The best cycling routes around Cintray

There are nearly 200 touring cycling routes around Cintray, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and fitness levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging paths to explore.

The region around Cintray offers diverse landscapes, from peaceful river greenways along the Eure to rolling countryside, open plains, and accessible forests. You can cycle through areas like the Forêt de Conches or the Forêt du Perche, providing varied scenery and shaded routes.

Yes, Cintray offers several easy touring cycling routes. A great option is the Bike loop from Cintray, a 4.0-mile (6.5 km) trail that takes you through local villages and countryside. Another easy route is the Mill on the Eure – Pont-Tranchefêtu Mill loop from Amilly Ouerray, which follows the tranquil Eure river.

For those seeking a more challenging ride, consider the Fleurfontaine – Château de Fontaine-la-Guyon loop from Saint-Aubin - Saint-Luperce. This 22.6-mile (36.4 km) route traverses undulating countryside with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the extensive Château de Frazé – The finish line in Chartres loop from Amilly Ouerray, covering nearly 200 km with substantial climbs.

Many routes offer opportunities to explore the rich history and culture of the region. Just 9-10 km from Cintray, you can visit Chartres, home to the magnificent 13th-century Gothic Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some routes also pass by historical towns like Châteaudun or Nogent-le-Rotrou, and you can even follow literary connections to Illiers-Combray, which inspired Marcel Proust.

Yes, the region is close to several natural areas. While Cintray itself is surrounded by agricultural plains, you can find routes that venture into nearby forests like the Forêt de Conches or the Forêt du Perche. The Perche Natural Regional Park, located to the west, also offers peaceful countryside and exploration opportunities.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the peaceful river greenways, the variety of landscapes from rolling countryside to forested areas, and the well-maintained low-traffic backroads that make it ideal for touring cycling.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Cintray are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Ponds of Fontenay-sur-Eure – Pont Bouju loop from Saint-Aubin - Saint-Luperce is a moderate 52 km circular route, and the Bike loop from Cintray is a shorter, easy option.

While specific public transport options for carrying bikes directly to Cintray might be limited, Chartres, being a major hub just 9-10 km away, has good train connections. From Chartres, you can easily cycle to Cintray or access various routes. It's advisable to check local train and bus services for their bike policies if you plan to use them.

The region's blend of agricultural plains, forests, and riverside paths makes it enjoyable for cycling across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer can be great for longer days, especially with shaded routes through forests. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, the region is connected to longer cycling networks. For instance, the 'Saint-Jacques by bike' route, which follows a pilgrimage path, passes through nearby areas like Chartres to Illiers-Combray. You can find more information about this route on France Vélo Tourisme.