The Scandibérique route or how to get from Spain to Norway without getting off the bike
Is it possible to tour Europe in an even more bohemian, slow and sustainable way than the Interrail? The dream is real and it's called EuroVelo . It is a network of routes long distance cyclists that connects the entire European continent through 90,000 kilometers spread over 16 tracks . The last to join the route has a name as evocative as the landscapes along its route: it is called The Scandiberique and, as its name suggests, links the Iberian and Scandinavian peninsulas . And although its name does not say so (but the relentless geographical logic does) it takes place in France. “It is the longest cycling itinerary in the country: 1,700 km that cross it diagonally from north to south ”, he explains to Traveler.es Agathe Daudibon , the French coordinator of EuroVelo. “It represents a unique experience to discover the history of the country and at the same time allows you to get to know the rural areas and the big cities, something that is normally more complicated,” she adds.
Scandibérique route map
In fact, La Scandibérique is also the only European cycle track passing through Paris . It is part of a larger route called EuroVelo 3 (renamed as "the Pilgrim's" because he is born in Santiago de Compostela and includes some of the stops on the historic Camino Frances) and walking it could be the trip of a lifetime.
“Freedom, truth, pleasure, tranquility : That's what we're all looking for, right? Cycling holidays seek these feelings as a way of experience slow tourism . It allows you to reconnect with yourself and take the time to move around on your own power (or with electric assistance). La Scandibérique is one of the best cycling routes for all that . It represents a great adventure in which to discover oneself, others and become part of French culture and history”, continues Daudibon.
Château de Fontainebleau, south of the Paris region
The bikecations at La Scandibérique and the rest of Eurovelo routes In addition, they are causing an unexpected feeling of pan-European brotherhood, or at least, that is how it is perceived from Brussels Jonathan Hirschhäuser, spokesperson for the European Cyclists Federation and Eurovelo . “We constantly receive super enthusiastic responses on social media for the European spirit that, if you think about it, this project is based on; many people explore the continent on their bikes and thus get the different nations to come closer”.
Speaking of rapprochements, calm down: all sections of EuroVelo (including La Scandibérique) comply with the sanitary measures of the new normality . "The WHO recommends cycling as a protection for oneself and others, especially in uncrowded areas and keeping distances from other cyclists," says Agathe Daudibon. “Coronavirus is of course a very serious matter, so it is We recommend following national or local health measures related to the coronavirus”.
View of Nérac, south of Bordeaux
What do you need to undertake the Scandibérique? Your bike and your desire . Namely, It's free . “Everyone is free to travel the EuroVelo routes. In addition, offers of organized trips are constantly published (at this link)”, explains Hirschhäuser. For Agathe Daudibon, the most beautiful sections of La Scandibérique are the greenest : the surroundings of Paris, the Pyrenees and the sections more close to Belgium , but she insists that it is worth going through it in its entirety and, if it is not possible, plan the route to suit you . “First, choose the sections of La Scandibérique that best suit your physical abilities and tastes ( if you are more of vineyards, cities, mountains or pure countryside ). Second, when you plan the route remember to reserve time for visits along the way and accommodation. Accueil Velo is the seal of Welcome Cyclists in France and brings together hoteliers who offer services adapted to the needs of cyclists. Third, get inspired by our website, which also offers a lot of advice for new and experienced cyclists.”
Guise's family
THE PASSAGE OF THE SCANDIBÉRIQUE THROUGH SPAIN
And although the vocation of EuroVelo is to unite with our European neighbors, in Spain there are several routes that are well worth a few laces . According to Hirschhäuser these are the sections that we should not miss: “ EuroVelo 1 (either Atlantic Coast Route ) is the most developed route and includes in its route four World Heritage sites and EuroVelo 8 (or Mediterranean Route) , which takes you along the coast through vibrant cities like Valencia, Malaga or Cadiz”.
Although all the information is available on the EuroVelo website, it is also possible to have printed guides: it is only necessary to make a donation for the conservation and development of the project. In any case, the important thing is to fight. “The social importance of EuroVelo lies in the role that cycling could play in the most urgent challenges facing our societies today: the climate crisis, the biodiversity crisis, public health or social inequalities, to name a few” Hirschhäuser concludes. Bikes are not just poetic, they are also revolutionary.