Bicycle industry

The Ain, land of cycling

Cycle tourism is booming: 1/3 of French people cycle on vacation, with 2/3 of them looking for leisure activities.
France has just adopted an aggressive national strategy aimed at making the country the world’s No. 1 destination for bicycle tourism by 2030.

The ambition

Against this backdrop, and given the Ain’s undeniable potential for cycling in all its forms, as well as the already structured offer, the White Paper on Tourism 2023-2028 has set the ambition of making the Ain a national cycling destination.

As a result, the network of cycling infrastructure (cycle routes, greenways, itineraries and leisure loops, etc.) has expanded considerably in recent years, making our region an attractive destination for cycling tourists. Visitor numbers on our main cycle paths and greenways have risen by XX% over the last xx years (+XX% in 2024).

1,100 kmAin à vélo network

3,000 kmmountain bike trails

3major routes

83Accueil Vélo service providers

Bikes & bikes

Major structuring routes: ViaRhôna (Eurovélo 17), La Voie Bleue Moselle Saône à vélo (V50), la Grande Traversée du Jura cyclo
Local greenways and soft paths: Voie du Lange, Tour du Lac de Nantua, La Traverse, Voie verte Divonne-Gex
18 remarkable passes and climbs, including the legendary Grand Colombier
1,100 km of the Ain à vélo network dedicated to cycling.
Major events : Tour de France, Tour de l’Ain, l’Aindinoise, montées cyclo du Grand Colombier, l’Ain Bugey Valromey Tour, Tour de l’Avenir, la Bisou…

MOUNTAIN BIKING, MOUNTAIN BIKE & GRAVEL

1950 km of certified mountain biking in Ain including: 2 FFCT bases and 1 FFC Ain La Forestière area (3rd largest mountain biking area in France)
La Grande Traversée du Jura MTB and Gravel trails
Bike parks (Cormaranche-en-Bugey, Grange du Pin, Giron) and downhill spots
Major events: La Forestière, La Cormavalanche, Rando des lacs du Bugey…

Access our top courses

Find the top cycling and mountain biking routes on Ain-outdoor.com

Bike home

Backed by these assets and an environment that favors the development of soft mobility, particularly cycling, Aintourisme is leading a major effort toorganize and structure the cycling industry around a number of priorities:

Setting up a departmental cycle tourism network dedicated specifically to cycling itineraries.
Structuring mountain bike areas in the mountains and plains
Deployment of the national ” Accueil Vélo ” label
The structuring of a “showcase” offer of experiences, with proposed itineraries based on our major itineraries, and day or half-day proposals based on soft paths, greenways and local loops. This offer is designed to attract short-stay cyclists and local urban customers, and can also complement the leisure offer for tourists on holiday.
Support for local authorities and private players involved in bike tourism projects (Bicycle Fund to develop bike rental services, creation of leisure loops, etc.).
Organizing professional meetings and coordinating a network of players, including the Département, tourist offices, local authorities and private players.
Observing practices and visitor numbers
Promoting and marketing the cycling tourism offer