Imagine riding your own Tour de France on an electric bike instead of watching it on TV. Here’s a route to follow, combining the power of your legs with an electric motor. Are you ready to accept the challenge?
Which Tour de France Electric Bike Route Suits You Best?
Before diving into details, we’d like to present a route divided into 3 parts based on your skill level and preferences. Don’t worry, each section offers unique scenery:
1. Tour de France Family and Discovery
Do you want to explore the country without exerting too much effort? Are you traveling with children and want a family-friendly experience? This stage is perfect for you! No need for a major departure like the Grand Départ in Denmark in 2022. We offer a route where you can enjoy the scenery without physical strain. Join us for the Grand Départ in Dunkirk!
2. Tour de France Intermediate
Not feeling tired after the first stage? Join us in Angers for the next part of the journey. If you’re keen to explore more of western France, this stage is perfect for you.
Keep in mind that this stage is suitable for intermediate riders. If you found the first stage challenging or prefer to take it easy, we recommend taking breaks during the longer sections.
3. Tour de France Veterans
Are you an avid cyclist ready to conquer new challenges? Do you dream of exploring more of France by bike? Embark on a journey to explore the southern and eastern regions of France. Expect longer routes with breathtaking scenery as your reward.
Be cautious, as the upcoming routes are long and challenging, similar to the previous stage. Plan regular breaks to recharge yourself and your electric bike’s battery.
Preparations Required for the 3 Routes
- Use dependable equipment:
- Consider replacing the battery for extended range (refer to our guide on top electric bike batteries).
- Install mudguards for challenging trails
- Attach a luggage rack and panniers for snacks
- Consider a rear-view mirror (optional)
- Ensure you have a GPS or bike computer
- Ride responsibly:
- Establish achievable goals before starting each ride
- Avoid overestimating your abilities
- Stay attentive to your bike’s condition
- Identify resting spots between segments to recharge yourself and your bike’s battery
Some Tips…
Again, it’s important to take precautions with your battery, especially on routes with steep gradients where electric assistance is crucial. If you’re in search of the perfect electric bike, we suggest reading our guide to the top electric bikes. Here, you’ll find our curated selection for this year.
Choosing between a mountain bike, hybrid bike, or cargo bike depends entirely on your comfort preferences. However, we recommend selecting a bike with high range (refer to: High Range Electric Bikes) that can handle various terrains.
Since the proposed route includes several greenways, the terrain may not be as flat as urban paths. Therefore, we suggest opting for a mountain bike for your longer rides, as these offer comprehensive versatility. This decision will ensure enhanced comfort, essential for lengthy journeys.
Our “Tour de France on Electric Bike (2022)” Map
Now, take a look at our map to see what’s ahead. Each route is numbered for easy reference later in the article. Included are details like the route length (including directions), total ascent, and descent. This information is vital to ensure you and your electric bike are prepared for the journey.
Additionally, we’ve listed must-visit places at each finish, serving as rewards for completing each stage. Remember, the Tour de France by electric bike is not just a sporting event; it’s a cultural experience as well.
Stage 1: Tour de France Family et Discovery (651.75 miles)
1. Dunkirk – Lille
Route length: 47.16 miles via D916 and D933
Total ascent: 0.1 miles
Descent distance: 0.09 miles
Must-See Places:
- Old Lille
- Grand-Place
- Palais des Beaux-Arts
2. Lille – Veules-les-Roses
Route length: 130 miles via D925
Total ascent: 0.6 miles
Descent distance: 0.6 miles
Must-See Places:
- The village of Veules-les-Roses
- Saint-Martin Church
- La Veules
3. Veules-les-Roses – Rouen
Route length: 36 miles via D142
Total ascent: 0.18 miles
Descent distance: 0.18 miles
Must-See Places:
- Rouen’s Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Old Rouen District
- Rouen’s Museum des Beaux-Arts
4. Rouen–Caen
Route length: 82.6 miles via D675
Total ascent: 0.32 miles
Descent distance: 0.32 miles
Must-See Places:
- Caen Memorial
- Birds Hill
- Men’s Abbey
5. Caen – St Malo
Route length: 117 miles via the Voie verte de la Suisse Normande
Total ascent: 0.6 miles
Descent distance: 0.6 miles
Must-See Places:
- Place Chateaubriand
- The ramparts of St-Malo
- The port of St-Malo
6. St Malo – Brest
Route length: 141 miles via D764
Total ascent: 1 mile
Descent distance: 0.98 miles
Must-See Places:
- National Maritime Museum
- Garden of the Conservatoire Botanique National de Brest
- Les Ateliers des Capucins
7. Brest–Locronan
Route length: 42 miles via D770
Total ascent: 0.5 miles
Descent distance: 0.44 miles
Must-See Places:
- Locronan Historical Center
- Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle
- Church of Saint Ronan
8. Locronan-Lorient
Route length: 55.4 miles via D765
Total ascent: 0.21 miles
Descent distance: 0.3 miles
Must-See Places:
- Groix Island
- Le Sous-Marin Flore
- The Compagnie des Indes Museum
Intermediate Tour de France (495 miles)
9. Lorient–Angers
Route length: 156 miles
Total ascent: 0.71 miles
Descent distance: 0.7 miles
Must-See Places:
- Château d’Angers
- Lurçat Museum
- Terra Botanica
10. Angers – Angles-sur-l’Anglin
Route length: 100 miles
Total ascent: 0.19 miles
Descent distance: 0.15 miles
Must-See Places:
- Castle of Angles-sur-L’Anglin
- Roc-aux-Sorciers Interpretation Centre
- Angles-sur-L’Anglin Tourist Office
11. Angles-sur-l’Anglin – La Rochelle
Route length: 118 miles via D611
Total ascent: 0.42 miles
Descent distance: 0.47 miles
Must-See Places:
- The Old Port of La Rochelle
- La Rochelle Towers
- The Old Town of La Rochelle
12. La Rochelle–Bordeaux
Route length: 120 miles via D733 and D808
Total ascent: 0.17 miles
Descent distance: 0.17 miles
Must-See Places:
- Miroir d’eau
- Saint-Pierre District
- Saint-André Cathedral
Tour de France Veterans (1250.5 miles)
13. Bordeaux – Bayonne/Biarritz
Route length: 125 miles via D87
Total ascent: 0.18 miles
Descent distance: 0.19 miles
Must-See Places:
Bayonne:
- Sainte-Marie de Bayonne Cathedral
- Bayonne’s Basque Museum
- Botanic Garden
Biarritz:
- Le Rocher de la Vierge
- Biarritz’s Aquarium
- The Basque Coast
14. Bayonne/Biarritz-Toulouse
Route length: 198 miles via D158
Total ascent: 0.38 miles
Descent distance: 0.30 miles
Must-See Places:
- Place du Capitole
- Jacobins Convent
- Saint-Sernin Basilica
15. Toulouse–Perpignan
Route length: 125 miles via D500
Total ascent: 0.51 miles
Descent distance: 0.57 miles
Must-See Places:
- Downtown Perpignan
- La Citadelle: Historic Center
- The Castillet
16. Perpignan-Montpellier
Route length: 110 miles via Voie Verte de l’Agly and D613
Total ascent: 0.21 miles
Descent distance: 0.21 miles
Must-See Places:
- Place de la Comédie and Esplanade Charles de Gaulle
- Arc of Triumph
- The Écusson: The Historic Center
17. Montpellier–Avignon
Route length: 60 miles via N113
Total ascent: 0.08 miles
Descent distance: 0.1 miles
Must-See Places:
- Palace of the Popes
- Rocher des Doms
- Avignon Les Halles
18. Avignon–Lyon
Route length: 150 miles via N7
Total ascent: 0.35 miles
Descent distance: 0.26 miles
Must-See Places:
- Old Lyon
- Fourvière Hill and Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica
- Lyon’s Traboules
19. Lyon–Annecy
Route length: 91 miles via D517
Total ascent: 0.54 miles
Descent distance: 0.37 miles
Must-See Places:
- Strolling around Lake Annecy
- Boat Trips on Lake Annecy
- Hiking in the Hills Above Annecy
20. Annecy–Dijon
Route length: 144 miles via D109
Total ascent: 1.03 miles
Descent distance: 1.34 miles
Must-See Places:
- Complete the Chouette Route
- Place de la Libération
- Dijon Museum of Beaux Arts
21. Dijon-Kaysersberg
Route length: 164 miles via D13
Total ascent: 0.73 miles
Descent distance: 0.55 miles
Must-See Places:
- Kaysersberg Castle
- Church of the Invention of the Holy Cross
- Kaysersberg Glassworks
22. Kaysersberg-Strasbourg
Route length: 46 miles via VV11
Total ascent: 0.06 miles
Descent distance: 0.13 miles
Must-See Places:
- Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral
- La Petite France
- Strasbourg City Center
23. Strasbourg–Hunspach
Route length: 37 miles via D263G
Total ascent: 0.09 miles
Descent distance: 0.08 miles
Must-See Places:
- The Village of Hunspach
- Schoenenbourg Fort
- Hunspach Tourist Office