Mountain biking in France: 5 spots from the locals

France is a true paradise for mountain bikers. Between volcanic landscapes, alpine peaks and endless flow trails, you’ll find spots that turn every adventure into something bigger.

And this is exactly where the perfect mountain bike road trip begins: waking up in the morning with a view of the mountains, heading straight from the Camper Van onto the trail, and ending the day somewhere between lakes, forests and mountain summits.

Our Adventure Crew member Valentin Anouilh knows France’s bike spots like few others – and shows you his five personal favorites.

Content:

1. Cantal Department: biking on a volcano: long, natural enduro trails and very few crowds

Located in the heart of the Auvergne, Cantal was shaped by the forces of nature –first by eruptions from Europe’s largest stratovolcano millions of years ago, and later by the movement of glaciers. This created a sensationally beautiful, bizarre landscape with valleys branching out like stars around the pyramid of Puy Mary (1,787 m). So you get a massive volcanic playground to ride with perfect loam and a truly wild riding experience. For me, it is the ultimate insider tip for any rider seeking solitude in a unique natural setting.

Don’t Miss:
Local cheeses like Cantal and Salers. There is also excellent craft beer. And the view from Puy Mary, especially at sunset, is iconic.

Camping & road trip tip:
Cantal is perfect for vanlife, offering quiet spots and small campsites surrounded by nature.

2. La Grave : raw, alpine enduro from glacier to village

La Grave has just 500 inhabitants and sits at 1,500 meters at the foot of the Meije Massif, right on the border between the Northern and Southern Alps. Here, life is lived in stone houses and narrow alleys, and you can feel how the high-alpine environment shapes every aspect of daily life. To me, it is one of the most iconic mountain bike experiences in Europe. Where else can you descend 1,800 vertical meters in one go through varying climate zones? This is bike sport in its purest form.

Don’t Miss:
An après-ride drink at Refuge de Chancel or outdoors with a view of La Meije. And La Grave is also, of course, a top spot for hikers, mountaineers, and climbers.

Camping & road trip tip:
Campsites and van-friendly parking with a strong rider community.

3. Portes du Soleil: the ultimate bike park playground

Portes du Soleil is a border region where Haute-Savoie meets the Canton of Valais. A total of 12 resorts (including Morzine, Les Gets, and Avoriaz) unite to form one of the largest cross-border biking areas in the world. The 600 kilometres of trails offer a perfect mix of World Cup downhill tracks, flow trails, jumps, and technical lines. Everything is lift-accessible with just one ticket – an amazing infrastructure. You can bike from valley to valley all day without ever riding the same trail twice, all while keeping an eye on Mont Blanc.

Don’t Miss:
Great après-bike bars in Morzine and the generally vibrant summer scene with its many events and races.

Camping & road trip tip:
Fully equipped campsites and excellent infrastructure for camper travel.

4. Digne-les-Bains: ride on Mars - black waves of earth for a unique surf session

Digne-les-Bains is located in the centre of Europe’s largest UNESCO Geopark, Haute-Provence, marking the geographical transition from the Alps to Provence. The Terres Noires are dunes of black earth and they create an atmosphere that is hard to describe. You bike through a constant ebb and flow of dark marl formations and grey, compact, nearly vegetation-free limestone, all surrounded by views of vibrant green pine forests. There is also a modern bike park (EVO Bike Park)– all in all just an incredible destination.

Don’t Miss:
The relaxed vibes, the fine bakeries, and the Provencal sun.

Camping & road trip tip:
Easy van access with quiet natural spots and scenic campsites.

5. Loudenvielle : modern enduro and flow paradise

The setting is spectacular: located in the beautiful Vallée du Louron in the Central Pyrenees, Loudenvielle sits on the shores of Lac de Génos-Loudenvielle, which reflects the mighty surrounding peaks. For a long time, this mountain village was a secret tip, yet today it is a legendary downhill and enduro stop on the UCI Tour. The wild, pristine nature meets progressive, perfectly built tracks in the Peyragudes Bike Park. It’s just fantastic to have so much diverse riding within such a short distance.

Don’t Miss:
Chilling by the lake after a ride and enjoying the delicious local food – from sheep’s cheese to sweet cakes.

Camping & road trip tip:
There are several campsites in Loudenvielle itself, by the lake, or just across the water in Adervielle-Pouchergues.