The best traffic-free bike rides around Parigné-L'Évêque
4.5
(82)
1,148
riders
41
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Parigné-L'Évêque traverse a rural landscape characterized by extensive woodlands, quiet country roads, and tranquil river valleys. The area features over 50% forest cover, providing shaded paths and a calm atmosphere for cycling. Notable natural features include the Loudon Ponds, nestled within a forest and surrounded by diverse habitats. The region also benefits from a network of greenways, offering dedicated paths for touring cyclists.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Parigné-L'Évêque
- The most popular…
Last updated: May 22, 2026
4.6
(5)
46
riders
42.7km
03:31
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
53
riders
44.4km
03:38
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
3.6
(5)
45
riders
51.5km
04:26
390m
390m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(1)
60
riders
45.4km
03:35
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
15
riders
43.4km
03:33
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Parigné-L'Évêque
Tips from the Community
Paradise for great gravel rides
0
0
The Arche de la Nature is a vast natural space located near Le Mans. Among its various places of interest, we find the Maison de la prairie, composed of a vegetable garden and a farm.
0
0
Founded in 1229 by Bérengère de Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, it constitutes one of the most beautiful Cistercian jewels in France. It was acquired by the Department of Sarthe in 1959. The Royal Abbey of Épau constitutes one of the finest examples of Cistercian architecture in France. In 1229, Bérengère de Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, decided to found this abbey at the gates of Le Mans, where she was buried a year later. During the Revolution, the abbey, almost deserted by monks since the 18th century, was sold as national property to an industrialist. Then transformed into an agricultural operation, the abbey experienced many vicissitudes before its purchase by the Department of Sarthe in 1959. A vast restoration program, still in progress, is giving it a second wind, making the abbey one of the most important places cultural heritage of Sarthe. The abbey also hosts the sessions of the departmental assembly of which it has been the seat since the 1970s. Since July 1, 2016, its management has been entrusted to the Sarthe Cultural Center whose mission is to offer it a new dimension, in order to strengthen its cultural role in the region. Recently, the research of Father Michel Niaussat, a Cistercian monk writer, has shed light on the royal character of the building. L'Épau Abbey then became Royal Abbey of l'Épau in March 2017. Alongside this cultural and tourist growth, another flagship project which will guide the development of the abbey in the coming years: the transformation of the park into permacultural garden. It must then be remembered that times of prayer and work were equivalent in the Cistercian rule. This agricultural dimension is at the heart of the departmental project, the ultimate objective of which is to restore as faithfully as possible the original principles of the place. The abbey, which has preserved almost all of its buildings, is located at the gates of Le Mans. It is inserted in a 13 ha enclosed park delimited by a surrounding wall.
0
0
VISITS Free individual visits Individual guided tours Average duration of the individual visit: 1:30h Groups welcome from 10 people Free group visits Guided group tours Guided group tours on request Educational group visits Average duration of the group visit: 1:30h Point of interest visible without visit Languages available Spoken: French, English Panels: French, English Audio: English, French ACTIVITIES Specific thematic animation Workshop for adults Children's workshop Conferences Temporary exhibitions Sound and light
0
0
PRICES Individual price adult: €5.50 Individual price reduced: €4.00 Job seeker, student, RSA, person in disability situation, Cezam card, CE Individual price child: €3.00 10-17 years old Free: €0.00 Under 10 years old and accompanying person
0
0
The Loudon ponds are located in the town of Parigné l'Evêque, in the heart of a forest. They are surrounded by peat bogs, wet and dry heaths, lawns and vast forests. They are the starting point for many hikes and it is not uncommon to see large mammals there, notably wild boars. The site is classified in the national inventory of Natural Areas of Ecological Fauna and Flora Interest.
1
0
L'Arche de la Nature is a vast natural park of 450 hectares located on the outskirts of Le Mans. Trails, rivers, lakes and forests to discover during your run.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available around Parigné-L'Évêque?
There are over 45 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Parigné-L'Évêque. These routes utilize the region's extensive network of greenways and quiet country roads, offering a peaceful cycling experience away from vehicle traffic.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Parigné-L'Évêque?
The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for touring cycling in Parigné-L'Évêque. The weather is typically mild, and the natural landscapes, especially the wooded areas and Loir Valley, are particularly beautiful. Summer also offers pleasant conditions, with many routes providing welcome shade through forests.
Are there any family-friendly no traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, Parigné-L'Évêque offers several family-friendly routes, particularly those utilizing greenways which are often flat and well-maintained. The region's network includes routes accessible to all skill levels, making it easy to find an enjoyable ride for the whole family. You can find 10 easy routes suitable for families.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on these routes?
The routes around Parigné-L'Évêque offer a diverse range of landscapes. You'll cycle through extensive wooded areas, as over 50% of the town's surface is covered by forests. Many routes also pass by natural features like the Loudon Ponds, and you can experience the tranquil, bucolic scenery of the broader Loir Valley with its vineyards and picturesque towns.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Parigné-L'Évêque?
Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes around Parigné-L'Évêque are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the moderate Prairie House – Arche de la Nature loop or the more challenging Loudon Ponds – Menhir de la Bergère loop.
What interesting places can I see along the no traffic touring cycling routes?
Along the routes, you can discover several points of interest. The Loudon Ponds are a significant natural highlight, nestled in a forest with diverse habitats. You might also encounter the Arche de la Nature, a large nature park. For historical interest, the nearby L'Épau Abbey is also accessible.
Are there routes suitable for advanced touring cyclists seeking a challenge?
While many routes are easy to moderate, there are options for advanced touring cyclists. The broader Sarthe region, including areas like the 'Alpes Mancelles', offers more undulating terrain. Within Parigné-L'Évêque, routes like La Mare au Mortier loop are rated as difficult, featuring more elevation gain and longer distances.
Can I find cafes or restaurants near the cycling routes?
Yes, the region is well-equipped to welcome cyclists. Parigné-L'Évêque itself has amenities, and many routes pass through or near picturesque towns and villages in the Loir Valley where you can find cafes, restaurants, and local shops to refuel and relax. It's always a good idea to check opening hours, especially in smaller villages.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the routes here?
The no traffic touring cycling routes around Parigné-L'Évêque are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.56 stars from 86 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the wooded paths, the well-maintained greenways, and the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and charming villages of the Sarthe region away from car traffic.
Are there options for connecting to longer regional cycling routes?
Absolutely. Parigné-L'Évêque is part of a larger cycling network in Sarthe. You can connect to major routes such as "La Vélobuissonnière" (V44) and the "Loir Valley by bike" (V47), which can extend your journey across multiple departments and offer rich experiences of history, rivers, and medieval villages. More information can be found on the Sarthe Tourisme website.
Is there parking available at the start of these routes?
Yes, in Parigné-L'Évêque and surrounding towns, you'll typically find designated parking areas, often near town centers or trailheads, where you can safely leave your vehicle before starting your cycling tour. Many routes are designed to be accessible from central points within the community.
Most popular routes around Parigné-L'Évêque
Most popular attractions around Parigné-L'Évêque
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
