Original post
Hi there,
We’re leaving from Montreal and planning to bike the Petit Train du Nord route.
Any ideas for loops so we don’t have to return the same way?
We’re thinking of a one-week trip.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Rachel
Bike Loop on the Petit Train du Nord (Quebec)
by Ruellera
Translated into English.
hi, this seems tricky since there aren’t any other trails nearby to get back.
Unless you ride on Route 117, the Laurentians one, but that’s really not recommended—lots of traffic and tons of narrow sections.
Hi there, happy to help!
To answer your question, yes, I know this route well—I practically know every section like the back of my hand 😉
I’ve done the trail multiple times on cross-country skis, on foot, snowshoes, and even by canoe when I lived in Quebec.
Accommodations in Lac-Saguay, Mont-Laurier, Labelle, L’Ascension, etc.
There’s an option to take a bus back from Mont-Laurier.
The best part of the return trip is that the trail is all downhill.
From Saint-Jérôme, start at the bus station
so what are you all planning to do? I checked Google Maps and I don’t see any alternative route.
Ouch, yeah, I doubt there are any accommodations all the way to Gatineau.
And the big downside is that I doubt there’s a bike path.
The Petit Train du Nord trail ends in Mont-Laurier
Hello,
We're leaving from Montreal and planning to bike the Petit Train du Nord route.
Any ideas for a loop to avoid coming back the same way?
We were thinking of a week-long trip.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Rachel
Hi Rachel, We’re Quebecers, bike travelers, and tandem cyclists. We live in Ste-Adèle in the Laurentians, which is a fantastic playground for biking—and for cross-country skiing during Quebec’s beautiful winters.
If you're up for a bit of a challenge and comfortable riding on quiet country roads, there are several lovely alternatives to complement the Petit Train du Nord and avoid a round trip. Here’s a first suggestion:
a.) Start in St-Jérôme at the bus station; follow the PTDN to Mont-Tremblant (94 km). If you prefer shorter stages, Mont-Rolland, Val-David, or Ste-Agathe are good options.
b.) Return along the Rouge River and then on the Corridor Aérobique, a forest bike path. Pass through the villages of La Conception (via PTDN), then toward Brébeuf along the river, Arundel (where you’ll join the Corridor Aérobique, continuing to its end in Morin Heights), Lac-à-la-Loutre, Huberdeau, Weir, Lac-des-Seize-Îles, Lac St-François, and Morin Heights. After Morin Heights, take Chemin du Village toward St-Sauveur to avoid the busy Route 364. You’ll rejoin the PTDN after the village and head back to St-Jérôme. This second leg totals 110 km and is hillier than the PTDN the day before, but still very pleasant and less crowded. Here’s the detailed route: https://www.openrunner.com/route-details/21166470
A second, longer suggestion would let you do the full PTDN to Mont-Laurier, then cross toward Ottawa through the Outaouais. We did this trip with our kids in 6 days of biking—a loop totaling 760 km from our former home in Beloeil, but it’d be shorter depending on whether you start from Montreal, Laval, or St-Jérôme.
https://www.openrunner.com/route-details/1548371 https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/Beloeil-Ottawa-Mont-Laurier
A third option is a hybrid of the two: go all the way to Mont-Tremblant on the PTDN, then return via the full Corridor Aérobique, passing through Papineau-Labelle (wildlife reserve). That’s about 450 km, with 3/4 on bike paths and 1/4 on quiet roads. https://www.openrunner.com/route-details/21166546
There are also other great options often used by local cycling clubs—I can give you more details based on your needs. Hope this helps you discover and enjoy our beautiful region (you should also come in winter to explore our cross-country ski trails from village to village!). Here’s a little video of what you could experience in winter:
https://youtu.be/Up2tnQR7F0Y?si=eFXJ2cAp5DGX35gR
Hi Rachel, We’re Quebecers, bike travelers, and tandem cyclists. We live in Ste-Adèle in the Laurentians, which is a fantastic playground for biking—and for cross-country skiing during Quebec’s beautiful winters.
If you're up for a bit of a challenge and comfortable riding on quiet country roads, there are several lovely alternatives to complement the Petit Train du Nord and avoid a round trip. Here’s a first suggestion:
a.) Start in St-Jérôme at the bus station; follow the PTDN to Mont-Tremblant (94 km). If you prefer shorter stages, Mont-Rolland, Val-David, or Ste-Agathe are good options.
b.) Return along the Rouge River and then on the Corridor Aérobique, a forest bike path. Pass through the villages of La Conception (via PTDN), then toward Brébeuf along the river, Arundel (where you’ll join the Corridor Aérobique, continuing to its end in Morin Heights), Lac-à-la-Loutre, Huberdeau, Weir, Lac-des-Seize-Îles, Lac St-François, and Morin Heights. After Morin Heights, take Chemin du Village toward St-Sauveur to avoid the busy Route 364. You’ll rejoin the PTDN after the village and head back to St-Jérôme. This second leg totals 110 km and is hillier than the PTDN the day before, but still very pleasant and less crowded. Here’s the detailed route: https://www.openrunner.com/route-details/21166470
A second, longer suggestion would let you do the full PTDN to Mont-Laurier, then cross toward Ottawa through the Outaouais. We did this trip with our kids in 6 days of biking—a loop totaling 760 km from our former home in Beloeil, but it’d be shorter depending on whether you start from Montreal, Laval, or St-Jérôme.
https://www.openrunner.com/route-details/1548371 https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/Beloeil-Ottawa-Mont-Laurier
A third option is a hybrid of the two: go all the way to Mont-Tremblant on the PTDN, then return via the full Corridor Aérobique, passing through Papineau-Labelle (wildlife reserve). That’s about 450 km, with 3/4 on bike paths and 1/4 on quiet roads. https://www.openrunner.com/route-details/21166546
There are also other great options often used by local cycling clubs—I can give you more details based on your needs. Hope this helps you discover and enjoy our beautiful region (you should also come in winter to explore our cross-country ski trails from village to village!). Here’s a little video of what you could experience in winter:
https://youtu.be/Up2tnQR7F0Y?si=eFXJ2cAp5DGX35gR
It’s entirely possible to connect Gatineau and Ottawa, partly via bike paths through Gatineau Park south of Grand Remous. However, there are also several quiet backroads, especially via Val-des-Bois and Buckingham. Accommodation is more limited in this region for those doing it as a multi-day trip, but it’s not completely lacking. That said, there are plenty of opportunities for wild camping. We even have a directory of wild camping spots in Quebec, exclusively reserved for self-sufficient cycle-travelers, which I can share privately if needed.
Alternatively, shorter loops are also possible, like via Amherst on the Corridor Aérobique, another bike path that’s wilder and less crowded than the P'tit Train du Nord (PTDN).
Alternatively, shorter loops are also possible, like via Amherst on the Corridor Aérobique, another bike path that’s wilder and less crowded than the P'tit Train du Nord (PTDN).
Hi there,
Thanks so much for all this info!
We’re pretty active—skiing and biking—and we live in the Alps.
I’m meeting up with a friend who’s settled in Montreal.
I went to Vancouver in the winter and I’m definitely planning to visit Montreal and the Laurentians.
This summer, after biking with my friend, I’m heading to the Gaspésie for 10 days with a friend whose son is studying there.
I’d love any tips or recommendations too!
Thanks again—I’ll pass this along to my friend.
Have a great day!
It’s entirely possible to travel between Gatineau and Ottawa, partly on bike paths through Gatineau Park south of Grand Remous. However, there are several quiet back roads.
Hi there, Okay, got it. But is it possible to reach Gatineau on a bike path, even if starting from Mont-Laurier? Otherwise, we’d have to take small roads that are still used by cars.
Hi there, Okay, got it. But is it possible to reach Gatineau on a bike path, even if starting from Mont-Laurier? Otherwise, we’d have to take small roads that are still used by cars.
Hi there,
If you ever decide to take the route that goes through Oka, you can stop there to spend the night (Oka Park with a gorgeous beach overlooking Lac des Deux-Montagnes). If you're using a tent, there are campsites available. If you don't have a tent, you can book a yurt. However, you’ll need to reserve early to make sure one is available.
Also, depending on the dates you choose, don’t forget that from July 20 to August 2, it’s construction holiday in Quebec. It’s recommended to book your accommodations in advance, especially this year with the "boycott" that seems to be happening against the U.S. There will likely be a lot of Quebecers vacationing within the province.
Happy planning! 👍
If you ever decide to take the route that goes through Oka, you can stop there to spend the night (Oka Park with a gorgeous beach overlooking Lac des Deux-Montagnes). If you're using a tent, there are campsites available. If you don't have a tent, you can book a yurt. However, you’ll need to reserve early to make sure one is available.
Also, depending on the dates you choose, don’t forget that from July 20 to August 2, it’s construction holiday in Quebec. It’s recommended to book your accommodations in advance, especially this year with the "boycott" that seems to be happening against the U.S. There will likely be a lot of Quebecers vacationing within the province.
Happy planning! 👍
BAUHAUS 🙂
It’s entirely possible to travel between Gatineau and Ottawa, partly on bike paths through Gatineau Park south of Grand Remous. However, several quiet back roads also work.
Evening, okay, got it. Can you get to Gatineau on a bike path starting from Mont-Laurier?
I’d refer you to the official sites of Vélo Québec and the Route Verte, which manage Quebec’s bike paths.
https://www.routeverte.com/cartographie-route-verte/
https://www.velo.qc.ca/#
So, Route Verte 2 (known as the Petit Train du Nord, between St-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier) goes even farther, through Parc La Vérendrye, toward Abitibi (Val-D’Or, Amos, La Sarre, Rouyn) and beyond to Témiscamingue (Ville-Marie, etc.). I did this crossing during COVID in 2020, but I started from St-Félicien in Lac St-Jean, via Jamésie (Chibougamau, Chapais, Lebel-sur-Quévillon, and Senneterre, where I then connected to RV2 in Val-D’Or). I’ve also done the bike routes between Mont-Laurier, Grand Remous, Maniwaki, and Hull a few times (in 2012 with my teenage kids, then in 2021 from Toronto and Ottawa on the way back from Newfoundland). There *is* a bike path, more or less parallel to Route 105, that links up with RV2 from Grand Remous, partly through Gatineau Park farther south.
Personally, I found the small country and forest roads along the Lièvre River—via Notre-Dame-de-Laus and Val-des-Bois (Routes 309 then 307, avoiding the busier 311)—much more charming: more bucolic, winding just right, and fully paved.
Otherwise, you’re forced to take small roads that still see some car traffic.
Bike paths? Cycling routes? Quiet roads? It’d be a bit of a pointless debate since skill and experience vary so much from one bike traveler to another. A young family with kids will need more safety, while a long-distance cyclist might prefer a loop route instead of backtracking on the same trail to see different landscapes and explore the region more.
The original poster is also considering biking around the Gaspésie, a region mainly served by Route 132, which loops around but isn’t particularly safe for cyclists. Can we assume they’ve got the experience to ride on quiet country roads like the ones I’m suggesting between Mont-Laurier and Gatineau?
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/NPionQuebecNord2020
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/Canada-tandemTour2021
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/TDM_en_Tandem_Trajets_Maps
Evening, okay, got it. Can you get to Gatineau on a bike path starting from Mont-Laurier?
I’d refer you to the official sites of Vélo Québec and the Route Verte, which manage Quebec’s bike paths.
https://www.routeverte.com/cartographie-route-verte/
https://www.velo.qc.ca/#
So, Route Verte 2 (known as the Petit Train du Nord, between St-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier) goes even farther, through Parc La Vérendrye, toward Abitibi (Val-D’Or, Amos, La Sarre, Rouyn) and beyond to Témiscamingue (Ville-Marie, etc.). I did this crossing during COVID in 2020, but I started from St-Félicien in Lac St-Jean, via Jamésie (Chibougamau, Chapais, Lebel-sur-Quévillon, and Senneterre, where I then connected to RV2 in Val-D’Or). I’ve also done the bike routes between Mont-Laurier, Grand Remous, Maniwaki, and Hull a few times (in 2012 with my teenage kids, then in 2021 from Toronto and Ottawa on the way back from Newfoundland). There *is* a bike path, more or less parallel to Route 105, that links up with RV2 from Grand Remous, partly through Gatineau Park farther south.
Personally, I found the small country and forest roads along the Lièvre River—via Notre-Dame-de-Laus and Val-des-Bois (Routes 309 then 307, avoiding the busier 311)—much more charming: more bucolic, winding just right, and fully paved.
Otherwise, you’re forced to take small roads that still see some car traffic.
Bike paths? Cycling routes? Quiet roads? It’d be a bit of a pointless debate since skill and experience vary so much from one bike traveler to another. A young family with kids will need more safety, while a long-distance cyclist might prefer a loop route instead of backtracking on the same trail to see different landscapes and explore the region more.
The original poster is also considering biking around the Gaspésie, a region mainly served by Route 132, which loops around but isn’t particularly safe for cyclists. Can we assume they’ve got the experience to ride on quiet country roads like the ones I’m suggesting between Mont-Laurier and Gatineau?
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/NPionQuebecNord2020
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/Canada-tandemTour2021
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/TDM_en_Tandem_Trajets_Maps
Bike paths? Cycling lanes? Quiet roads?
It’d be a bit of a pointless debate, since skill and experience vary so much from one bike traveler to another, from one cyclist to another.
Oh really, you think it’s pointless? Even when your own safety is at stake? Well, I respect your point of view, but personally, I wouldn’t trust secondary roads—even if drivers in this province are conscientious.
Oh really, you think it’s pointless? Even when your own safety is at stake? Well, I respect your point of view, but personally, I wouldn’t trust secondary roads—even if drivers in this province are conscientious.
hi, sorry but my message wasn’t meant for you :)
Ce n'est pas moi qui ai écrit cela??
Uhh no, you must have a screen issue, you. That was written by monsieur Rikimiki. Have a good evening! 🙂
Uhh no, you must have a screen issue, you. That was written by monsieur Rikimiki. Have a good evening! 🙂
Bike paths? Cycling lanes? Quiet roads?
It might seem like a bit of a pointless debate, since skill and experience vary so much from one cycle-traveler to another, from one cyclist to another.
Oh, you think it’s pointless? Even when your own safety is at stake? Well, if that’s your point of view, I respect it. But personally, I wouldn’t trust secondary roads, even if drivers in this province are conscientious.
I simply believe it’s a personal choice, depending on our own levels of comfort, our experience on the road, and who we’re cycling with. The word "pointless" might not be the best fit—I just wanted to avoid debating a subjective issue that isn’t mine to decide. I’ll say it again: "since skill and experience vary so much from one cycle-traveler to another, from one cyclist to another."
The route info I share is strictly for informational purposes—never a conviction or obligation. Everyone is free to take or leave the suggestions.
The same goes for elevation; I love mountainous routes on my bike trips, but I totally get that others might prefer easier bike paths. It’s all about personal freedom.
For the Mont-Laurier–Grand Remous–Maniwaki route, I find the quiet roads toward Gatineau much safer than the RV2 bike path to Val-d’Or, but that’s just my personal opinion—other cyclists might agree or not.
That said, I do know what I’m talking about, having biked all these routes in recent years.
Happy cycling season in Quebec (or anywhere else on the planet)!
!
Oh, you think it’s pointless? Even when your own safety is at stake? Well, if that’s your point of view, I respect it. But personally, I wouldn’t trust secondary roads, even if drivers in this province are conscientious.
I simply believe it’s a personal choice, depending on our own levels of comfort, our experience on the road, and who we’re cycling with. The word "pointless" might not be the best fit—I just wanted to avoid debating a subjective issue that isn’t mine to decide. I’ll say it again: "since skill and experience vary so much from one cycle-traveler to another, from one cyclist to another."
The route info I share is strictly for informational purposes—never a conviction or obligation. Everyone is free to take or leave the suggestions.
The same goes for elevation; I love mountainous routes on my bike trips, but I totally get that others might prefer easier bike paths. It’s all about personal freedom.
For the Mont-Laurier–Grand Remous–Maniwaki route, I find the quiet roads toward Gatineau much safer than the RV2 bike path to Val-d’Or, but that’s just my personal opinion—other cyclists might agree or not.
That said, I do know what I’m talking about, having biked all these routes in recent years.
Happy cycling season in Quebec (or anywhere else on the planet)!
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More discussions
Bonjour,
Je prévois de faire la partie hollandaise de l'Eurovélo 19, de Maastricht à Rotterdam.
Comme c'est trop compliqué d'amener mon vélo en train, je cherche à louer un vélo sur place.
Je suis preneuse de conseils ou d'adresses de loueurs de vélos, j'ai du mal à en trouver même à Rotterdam.
L'idée serait de le louer à Rotterdam, de partir avec en train jusqu'à Maastricht, pour faire Maastricht/Rotterdam à vélo
Merci d'avance pour vos conseils ou suggestions.
Nath
I’ve gotten used to crossing Europe by bus to return by bike.
It was really convenient to take the bike without having to disassemble it.
But FlixBus no longer accepts bikes...
What alternatives do you know about?
Thanks.
Hi there,
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
Coming soon:
https://www.Biclou.com/parcours/durance/
Starting from Faverges: 900 km over 9 days
Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon
Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon
Hi there,
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires. I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time). I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral. I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough? And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
Nath
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires. I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time). I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral. I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough? And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
Nath
Hi everyone,
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
Hi there,
I’ve been road cycling for several years, and I’m about to switch to gravel in the next few days—I’m waiting for my bike, which should arrive this week.
I’m planning a bikepacking trip in a few weeks along the Véloroute V81, also known as the Vélosud, from Biarritz to Le Barcarès.
Has anyone here already done this route? Any info is welcome, whether it’s about the route itself, gear, or accommodation. I’ll prioritize staying with locals as much as possible. On that note, I just signed up for the brand-new site *Guidon et Couette* ((www.guidon-et-couette.fr)), which offers free accommodation between cyclists across the country, but there’s almost no one listed along my route!
Thanks in advance.
Laurent.
Hi there,
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share with you the incredible feat my friend José, who’s 72 years old, is currently undertaking. He left Auterive near Toulouse on Monday, May 18, 2026, on his non-electric bike, heading for the North Cape in Norway!
You can follow his route on the link below—he’s currently in Sweden:
https://thierry-thomas.travelmap.net/jose-de-toulouse-a-nord-cap-2026
You can zoom in on the map and click on each stopover town to see the photos
Hi there!
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.
It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.
One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.
We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.
Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.
It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.
One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.
We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.
Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
Hi there, we’re a group of 4 cyclists looking to get from Treviso in Italy to Munich with our 4 non-folding bikes. It seems complicated! Are there any solutions? Thanks so much.
hello fellow cycling enthusiasts
here’s a travel journal of the cycling tour through the Rhône-Alpes Auvergne region by Claudio
zouli
it was the plan
http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/auvergne-Ralpes/
the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio
the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio
Hi, I'm looking for a Pino tandem bike for sale in Quebec and I can't find any. Does anyone have any info, please? Thanks a bunch!
Hi there, we’re planning a Munich to Venice bike trip at the end of June 2026. Getting back from Venice to Toulouse by train with 4 bikes isn’t straightforward. What return options have others who’ve done this trip chosen? Any tips or great deals would be much appreciated. Thanks a bunch! !
Hi everyone,
Happy owner of a Pegasus Estremo bike with a Rohloff hub, which is giving me trouble with the SF11-NCX-FT-E-LITE 700C TS 300/0 fork (serial number TD01329060). It’s starting to show its age, and I’d like to repair it to extend the life of my beloved bike.
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Thanks for your help! Have a great day, Alexandre
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Thanks for your help! Have a great day, Alexandre
Hi, I'd like to know if anyone has done this route recently or has reliable info.
Does the track exist, and most importantly, is there sand (for biking)?
Any info is welcome.
Cheers,
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
Hi there,
New to bike touring,
I’d love to start with a section of the Via Rhona to explore and share (route to be decided).
Looking forward to exchanging tips!
hey everyone,
I’m landing in Madagascar with a buddy before the end of April 2026. We’re planning to bike around for about twenty days or so. We don’t have a specific goal other than exploring the country and meeting the locals.
Ideally, we’d prefer a loop route starting from Antananarivo with a good chunk of it along the coast. On the bike side, we’re used to riding 6 to 8 hours a day, depending on the needs, encounters, and mood 😉 Any feedback or tips from trips around this length?
Thanks in advance, Jérôme
I’m landing in Madagascar with a buddy before the end of April 2026. We’re planning to bike around for about twenty days or so. We don’t have a specific goal other than exploring the country and meeting the locals.
Ideally, we’d prefer a loop route starting from Antananarivo with a good chunk of it along the coast. On the bike side, we’re used to riding 6 to 8 hours a day, depending on the needs, encounters, and mood 😉 Any feedback or tips from trips around this length?
Thanks in advance, Jérôme
A big thank you to Lazarou for all the info you share in this forum!
I'm passionate about Morocco, which I cycled through back in 2009.
Last year, my wife and I explored the High Atlas by tandem. Completely smitten, we're heading back in April (Anti Atlas) and May (High and Middle Atlas), still on our tandem.
Do you have any info on the track between Amezri and Ali Ait Nito? Are the river crossings in the Tessaout still there? It's not easy to navigate with a loaded tandem... especially if the river level is high due to this year's heavy snowmelt!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
A shout-out to a cycling colleague from Savoie
Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes Here are his travels Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place Rural and quite peaceful A road cycling route created by Serge B...
N+1 reconnaissance trips on a loop of about 400 km This way, he avoids the SNCF and its troubles http://cbandiera.free.fr/vv/lacs-savoie/recos.php
The latest reconnaissance trip from April to May 2026 http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-grenoble-H/index.php
Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes Here are his travels Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place Rural and quite peaceful A road cycling route created by Serge B...
N+1 reconnaissance trips on a loop of about 400 km This way, he avoids the SNCF and its troubles http://cbandiera.free.fr/vv/lacs-savoie/recos.php
The latest reconnaissance trip from April to May 2026 http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-grenoble-H/index.php
First of all... happy New Year! Wishing you great roads in 2017!
I’ve been traveling for a few years now with a high-quality mountain bike, but it’s equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. I live (pedal) with the constant worry of a breakdown (leak, air bubble, heat causing the fluid to...). My bike mechanic tells me it’s impossible to switch them out for V-brakes.
What do you all think? Am I taking a big risk continuing (alone) with these brakes? Thanks in advance for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025. It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border. We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
You’ve been warned.
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025. It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border. We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
You’ve been warned.
Hi there,
I’m planning the route to cycle from Lille to Nordkapp with my partner.
Duration: 3 months, from May 1st to July 31st, 2026.
In the attached details below, I need to add some "non-riding" days (rest days, basically).
So I’m looking to "shorten" the trip by taking ferries or trains for some stretches. Which areas could I skip?
Thanks in advance for your great tips.
Have a good evening.
https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/collection/4023980/-lille-cap-nord-1er-mai-au-31-juillet-2026?ref=collection
Hi there,
I’m planning to bike back from Poland this summer. Does anyone know a way to ship it there without having to take it apart? Otherwise, it’s a real hassle to fine-tune all the settings before departure! Thanks in advance.
I’m planning to bike back from Poland this summer. Does anyone know a way to ship it there without having to take it apart? Otherwise, it’s a real hassle to fine-tune all the settings before departure! Thanks in advance.
Hi, has anyone recently bought Primus or Butagaz gas, possibly puncture-style, in Dubrovnik or the surrounding area? Same question for Albania... thanks. aichatou
Hi there,
Coming from Laos (*), I’m planning to enter Thailand by bike via the Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
Before this bridge was built, I’d already cycled the road from Louang Namtha to Houei Sai and crossed the river by boat to reach Thailand.
At the time, the condition of that road was impeccable, and most importantly, traffic was light.
So I’m wondering if anyone who’s taken it recently can tell me whether traffic has increased since the bridge opened.
Thanks in advance!
(*) I’m currently cycling in China (Yunnan)
Coming from Laos (*), I’m planning to enter Thailand by bike via the Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
Before this bridge was built, I’d already cycled the road from Louang Namtha to Houei Sai and crossed the river by boat to reach Thailand.
At the time, the condition of that road was impeccable, and most importantly, traffic was light.
So I’m wondering if anyone who’s taken it recently can tell me whether traffic has increased since the bridge opened.
Thanks in advance!
(*) I’m currently cycling in China (Yunnan)
Hi there,
Just a few words about the loop I did by bike in Yunnan.
Entry and exit
I entered China through the Sino-Vietnamese border crossing at Lào Cai / Hekou under the 30-day visa exemption currently available to French nationals and others.
The process was simple and quick. A Chinese police officer even helped me complete my electronic pre-registration at a computer kiosk. I wasn’t aware this formality was required—it’s similar to Thailand’s TM6.
No issues with the bike.
I left the country via the Sino-Laotian border crossing at Mohan / Boten.
The atmosphere was a bit chaotic there, but again, no problems with the bike.
The timing
I visited Yunnan in February 2026.
Weather-wise, at higher altitudes (between 1,500 and 2,000 meters), it was around ten degrees at night and in the mornings, and around twenty degrees at the hottest part of the day.
I had two days of rain, so I took the bus to keep moving. Otherwise, clear blue skies.
Culturally, Chinese New Year fell on February 17th (and the 15 days following), right in the middle of my trip. Because of this, my take on the traffic might be off.
Accommodation and food I always found a hotel to stay in for prices ranging from 8 to 15 €. Except in Kunming (the capital), where many hotels were fully booked (Chinese New Year). I ended up at a 100 € hotel with great value for money.
A bowl of noodles costs about 1.5 € on average.
Onboard electronics Since my smartphone doesn’t support eSIMs, I subscribed to a China plan with my carrier. Otherwise, for much cheaper, Alipay offers eSIMs for foreigners that allow access to services usually blocked for Chinese users (WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.).
An internet connection is essential for paying with Alipay or WeChat, as this payment method is widespread.
I only managed to use Alipay.
Either way, always carry cash because sometimes there’s no signal, or the merchant only accepts WeChat.
Also, it’s best to bring a power adapter when you arrive rather than struggling to find one.
Traffic and roads The Chinese aren’t reckless drivers. They follow traffic rules and watch out for cyclists. This is slightly less true in Xishuangbanna (the region bordering Myanmar and Laos).
In urban areas, there are almost always wide bike lanes, separated from other roads, where bikes, electric mini-scooters, and scooters share the space pretty harmoniously.
The roads are in great condition, and traffic is generally manageable—even light—except for one stretch (Eshan -> Yangwu).
Most traffic is absorbed by expressways, China’s equivalent of highways: toll roads that are off-limits to slow vehicles.
You’re never far from these expressways; sometimes you even ride alongside them, which can be noisy at times.
The climbs are usually reasonable, around 5% to 6%. From what I remember, the steepest section was between Menglun and Mengla, with gradients of 8% to 10%, sometimes more.
Riding at these altitudes—though modest—took a bit of getting used to.
The route I didn’t plan anything in advance. My only goal was to reach Kunming. I don’t know why, but just hearing the name of that city, like Yunnan, always felt dreamy to me.
Here’s the breakdown: Hekou -> Man Hao (94 km); Man Hao -> Yuanyang (64 km); Yuanyang -> Jianshui (bus); Jianshui -> Tong Hai (78 km); Tong Hai -> Chenjiang (85 km); Chenjiang -> Kunming (60 km); Kunming -> Kunyang (60 km); Kunyang -> Eshan (67 km); Eshan -> Yangwu (58 km); Yangwu -> Yuanjiang (59 km); Yuanjiang -> Pu'er (bus); Pu'er -> Dadugang (75 km); Dadugang -> Jinghong (80 km); Jinghong -> Menglun (67 km); Menglun -> Mengyuancun (51 km); Mengyuancun -> Mengla (43 km); Mengla -> Boten (67 km).
Otherwise, I’m currently in Thailand and just hoping my return flight with Qatar won’t get canceled.
Oh well... 😉
Just a few words about the loop I did by bike in Yunnan.
Entry and exit
I entered China through the Sino-Vietnamese border crossing at Lào Cai / Hekou under the 30-day visa exemption currently available to French nationals and others.
The process was simple and quick. A Chinese police officer even helped me complete my electronic pre-registration at a computer kiosk. I wasn’t aware this formality was required—it’s similar to Thailand’s TM6.
No issues with the bike.
I left the country via the Sino-Laotian border crossing at Mohan / Boten.
The atmosphere was a bit chaotic there, but again, no problems with the bike.
The timing
I visited Yunnan in February 2026.
Weather-wise, at higher altitudes (between 1,500 and 2,000 meters), it was around ten degrees at night and in the mornings, and around twenty degrees at the hottest part of the day.
I had two days of rain, so I took the bus to keep moving. Otherwise, clear blue skies.
Culturally, Chinese New Year fell on February 17th (and the 15 days following), right in the middle of my trip. Because of this, my take on the traffic might be off.
Accommodation and food I always found a hotel to stay in for prices ranging from 8 to 15 €. Except in Kunming (the capital), where many hotels were fully booked (Chinese New Year). I ended up at a 100 € hotel with great value for money.
A bowl of noodles costs about 1.5 € on average.
Onboard electronics Since my smartphone doesn’t support eSIMs, I subscribed to a China plan with my carrier. Otherwise, for much cheaper, Alipay offers eSIMs for foreigners that allow access to services usually blocked for Chinese users (WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.).
An internet connection is essential for paying with Alipay or WeChat, as this payment method is widespread.
I only managed to use Alipay.
Either way, always carry cash because sometimes there’s no signal, or the merchant only accepts WeChat.
Also, it’s best to bring a power adapter when you arrive rather than struggling to find one.
Traffic and roads The Chinese aren’t reckless drivers. They follow traffic rules and watch out for cyclists. This is slightly less true in Xishuangbanna (the region bordering Myanmar and Laos).
In urban areas, there are almost always wide bike lanes, separated from other roads, where bikes, electric mini-scooters, and scooters share the space pretty harmoniously.
The roads are in great condition, and traffic is generally manageable—even light—except for one stretch (Eshan -> Yangwu).
Most traffic is absorbed by expressways, China’s equivalent of highways: toll roads that are off-limits to slow vehicles.
You’re never far from these expressways; sometimes you even ride alongside them, which can be noisy at times.
The climbs are usually reasonable, around 5% to 6%. From what I remember, the steepest section was between Menglun and Mengla, with gradients of 8% to 10%, sometimes more.
Riding at these altitudes—though modest—took a bit of getting used to.
The route I didn’t plan anything in advance. My only goal was to reach Kunming. I don’t know why, but just hearing the name of that city, like Yunnan, always felt dreamy to me.
Here’s the breakdown: Hekou -> Man Hao (94 km); Man Hao -> Yuanyang (64 km); Yuanyang -> Jianshui (bus); Jianshui -> Tong Hai (78 km); Tong Hai -> Chenjiang (85 km); Chenjiang -> Kunming (60 km); Kunming -> Kunyang (60 km); Kunyang -> Eshan (67 km); Eshan -> Yangwu (58 km); Yangwu -> Yuanjiang (59 km); Yuanjiang -> Pu'er (bus); Pu'er -> Dadugang (75 km); Dadugang -> Jinghong (80 km); Jinghong -> Menglun (67 km); Menglun -> Mengyuancun (51 km); Mengyuancun -> Mengla (43 km); Mengla -> Boten (67 km).
Otherwise, I’m currently in Thailand and just hoping my return flight with Qatar won’t get canceled.
Oh well... 😉
Hi! I’m planning to visit the Stockholm Archipelago by bike in early April.
Do you know if the boats will be running between the different islands at that time of year? For those who’ve already been, all your tips and recommendations are welcome—accommodation, etc. Also, do you know where I can rent a bike in Stockholm? Thanks so much in advance for your help!
Hello there, pedal-powered Young Boys!
Claudio (still from Faverges)
dreaming about a cycling getaway in Italy from Faverges (train all the way to Turin)
from Turin down to Venice along the Po River and back via the Padana (Alta Italia da attraversare – Northern Italy to cross)
The tricky part is getting from Chioggia to Venice.
I read it’s possible by hopping on a boat from island to island,
but it sounds a bit stressful.
Has anyone already tackled this route?
Thanks, and cheers to all! http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/Padania/
Claudio
Thanks, and cheers to all! http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/Padania/
Claudio
Hi there,
I’m currently looking for a bike to do my first bike trip across France, with the ultimate goal of cycling through Latin America. I’ve got a lot of questions and I’d love to hear if you have any answers or advice to share. First off, I’ve been through this before with hiking. I want to get top-quality gear right away. When I started hiking, I ended up buying everything three times—first beginner gear, then intermediate, then expert, etc. For biking, I’d prefer to skip that process and invest right now in a bike that could ideally handle Latin America. I’ve set a total max budget of around 5000 € (roughly 4000–4500 € for the bike and the rest for accessories: panniers, helmet, cycling shorts, etc.).
So, I’ve got quite a few questions:
* I’ve read in several places that some people recommend buying the bike directly in Latin America. Since I need a first bike to train in Europe, would it be better to buy an entry-level bike in France (and sell it before the big departure)? Or is it preferable to start right away with my final bike to get used to it? Is buying it there just to save a bit of money?
* For a long-term trip (around six months) in Latin America, is it better to go for a gravel bike or a mountain bike?
* Should I buy a new bike or a refurbished one? Even more so given that I’m planning a long trip—could a refurbished bike end up causing more breakdowns?
If you have any advice on models, technical features to prioritize, or recommended sellers or resellers, I’d love to hear it. I’m a total beginner—I’ve only just started watching videos and reading up on the subject, and all the technical specs are new to me!
Thanks in advance for your help!
I’m currently looking for a bike to do my first bike trip across France, with the ultimate goal of cycling through Latin America. I’ve got a lot of questions and I’d love to hear if you have any answers or advice to share. First off, I’ve been through this before with hiking. I want to get top-quality gear right away. When I started hiking, I ended up buying everything three times—first beginner gear, then intermediate, then expert, etc. For biking, I’d prefer to skip that process and invest right now in a bike that could ideally handle Latin America. I’ve set a total max budget of around 5000 € (roughly 4000–4500 € for the bike and the rest for accessories: panniers, helmet, cycling shorts, etc.).
So, I’ve got quite a few questions:
* I’ve read in several places that some people recommend buying the bike directly in Latin America. Since I need a first bike to train in Europe, would it be better to buy an entry-level bike in France (and sell it before the big departure)? Or is it preferable to start right away with my final bike to get used to it? Is buying it there just to save a bit of money?
* For a long-term trip (around six months) in Latin America, is it better to go for a gravel bike or a mountain bike?
* Should I buy a new bike or a refurbished one? Even more so given that I’m planning a long trip—could a refurbished bike end up causing more breakdowns?
If you have any advice on models, technical features to prioritize, or recommended sellers or resellers, I’d love to hear it. I’m a total beginner—I’ve only just started watching videos and reading up on the subject, and all the technical specs are new to me!
Thanks in advance for your help!