Mountain Biking in France: Best Trails, Regions and Tips

If you have seen photos of the French Alps, you already know that mountain biking in France hits different. Mountain biking destinations in France go way beyond the obvious spots. Morzine will wreck your forearms on the way down. Chamonix sits right under Mont Blanc, so you're basically riding with a postcard view the whole time.

There’s a single track in Provence through fields of lavender and vineyards. Auvergne has volcanic dirt that grips like crazy. The Vosges Mountains stay under the radar, but locals know what's up. Some trails flow like butter; others are just rocks and roots waiting to throw you off.

Need help sorting it out? Our Europe Tour Packages handle the annoying parts like where to crash, which trails are worth it, and guides who actually ride instead of just talking about it. Beats showing up blind and wasting half your trip on garbage trails.

Best Mountain Biking Destinations in France

There are many places to visit in France, but some stand out more than the others. These are known as the top mountain biking destinations in France because riders travel from far away to ride here.

1. Portes du Soleil (Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz)

Not just one spot - this is one of the biggest and most famous mountain biking destinations in France. You get a huge interconnected area with lifts, marked trails for all levels, and scenic descents. Morzine sits at the heart of this zone, with huge trail access, including Pleney and routes that link to Les Gets and Avoriaz.

2. Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Known for dramatic alpine scenery and technical trails, Chamonix delivers natural, flowy singletracks and tough mountain terrain. It’s one of the classic French Alps destinations for riders who want big views and real challenges.

3. Serre Chevalier

This area mixes long, scenic routes with good sunny weather and a wide range of trails - from relaxed rides through forests to more demanding mountain tracks. It’s a favourite for riders who want variety without huge crowds, making it one of the best things to do in France.

4. Méribel

Part of the Trois Vallées, Méribel has loads of downhill tracks plus cross-country loops and enduro lines. It’s strong in both lift-assisted riding and self-powered trail access.

5. Tignes

High altitude trails that are fast, rocky, and open in summer make Tignes a top choice for mountain bikers who like speed and exposed alpine terrain. There’s a modern lift system to get you up quickly.

6. Les 2 Alpes

A classic lift-served bike park with around 91 km of marked trails for all levels. It’s known for a big vertical drop and well-built, maintained lines that appeal to both beginners and advanced riders.

7. Vercors Massif

The Vercors is one of the true strongholds of French mountain biking. With over 1,200 km of signposted routes, limestone plateaus, forest roads, and steep descents, it’s ideal for explorers and cross-country lovers.

8. Queyras

A quieter, more authentic Alpine zone with hundreds of kilometres of trails. The landscape here is rugged, remote, and rewarding, perfect if you want scenic long rides and less crowded trails.

9. Catalan Pyrenees (Canigou & surrounding areas)

This region blends mountain riding with Mediterranean views. There are extensive signposted routes and varied terrain from the high peaks down toward the sea.

10. Provence & Mont Ventoux / Luberon

Provence isn’t just for road cycling. Around Mont Ventoux and the Luberon massif, you’ll find Mediterranean-style mountain bike trails with open views, olive groves, and historic villages.

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Best Mountain Biking Trails in France

Here’s a real, up-to-date list of the best mountain biking trails in France based on actual trail info, not guesswork. These routes show you what riders actually look for long climbs, big descents, classic singletrack, and epic alpine terrain.

1. Tour du Mont Blanc (Alps)

This isn’t just a trail, it’s legendary. You ride around the Mont Blanc massif through France, Switzerland and Italy. It’s long (about 160 km with huge climbs and drops), technical in parts, and unforgettable for fit riders who want adventure.

2. Col de Péas Loop (Briançon Region)

A classic alpine route with big elevation gain and descent - rough trails, stunning mountain scenery and long singletrack sections. It’s a full-on day ride or multi-day choice if you want serious mileage.

3. Fort de l’Infernet (Briançon)

Riders love this one for the mix of steep climbs, loose rock sections and fast singletrack down technical terrain. It’s shorter than some other alpine rides but really rewards good bike handling.

4. Col d’Anterne (Haute-Savoie)

Drop in from iconic alpine ridges and enjoy switchbacks, high-alpine views and fun downhill singletrack that feels remote and wild.

5. Transubayenne (Ubaye Valley)

This is a long marked trail (about 100 km) that stretches from the Italian border to a big alpine lake. You’ll experience flowing singletrack, ridge rides, rocky sections, and big views - it’s one of the coolest long routes in mountain biking in the Ubaye Valley.

6. Pra Loup Bike Park Runs (Ubaye)

Not a single “trail name,” but Pra Loup’s downhill lines are famous in the southern Alps. From summit to valley, riders get high speed, berms, drops, and flow in a classic gravity-oriented trail area.

7. La Bourgeoise (Samoëns)

A long descent from the peaks around Samoëns down to the valley. It’s a smooth, scenic alpine run with a mix of terrain that makes it exciting for experienced riders.

8. Alpine Rides Around Queyras

The Queyras region has several long alpine trails with climbs and drops that take you through high mountain meadows, ancient villages, and flowy singletrack. Perfect if you want bigger, quieter routes away from big bike parks.

9. Mountain Bike Routes in Chamonix

Chamonix isn’t just one trail, it’s a whole network. You can ride the Petit Balcon Sud to Argentière (good XC terrain) or take lift-access runs from Flégère or Brévent for steep, tech downhills and fast flow routes with epic views.

10. Extended Alpine Routes (General Alps)

Beyond named runs, riders often string together cols (mountain passes), ridgelines, and high trails through areas like Alpe d’Huez, the Vaucluse, and Sainte-Foy. These aren’t always single “trail names,” but together they make some of the most thrilling terrain in Europe for mountain bikes.

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What Makes These Among the Best Mountain Biking Trails in France

Here’s why these routes show up on lists of best mountain biking trails in France:

• Varied terrain: You get everything like rock gardens, alpine ridges, forest singletrack, and long flow sections.
• Big elevation: These aren’t tiny local loops - many have huge climbs and epic drops.
• Scenery: You’re riding among towering peaks, vast valleys, and classic alpine landscapes.
• Trail networks: In places like Chamonix and the Ubaye Valley, you can link multiple trails into longer days.

Mountain Biking Tours in France

If you want someone else to handle logistics, there are plenty of guided mountain biking tours in France. Operators will plan routes, manage transfers, arrange places to stay, and often include bike rental.

You can pick tours that focus on:

• Cross-country rides through quiet mountain valleys
• Multi-day endurance challenges in the Alps
• Lift-access enduro and downhill weeks in Portes du Soleil

This is especially useful if you’re not familiar with the region or you want local insight into the best lines and trail conditions.

Best Time for Mountain Biking in France

If you want great trails, good weather, and open bike parks, timing matters a lot. The best time for mountain biking in France is mainly about avoiding snow, heavy rain, and closed lifts.

Summer is the main season

For most riders, the best time for mountain biking in France is from mid-June to early September.

This is when:

• Snow has melted from the mountains

• Trails are dry and safe

• Chairlifts and bike parks are open

• Weather is warm but not too hot in the Alps

Places like Morzine, Les Gets, Chamonix, Tignes, and Alpe d’Huez all run full bike seasons in summer. If you want downhill runs, long alpine rides, and big views, summer is your window.

Late Spring and Early Autumn Are Also Good

If you want fewer crowds and cooler air, two other good times are

• Late May to early June

• September

In late May and early June, lower and mid-mountain trails are usually rideable. High peaks may still have snow, so you just avoid the very top sections.

In September, the air is cooler, the views are clear, and the trails are still in great shape. It is one of the nicest months to ride.

What About Winter and Early Spring?

Winter in France is not good for most mountain biking. From November to March, the Alps and most mountain areas are covered in snow. Bike parks are closed, and trails are not safe.

Early spring can work only in low areas and the south of France. The Alps are still frozen or muddy.

Cross-Country Mountain Biking in France

Not every rider wants chairlifts and jump lines. For many, cross-country mountain biking in France is the real draw. Regions with huge XC networks include:

• Portes du Soleil (Avoriaz/Morzine area) - varied terrain and big tours.
• Ubaye Valley - natural trails stretching for hundreds of kilometres.
• Pyrenees Catalanes - well-waymarked XC networks with varied scenery.

Cross-country here can mean long days, real climbs, and deep immersion into mountain terrain.

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Types of Mountain Biking available in France

France has a huge variety of mountain biking options because of its diverse terrain. Here’s a clear breakdown of the main types you can ride there:

Cross-Country (XC)

• Focus: Long rides, endurance, mixed terrain with climbs and descents
• Terrain: Forest trails, rolling hills, gravel paths
• Best regions: Vosges, Jura, Alps foothills
• Tip: Great for beginners and intermediate riders; pace yourself on climbs

Trail / All-Mountain

• Focus: Balanced climbing and descending, natural singletrack
• Terrain: Roots, rocks, small drops, flow sections
• Best regions: Alps, Pyrenees, Provence
• Tip: Keep your speed controlled on technical sections; practice braking before corners

Enduro

• Focus: Technical descents with some climbing; mix of XC and downhill
• Terrain: Rock gardens, steep trails, forest paths
• Best regions: Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central
• Tip: Ride with protective gear and check trail difficulty before starting

Downhill (DH)

• Focus: Fast, steep descents, jumps, berms
• Terrain: Bike park tracks, lift-served trails
• Best regions: Les Gets, Morzine, Alpe d’Huez, Les 2 Alpes
• Tip: Use a full-face helmet and pads; check the bike setup for suspension and brakes

Freeride / Dirt / Pump Track

• Focus: Tricks, jumps, skill features
• Terrain: Bike parks with ramps, dirt jumps, and pump tracks
• Best régions: Les Gets, La Clusaz, Val d’Isère
• Tip: Practice on easier features first; protective gear is essential

E-MTB (Electric MTB)

• Focus: Assisted riding on XC, trail, or enduro routes
• Terrain: Steep climbs, mixed trails, long loops
• Best regions: Alps, Pyrenees, many resort areas
• Tip: Keep battery charged; e-MTB allows longer rides, but still follow trail rules

Bikepacking / Touring

• Focus: Multi-day self-supported rides
• Terrain: Forest tracks, gravel roads, alpine passes
• Best regions: Alps, Pyrenees, Provence, Loire Valley
• Tip: Carry enough water, food, tools, and spare parts; plan your route carefully

Best MTB Resorts in France for Beginners

If you’re just starting out or bringing a group with mixed skills, you want places that make learning easy and fun. These are often listed as the best MTB resorts in France for beginners:

1. Morzine-Les Gets (Portes du Soleil)

This is one of France’s most famous mountain biking areas, and it’s actually great for beginners too. There are marked, gentle green and blue trails that are easy to ride and don’t have scary drops. The bike park has a dedicated beginners' area at the top of the Pleney gondola, where you can practice before trying longer runs.

Morzine’s big network means you can start easy and keep improving on next-level blue or flow trails without switching towns, which is ideal for first-time riders.

2. Lac Blanc Bike Park (Vosges)

Lac Blanc in the Vosges mountains has specific easy options in the bike park setup. Beginners can start on the blue-level “La COOL” trail that’s designed to be friendly. There are also family and freeride trails that are fun without being technical. The park even offers rental gear and local guidance.

This is a good choice if you want a safer, supervised place to begin downhill mountain biking rather than trying big alpine resorts first.

3. Les 2 Alpes Bike Park

The Bike Park des 2 Alpes includes beginner-friendly zones, including green and blue runs and an easy ride area that’s designed for riders just starting out. There’s even an easy-ride zone that’s good for learning basic downhill control before progressing to faster or steeper runs.

It’s not just a big adventure park; it also gives you a structured progression that helps beginners get comfortable.

4. Grand Massif – Les Carroz & Morillon

In the Grand Massif area, Les Carroz has a bike park with green and blue trails, which help beginners learn downhill riding at a steady pace. Morillon, nearby, has gentle forest and valley routes that are nice for first-time mountain bikers and family rides.

What makes this area friendly is that the trail difficulty ranges from easy to more fun options, all from the same base zone.

5. Serre Chevalier Bike Park

Serre Chevalier in the Hautes-Alpes also gets mentioned among bike parks with beginner-accessible trail sections. It has a mix of easier downhill and cross-country options that are not too steep or technical, so new riders can focus on skill building before moving into tougher terrain.

This spot is a bit quieter than Morzine but still gives good progression routes for new riders.

6. Les Orres Bike Park

Les Orres in the Hautes-Alpes is another welcoming choice because it includes an “Easy Ride” zone and green trails. These are designed to help newcomers gain confidence in a relaxed setting, plus there are services like rental bikes and instruction.

This is a strong pick if you want big alpine scenery with easy trail options.

What Makes These Great for Beginners

Here’s why these areas are on lists of the best MTB resorts in France for beginners:

• They have clearly marked easy trails and blue-level sections where riders can grow skills.

• Bike parks include beginner zones or free easy-ride areas that focus on fun over difficulty.

• Many offer gear rental, local instruction, and help for riders who are new to mountain biking.

Must‑Have Riding Gear for Mountain Biking in France

Core safety

• Mountain bike helmet (fit matters for comfort and protection)
• Gloves for grip and hand protection
• Eye protection, such as sunglasses or clear lenses
• Knee and elbow pads for technical trails or downhill rides

Bike essentials

• Mountain bike with reliable brakes and grippy tyres for rocky or muddy terrain
• MTB shoes, flat or clipless, depending on your preference

Clothing and Comfort

Riding clothing

• Breathable MTB jersey and padded shorts
• Extra layers, such as arm warmers or a lightweight jacket, for changing weather
• Waterproof jacket and pants for unpredictable weather
• Breathable socks and optional waterproof shoe covers

Hydration, Nutrition and Electronics

• Hydration pack or water bottles
• Energy snacks such as bars or gels
• GPS bike computer or smartphone with maps
• Power bank for long days on the trail

Repair and Maintenance Kit

• Multi-tool with Allen wrenches and chain tool
• Spare inner tubes or a tubeless repair kit
• Compact pump and tyre levers
• Patch kit, spare chain link and derailleur hanger if possible
• Small bottle of chain lube and rag

Optional Extras

Packing and luggage

• Small daypack for essentials and mud gear
• Frame bags, seat packs or panniers for multi-day trips

Comfort and safety

• First-aid kit
• Front and rear lights for low-light riding
• Reflective bands or a vest for visibility on shared roads

This covers safety, comfort, repairs and essentials so you can ride confidently in the Alps, Pyrenees or other French mountain trails.

Best Bike Parks in France

If your focus is lift-access trails with berms, jumps, and gravity-fed laps, these are the biggest and most established:

• Portes du Soleil Bike Parks (Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz) - five parks with hundreds of kilometres of interconnected riding.
• Serre Chevalier Bike Park - a strong mix of downhill, enduro, and cross-country segments.
• Vosges Parks (Lac Blanc, La Bresse) - technical and scenic, good mix of flow and challenge.

These stand out when people talk about the Best bike parks in France for serious riders.

Quick Reality Check

This isn’t hype. Riders from everywhere come to France because:

• Trails are high quality and well supported.
• Bike parks are organised with lifts and infrastructure.
• You get a wide variety - from gravity loops to classic XC loops.
• It’s easy to pick a style and a place that matches your skill level.

France isn’t one type of mountain biking. It’s dozens - and that’s exactly why people keep going back.

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Why Mountain Biking in France Hits Different

What makes Mountain Biking in France special is variety. In one week, you can ride rocky alpine descents, smooth forest singletrack, and dusty Mediterranean trails. Few countries offer that kind of range.

The trail quality is high. Signage is good. Bike parks are well-run. And the food? You burn 2,000 calories and then eat like a king. Cheese. Bread. Wine. Life makes sense again.

France also takes bikes seriously. Towns are bike-friendly. Resorts invest in trail building. Local riders care about maintenance. These aren't random dirt paths. These are designed, tested, and loved trails.

That’s why Best mountain biking France isn’t just a phrase. It’s reality.

Tips for Riding These Trails

• High mountain trails can change fast. Snow, rain and temperature swings matter.
• Always stay on marked trails. Off-trail riding can get you fined and damage nature.
• Ride within your limits. Slow down on technical terrain, rocky passes, or steep descents.
• Uphill riders have priority. Hikers and equestrians always come first.
• Control your speed before corners. Traction can be tricky on loose soil.
• Avoid skidding or cutting switchbacks, especially on wet or muddy trails.
• Ride through puddles rather than around them to protect trail edges.
• Don’t build unauthorised trails or jumps; it risks closures for everyone.
• Check weather and trail conditions before heading out.
• Bring water, snacks, a first-aid kit, tools, spare tubes, and a pump.
• Carry a fully charged phone and know the emergency number 112.
• Helmet, gloves, and pads are non-negotiable on technical trails.
• Ensure your bike brakes, tyres, and drivetrain are in top condition.
• Have basic repair tools and spare parts for long or remote rides.
• Use local MTB maps or FFC-rated trail guides.
• Ask locals or guides for route difficulty and conditions.
• Respect seasonal trail closures and forest regulations.
• These routes are often remote, so a good helmet, repair kit, and enough water are essential.
• Komoot and Trailforks have detailed trail info for most areas - especially useful in big networks like Chamonix.

Final Thoughts

If you love bikes, adventure, and good living, Mountain Biking in France should be on your list. Not someday. Soon.

You get world-class trails, stunning landscapes, and a culture that understands why riding matters. From mountain biking in Morzine to quiet cross-country routes in Provence, there’s something here for every kind of rider.

The best time for mountain biking in France is when you stop overthinking and just go. Explore routes, get tips, and plan your trip on WanderOn, your go-to for all things travel and adventure.

Ride hard. Eat better. Repeat. That’s how it’s done in France.