Top 5 most beautiful places in France to ride an electric mountain bike
What does an electric mountain bike tour offer? Where should I go in France? What equipment is needed for electric mountain biking? With 87,000 electric mountain bikes and 8,000 electric road bikes sold in France in 2019*, the latter up 37% on the previous year, these questions are being raised more and more regularly. One thing is certain: you don't need to travel far to get some height and explore the great outdoors at your own pace. If you're the proud owner of an electric mountain bike, or if you're on your way to becoming one, this article, written from the heart by the Doctibike team, is for you!
Whether you're out on your own, with friends or family, a mountain bike trip is also synonymous with freedom, whatever your riding style and expectations. And while electrically-assisted mountain bikes are now popular with beginners, they have also become the companion of many sports enthusiasts, inviting them to push themselves further and further: to go further in a shorter time, to work harder on their heart rate and breathing while fine-tuning their muscle strength.
Here are 5 destinations that will surprise you, whatever your desires!
Photo credit : T. Vergoz
The GTMC by electric bike: from Burgundy to the Mediterranean
"An itinerary to share": the signature of the Grande Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC) sets the tone. This legendary crossing is one of those escapades that leave a lasting impression, and can still be savoured years after you've ridden it. A benchmark itinerary in the world of mountain biking, the GTMC stands out for its open spaces as far as the eye can see, its unique natural setting and its authentic encounters.
This 31-stage route, modernised in 2018, covers 1,380 km between Avallon in Burgundy and Cap d'Agde on the Mediterranean. It takes you through the entire Massif Central, crossing 3 regions (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Occitanie), 12 départements, 5 nature parks (4 regional: Morvan, Volcans d'Auvergne, Grands Causses, Haut-Languedoc) and the Cévennes national park) and 2 UNESCO sites (Chaîne des Puys - faille de Limagne, site des Causses et des Cévennes). Enough to tantalise all your senses!
With 30,000 metres of ascent, the GTMC is one of the longest crossings in France approved by the French Cycling Federation (FFC). Entirely accessible by mountain bike and electrically assisted mountain bike, it is designed to be accessible to as many people as possible, with sections of varying degrees of difficulty.
Find out more about the GTMC on an electrically-assisted mountain bike:Accueil | Grande Traversée du Massif Central à VTT
Photo credit : Jura Tourisme
The Echappée Jurassienne by electric mountain bike
Between Dole, town of Art and History and home of Louis Pasteur, and Nyon, founded over 2,000 years ago by the Romans, via the 2 UNESCO World Heritage salt works (Arc-et-Senans and Salins-les-Bains), the Château de Prangins and the Abbaye de Baume-les-Messieurs, there is no shortage of historic and heritage sites along the Echappée Jurassienne.
A recognised hiking destination, the Echappée Jurassienne can be enjoyed on foot, by train or... new for 2021: by bike! A mountain bike version of the route is now available, so that everyone can enjoy the same services as the pedestrian version (accommodation, luggage transport, roadbook, etc.).
A 251 km itinerary between Dole and the resort of Les Rousses, with 7,070 m of ascent and 6,185 m of descent, to be enjoyed on an electric mountain bike! Don't worry, mountain bikers, you can recharge your bikes in the accommodation and restaurants along the way. Plan between 5 and 9 days, depending on your technical level and the stages you choose.
Find out more about the Echappée Jurassienne :www.echappee-jurassienne.com
Photo credit : INFRA BAS-RHIN
All aboard in the Massif des Vosges
Mythical mountain passes, the Ballon d'Alsace, La Planche des Belles Filles, Grand Ballon... Dense forests, natural landscapes... The Massif des Vosges is instinctively one of the best places for mountain biking in all its forms. From the 100% women's Enduro course to the Traversée du Massif à VTT and the circuits, there's something for everyone!
A training ground for some of the world's greatest riders, such as double Olympic champion Julien Absalon, and a playground for Sunday mountain bikers, the Massif des Vosges is a natural choice for 2-wheeled enthusiasts.
Autre belle piste : la Traversée du Massif des Vosges à VTT (TMV®). Du Nord au Sud, en 1 seule trace ! Cet itinéraire, ralliant Wissembourg à Thann sur 418 km pour 9 370 m de dénivelé, allie nature et culture pour le grand bonheur des adeptes de vélo tout terrain. Un patrimoine bâti, gastronomique, culturel, environnemental enrichit les 14 étapes du parcours, reliant les sommets du territoire en passant par le Parc naturel régional des Vosges du Nord, reconnu Réserve mondiale de la Biosphère par l’UNESCO.
The Mecca of mountain biking in the Massif des Vosges, an FFC-approved mountain biking area: the Val d'Argent, with its 18 signposted circuits covering 320km. Ranging in length from 2.5 to 82.5 km, with a vertical drop of between 46 and 2,438 m, these circuits appeal to all levels. Beginners can also try their hand at 2 beginners' sites to get used to the rugged terrain in complete safety.
Another great trail is the Traversée du Massif des Vosges à VTT (TMV®). From North to South, in 1 single track! This 418km route from Wissembourg to Thann, with its 9,370m of ascent, combines nature and culture to the delight of mountain bikers. The 14 stages of the route are enriched by a rich heritage of architecture, gastronomy, culture and the environment, linking the region's peaks and passing through the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park, recognised as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
More information on the Massif des Vosges : Les Vosges en hiver
Photo credit : Julien Abellan
Electric mountain biking to the Luberon!
63 signposted itineraries covering more than 1,500 km, 6 GPS-based tours, 2 approved itineraries... take advantage of the routes available all year round for mountain bikes and electric bikes.
These "ready-to-ride" routes allow you to explore a land that is both historic and emblematic of mountain biking. You can also enjoy the Grande Traversée Alpes Provence and the Grande Traversée de Vaucluse. The latter has a special e-bike variant that criss-crosses the Vaucluse from the Ventoux to the southern Luberon, taking in exceptional sites such as the Dentelles de Montmirail, the Monts de Vaucluse and the Luberon ochre sites!
Protected nature, emblematic landscapes, tasty produce and the centuries-old culture of the Luberon Regional Nature Park and the UNESCO-recognised Luberon-Lure Biosphere Reserve are just some of the attractions that will win you over!
Find out more about the Luberon on an e-bike at : www.veloloisirprovence.com
Photo credit : INFRA-ADT BAS-RHIN
The Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil, Europe's largest mountain biking area
Situated between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, 1 hour from Geneva, Les Portes du Soleil is one of the largest cross-border mountain biking areas in the world, with 12 resorts linked between France and Switzerland. Here mountain bikers are spoilt for choice to ride in total freedom: pine forests, wooded trails, winding single tracks or mountain pasture paths... Thanks to a unique ski pass, the lifts invite you to cross the Franco-Swiss border with the promise of incredible scenery on every outing.
A pioneer in terms of electric mountain biking, the resort offers 600km of mountain bike trails, plus over 300km of dedicated electric mountain bike trails! So there's plenty of choice for eVTT enthusiasts, whether you're a family or an experienced rider looking for a new playground! Just like the ski slopes, all you have to do is follow the colour code for each route.
Since 2012, these 12 resorts have been working hard to offer routes that are adapted to the needs of the mountain biker, without the fear of uneven terrain, thanks to electric assistance. 21 Bosch recharging points are available free of charge throughout the resort, allowing riders to recharge along the way, making the Portes du Soleil the largest cross-border e-bike network.
More info on electric mountain biking at the Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil and application : Randonnée VTT électrique - VTTAE - Portes du Soleil
The tricky part may be knowing where to start! One thing's for sure: it's up to you to make the most of the mountain of possibilities that France has to offer with your 2 wheels. And to make sure you're well equipped, take advice from our partners such as Lecyclo.com or the retailers at Cyclable shops!
