Exploring Europe by family bike - Cargobike - Bike43 - ebike to carry children and groceries

Setting off on a family bike tour across Europe isn’t just about travelling differently — it’s about slowing down, living in the moment, and seeing the world through your child’s eyes. From France to Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK, each leg of the journey reveals a unique blend of landscapes, cultures, and connections. But for the adventure to be as smooth as it is memorable, you’ll need the right gear, well-chosen accessories, a bit of daily planning… and a good understanding of each country’s cycling rules. This guide is your practical companion, shaped by real-world experience, to help you take the leap. Whether you’re new to cycling or a seasoned traveller, you’ll find concrete tips, tried-and-tested routes, and smart advice to experience Europe differently — on two wheels, with your loved ones, and a clear head.

1. Turning your Bike 43 into a mobile cocoon

A great family bike is one that adapts to whatever the day brings — and that’s exactly what the Bike 43 is built for. With a few smart accessories and some clever tweaks inspired by the community, it becomes a versatile, secure, and cozy mobile cocoon.

Start with the basics: the swivelling Roller Coaster bar and its front and rear cushions allow you to safely carry up to three children. For the youngest passengers, you can mount an Urban Iki or Qibbel seat up front, while still leaving room for older kids in the back. Some parents even remove the rear cushion to create extra space, or lower the seat setup for a more relaxed position.

When it comes to rain and cold, a few options stand out. The rain canopy over the Roller Coaster or the Opossum thermal cover for individual seats are both popular. In winter, many families use both, along with neck pillows or headrests to prevent the classic “sleepy head slump” during naps.

On the practical side, you can add a Step-In bar to support little feet or to tow a child’s bike using a system like the “Tire-Vélo.” For stop-and-go days, the 35L front bag and 58L long panniers make it easy to keep snacks, extra clothes, or groceries within reach.

And for the DIY crowd, the community is full of creative ideas: closing off the footbox with ABS plastic, installing a modified MTB mudguard, or adding rear footrests for bigger kids. Because the Bike 43 isn’t just a bike — it’s your mobile family base, designed to grow and adapt with your adventures.

2. Getting everyday life ready on a bike: clothing, meals, and sleep done right

2.1. Clothing and weather management

When you’re cycling for several days with children, every item of clothing matters. The goal isn’t to bring everything, but to pack light, smart, and weather-appropriate. Your best friend on the road? Technical clothing. It dries fast, retains heat without overheating, and is easy to wash, even out in the wild.

Start with the golden rule of layering: build up layers you can adjust throughout the day. A breathable base layer (like merino wool or technical polyester), a light fleece, and a waterproof, windproof outer shell will see you through chilly mornings and unexpected showers. For kids, add a rain poncho they can slip on without getting off the bike.

Always pack a dry, compact change of clothes in a waterproof pannier. After a heavy rain, there’s nothing more comforting than slipping into a warm pair of pajamas or a clean dry t-shirt at your destination.

Being well dressed makes all the difference on the road. With the right layers, you’re ready for whatever the sky throws at you — and trust me, that changes everything.

2.2. Cooking, snacking and staying hydrated on the go

Eating well during a bike trip isn’t a luxury, it’s a basic need, especially when travelling with children. To keep up both energy and morale, you need to be well equipped without overloading your panniers.

Start with the essentials: a lightweight, compact cooking set. Choose nesting pots and pans with a lid that doubles as a strainer, stackable plates, and cups made from heat-resistant materials. Anodized aluminum is a great option as it’s sturdier, non-toxic and naturally non-stick. Avoid stainless steel, which is too heavy, or titanium unless you’re aiming for an ultra-light setup.

For cooking, a gas stove remains the most versatile option. It is adjustable, quick to heat up, and easy to light, even with a breeze. If you’re planning a longer trip or going fully off-grid, consider bringing an alcohol burner or multi-fuel stove as a backup. A windshield is a small detail that makes a big difference in fuel efficiency.

Snacks are your best allies. Dried fruits, seeds, homemade bars or slices of whole-grain bread tuck easily into any bag. Bring durable water bottles (preferably marked so you can monitor your child’s hydration) and always plan one extra meal in reserve, just in case.

Good food fuels good pedalling.

2.3. Sleeping comfortably

When you set off on a cycling trip with children, a good night’s sleep is not a luxury. It is essential to keeping everyone happy, rested, and motivated. With the right gear, even a night under the stars can become one of the most enjoyable parts of the journey.

Start with the tent. Choose a lightweight, freestanding model that is quick to set up, especially if you are changing location every evening. It should offer enough space for everyone to move around comfortably, particularly for kids who often sleep in all sorts of strange positions. Some models even allow for camping on hard ground without stakes, which is especially useful in urban or rocky environments.

For sleeping bags, go with ones suited to the lowest temperature expected during your trip. While synthetic insulation is bulkier than natural down, it is much more resistant to moisture, which is a key factor when travelling with kids. For younger children, extendable sleeping bags are ideal. They are compact to carry and still snug enough to keep little bodies warm through the night.

The sleeping mat plays a big role in comfort. Self-inflating mats offer a good balance between comfort, weight, and ease of use. Do not overlook the value of a proper pillow. Inflatable or compressible foam pillows work well, or simply use a rolled-up down jacket inside a soft t-shirt.

And during the day? Make space on the bike for reclining seats, headrests, or cushions to allow for quick and comfortable naps. A well-rested child is far more likely to pedal or ride along with a smile.

Sleeping well is part of enjoying the trip. Setting up the tent each evening becomes a simple but meaningful ritual, helping your little adventurers unwind and feel at home wherever you are.

3. Family cycling in each country: routes and accommodation

France

France offers an abundance of family-friendly cycling routes, from greenways and peaceful canals to coastal paths and cultural rides. Each region provides a backdrop that turns every pedal stroke into a scenic journey.

For a waterside adventure, consider the Loire à Vélo route between Amboise and Chambord, where castles, forests, and charming villages make for a perfect week-long itinerary. Further south, the Canal du Midi between Castelnaudary and Carcassonne offers two days of relaxed cycling through locks and medieval towns.

On the Atlantic coast, the Vélodyssée between Les Sables d’Olonne and La Tranche-sur-Mer draws families with its long beaches and pine forests. You’ll find the same relaxing vibe in the Médoc, from Soulac to Arcachon, or along the French Riviera, between Cannes and Nice.

For a weekend escape near Paris, the Véloscénie route connects Versailles to Rambouillet via the Chevreuse Valley, with a magical detour through Château de Breteuil.

In Alsace, the EuroVelo 5 between Saverne and Strasbourg follows peaceful canals in a storybook landscape. In Brittany, you can cross the Finistère from Roscoff to Concarneau, or explore the Baie de Somme, an ideal destination for young children thanks to its flat terrain and nature-filled scenery.

Worried about logistics and safety? Many of these routes are lined with Accueil Vélo-certified accommodations, which offer secure bike storage, family-friendly services, and a warm welcome. And with a well-balanced longtail like the Bike 43, carrying children and luggage on longer stages becomes simple and comfortable, even on slightly rough surfaces.

Belgium

Belgium is a family cycling paradise, offering a rich network of well-maintained bike paths that make exploring both easy and safe. In Wallonia, you can enjoy peaceful rides along the RAVeL network, while in Flanders, the node-point system lets you map out your own route using the Fietsknoop app, which even works offline.

In Wallonia, focus on RAVeL routes like the scenic connection from Comblain-La-Tour to Plombières, passing through Liège, Esneux, and Herve. The route is flat, well-marked, and filled with family-friendly stops such as caves, museums, local tasting spots, and “Bienvenue Vélo” certified accommodations. Don’t miss the RAVeL des BBQ in Namur province, a set of 11 circuits ranging from 12 to 39 km that combine beautiful nature with delicious local food.

In Flanders, the Kustroute (EuroVelo 4) runs along the North Sea and is a coastal delight. You can also cycle through Flemish Brabant using the “Iedereen toeristroutes”, which are accessible family loops between 20 and 35 km, free of major obstacles. In Limburg, expect a surprise: the “Cycling Through Water” experience in Bokrijk, where you pedal through a pond with water at eye level — a truly unforgettable ride.

For younger children, try interactive trails like the plane-themed treasure hunt around Zaventem or the “KD’s routes” in the Westhoek, which are specially designed for kids. For more adventurous families, the Ardennes Arbalète MTB trail (373 km) is a thrilling, rugged challenge through the wilds of southern Belgium.

If you’re planning a longer journey, EuroVelo 3 crosses Belgium from Germany to France via Liège and Namur, while EuroVelo 5 cuts through Brussels. For a coastal escape, follow EuroVelo 12 all the way to Ostend.

Thanks to its gentle terrain, well-maintained routes, and bike-friendly infrastructure, Belgium is an ideal destination for families riding a Bike 43, whose stability under load makes it a perfect match for the RAVeL paths.

The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, cycling is part of everyday life, and everything is designed to make it easy and enjoyable for families. The country offers thousands of kilometers of flat, well-marked bike paths, fully separated from car traffic and supported by excellent infrastructure such as bike parking, free ferries, and “fietsers welkom” accommodations that warmly welcome cyclists.

For a first accessible multi-day loop, the LF Zuiderzeeroute (440 km around the IJsselmeer) offers a scenic mix of historic ports, dikes, and traditional fishing villages. Another popular choice, the LF Maasroute, follows the River Meuse from Maastricht to the North Sea through peaceful river landscapes. If you are looking for a more coastal experience, try the Kustroute (EuroVelo 12), which runs along dunes, beaches, and sea dikes, all the way to the impressive Afsluitdijk.

With young children, it is best to stick to nature areas like the Hoge Veluwe, where car-free bike paths wind through woods and heath, or Drentsche Aa, perfect for a relaxed day in the countryside. For a route that combines landscape and heritage, the Waterlinieroute takes you through forts, forests, and historic defense lines between Edam and Bergen op Zoom.

The Fietsknoop app is a valuable tool to plan custom routes using the country’s famous cycling junction network. And if you’re interested in a longer journey across regions, EuroVelo 15 along the Rhine or the Pieterfietspad between Pieterburen and Maastricht provide a safe and flexible way to explore the Netherlands at your own pace.

Here, the only real decision is what kind of scenery you want: windmills, dunes, forests, or canals. The rest flows naturally at the pace of your pedals. The low center of gravity of the Bike 43 makes it an ideal companion for this flat, breezy terrain, offering stability and easy handling, even with three children on board.

Germany

Germany is a cyclotouring paradise, with more than 320 well-marked long-distance routes crisscrossing the country. For family trips, the best choices are river routes, which are mostly flat, accessible, and dotted with welcoming villages. The Rhine Cycle Route, winding through vineyards and castles, follows one of Europe’s most iconic rivers. The Moselle route, meanwhile, offers a gentle ride through rolling hills and wine cellars, making it perfect for mixing cycling with tasty regional breaks.

For a seaside vibe, head north to the Ostseeküsten-Radweg, which hugs the Baltic Sea for over 800 kilometers, offering a stunning mix of chalk cliffs and white-sand beaches. In the east, the Elbe-Radweg is a national favorite, stretching from the Czech hills to Hamburg and mostly downhill from Dresden, making it an ideal choice for children. If you are after a peaceful green escape, try the Havel-Radweg or the Main-Radweg, which guide you through bucolic countryside and historic towns like Würzburg and Bamberg.

For a more cultural experience, the Berlin Wall Trail loops around the German capital, tracing its modern history. Heritage lovers will enjoy the 100-Schlösser-Route in Münsterland, where you can explore more than a hundred castles, rolling from one landscaped park to another.

Along the way, “Bett+Bike” certified accommodations make planning stopovers easy, and most trains accept bicycles with a special ticket. Whether you are looking for the calm of riversides, the breeze of the coast, or a journey through history, Germany offers a rich mosaic of routes for every skill level.

United Kingdom

If your ideal family ride includes coastal landscapes, peaceful countryside paths, and timeless villages, then the United Kingdom is a perfect choice. The National Cycle Network, managed by Sustrans, offers thousands of kilometres of signposted routes, many of them traffic-free and suitable for riders of all ages and abilities. Here, cycling becomes a way to truly experience the country, at a slower pace and with deeper connection.

For a gentle, beginner-friendly route, the Bristol to Bath Path is a great place to start. It runs 23 km along a former railway line, fully separated from car traffic and dotted with points of interest. Another must-ride is the Camel Trail in Cornwall, a nearly flat 30 km route that follows a river estuary, offering peaceful scenery ideal for families with younger children. Further north, Hadrian’s Cycleway stretches 273 km through moorlands and Roman ruins, making it perfect for a multi-day adventure. And in Scotland, the Oban to Campbeltown section of the Caledonia Way impresses with its sweeping views of lochs and forests, although it’s slightly more challenging.

If you’re looking for day rides, there are dozens of family-friendly routes such as the Three Parks Trail in Wales or the Cuckoo Trail in Sussex. Most are flat, clearly marked, and feature picnic spots, cafés, and fun landmarks to keep kids engaged. Planning is easy with the Sustrans website or navigation apps like Komoot, which help you tailor routes based on your children’s age or preferred effort level.

On the logistics side, many YHA hostels or WarmShowers hosts welcome cycling families, often providing secure storage for bikes.

Cycling the UK offers a rich blend of nature, history, and freedom, all within reach even for the youngest riders. And when the path tilts upwards on climbs like Combe Down or the Scottish hills, the Bike 43’s central motor makes it easier to keep moving smoothly, even with a fully loaded setup.

4. Planning an interconnected route: linking five countries on one great journey

Cycling across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom may sound like a feat for elite cyclists, but it is well within reach for families thanks to the EuroVelo network. With the right preparation, this dream becomes a well-structured, smooth, and accessible adventure.

The EuroVelo 3, also known as the Pilgrims Route, takes you from Hamburg through Germany, follows the Meuse River via Belgium’s RAVeL network, and crosses into France near Maubeuge. The signage is excellent, and it links easily with local train lines, giving you the flexibility to adjust your stages.

For a more coastal feel, the EuroVelo 12, or North Sea Cycle Route, runs past cliffs, dunes, and fishing harbours, starting in northern France, crossing through the Flemish coast, and continuing up into the Netherlands. It also passes through major European ports and connects with the EuroVelo 4, which then heads inland toward Germany.

If you’re starting in London, the EuroVelo 5 offers a rich cultural route that passes through Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg, eventually continuing to Italy. It is ideal for cyclists seeking a mix of urban heritage and rolling countryside. A ferry connection makes it easy to reach France or Belgium from the UK.

Equip yourself with a GPS that supports EuroVelo GPX tracks, an offline map app, and backup routes in case of bad weather. A solid smartphone mount or even a printed roadbook can be a day-saver when digital tools fail.

Little sum-up of the best sites for planning your bike tour in Europe :

Conclusion

Cycling across five European countries as a family is more than just a logistical challenge. It is a human adventure, made up of landscapes that roll by at the pace of your pedals, impromptu picnics along rivers, and shared laughter under the canvas of a tent.

The Bike 43 is not just a mode of transport. It is a rolling platform for independence, built to help you live the journey fully on your terms. With its modular accessories, rock-solid stability under load, high-performance mid-drive motor, and a wealth of real-world tips from its community of riders, it handles both the long stretches of the EuroVelo and the narrow alleys of historic villages with ease and confidence.

So whether you’re setting out for a weekend or several weeks, whether you’re riding along the Meuse River or the windswept coastlines of the North Sea, remember this: every kilometre becomes a shared experience. All that’s left is to fasten the panniers, check the tire pressure, and let the Bike 43 take you further than you imagined.