Discover the mountains of France on 2 wheels this summer
Electric-assisted mountain bikes are now widely available in the mountain resorts of France, enabling even complete beginners (and the lazy!) to enjoy the thrill of riding in the mountains, without the need for thighs like tree trunks! For seasoned riders, the French mountains continue to strengthen their position as the MTB mecca, with a number of new developments and a raft of international events on offer this summer.
First introduced in France 3 years ago, electric-assisted mountain bikes are now available in a plethora of French mountain resorts. We've picked out a handful.
In the Alps: Val d'Arly resorts, Megève, Morzine, Meribel, L'Alpe d'Huez, , Val Cenis Vanoise offers guided tours around the Lac du Mont Cenis.
In the Vosges : Bresse Hohneck offers full day package of guided riding, including a delicious lunch. Champs du Feu has the same, only after lunch an afternoon in the spa is included.
For those already familiar with mountain-biking “sans assistance”, there are rich pickings on offer across the mountains of France.
For kids Châtel has a dedicated area to learn the various MTB disciplines in a controlled environment.
Les Gets boasts a unique facility in Europe, the “Coaching Track” which analyses 6 fundamentals of MTB riding for those looking to improve their technique.
La Rosière's “biking without borders” package includes accommodation, lift passes and guided riding between both France and Italy.
Those keen to see the world's best riders in full flow have dozens of opportunities to do so in the French mountains. We've picked out the crème de la crème:
6-14 July Crankworx & Free Raid Classic, Les 2 Alpes: The Free Raid Classic is a decade-old fun series of MTB events open (to all abilities), while Crankworx brings the world-renowned slopestyle contest to the French Alps.
7-13 July La Megavalanche (20th ed), Alpe d'Huez: The world's biggest MTB Downhill, 1400 riders from 20 nations… Monumental mountain mayhem!
21-24 August UCI World Cup Finals, Meribel: 40,000 spectators watch the world's best riders battle it out in 3 MTB disciplines (DH, XC, Trial) right in the heart of the resort.