse, which started with a dozen bikes, now has 150, a testament to the growing demand for cycling tourism.
In Blois, tourists flock to the "Les Vélos Verts" rental shop, just two steps from the train station. Business owners in the region are also getting in on the action, such as Virginie Bernard's campsite partnering with a bike provider. This partnership allows cyclists to start their journey seamlessly, with bikes delivered for free to the campsite.
The rise in cycling tourism is driven by strong market growth, cultural and natural appeal, infrastructure enhancements, and a rising demand for sustainable travel. This growth brings notable economic benefits, contributing billions and supporting rural and heritage-rich regions along the route.
The Loire Valley is not the only region experiencing this boom. France offers 20,000 km of cycling routes, and the number of cycling tourists visiting the region each year has doubled over the past decade, with more than 2 million tourists now visiting annually.
The success of the Loire à Vélo is also attracting new businesses. For instance, Valentin Dupuy, the owner of the restaurant "Fou d'Loire," saw the opportunity to transform an abandoned place due to the proximity with the Loire. His restaurant, which opened three years ago near the Loire à Vélo track in Chaumont-sur-Loire, is now a popular stop for cyclists.
As France continues to invest in cycling infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism, the future of cycling tourism looks bright. With the market projected to reach USD 21.36 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.9% from 2025 to 2033, it's clear that France is on track to achieve its goal of becoming the world's leading destination for cycling tourism by 2030.
Cycling tourists exploring the Loire Valley can also enjoy a unique 'home-and-garden' experience at Valentin Dupuy's restaurant, "Fou d'Loire," located near the Loire à Vélo track in Chaumont-sur-Loire, which offers a popular stop for cyclists. Furthermore, the growing demand for cycling tourism is not confined to the Loire Valley alone; France's extensive network of cycling routes, including those focusing on 'sports,' 'travel,' 'culture,' and 'history,' attracts an increasing number of tourists, contributing significantly to the country's 'lifestyle' sector and economy.
