Want to embark on your first cycling adventure but unsure where to start? Begin with the EuroVelo network.
EuroVelo is a cycling network spanning over 90,000 km, connecting nations and regions across Europe. Managed by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), it includes 17 long-distance routes covering nearly the entire continent, allowing cyclists to explore historical cities, natural landscapes, and cultural sites. Designed to accommodate both seasoned and novice cyclists, these routes offer a sustainable and leisurely way to discover Europe.
Tips for your first EuroVelo adventure
For those new to EuroVelo routes, proper planning is essential. Fortunately, EuroVelo provides a range of helpful tips to assist beginners in choosing the perfect weekend segment, making travel arrangements easier with targeted suggestions on the most scenic and beginner-friendly sections.
How to choose the right route
Opting for a EuroVelo itinerary is a winning choice for your first bike trip. This network is not just a series of bike paths; it’s a high-quality option designed for cyclists of all levels. The EuroVelo website is an invaluable resource, with detailed information on each route, including services available along the way. With the route planner, you can find specifics such as elevation, length, and estimated travel times, helping you select the ideal route to fit your needs.
Beyond the cycling experience, EuroVelo routes offer the chance for a real adventure, with natural, cultural, and culinary points of interest, including UNESCO heritage sites and rest stops, clearly marked and easy to locate. For ease of navigation, GPX files are available for download, so all necessary information is at hand on your device.
Dividing up the route
A good way to begin is by dividing the chosen route into manageable stages, especially for a weekend. Selecting sections that match your physical abilities and allow time to explore along the way is key. There’s no need to rush; take the time to enjoy the scenery and stops.
For beginners, it’s recommended to keep daily distances to 50 km on flat terrain. For hillier routes, shorter distances and additional rest are advisable.
EuroVelo’s color-coded legend makes navigation easier. For a first-time trip, green routes (like EuroVelo 15 – The Rhine Route), which guarantee high quality, or yellow routes, indicating well-developed and marked sections, are recommended. Currently, 66% of the network is completed, so it’s easy to find a safe and well-organized section.
Three suggested routes for beginners
Here are three EuroVelo sections perfect for a beginner’s cycling mini-vacation.
EuroVelo 1 – The Atlantic Route in France
La Vélodyssée, part of EuroVelo 1, is an excellent choice for those seeking a well-marked route. With 80% of the path free from car traffic, it offers breathtaking views of the French Atlantic coast—ideal for a relaxing weekend of scenic and satisfying rides.
EuroVelo 6 – From the Atlantic to the Black Sea
The stretch along the Danube is one of the most famous and beloved routes in the EuroVelo network. This route follows Europe’s second-longest river and passes through iconic cities like Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. With numerous campsites, shops, and rest stops along the way, it’s perfect for travelers looking for a secure and comfortable ride.
EuroVelo 8 – The Mediterranean Route
From Perpignan to Manosque in France, you can travel through tranquil waterscapes, pine forests, and ponds. Following the Canal de la Robine, you’ll encounter the Fonseranes locks, a remarkable set of nine locks on the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.
Further along the coast, you can explore the wild beauty of the Camargue, where horses and bulls roam freely.
EuroVelo 8 also extends into Italy, where easygoing segments along the Po River make for a perfect first cycling trip. In Emilia and the peaceful sections near Lodi, you’ll find authentic, traffic-free cycle paths that stretch for kilometers.
