Why cycle cafes are a growing hit in France
They have been popular in the UK and America for a decade, but finally, venues for cyclists to enjoy a coffee and a chat have gained a foothold in France
It is a concept that already popular in England - and now cycle cafes are finding a foothold in cycling-mad France.
And no wonder, as they combine two of the country's best-loved pastimes: cycling and drinking coffee.
These are places for cyclists to rest and have a chat with like-minded folk. They are also places to get your bike fixed, or pick up a lock or a new pair of lights - even a new bicycle, if the mood takes you. Whether you are into mountain bikes, road bikes or more niche forms such as gravel bikes or adventure bikes, there is always a discussion to be had over a cappuccino and a slice of cake.
One of the latest cycle cafes was opened by a pair of anglophone expats in Bordeaux.
The combination of coffee, cake and cycling seems to be winning over the French so let's have a look at a map of the best cycle cafes in France.
Café du Cycliste
Nice, 16, Quai des Docks, 06300
Upmarket cycle wear brand with a coffee shop to go with it. Bringing a typically Cote d'Azur class to the market and notably one of the first bicycle cafes in France. Insta: @cafeducycliste_style
Musette bicycles & coffee
Bordeaux, 72 Cours de la Somme, 33800
Opened by two anglophone expats in Bordeaux. Offers espresso coffee, bicycle repairs, Genesis vélos, and a vegetarian menu.
La Cyclerie Café
Poitiers, 60 Bis Boulevard Pont-Achard, 86000
Opened in a former garage in Poitiers.
Le Café-Vélo
Grenoble, 59 Rue Nicolas Chorier 38000
One of the original cycle cafés in France.
Un Vélo Pour Tous
Périgueux, 7 avenue Daumesnil
Cycle café, bar and bike-hire in the town centre.
Cycles Get Lost
Lille, 84 Rue de Cambrai, 59000
Original name and also offers cycles for sale.
Jour de Vélo
Paris, 41 rue de Citeaux, 75012
Recently opened in central Paris.
Steel Cyclewear & Coffeeshop
Paris, 58, rue de la Fontaine au Roi, 75011
The store front for their magazine in a chilled Parisian neighbourhood. There is no workshop but they have cycling accessories, including socks.
La Bicycletterie
Lyon, 16 Rue Romarin, 69001
One of the first cycle cafés to open in France and still going strong.
Café Vélo
Agen, rue du Duc d'Orléans, 47000
Recently opened in a renovated water treatment building in Agen. Offering everything a cyclist could want - including beds, as they also run a hostel perfect for tired-out riders at the end of a long day.
