4.2
(40)
545
riders
95
rides
Touring cycling routes in Forêt de Pail traverse a diverse landscape within the Mayenne department of Pays de la Loire, France. The region features a mix of hills, hedged farmland, valleys, woods, and rivers, offering varied terrain for cyclists. Notable natural features include the Corniche de Pail and Mont des Avaloirs, providing elevated perspectives and challenging climbs. The area's geological foundation consists of quartzite and sandstone, with the Forêt de Pail itself spanning 2,737 hectares of oak and conifer trees.
…Last updated: May 23, 2026
5.0
(1)
18
riders
64.3km
05:12
920m
920m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
9
riders
52.7km
03:56
710m
710m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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11
riders
45.3km
03:30
620m
620m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
30.3km
02:34
390m
390m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
3
riders
37.7km
02:21
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Riding up there by bike was quite strenuous, but the view from the top was worth the effort. It was well worth it.
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Very nice little place, nicely designed with lots of flowers.
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This impressive church can be seen from afar
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An endless false flat. Remember to carry water because there's nothing to refuel.
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Beautiful 360 degree view
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The passage on this bridge is narrow but... it is passable on foot with the bike at your side
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Located in Mayenne, Mont des Avaloirs is the highest point of the Armorican massif. It is part of the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park and enjoys the status of a Global Geopark. The belvedere, built in 1994 and covered with a magnificent colorful fresco, painted in 2019 by the Franco-British artist Seb Toussaint. It offers a 360° view of all the surrounding forests and peaks.
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There are over 80 touring cycling routes in Forêt De Pail, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find routes varying from easy, short loops to challenging, longer tours with significant elevation changes.
Yes, Forêt De Pail offers a few easier routes. For a gentle introduction, consider the 10 km Auberge Saint-Roch loop from Les Perles, which is rated easy and takes about 45 minutes. This route provides a pleasant experience through the forest without demanding climbs. You can find more details about it here: Auberge Saint-Roch loop from Les Perles.
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Forêt De Pail has several difficult routes. The Mont des Avaloirs viewpoint – Pré-en-Pail loop from Les Perles is a demanding 64.7 km route with over 900 meters of elevation gain, offering expansive views from Mont des Avaloirs. Another challenging option is the Saint-Léonard-des-Bois – St. Léo Beer Cellar loop from Les Perles, a 41.5 km path winding through scenic landscapes. You can explore these routes further: Mont des Avaloirs viewpoint – Pré-en-Pail loop from Les Perles and Saint-Léonard-des-Bois – St. Léo Beer Cellar loop from Les Perles.
Many of the touring cycling routes in Forêt De Pail are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Viewpoint over the valley – The Oak chapel loop from Averton is a 52.7 km circular route offering varied terrain and valley viewpoints. Another option is the Auberge Saint-Roch loop from Averton, a moderate 37.7 km circuit. Find more information here: Viewpoint over the valley – The Oak chapel loop from Averton and Auberge Saint-Roch loop from Averton.
The terrain in Forêt De Pail is diverse, featuring a mix of rolling hills, dense woodlands, hedged farmland, and tranquil valleys. You'll encounter both paved roads and forest trails, with some routes including moderate to difficult climbs, especially around features like the Corniche de Pail and Mont des Avaloirs. The region's geological foundation of quartzite and sandstone contributes to its varied landscape.
Forêt De Pail offers several remarkable natural features. The Corniche de Pail is a sandstone ridge providing expansive panoramic views. Nearby, Mont des Avaloirs, the highest point in Western France, features a belvedere with a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding forests. You might also encounter tranquil ponds, such as Pearl Pond, which add to the serene beauty of the forest. The Mont des Avaloirs viewpoint – Pré-en-Pail loop from Les Perles specifically highlights the views from Mont des Avaloirs.
Yes, a notable greenway connects Pré-en-Pail to Mayenne. This route utilizes a former railway line, offering a pleasant and quiet journey through green landscapes, ideal for touring cyclists seeking a traffic-free experience. You can find more information about this greenway on the France Vélo Tourisme website: The greenways of Mayenne.
The touring cycling routes in Forêt De Pail are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.2 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the mix of challenging climbs and scenic descents, and the overall natural beauty of the forest and surrounding countryside.
Forêt De Pail is integrated into larger cycling networks. Notably, sections of La Véloscénie, a renowned route stretching from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel, pass through the region. Additionally, the 'Tour de la Forêt de Pail' is a well-known circuit that features significant elevation changes and panoramic views, including wind turbines along a ridge and the distant Forêt d'Andaines. You can learn more about the 'Tour de la Forêt de Pail' on the Vélo en France website: Tour de la Forêt de Pail.
While touring cycling is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, spring and autumn are often considered ideal. During these seasons, the weather is typically milder, and the forest's foliage offers beautiful colors. Summer can also be pleasant, especially within the shaded forest sections, but be prepared for potentially warmer temperatures.


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