Cycling Travel in Europe: From the Alps to Belgian Cobbles

Europe is the holy land of cycling. For Taiwanese riders, riding the classic Tour de France routes, conquering Alpine passes, or leisurely cycling through the lavender fields of Provence is the ultimate dream for many. This article provides a complete guide to planning a cycling trip in Europe.

Pre-Trip Preparation

Visas and Entry

Taiwan passport holders can enter the 26 Schengen Area countries visa-free for up to 90 days. The main cycling destinations (France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, etc.) are all within the Schengen Area.

Important Notes:

• After Brexit, days spent in the UK must be counted separately
• Switzerland is not an EU member but is part of the Schengen Area
• It is recommended to carry travel insurance documents and a return ticket for inspection

Bicycle Transport

Airline Transport

This is the most common method. Airline policies vary:

• EVA Air/China Airlines: Usually counted as one piece of checked baggage, with a size limit of approximately 277cm (length + width + height)
• European Airlines (Lufthansa, KLM, Air France): Some require an additional fee (approximately 50-100 EUR per one-way trip)
• Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, EasyJet): Usually require purchasing an additional bicycle transport allowance

Packing Methods:

• Hard-shell bike case: The safest but bulky, suitable for high-value bikes
• Soft bike bag: Lighter and more portable, requires additional protective wrapping
• Cardboard box: The most economical, can be obtained from bike shops (easy to dispose of upon arrival)

Local Bike Rental

If you don’t want to deal with transport, major European cycling regions offer high-quality rental services:

• Cities like Nice and Barcelona have multiple professional road bike rental shops
• Prices range from 50-120 EUR/day, with discounts for weekly rentals
• Top brands such as Pinarello, Cervelo, and Trek are available
• Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season (June-September)

Recommended Classic Routes

The Alps

French Alps

Route des Grandes Alpes:

• From Thonon-les-Bains on the shores of Lake Geneva to Nice on the Mediterranean
• Approximately 720 km in total, crossing 17 mountain passes
• Recommended riding days: 7-10 days
• Includes classics such as Col du Galibier, Col de l’Iseran (Europe’s highest paved pass at 2,770m), and Alpe d’Huez

The Ventoux Challenge:

• The “Beast of Provence,” with three different routes to the summit
• The most classic Bedoin route: 21.5km with 1,612m of climbing
• The barren, moon-like landscape at the summit is unforgettable

Swiss Alps

• Gotthard Pass: A historic north-south passage, with cobbled sections preserving an old-world charm
• Furka Pass: Filming location for the 007 movie Goldfinger
• Stelvio (Italian side): A spectacular route entering Italy from Switzerland

Belgium and Northern France

Flemish Classic Routes

The Flanders region of Belgium is the birthplace of the Classics. Although the elevation is low (the highest hills are only about 150 meters), the short, steep cobbled climbs (known as “Muur”) and the fierce winds present a unique challenge:

• Muur van Geraardsbergen: The classic climb of the Tour of Flanders
• Koppenberg: A cobbled climb averaging 11.6%, so narrow that only one person can pass at a time
• Oude Kwaremont: A 2.2km cobbled section

Champagne and the Paris Suburbs

• Ride from Paris along the Seine River to Rouen
• Vineyard routes in the Champagne region, with wine tasting along the way
• The châteaux route in the Loire Valley

Italy

• Tuscany: Rolling hills, cypress-lined avenues, and medieval towns
• The Dolomites: Home to many classic Giro d’Italia stages
• Sardinia and Sicily: Mediterranean island riding, warm even in winter

Spain

• Andalusia: Hilly routes between whitewashed villages
• The Catalan Coast: Mediterranean scenery
• The Canary Islands: Volcanic terrain, rideable year-round

Accommodation Guide

Types of Accommodation

• Bike Hotels: Offer secure bike storage, repair tools, laundry services, and high-carb breakfasts. Particularly common in southern France and northern Italy
• Airbnb/Bed & Breakfasts: More flexible, with the option to prepare your own meals
• Hostels: Budget-friendly, but bike storage may be inconvenient
• Campgrounds: Europe has a well-developed camping culture with excellent facilities

Cost Estimate (Per Day)

Item	Budget Option	Comfort Option
Accommodation	30-50 EUR	80-150 EUR
Meals	20-30 EUR	40-70 EUR
Transport	0-10 EUR	10-30 EUR
Miscellaneous	5-10 EUR	10-20 EUR
Total	55-100 EUR	140-270 EUR

For a two-week trip, the budget option is approximately 770-1,400 EUR (excluding airfare), while the comfort option is approximately 1,960-3,780 EUR.

Safety Considerations

Traffic Safety

• Ride on the right (except in the UK)
• France and Spain are more bike-friendly; Germany strictly enforces traffic rules
• Driving styles in Italy and Spain are more aggressive, so extra caution is needed
• On mountain descents, watch out for curves and loose gravel

Differences from the Riding Environment in Taiwan

• European drivers typically maintain a passing distance of more than 1.5 meters (legally required in many countries)
• Dedicated bike lanes are more common
• However, road conditions in remote mountain areas of Europe can be worse than in Taiwan
• Weather changes in the mountains are more dramatic than in Taiwan, so be prepared at all times

Theft Prevention

• Bicycle theft rates in European cities are far higher than in Taiwan
• Always use a U-lock when parking
• Bring your bike indoors whenever possible at your accommodation
• Do not leave accessories such as bike computers or lights on the bike

Route Planning Tools

• Komoot: Europe’s most popular cycling route planning app
• Strava Routes: Use heatmaps to find popular local routes
• RideWithGPS: Ideal for planning long-distance touring routes
• Google Maps Street View: Preview road conditions before you depart

Cycling in Europe is a dream for many Taiwanese riders, and making that dream come true is easier than you think. Whether it’s conquering the epic Alpine passes or rattling over the cobbles of Flanders, every road in Europe is waiting for your tire tracks. Start planning—your European cycling adventure begins now.

Related Reading

• The Complete Guide to Bicycle Travel: Bike Packing, Airline Regulations, Insurance, and Entry Procedures
• Iron Horses Across the Ocean: The Complete Guide to International Bicycle Shipping and Transport
• European Cycling Travel Guide: A Cycling Pilgrimage Through the Netherlands, Denmark, and the French Alps
• Top 10 Cycling Destinations Worldwide: Riding Sanctuaries Worth Flying Halfway Around the Globe