17
riders
5
rides
Gravel biking around Marchezais offers diverse terrain, characterized by a mix of plains, woods, and agricultural plateaus. The region benefits from its proximity to the Forêt de Rambouillet and the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Natural Regional Park, providing extensive forest tracks and unpaved roads. These natural spaces offer varied landscapes, from tranquil riverbanks to rolling countryside, ideal for no traffic gravel bike trails. Riders can explore centuries-old trees and picturesque fields, making for a fulfilling outdoor experience.
Last updated: May 21, 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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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.
2
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Marchezais
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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Just a stone's throw from Dreux, the Écluzelles lake stretches through the heart of a vast, protected natural area. Popular with windsurfers and paddleboarders, it offers a pleasant setting for strolling along its tranquil banks.
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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 5 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails detailed in this guide, offering a range of distances and difficulties for exploration around Marchezais and its surrounding natural areas.
Yes, for an easier, traffic-free ride, consider the Plan d'eau d'Ecluzelles – CM departure loop from Sainte-Gemme-Moronval. This route is 8.6 km long and offers a gentle introduction to gravel biking in the region.
The trails around Marchezais offer a diverse mix of landscapes. You'll encounter forest massifs and valleys, especially near the Forêt de Rambouillet, as well as picturesque agricultural plateaus with fields of oilseed rape and wheat. Many routes also follow tranquil rivers and streams, providing varied scenery away from main roads.
Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the challenging Château de Mormoulins – Old aqueduct loop from Marchezais - Broué is a long circular option, and the moderate Saint Peter's Church – Saint-Pierre Church of Abondant loop from Cherisy also forms a loop.
The region around Marchezais is rich in history and natural beauty. While riding, you might pass by impressive structures like the Avre Aqueduct. Other nearby points of interest include the historic Anet Castle and The Donjon of Houdan, which can be incorporated into your cycling adventures.
The diverse landscapes around Marchezais are beautiful year-round. Autumn offers vibrant colors in the forest massifs, while spring and summer showcase brightly colored agricultural plateaus with poppies. The region's natural parks and forests provide extensive trails suitable for cycling in most seasons, but always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Canal Louis XIV – Château de Mormoulins loop from Marchezais - Broué, spanning over 100 km, offer significant distances and elevation gains on traffic-free paths. Another demanding option is the Sorel Castle – Panorama loop from Cherisy.
While specific parking details for each trailhead are best checked on the individual route pages, Marchezais and nearby villages often have public parking areas. For routes starting from Marchezais, look for parking within the village. For routes starting from Cherisy or Sainte-Gemme-Moronval, similar village parking options are usually available.
Marchezais is a small commune, and direct public transport links might be limited. However, the wider region is accessible. Consider checking train services to larger nearby towns like Dreux or Rambouillet, and then planning your route or a short transfer from there. Always verify current schedules and bike carriage policies with public transport providers.
The unique appeal of gravel biking around Marchezais lies in its strategic location, offering access to the extensive, traffic-free trails of the Forêt de Rambouillet and the varied terrain of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Natural Regional Park. This allows riders to combine natural exploration with historical discovery, all while enjoying quiet, car-free paths through forests, along rivers, and across agricultural plains.


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