Voie verte: all you need to know about routes in France
Visit green lane has become a must for outdoor enthusiasts, cyclists and families looking for safe routes. Designed to promote soft mobility and sustainable tourism, it offers an ideal setting for exploring the riches of the Alps. the country at your own pace. These routes, often laid out on former railroad lines or along canals, form a unique network where nature and heritage can be discovered without the pressure of motorized traffic. Before planning your next outing, it's essential to understand what a "voie verte" really is, the rules that govern it, and where to find the best maps to avoid getting lost.
What is a greenway?
Under French law, the green lane is defined by article R110-2 of the Highway Code as a exclusively reserved route for pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers, people with reduced mobility and horse riders, to the exclusion of motorized vehicles, except those entitled to do so (maintenance services, farmers). It is distinguished by its clear legal status It's not just a path or sidewalk, but a roadway dedicated to non-motorized mobility.
This legal definition, adopted by the Fédération française des Usagers de la Bicyclette (FUB) and the Association Française des Véloroutes et Voies Vertes (AF3V), highlights three essential points:
a universal accessibilityincluding for people with reduced mobility (PRM);
a maximum safetywith an exclusive right-of-way isolated from automobile traffic;
a versatility of use walking, cycling, rollerblading, horseback riding, non-motorized scooters.
In this way, the greenway is not just a tool for soft mobility: it embodies a new way of life. shared public spacedesigned for the comfort and safety of all.
Voie verte vs piste cyclable vs véloroute
One of the most common confusions concerns the difference between green lane, bicycle path and cycle route.
Visit bicycle path is a lane reserved for bicycles, sometimes integrated into the roadway, and its use by pedestrians is prohibited.
Visit cycle route is a long-distance route that alternates between greenways, cycle paths and low-traffic shared roads.
Visit green laneis still in clean siteseparate from cars, and accommodating a range of non-motorized users.
In short: the bicycle path = bike only, the green lane = gentle multi-purpose cycle route = combined itinerary. Understanding this distinction is crucial to preparing your journey and anticipating the type of route you'll encounter.
Why communities are creating greenways
The development of greenways meets several strategic objectives:
Road safety offer protected itineraries, especially for children and families.
Tourism and leisure Enhance abandoned routes (former railroads, canal towpaths) by transforming them into economic assets.
Universal accessibility to ensure comfortable use for PMRfor seniors and families with strollers.
Ecological transition To encourage people to cycle and walk on a daily basis.
In this way, the greenway is as much a tool for sustainable mobility that a vector of gentle tourism. It contributes to local dynamism by attracting hikers, cyclists and travellers who are adept at slow tourism, a theme we develop in our article devoted to new trends in slow tourism.
Top 12 greenway ideas in France
France has several thousand kilometers of greenwaysThese are often built on former railroad lines, along canals or by the sea. They offer a variety of experiences, suitable for families and long-distance cyclists alike. Here is a selection of 12 emblematic routesgrouped by theme, to explore the French regions in a whole new way.
Canalsides
Canal du Midi
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Canal du Midi offers a green lane shaded by majestic plane trees. It stretches for several hundred kilometers between Toulouse and Sète. It's an ideal itinerary for immersing yourself in the history and heritage of the South-West, and perfect for those who want to discover the region's rich cultural heritage. slow tourism.
Burgundy Canal
Through the famous vineyards of Burgundy, this green lane allows you to alternate between bucolic strolls and gastronomic discoveries. Accessible to families, it also appeals to wine tourism enthusiasts.
Canal de Nantes à Brest
One of France's longest greenways: almost 365 km for bikes and pedestrians. The route alternates between locks, wooded valleys and typical Brittany villages.
Old railroad lines
Mazamet - Bédarieux
Located in the Tarn region of France green lane The 75 km route follows an old railroad line. It passes through tunnels and viaducts, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Montagne Noire.
Gaves (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Visit voie verte des Gaves follows the old railroad line between Lourdes and Cauterets. Accessible and well-maintained, its mountain scenery and peaceful atmosphere make it a real attraction.
Portes Bonheur, the quarry path (Alsace)
This green lane links Rosheim to Saint-Nabor. The route highlights local industrial history, with contemporary works integrated into the landscape.
Coastline and estuaries
La Vélodyssée - coastal sections
France's longest cycle route includes many sections in green laneparticularly in Brittany and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Itineraries along the ocean's coastline offer a wealth of beaches, dunes and forests.
Loire-Atlantique, from the Nantes canal to the coastline
Loire-Atlantique offers several greenways linking countryside and coastline. Some are already featured in our department guide.
Oleron Island
Oleron Island is criss-crossed by a network of greenways for safe cycling between beaches, salt marshes and oyster villages. Ideal for family holidays. (See our article dedicated to the island of Oléron).
Countryside and vineyards
La Loire à Vélo
One of Europe's most famous itineraries, La Loire à Vélo includes long sections of greenway. Accessible to families, it links castles, vineyards and Loire villages. Find out more in our article on the slow tourism in France.
Voie verte de l'Armagnac (Gers)
Built on a former railroad line, this green lane crosses the rolling countryside of the Gers, in the heart of the Armagnac vineyards. It's an experience that combines nature and terroir. article on Gers).
Indre à Vélo
This green lane crosses Indre departmentIt's a great alternative to the more frequented main routes. It's a great alternative to the more popular long-distance routes. (See our Indre department).
Why these routes deserve your attention
Accessibility most of these greenways are perfectly suited to families and beginners.
Diversity Whether canal, mountain, coast or vineyard, each itinerary tells a different story.
Sustainable tourism Travelling on greenways means supporting tourism that respects the environment and the areas it crosses.
Depending on what you want to do, you can choose a local itinerary or a long-distance crossing.
Greenways map and orientation tools
The AF3V map (interactive)
The essential reference for preparing an outing on a green lane in France is the interactive map proposed by theFrench Association of Cycle Routes and Greenways (AF3V). Available free online, it lets you search for itineraries by region, type of route (canal, converted railroad, coastline, countryside) and level of difficulty.
Each green lane is described in detail: distance, road surface, PMR accessibility, nearby tourist attractions, approved accommodation and services. Bike home. Itineraries are regularly updated thanks to a network of local associations and partner authorities. For novice cyclists, this map is a guarantee of reliability It avoids the unpleasant surprises of poorly maintained paths or dangerous roads.
This map is an indispensable tool that complements our guide to France's 13 regions which already offers a regional approach to travel.
IGN "Voies vertes & véloroutes" map
Alongside the digital tool, theFrench National Institute for Geographic and Forestry Information (IGN) publishes a paper card specially dedicated to greenways and cycle routes. Named Voies vertes & véloroutes de France (ref. 1M924), covering the entire country at a scale of 1:1,000,000.
This card is a practical ally for those who want to plan a long-distance route without relying on GPS. It highlights :
visit major national itineraries such as the Loire à Vélo, the Vélodyssée and the Viarhôna ;
visit regional sections but just as enjoyable;
connection points between cycle routes and greenways.
Co-published with AF3V, it guarantees official, validated information. For travelers using slow tourismThe card is ideal for panniers, complementing digital resources.
Other reliable resources
In addition to AF3V and IGN, other platforms offer practical information about greenways :
France Vélo Tourisme The site lists the major itineraries and gives advice on how to organize a family cycling trip.
IGNrando The new website: offers ideas for cycling tours, combining greenways, cycle paths and small, safe roads.
Specialized GPS applications (Komoot, Géovélo, Strava): they allow you to download GPX tracks and personalize your route according to your level and the time available.
Combined, these resources provide a comprehensive overview of the French greenway network. By combining information from the AF3V cardIGN maps and tourism platforms, every traveler can prepare an outing tailored to his or her profile: families, sports enthusiasts, occasional hikers or long-distance cyclists.
Preparing your greenway outing
Minimal equipment and comfort
To make the most of a green laneIt's essential to be properly equipped. Even if the route is safe and often flat, a minimum of preparation guarantees comfort and safety.
Adapted bike A mountain bike or touring bike is ideal. For paved sections, a city bike is sufficient; for gravel sections, slightly wider tires are preferable.
Headset compulsory for children under 12, strongly recommended for all.
Lighting and fluorescent vests essential if you plan to ride early in the morning or in the evening. greenways being unlit.
Small repair kit : inner tubes, tire levers, pumps. Some routes have repair stations, but not all.
Hydration and snacks A water bottle per person and a few energy bars make long walks easier.
The right equipment is the key to transforming a simple walk into a pleasant, stress-free experience.
Families and beginners
Visit green lane is particularly popular with families. To ensure a pleasant experience, there are a few precautions to take:
Choosing the right distance For a first family outing, choose a stretch of 5 to 15 km maximum.
Take regular breaks The rest areas along the tracks are ideal for picnics or relaxing.
Supervising children One adult in front, one behind, to keep the group safe.
Child trailer and baby seat perfectly suited to greenwaysThey allow youngsters to enjoy the ride in complete safety.
Games and discoveries Some routes pass close to heritage or natural sites (locks, tunnels, forests). This transforms the ride into a educational adventure.
For beginners adultsIt is recommended to start with flat greenways, such as those of the bords de Loire or the Canal du Midibefore embarking on longer itineraries.
Where to sleep and eat
Preparing an outing on a green lane is not limited to the itinerary. Accommodation and catering are key points, especially for multi-day tours.
Accueil Vélo label This label guarantees an appropriate welcome for cyclists (secure premises, repair tools, energy-efficient breakfast). It can be found along many greenways.
Guest rooms and gîtes These are ideal for local immersion, often in the immediate vicinity of the itineraries.
Campsites and natural areas Our new "family-friendly" packages are ideal for families looking for an economical, family-friendly vacation.
Restaurants and guinguettes Some itineraries, especially along the canals, offer gourmet stops (local produce, open-air meals).
To help you organize your stay, take a look at our selection of best hikes in Francewhich also includes stages accessible by greenway.
Practical tip: checklist before you leave
Check the weather and adapt your clothing.
Download the itinerary (AF3V, IGN or France Vélo Tourisme).
Prepare water and snacks.
Check the bike's condition (brakes, tires, lighting).
Inform a friend or family member of your planned itinerary for longer outings.
With this preparation, your green lane will be synonymous with relaxation, discovery and safety.
Impact & trends
National network development
Today, France is one of the world's leading countries in terms of greenwayswith more than 20,000 km of cycle routes of which a large part is exclusive right-of-way. Visit Schéma National des Véloroutes et Voies Vertes (SN3V - National Plan for Bicycle and Greenway Routes) has set an ambitious goal: to link up the whole country by 2030, connecting major cities, regions and major tourist sites.
L'AF3V plays a central role in this development, identifying projects, mobilizing local associations and working with local authorities. L'IGNfor its part, provides up-to-date maps to help travellers and planners.
This growing network enables green lane to establish itself not only as a leisure tool, but also as a genuine alternative for daily commuting (home-work cycling).
Slow tourism and local spin-offs
Visit green lane is a powerful driver of gentle tourism. Unlike motorized tourism, it favors longer stays, where travelers take the time to discover landscapes, villages and local producers.
The economic benefits are significant:
The average cyclotourist spends 60-70 € per daybetween accommodation, catering and activities.
Some regions, such as Loire à Véloare home to more thanone million visitorsgenerating several tens of millions of euros in spin-offs.
The local shops and accommodation in the areas we pass through benefit directly from these visitors.
By choosing the green lanetravelers are part of a process of slow tourismwhere quality of experience takes precedence over speed.
Eco-responsible best practices
If the green lane is a sustainable infrastructure, its use must be accompanied by environmentally friendly behavior:
Limiting waste Take along a small bag for packaging and respect collection points.
Respecting flora and fauna Do not pick plants or frighten animals.
Use reusable water bottles instead of plastic bottles.
Favoring soft transportation to reach the start of the greenway (train + bike, for example).
Raising children's awareness the notion of shared space and the importance of nature.
These simple gestures reinforce the positive impact of the green lane and contribute to its preservation.
Greenway FAQs
What exactly is a greenway?
A green lane is a dedicated road reserved for non-motorized users: pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers, horse riders and wheelchair users. It stands out for its safety and universal accessibility, unlike a cycle track, which is reserved for bicycles only.
Who has the right of way on a greenway?
On a green laneThe right of way is shared by all road users. However, cyclists must adapt their speed and give way to pedestrians and people with reduced mobility. At intersections with roads, traffic signs determine priority.
Are electric scooters allowed on greenways?
In principle, the EDPM (Motorized Personal Mobility Equipment), such as electric scooters, are not permitted on a green laneunless a specific local decision has been taken. Their presence is sometimes tolerated if local authorities clearly indicate this with a sign or by-law.
Can I walk my dog on a greenway?
Yes, dogs are allowed on a green lanebut only on a leash. The accompanying person must take care not to impede the movement of other users. Some local authorities lay down additional rules, particularly on busy major routes.
How wide is a greenway?
As recommended by Ceremaa green lane must measure between 3 and 5 meters to allow users to share the road. This width varies according to the level of use: major tourist sections benefit from a wider layout.
How can I find a greenway near me?
To locate a green laneseveral tools are available:
Visit AF3V interactive mapthe most comprehensive in France.
Visit map IGN Voies vertes & Véloroutesin paper version.
Sites like France Vélo Tourisme or IGNrando which offer regional itineraries.
Can you ride at night on a greenway?
Night-time traffic is possible on a green lanebut it's not lit. It is therefore essential to provide a front and rear lightingand a reflective vest to stay visible.
What green routes do you recommend for families?
The best family greenways are those that are flat, secure and close to services. Among the most recommended:
Visit Canal du Midi,
Visit Loire à Vélo,
Visit voie verte des Gaves (Hautes-Pyrénées),
L'Oleron Island with its safe cycling network.
