5.0
(1)
20
riders
6
rides
Gravel biking around La Chapelle-Forainvilliers offers access to varied terrain within the Eure-et-Loir department, characterized by its rural landscape. The region features a mix of open agricultural fields, extensive forests, and rolling hills, providing diverse surfaces for gravel riders. Proximity to the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche introduces undulating landscapes and a network of trails suitable for off-road cycling. This area combines natural beauty with a well-developed cycling infrastructure, making it conducive to exploring both paved and unpaved sections.
Last updated: May 24, 2026
10
riders
105km
06:46
570m
570m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
42.7km
03:24
280m
280m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

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5.0
(1)
3
riders
50.6km
03:21
330m
330m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
37.5km
02:15
150m
150m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
101km
06:34
590m
590m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Moulin de Mormoulins is a watermill located on the Eure River in the hamlet of Mormoulins. This mill dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries and is a listed historical monument. You can admire the old stone building, the wooden wheel, and the canal that diverts water from the river as you pass in front of the mill. The mill is surrounded by green fields and trees, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
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Walking along the canal, surrounded by dense vegetation, is a unique pleasure.
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Abondant is located in the Eure Valley, in the immediate vicinity of the Dreux national forest and the important Château de Sourches, which was extensively transformed in the 19th century, and whose grounds were designed by the Duchênes. It appears that the extensive work carried out on the church in the 16th and 18th centuries was due to the generosity of this family. The current Saint-Pierre church succeeds a 12th-century building that was under the control of the canons of Saint-Étienne de Dreux and later the monks of Notre-Dame du Bec. Thanks to parish registers, the dates of its construction are precisely known: in 1508, the roof frame was raised; in 1516, construction continued thanks to donations from Pierre de Guerry, then lord of Abondant; in 1548, the erection of a 60-meter bell tower, which was topped with a cross in 1549. The dedication ceremony by the Bishop of Meaux did not take place until 1604. In the same year, a brotherhood of Charity was created under the patronage of Saint Sebastian and Saint Barbara, which remained
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The Church of Saint-Pierre stands in the middle of the village, surrounded by the former cemetery area, which has been transformed into a grassy mound. On the north side, it is dominated by a large three-story stone bell tower. The western façade is preceded by a very rustic enclosed porch. The church consists of a single nave extended by a choir and a five-sided apse. The chapel, which occupies the base of the bell tower to the north, and the south chapel form a false transept. The church is built of flint rubble; the quoins, bands, cornices, and buttresses are made of sandstone. The interior of the building is covered with beautiful wainscoting, with battens, entirely redone based on the original layout above the nave. The radiating wainscoting of the apse is highlighted with a black geometric decoration painted on either side of the battens. The sculpted beams of the roof structure were preserved and placed on the new beams. The 18th-century waxed wooden high altar is decorated with a Crucifixion embroidered on fabric, possibly replacing a painting. The statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul were placed in the niches to the left and right of the central altarpiece. The church has enclosed wooden pews that have been restored. When the pews were removed, gravestones were unearthed in the floor; they were photographed and drawn. A stone statue with a separated body and head was discovered in the thickness of a wall: it is Saint Peter wearing the papal tiara. During World War II, the bombing of a train stopped at the station destroyed the stained-glass windows, which were of varying value; however, one of them, dating from the 16th century, was listed. In 1948, the Bernard Campin workshop in Chartres was hired to renovate all the windows, in the style of the 1930s. Drainage work, masonry, timber framing, and roofing were carried out throughout the building, the most significant of which was the restoration of the paneled vault. The Sauvegarde de l'Art Français (French National Art Protection Agency) awarded €10,000 in grants in 2005.
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large bird reserve and nautical activities
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it's a route with very few vehicles so you can relax more to have fun
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There are over 5 gravel bike routes documented around La Chapelle-Forainvilliers, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.
The region around La Chapelle-Forainvilliers is characterized by a mix of open agricultural fields, extensive forests, and rolling hills. You'll encounter varied surfaces suitable for gravel riding, from quiet country roads to forest trails.
Yes, there is at least one easy gravel bike route available. While specific family-friendly routes aren't detailed, the general rural character and quiet roads make many areas suitable for less experienced riders. For a moderate option, consider the Saint Peter's Church – Saint-Pierre Church of Abondant loop from Cherisy, which is 37.5 km long.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the region offers several difficult routes. The Château de Mormoulins – Old aqueduct loop from Marchezais - Broué is a demanding 104.5 km trail. Another difficult option is the Sorel Castle – Panorama loop from Cherisy, spanning 42.7 km.
Yes, many of the gravel routes in the area are designed as loops. Examples include the challenging Château de Mormoulins – Old aqueduct loop from Marchezais - Broué and the moderate Château de Mormoulins – Half-timbered house loop from Faverolles.
The routes often pass by significant landmarks. You can explore the historic Château de Mormoulins, an 18th-century watermill, and the 12th-century Donjon of Houdan. Some trails also lead through the Forêt Domaniale de Dreux, offering natural beauty and views of Sorel Castle.
The Eure-et-Loir region generally offers pleasant conditions for gravel biking from spring through autumn. Spring brings blooming fields, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Summers are typically warm and dry. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially muddy conditions on unpaved sections.
La Chapelle-Forainvilliers and nearby towns like Nogent-le-Roi offer various amenities. You can find local restaurants and cafes in these communes. The Château de Mormoulins, for example, now functions as a holiday resort, providing accommodation options.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 9 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the peaceful rural environments, and the combination of natural beauty with historical landmarks.
While specific viewpoints are not explicitly listed, the routes often traverse open agricultural fields and rolling hills, providing expansive views of the tranquil Eure-et-Loir landscape. The presence of the Eure River and canals also creates picturesque scenes, particularly around the Moulin de Mormoulins.
La Chapelle-Forainvilliers is situated about 70 km from Paris and 45 km from Chartres. While direct public transport options specifically for cyclists might be limited, regional train services to nearby larger towns could be an option, followed by cycling to the starting points of the routes. It's advisable to check local transport schedules and bike carriage policies.


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