La Véloscénie alternates between paved roads and greenways with compacted gravel surfaces. A hybrid bike, gravel bike, or trekking bike will allow you to ride comfortably across the entire route. Here's everything you need to know before choosing your bike.
Don't have a bike? Check out the list of bike hire companies along the route.
Road surface types on La Véloscénie
The route is divided evenly between:
- paved cycle paths and shared asphalt roads
- and greenways with "compacted gravel" or loose gravel surfaces
Greenways become increasingly common from Nogent-le-Rotrou onwards (in the Perche region) and throughout the Norman bocage. These smooth sections are not recommended for bikes with narrow tyres (under 25 mm) unless you're prepared for occasional puncture repairs!
For details about road types and surfaces on each stage of the route, see each stage.
Which bike should you choose?
✔️ Hybrid bikes, "trekking" bikes, and gravel bikes: These perform equally well on paved sections and greenways, and are designed to accommodate diverse cargo solutions (rear racks, bikepacking bags, etc.).
😐 Mountain bikes are a possible option if nothing else is available. They're heavier and not always equipped with mounting eyelets for a rear rack. They're also slightly less energy-efficient (our tip: slightly over-inflate your tyres to 3 bars instead of the recommended 2 bars).
❌ We don't recommend high-performance road bikes due to their fragility, poor comfort, and increased puncture risk.
✔️ However, road bikes with sturdier frames—such as touring bikes or certain vintage models can be excellent companions. We recommend equipping them with 25 mm tyres, or preferably 28–32 mm for added comfort.
What about handbikes, tandems, or trailers? Except for one short section where we recommend dismounting (the Chemin de la Butte aux Buis on the Versailles–Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse stage), the rest of the route poses no problems. Barrier gaps are wide enough. However, note that SNCF (French Railways) boarding rules officially prohibit these bike types onboard unless they can be disassembled.
Pre-trip checklist
Tips for a well-prepared bike
Rear racks with panniers or bikepacking bags?
A rear rack and side panniers suit you if:
- You have a limited budget for luggage
- You want flexibility to pack more without worrying too much about weight and need plenty of capacity
- You need to attach and detach bags frequently
- An extra 1 kg doesn't concern you
Bikepacking bags suit you if:
- You prefer to travel ultra-light with minimal luggage
- Your bike has no mounting eyelets for a rear rack
- You want to distribute weight evenly across your bike
- You'll invest in bags that can be used on mountain bikes or gravel bikes (perfect if you're planning other cycling tours! 😉)
Frequent Asked Questions
Do I need two pairs of panniers (front and rear)?
Not unless you're extending your trip beyond La Véloscénie for several weeks or months. For a typical week-long cycle tour on La Véloscénie, everything you need will comfortably fit in a single pair of standard panniers.
By the way, what should you pack for your La Véloscénie cycle tour? Check out our equipment and packing list to make sure you don't forget anything—and don't overpack!
Can trailers and handbikes pass greenway barriers?
The greenways are now designed to allow access for trailers, tandems, and handbikes.
Only a few spots may pose a challenge, and we've listed them on this map.
If you encounter any issues, feel free to send us a message at contact@veloscenie.com or leave a report. 📢