The bicycle tourism market - France

The bicycle tourism market in France has demonstrated robust growth, with its economic benefits reaching €5.1 billion in 2020, marking a 46% increase. As of 2020, there were over 5,000 establishments certified with "Accueil Vélo," which supports the hospitality and service quality for cyclists. France boasts a vast network of cycle routes, including over 17,515 km of developed national routes, with plans to expand to 100% of the cycle routes by 2030. EuroVelo routes, which are part of a European cycling network, have seen a significant increase, growing 21%, with a total of 8,184 km of routes available in France as of 2020.

The rental bike market for tourists is also substantial, estimated at 525,210 to 701,350 bikes, and the sector is dominated by small businesses holding the largest share. Tour operators play a notable role, with 250 operators present, of which 26% are French. The Covid-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on leisure activities in France, with cycling activity initially dropping by 72% due to lockdowns; however, a resurgence in cycling was noted post-lockdown as restrictions were eased. Despite the global disruptions caused by the pandemic, the bicycle tourism market in France has shown resilience, underlined by growing infrastructure, enhanced services, and a clear demand for cycling-related leisure.

Rising Pedals: The Surge of Bicycle Tourism in France

Bicycle tourism in France has not only maintained a strong foothold within the travel industry but has also experienced a notable upswing in recent years. The allure of exploring the picturesque landscapes of France on two wheels has increasingly caught the fancy of both locals and international visitors alike. In the last decade alone, in 2020, the economic benefits of the bicycle tourism market have witnessed an impressive increase of approximately 46%, leaping from a valuation between €3 and €4 billion to over €5 billion. This growth signals not just a flourishing market but also an expanding interest in sustainable and active tourism avenues. A breakdown of the demand shows a robust participation from domestic tourists, who accounted for about between 80% and 90% of the total cycle tourists, translating to over 100 million overnight stays in various types of accommodations within the country in 2019 alone. The remaining between 10% and 20% were international tourists, with a significant proportion hailed from Germany and the UK & Ireland.

The diversity of cycling routes in France—ranging from Greenways to Regional cycle paths and the extensive European cycling network, EuroVelo—adds to the compelling offer at the disposal of cycle tourists. The EuroVelo routes have been particularly popular, with the Atlantic Coast Route (La Vélodyssée) generating economic benefits exceeding €100 million, serving as a testament to the popularity and the financial impact of cycle tourism. As a part of this blossoming sector, bicycle sales have exhibited interesting trends, showcasing a steady market growth, notwithstanding a decline in the sales volume of bicycles. This juxtaposition hints at a growing preference for high-quality or specialized bicycles, with electric bikes, in particular, showing a significant increase in average price over the years.

Cycling stands as the leading leisure activity in France, with more than half the populace engaging in it. The distribution of personal preferences within cycling subcategories showed that while a majority ride for leisure, a substantial number do so as part of their holidays or for utility purposes, such as commuting. Observing the profile of cycle tourists, there's a noteworthy presence of more mature individuals partaking in this pastime. The average age of the cyclists hovers around the late 40s, with a reasonably even distribution between those living in rural and urban settings. The gender split leans more towards men, making up about two-thirds of the cycling population. 

Major Contributors to France's Thriving Bicycle Tourism Market

The bicycle tourism market in France boasts a diverse array of actors, each playing a crucial role in providing an enriching experience for cyclists exploring the scenic countryside and vibrant cities on two wheels. These companies and organizations help to facilitate memorable and convenient cycling holidays, catering to the various needs of cycle tourists.

• Accueil Vélo is a standout initiative that champions quality services catered to cyclists' specific needs. With an extensive network of establishments, including accommodation, restaurants, and bike rental or repair shops, Accueil Vélo ensures cycle tourists enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment no matter where their journey takes them in France.
• One of the most captivating and frequented routes is the EuroVelo network, particularly the **La Vélodyssée** route that spans the Atlantic coastline. These routes are not only popular among local cyclists but also attract a significant number of overseas enthusiasts, looking to experience France's diverse landscapes.
• Among the tour operators, UCPA claims a dominant position, known for arranging a breadth of outdoor activity holidays, including bike tours, showcasing the natural beauty and culture across various French regions. Its recent acquisition of **La Balaguère** expands its reach further into the domain of cycling tourism.
• Discover France has carved out its niche by spearheading self-guided bicycle tours. This approach allows for a more personal and flexible exploration of France, appealing particularly to those who prefer to cycle independently but still benefit from expert planning and route selection.
• Le Vélo Voyageur is another company that organizes bespoke bike trips that take cyclists on curated paths, ensuring they get to experience the charm and hidden gems that France has to offer.
• Lastly, Cyclomundo brings a European perspective, offering tours that not only traverse France but connect riders to a wider continental cycling experience.

Each of these organizations contributes to a thriving bicycle tourism market in France, curating experiences that appeal to different kinds of cyclists, from those seeking leisurely rides through vineyard-studded landscapes to those desiring more adventurous, long-distance challenges. Through their efforts, they not only promote sustainable tourism but also support the local economy, culture, and environment.

Informations

• Nombre de pages : 30 pages
• Format : Version digitale et PDF
• Dernière mise à jour : 25/01/2021

Sommaire et extraits

Liste des graphiques

• L'industrie du vélo en Europe
• Répartition des routes EuroVelo en Europe
• Retombées économiques du cyclotourisme en France
• Augmentation du nombre d'utilisateurs des pistes cyclables françaises
• Nombre total de nuitées des cyclotouristes en France
• Evolution de la taille du marché des vélos en France
• Activités de loisirs préférées des Français
• Fréquence à laquelle les Français pratiquent le vélo
• Pour quels usages les Français utilisent-ils le vélo ?
• Répartition des cyclistes par genre en France
• Popularité du cyclisme pour les touristes en fonction des saisons
• Répartition des dépenses moyennes des cyclo-touristes en France
• Dépenses quotidiennes moyennes en fonction de l'âge du cyclotouriste
• Répartition des cyclotouristes étrangers par nationalité
• Répartition des pratiques du vélo pour les touristes étrangers en fonction de la nationalité
• Dépenses quotidiennes moyennes en fonction de l'origine du cyclotouriste
• Longueur combinée des itinéraires cyclables en France
• Nombre d'itinéraires cyclables en France
• Types de nouvelles pistes cyclables
• Nombre de pistes cyclables par type
• Les routes EuroVelo en France
• Les pistes cyclables EuroVelo disponibles
• Nombre de pistes EuroVelo en France
• Nombre d'établissements "Accueil Vélo"
• Répartition des établissements "Accueil Vélo" par type
• Répartition des établissements de location de vélos par nombre de vélos disponibles
• Ventilation du nombre total de vélos disponibles à la location par taille de l'établissement
• Part des touristes utilisant les pistes cyclables françaises
• Parts des touristes étrangers utilisant les différentes pistes cyclables françaises
• Part des cyclotouristes étrangers par itinéraire cyclable
• Types de cyclisme pratiqués par les cyclotouristes sur les principales pistes cyclables
• Prix moyen de location journalière en fonction des différents types de vélos
• Nombre de tour-opérateur pour vélo proposant des voyages en France par pays d'origine
• Prix moyen des tour-opérateurs pour un voyage de 7 jours