La Voie Bleue, Moselle - Saône à Vélo was crowned European Cycle Route for 2026 at the Fiets en Wandelbeurs in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Held annually in Utrecht, named the world’s most bike - friendly city in 2025, the Fiets en Wandelbeurs is Europe’s leading trade fair for cycling and hiking enthusiasts, attracting around 40.000 visitors each year.
This cycle path has been voted the most beautiful long - distance cycle route in Europe, receiving an accolade that further cements this 700+ French kilometres route as one of the continent’s standout bike experiences.
According to the Fiets en Wandelbeurs jury, chaired by cycling expert Bert Sitters, La Voie Bleue met all criteria for Cycle Route of the Year. Judges assessed signage, surface quality, safety, landscape appeal, points of interest, cyclist - friendly facilities and public transport accessibility.
For La Voie Bleue, the recognition provides a compelling new reason for international cyclists to head east and discover one of France’s most scenic long - distance ride.
This scenic route runs from the Luxembourg border to Lyon, France, Approximately 80% of the route is on secure, dedicated cycle lanes, making it ideal for family tours and relaxed riding. connecting UNESCO sites, vineyards, and charming villages.
The route is often broken into 21 - 23 stages taking cyclists through 7 Frennch departments, starting from the French - Luxembourg border at Apach to the city of Lyon, following the Moselle Valley, connecting via the Canal des Vosges, and continuing along the Saône Valley to the confluence with the Rhône. For most of its distance, the route hugs former towpaths, offering a largely traffic-free and exceptionally comfortable ride.
Registered under France’s national cycling plan as route V50, La Voie Bleue spans over 700 km (often quoted as 730 km) along the Moselle river, the Canal de Vosges and the Saône river, providing a predominantly flat, riverside experience suitable for all skills levels.
The route passes through three major UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the historic city of Lyon, France’s third – largest city, located in the Auvergne - Rhône - Alpes region at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, renowned as the “world capital of gastronomy” and for its UNESCO - listed Old Town (Vieux Lyon), renaissance architecture, and Roman ruins on Fourvière Hill, the Place Stanislas, a large pedestrian square in the French city of Nancy, in the Lorraine historic region, built between 1752 and 1756 in honour of Louis XV, and the vineyards and landscape of Burgundy, defined by a mosaic of over 1.200 “Climats”, precisely delimited vineyard parcels, running from Dijon to Maranges.
La Voie Bleue offers a rich immersion in French heritage and landscapes. Riders pass bustling towns, characterful villages, castles, vineyards and museums, all set against a backdrop of river valleys and waterside scenery. The close relationship with waterways, linking the Moselle and Saône rivers via the Canal des Vosges, gives the itinerary a unique identity centred on “cycling along the water.”
Cyclists can also discover regional gastronomy exploring local culinary specialties, including Munster heese, Metz quiche, and regional wines.
The route features numerous “Accueil Vélo” (Cyclists Welcome) certified services, offering amenities specifically for bike tourists, another key factor in the win. The Bleue Voie is equipped with regular water points, restrooms, bike shelters and secure parking. Clear and consistent way - marking, featuring a distinctive logo, ensures riders can easily navigate the entire length of the trail.
In addition La Voie Bleue connects to the European EuroVelo network, including linking with EuroVelo 5 in Moselle, EuroVelo 6 in Côte - d’ Or, and EuroVelo 17 (Via Rhôna) in Lyon.
The award represents a strong endorsement of the coordinated efforts by local authorities and the route’s management committee to develop, secure and harmonize services along the entire corridor.
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Thanks a lot to read and note.