Life at pedal pace

France encourages cyclists in ways other countries should be envious of. From protected bike lanes in cities to well-maintained greenways in rural areas, the country has made a concerted effort to promote cycling as a daily habit. Nowhere is this more visible than during Mai à vélo, a month-long celebration of cycling that takes place each May across thousands of communes.

If you’re new to France, this is more than a public initiative – it’s an invitation to join in. Events range from group rides and repair workshops to local challenges and school cycling days. Many are listed on the official Mai à vélo website, where you can search by your location and see what’s happening near you. It’s an easy way to get involved and meet your neighbours.

Beyond the events, cycling offers a practical entry point into local life. You notice more on a bike: the route the schoolchildren take each morning, which shop opens early, where the town noticeboard is tucked away. As you cycle past familiar faces and nod hello, you begin to understand the rhythm of the place.

It’s not about speed or distance. It’s about engaging with your environment in a way that builds confidence and connection – qualities that make settling into a new home feel natural.

If you want to avoid roads, there are many country lanes that are suitable for cycling

Meet your commune on two wheels

Your commune is the heart of your new life in France. Whether you’re in a small village or a larger town, discovering it by bike allows you to engage with it in a way that cars or buses simply don’t. On two wheels, you’re not rushing through but moving with the rhythm of the place.

Cycling gives you access to streets too narrow for vehicles and paths hidden behind hedgerows or stone walls. You can stop easily to browse the market, chat with a neighbour outside the boulangerie or read a noticeboard advertising a local fête. You become more than an observer – you become part of the daily flow.

Many communes also organise cycling events, especially during Mai à vélo. Whether it’s a guided ride through the surrounding countryside or a family-friendly safety workshop, these are valuable opportunities to meet people and understand how your local area works.

Electric bikes are making it easier than ever to travel longer distances without requiring a car

Rural freedom without four wheels

Living in the French countryside appeals for many reasons – space, tranquillity and a slower pace of life. But for those arriving from more urban areas, the idea of needing a car for everything can be daunting. Fortunately, cycling offers a practical, affordable and surprisingly efficient alternative.

Many rural communes are just a few kilometres from larger towns with weekly markets, medical centres, schools and train stations. What might feel remote by foot becomes perfectly manageable by bike. A ten-minute ride on quiet country roads can connect you to essential services without the cost or commitment of owning a car.

France’s investment in cycling infrastructure is not limited to cities. Rural departments continue to expand bike lanes, greenways and signage to encourage sustainable mobility. You’ll often find safe, well-maintained paths between villages or along canals, making longer rides both pleasant and achievable.

We’ve heard from many of our readers how their dream French home is a countryside home in walking distance from local amenities. This can sometimes be difficult to find and narrows your options to a limited list of locations. However, if you are willing to cycle to the shops, you can find places further out. Electric bikes make those journeys even easier.

Cycling also encourages a different way of engaging with your environment. Instead of bypassing life behind a windscreen, you experience the sounds, smells and sights of your new home directly. It’s slower, yes, but it’s also more grounding. For newcomers looking to embrace rural living without becoming isolated, a good bike can offer the independence and connection that a car so often promises.

There are cycling laws in France you need to be aware of

What you need to know before you ride

Before you start exploring your new surroundings by bike, it’s worth getting familiar with France’s cycling laws. Most are straightforward, but a few may be unfamiliar if you’re used to riding in another country. The key is visibility, safety and mutual respect on the road.

Your bike must be roadworthy, with functioning brakes, front and rear reflectors, and a bell that can be heard clearly. At night, or in poor visibility, you must use steady front and rear lights – flashing lights are no longer permitted – and wear a high-visibility jacket. Fines for missing equipment range from €11 to €75.

Children under 12 must wear a helmet by law, and if you’re riding with them, it’s your responsibility to ensure this rule is followed. While adult helmets remain optional, many riders choose to wear them as a precaution.

Listening to music or using a phone while riding is strictly prohibited and carries a €135 fine. The same penalty applies to cycling under the influence of alcohol – the legal limit matches that for driving.

Finally, remember France’s “priorité à droite” rule at many village junctions: give way to vehicles approaching from the right unless signs say otherwise. Staying informed helps ensure your cycling is both safe and enjoyable.

Cycling is a great way to meet your new neighbours and integrate with a community

Community, connection and confidence

Cycling helps you feel at home. For many people new to France, getting on a bike is a first step toward connection. It’s a way to engage with your local community, build confidence on unfamiliar roads and gain a sense of belonging in your new environment.

Joining a local cycling group can be a great introduction to the area. These groups range from casual weekend riders to more organised clubs that plan routes and social events. Even if you prefer to cycle solo, simply being visible on local paths creates moments of recognition – shared greetings, short conversations and neighbourly waves that make you feel part of the place.

You’ll also build practical knowledge by riding regularly. You’ll learn which route is safest at dusk, which bakery opens early and where local cyclists stop for water or a chat. You may even pick up bits of regional vocabulary along the way.

There are many existing resources available for free

Resources and getting started

Getting started with cycling in France is easier than you might think. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just beginning to explore your local area, there are tools and resources to help you settle in confidently.

A good first step is to visit the Mai à vélo website, where you can search for nearby events during May’s cycling month. The site features an interactive map of rides, workshops and community initiatives across the country. It’s a useful way to find activities in your area and start meeting fellow residents.

Your local mairie is also an essential resource. Some communes continue to offer financial support for bike purchases, particularly electric bikes, even though national subsidies ended earlier this year. They may also keep lists of local cycling clubs or upcoming roadworks that could affect bike routes.

If you’re keen to explore independently, regional websites and apps often provide maps of cycle paths and recommended routes. Look out for departmental cycling networks, which connect villages and points of interest via signed routes.

With the right information, cycling becomes a reliable and rewarding part of life in France – helping you discover your community, stay active and build independence from day one.