Cycling in France is a great way to explore more of the country, get some fresh air and have time to drink in that famous scenery (and perhaps make some foodie stops along the way).

Much of the countryside is gorgeous and the country has a growing number of urban and rural pistes cyclables (bike paths) and a network of secondary and tertiary roads with relatively light traffic.

Here are ten of the best spots for a cycling holiday in France.

The mostly flat Loire Valley is fabulous cycling country – there's nothing quite like pedalling through villages, vineyards and forests on your way from one château to the next.

La Loire à Vélo maintains 560 miles (900km) of signposted routes from Nevers all the way to the Atlantic.

Pick up a free guide from tourist offices, or access information (including details on route options and bike hire) from the website.

The Canal du Midi is an engineering wonder, a 150 mile (241km) waterway constructed under Louis XIV to link the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea.

You can walk or cycle the peaceful towpaths that shadow the waterway, many of which form part of the stunning Canal des 2 Mers en Vélo cycling route linking the Atlantic with the Med via canals.

Paris has some great places to explore by bike. The Canal St-Martin is a romantic option at any time of the day for a cycle, picnic lunch or dusk-time drink.

The Right Bank has a car-free total of 2.7 miles (4.5km) between the quai des Tuileries and Port de l'Arsenal. Or cycle round Bois de Boulogne, Paris’ western woods.