Are you ready for bikepacking adventures and camping?

Bikepacking is the perfect blend of cycling and minimalist camping, taking you off the beaten track across France and Europe. This guide, inspired by top-ranking bikepacking resources, will walk you through essential gear, route planning, and pro tips to ensure your journey is smooth, safe, and unforgettable. Discover France supports these adventures, offering expert insight into the best European trails, ensuring you connect deeply with landscapes like the Camargue or the Alsace wine route. Read on to plan your next adventure under the stars.

What gear should you pack?

A good bikepacking setup distributes weight low and central on the bike for better handling. You’ll want:

A durable frame bag for tools, snacks, and spare tubes
A handlebar roll to carry your tent and sleeping bag
A seat bag for clothes and lighter gear
Cooking kit: lightweight stove, pot, spork
Minimalist shelter: tent or bivy, sleeping pad, down sleeping bag
Navigation tools: GPS & maps, extra batteries
Essential bike repair kit: pump, multi-tool, spare tubes, chain-link
Layered cycling clothing plus waterproof outer layer

Aim to bring multipurpose items—like a rain jacket that doubles as a cozy camp layer—and repack consumables in smaller containers to save space.

How do you plan your route?

Planning is both an art and a science. Choose a scenic campsite as your anchor, then design daily segments that balance climbs and rest. Avoid busy roads by favoring backroads, gravel tracks, or singletrack, comprising usually 60–75% unpaved surfaces.

Resupply must be factored in—pinpoint water and food stops on your map. Build loops from accessible hubs like train stations or parking lots. For first-timers, short loops (15–30 km) close to home are ideal.

Which routes in france and europe are top picks?

Discover France highlights gems like the Camargue route—from Valence to Perpignan—famous for flamingos and wild horses. Riders can camp near wildlife-rich lagoons or small villages. Alsace’s wine route offers gentle terrain through vineyards and charming villages, ideal for those seeking cultural immersion.

Route	Details
Camargue circuit	Valence → Perpignan; wildlife, off-road stretches, Mediterranean scenery
Alsace wine route	Rolling terrain; vineyards, historic villages, easy resupply

What tips will make bikepacking easier?

Test-ride your full setup before heading out—adjust weight distribution and be sure you can pitch your tent in the dark. Embrace flexibility: pauses, swims, or picnics enrich the journey—don’t rush. Learn basic repairs like fixing a flat tire and carry spare parts as needed. Carry extra straps and padding to stabilize your load on rough trails.

Why travel with discover france?

Discover France offers trusted route guidance, maps, and local camping insights perfect for bikepacking adventurers. Their expertise ensures you tap into the most scenic and sustainable trails across France and into neighbouring regions—all designed to keep you off busy roads and deeply connected with the terrain.

You can also discover informations about International adventure cycling: What you need to know and Adventure cycling organized tours.

Are you ready for bikepacking adventures and camping?

What gear should you pack?

How do you plan your route?

Which routes in france and europe are top picks?

What tips will make bikepacking easier?

Why travel with discover france?

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Are you ready for bikepacking adventures and camping?

What gear should you pack?

How do you plan your route?

Which routes in france and europe are top picks?

What tips will make bikepacking easier?

Why travel with discover france?

NEWSLETTER

Thank you for contacting Discover France!

Subscribing to our newsletter

Following us on social media

Exploring our travel guide for exclusive tips, updates and special offers

Exploring our travel guide
for exclusive tips, updates and special offers