The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Aubin-Du-Plain

There are over 75 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Aubin-Du-Plain, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels. This includes more than a dozen easy routes, perfect for a relaxed ride.

The region benefits from excellent infrastructure for quiet cycling, most notably the 'Voie Verte' (greenway). These routes are often developed on old railway lines, providing flat, paved, and car-free paths through scenic landscapes like the Vallée du Pressoir and the Thouet River Valley. The bocage de Gâtine also offers numerous quiet country lanes.

Yes, the 'Voie Verte' sections are particularly well-suited for families due to their flat terrain and absence of vehicle traffic, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. Many of the easy-rated routes are also ideal for family outings.

Generally, dogs are welcome on a leash on the 'Voie Verte' and other public cycling paths, provided they are well-behaved and you clean up after them. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions, especially in nature reserves.

You'll cycle through diverse landscapes, including the picturesque Vallée du Pressoir and Thouet River Valley, known for their narrow sections and natural beauty. The routes also traverse the bocage de Gâtine, characterized by hedgerows, meadows, woods, and small ponds, offering a varied and engaging backdrop.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Pont de Voultegon loop from Argenton-les-Vallées offers a moderate 31.5 km ride, and the Château de Bressuire loop from Beaulieu-sous-Bressuire is a shorter, moderate 15.3 km option.

Several routes pass by interesting points. You can explore the historic Bressuire Castle, or discover the tranquil Lake Hautibus. The Château de Bressuire – Saint-Cyprien chapel loop from Beaulieu-sous-Bressuire is a great option to combine cycling with cultural exploration.

Parking is generally available at the start points of many routes, especially near towns like Bressuire or Argenton-les-Vallées. For routes utilizing the 'Voie Verte', look for designated parking areas at access points along the greenway.

Spring and autumn typically offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it's advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for cooler, potentially wetter weather.

While the routes themselves are car-free, they often connect to or pass near villages and towns where you can find cafes, restaurants, and accommodation. Larger towns like Bressuire and Thouars, which are accessible by bike, offer more amenities. It's always a good idea to plan your stops in advance.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the routes, the beautiful and varied landscapes of the bocage and river valleys, and the excellent car-free paths like the 'Voie Verte' that make for a relaxing and safe cycling experience.