Before I dive into today’s new cycling content, I want to share something personal.This month I’m taking part in Movember, raising awareness and funds for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer support. It’s a cause close to me, and if you enjoy my videos or find my guides useful, I’d be incredibly grateful for any support — even the price of a coffee makes a difference.

Cycling in France is an experience like no other. From gentle riverside paths to epic mountain climbs, the country offers routes for every rider — whether you’re a casual tourist or a seasoned road cyclist. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Where’s the best place to cycle in France?”, you’re not alone. There are so many regions to explore, each with its own charm, history, and cycling challenges.

YouTube video by More Than 21 Bends

YouTube video by More Than 21 Bends

YouTube video by More Than 21 Bends

If you’re exploring the Loire Valley by bike, the Château de Brissac is a stop that shouldn’t be missed. Rising seven storeys high with over 200 rooms, it’s officially the tallest castle in France — and it certainly lives up to its nickname: the Giant of the Loire Valley. A Brief History of the Château de Brissac The château’s origins date back to the 11th century, but its grand Renaissance look came later, when René de Cossé purchased it in 1502.

YouTube video by More Than 21 Bends

What happens when 18 determined cyclists from Dublin take on the giants of the French Alps? Three unforgettable days, legendary climbs, and memories to last a lifetime. Day One: Straight Into the Deep End The challenge began with the mighty Col du Glandon, before rolling straight onto the breathtaking twists of the Lacets de Montvernier. Tough gradients, stunning scenery, and spirits sky-high.

YouTube video by More Than 21 Bends

One of the best things about cycling in France is the sense of freedom it gives you. You don’t always need a plan—sometimes the best rides happen when you just clip in, start pedalling, and see where the road (or trail) takes you. This summer I’ve been exploring two very different corners of France by bike: the wild coast of Normandy and the fairytale landscapes of the Loire Valley.

YouTube video by More Than 21 Bends

Remco flies, Pogačar dominates… but what would Jules “The Steam Engine” Moreau have done? The Tour de France has just thundered through Caen. On the 33km time trial stage, Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel delivered a masterpiece of precision and power to take the stage win. But it was Tadej Pogačar who stole the headlines — claiming not just the yellow jersey, but also the green and polka dot in a single day of dominance.

YouTube video by More Than 21 Bends

YouTube video by More Than 21 Bends

Imagine pedalling through French vineyards, past châteaux and sunflower fields, dressed in retro cycling gear, on a vintage bike older than your grandparents. That’s Anjou Vélo Vintage — a one-of-a-kind cycling festival held every summer in Saumur, a charming town in the heart of France’s Loire Valley. And this year, my daughter and I joined thousands of other riders for a 35KM adventure we’ll never forget.

YouTube video by More Than 21 Bends

Ride Alpe d’Huez and Mont Ventoux in one epic week this September—our final tour of 2025! Limited spaces. Follow on YouTube for 10% off.

Windswept cliffs, winding coastal lanes, ancient stone villages... and barely a cyclist in sight. La Hague, perched on the wild Cotentin Peninsula near Cherbourg in Normandy, offers one of the most scenic – and surprisingly overlooked – coastal cycling routes in France. In my latest ride, I set out to explore this rugged gem. A 30km Loop Through Normandy’s Wild North…

YouTube video by More Than 21 Bends

YouTube video by More Than 21 Bends

Yes — you can cycle to the vast majority of the British D-Day sites in Normandy in a single day, and it’s one of the most meaningful rides you’ll ever take. Starting in Caen, this 80 km gravel and road route visits Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, Sword Beach, Juno Beach, and the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer. Here's how the ride unfolds — and what to expect along the way.

YouTube video by More Than 21 Bends

YouTube video by More Than 21 Bends