Three Routes Nominated for Hicle’s Cycle Route of the Year 2026

Amsterdam, November 20, 2025

The jury of the Fiets en Wandelbeurs has announced the three nominees for Hicle’s Cycle Route of the Year 2026. Two of the selected routes are in France – La Voie Bleue and La Vélidéale – while the third, Ode aan het Landschap, showcases the beauty of the Achterhoek region in the Netherlands.

“We see that France continues to invest in strong, well-designed cycle routes – a positive development,” the jury stated. “The Netherlands already has an extensive network, and few new long-distance routes are currently being developed. That’s why we’re especially enthusiastic about Ode aan het Landschap (“Ode to the Landscape”) – a surprising route that can attract more visitors to the Achterhoek.”

The award is an initiative of Hicle/Fiets en Wandelbeurs, aimed at stimulating the creation of high-quality cycling routes. The jury members Bert Sitters, Mirre Oost and Jessica de Korte cycled all three routes in full. During their assessment, they focused on elements such as signage, road surface, safety, scenic quality, points of interest, cyclist-friendly facilities and accessibility by public transport.

Nominees for Hicle’s

Cycle Route of the Year 2026

– in random order –

🇫🇷 La Voie Bleue – 727 km

La Voie Bleue runs from the Luxembourg border (Apach) to Lyon in France. The 727-kilometer route largely follows the Moselle and Saône rivers and runs along the Canal des Vosges. Completion was delayed by the pandemic, and stricter environmental protection rules made it difficult to build cycle paths along certain towpaths. Nevertheless, the result is a beautiful route that shows France at its best.

The name Voie Bleue – literally “Blue Way” – refers to the water theme. From north to south, cyclists follow a series of rivers and canals, each with its own character. Peaceful natural sections alternate with lively cities: Metz, Nancy and Lyon are major highlights, but Épinal, Chalon-sur-Saône and Mâcon are also well worth a visit, as are the many picturesque villages along the way.

Most of the route consists of dedicated cycle paths. More than a thousand benches and picnic tables will soon be installed, and signage is clear and easy to recognize thanks to the distinctive logo. Remarkably for France, there are hardly any obstructive gates or barriers. The website is well-organized, and the La Voie Bleue guide by Le Routard includes a connecting route from Luxembourg City. The terrain is mostly flat, making it suitable for families and older cyclists alike.

🇫🇷 La Vélidéale – 675 km

La Vélidéale stretches from the beautiful Lac de Vassivière reservoir, east of Limoges, to Saint-Nazaire on the Atlantic coast. Covering 675 kilometers, it leads through a lesser-known but exceptionally charming part of France, with historic towns and villages, centuries-old watermills and unspoiled nature reserves. At times you follow the river; elsewhere you ride through playful farmland – the landscape changes constantly.

Towns such as Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, Confolens (with its many art studios), Parthenay (full of half-timbered houses) and Clisson are particularly appealing, yet largely undiscovered by international tourists. The route starts on quiet shared roads, where drivers are considerate of cyclists. Later, more dedicated cycle paths appear, often along old railway lines or rivers. The trail passes through forests, vineyards and the floodplains of the Loire.

In places the route is adventurous, with steep climbs and gravel sections. During the test ride, not all signs with the logo of La Vélidéale were yet in place, but these are being replaced this winter on the jury’s recommendation. Along the way, there are plenty of interesting stops – porcelain factories, castles and abbeys – and the many cycle-friendly B&Bs, where guests can often dine with their hosts, complete the experience.

🇳🇱 Ode aan het Landschap – 368 km

Ode aan het Landschap (“Ode to the Landscape”) is a multi-day cycling route that highlights the beauty and diversity of the Dutch Achterhoek region. Over 368 kilometers, the trail winds through a varied landscape of meadows, forests, hedgerows, gentle hills and country estates. Along the way, cyclists pass atmospheric Hanseatic towns such as Zutphen, Doesburg and Winterswijk, as well as castles, mills and rustic villages. The route is divided into five main stages and five optional day loops, and can be started at any point.

The route scores highly for its scenic variety – especially in the eastern section with its characteristic bocage landscape. There are plenty of rest stops, cafés and charming B&Bs, and thanks to separate cycle paths and quiet country roads, it’s suitable for all ages. More signposting to points of interest and longer museum opening hours would make the experience even richer.

Information is well presented through an attractive guidebook, website and GPX files. With Ode aan het Landschap, the Achterhoek positions itself as a welcoming cycling region where nature, culture and hospitality meet. The jury sees this route as a true ode to the Dutch landscape.

Award Ceremony

The Hicle’s Cycle Route of the Year 2026 winner will be announced at the Fiets en Wandelbeurs in Utrecht on February 13, 2026.

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