Among the major cycle routes, one is often a dream for cycling enthusiasts: La Scandibérique. A contraction of the words ‘Scandinavia’ and ‘Iberian’, it’s the French portion of EuroVélo 3, which connects Trondheim in Norway to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It runs through France from Jeumont to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, covering around 1,700 kilometres (1,050 mi).

In this Collection, I suggest a 300-kilometre (186 mi) section from Paris to Orléans, which leads exclusively along the water. You’ll ride from the Seine to the Loire and pass along the Loing and Briare canals. These historic waterways bring you close to nature.

The route is divided into five relatively flat stages intended to be accessible to all. This division gives you plenty of time to visit interesting places along the way. Riding upstream takes you to countless sites that are worth exploring.

You start in the country's capital at the Eifel Tower. The Seine river then leads you out of Paris and gradually transforms into tranquillity as it meanders through emblematic towns. Then, the Loing canal marks the first towpaths, which are calm and gentle. Briare and its numerous locks take you through history before you reach the longest river in France – the Loire – lined with its many castles.

The route begins at Paris-Montparnasse station and ends at Orléans station. It’s worth spending a day exploring Orléans, a city of history and art. With a pretty centre, museums and monuments, numerous bars and restaurants, and the banks of the Loire, it’s a wonderful place to end your adventure.

Several train stations are located along the route, so it’s easy to access. You can also travel on bus lines with your bike. Each stage ends in a place with a wide range of accommodation and services. At the end, you can conveniently return to Orléans from Paris.

Although rideable year-round, I recommend this route from April to the end of September when the attractions are open. The colours are magnificent in autumn. In terms of which bike to ride, the Scandibérique is suitable for any stead – be it road, gravel or a mountain bike.

All that remains is to wish you a great adventure along the water!