Mountain Bike Holidays in France

The French Alps are considered one of the best destinations for mountain biking in the world with several famous resorts including Morzine and Les Gets which have hosted the UCI DH World Cup and Enduro World Series events. Other destinations in France such as the Pyrenees and the resorts of Loudenvielle are also putting themselves on the MTB map with huge investments and amazing trail building. 

France is famous for its lift-accessed bike parks, the ski lift are adapted to accept bikes in the summer and this means you can ride as many Downhill laps as your body will allow without pedalling up the mountain. The Pleney and Super Morzine lifts for example provide easy access to downhill trails. In the broader Portes du Soleil region, around 24 lifts operate during the summer season, allowing for almost endless riding across multiple resorts and 2 countries. 

The French Alps offer a vast variety of terrain for mountain biking that includes steep descents, rocky shutes, technical singletrack, and plenty of natural features such as drops, jumps, and berms. The terrain is suitable for all levels of riders, from beginners to experts and ranges from Green to Black grades. 

Many of the resorts in the French Alps offer lift-accessed trails, like Morzine Bike Park, which means that riders can easily access the top of the mountain and enjoy a long, adrenaline-fueled descent. This allows riders to spend more time on the trail and less time climbing uphill. Morzine is part of the Portes du Soleil region, one of the largest linked mountain biking areas in the world, spanning 12 resorts across France and Switzerland. The region offers over 650 km of marked trails, accessible via a vast network of chairlifts and gondolas that operate in the summer.

In addition to downhill, Morzine is ideal for enduro and cross-country riders, with stunning alpine scenery, long descents, and challenging climbs. The area features epic alpine loops and singletracks, many of which provide spectacular views of Mont Blanc.

The resorts in the French Alps have developed a strong infrastructure to support mountain biking, with plenty of bike rental shops, repair services, and guides available, like our partner Season Guiding. This makes it easy for riders to access the trails and enjoy their time on the mountain. The French Alps offer stunning scenery, with majestic peaks, deep valleys, and panoramic views that are simply breathtaking. This makes the experience of downhill mountain biking in the French Alps even more memorable and enjoyable.

The trails in the French Alps are well-maintained and signposted, which makes it easy for riders to navigate and enjoy the trail without worrying about getting lost or encountering unexpected obstacles. Overall, the French Alps offer a perfect combination of terrain, infrastructure, and scenery, making it one of the best destinations for downhill mountain biking in the world. Whether you're a beginner or an expert rider, the French Alps has something to offer for everyone who loves the thrill of downhill mountain biking.

The French Pyrenees boast an extensive network of mountain biking trails, from man-made bike parks to challenging singletracks, there are options for everyone. The trails often traverse through picturesque valleys, dense forests, and high mountain passes, providing riders with breathtaking views.

The Pyrenees offer a wide range of terrain, including rocky descents, technical singletracks, and epic bike parks. There are several well-established mountain biking trail centres in the French Pyrenees. These centres provide access to a variety of trails, along with amenities such as bike rentals, guided tours, and bike wash facilities. Popular bike parks in the Pyrenees include Loudenvielle, Les Angles Bike Park, Val d'Azun, and Vallée d'Aure Bike Park. 

The French Pyrenees host various mountain biking events and competitions throughout the year. These events attract both amateur and professional riders from around the world. From endurance races to downhill competitions, Keep an eye out for events like the Enduro World Series and UCI Downhill World Cup downhill races.

The mountain biking season in the French Pyrenees typically runs from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and lower chances of precipitation. However, it's essential to check the weather forecast and trail conditions before heading out, as mountain weather can change rapidly.

We hope that the above information has convinced you to book that MTB holiday of a lifetime in France, full of culture, adventure, local cuisine and epic mountain biking. If you have any questions please use the form below and one of our friendly team will get back to you ASAP.