The best traffic-free bike rides around Allonnes
4.3
(34)
326
riders
29
rides
Gravel biking around Allonnes, located near Le Mans in the Sarthe department, offers diverse terrain for outdoor exploration. The region features market garden plains to the south and wooded valleys and orchards to the north. Extensive communal forests and the Authion valley contribute to a varied landscape, providing numerous no traffic gravel bike trails. The area's geology, influenced by the Loire River, creates a suitable environment for gravel exploration.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Allonnes
- The most popular…
Last updated: May 24, 2026
4.0
(1)
11
riders
52.4km
03:37
500m
500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
11
riders
47.7km
03:03
330m
330m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
6
riders
30.0km
02:00
270m
270m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
riders
65.5km
03:53
630m
630m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
96.4km
05:40
830m
830m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Allonnes
Tips from the Community
The sights are good but the terrain is not especially after high winds and heavy rain. Some people might find it tricky to navigate.
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For those who want to discover some art objects.
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The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place with a rich history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey is a unique cultural site! An abbey with a royal destination, a formidable prison is today a place of creation (museum of modern art).
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Fontevraud-l'Abbaye is located in the natural region of the Loire Valley, listed as a "living cultural landscape" by UNESCO. As its name suggests, the history and present of the municipality are closely linked to the Abbey of Notre-Dame, founded in 1099. The abbey presents the originality of being part of a mixed order, but led by abbesses until the Revolution. was the necropolis of the Plantagenet dynasty. The recumbent figures of Richard the Lionheart, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine are still preserved there. The vast abbey complex was transformed by Napoleon I into a penal colony and then into a "central house". This extraordinary prison closed its doors in 1963. While the abbey church and the various monastic sites were rehabilitated, the entire old abbey has since housed a prestigious cultural centre with, among other things, a renowned art museum, welcoming meetings and artists in residence. Art, history and heritage are highlighted throughout the year.
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A castle-palace of the Dukes of Anjou in the 19th and 19th centuries, the Château de Saumur, where King René resided, is the last example of the princely palaces built by the Valois dynasty. It served as the residence of the city's governors, a prison, and later an arms and ammunition depot. It was purchased by the city in 1906 to house the municipal museum, now the Musée de France. Today, we discover the rich collections scattered throughout the former apartments of the Dukes of Anjou in an educational museography. Want to know more? Click here: https://www.ot-saumur.fr/en/castles-and-country-houses/Saumurcastle-5261718/
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History: In 1454, while ploughing his field, a farmer discovered in the "ardille" (clay, a word that according to legend gave its name to Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers) a stone statuette about thirty centimetres high representing a Pietà. The farmer took it home. Twice he discovered that the Pietà returned to its place of discovery, near a fountain that was already known for its healing properties. From that moment on, devotions developed around this statuette, which was placed in a niche under a stone arch. Jean Olivier, Bishop of Angers, laid the foundations of the Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers chapel. Bishop Gabriel Bouvery, Bishop of Angers, opened the new church on 30 July 1553. It was a place of pilgrimage. The fountain was said to perform miracles. In 1614, thanks to the support of Marie de Medici, the management of the sanctuary was entrusted to the Order of Oratorians. In 1619, they settled in Ardilliers and founded a royal college in 1624. Louis XIII granted it the status of royal chapel and, from 1628 to 1643, the Oratorians built the buildings to the east of the chapel that would house their community, the classrooms and the students' dormitories. From 1634, Richelieu had a chapel built on the north wall of the chapel for votive and funeral purposes. The chapel was closed during the Revolution. The Oratorian house became a barracks and the rotunda was converted into an ammunition store. In 1796, the Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence opened a hospice there for the expelled. In 1798, the hospice became the property of the city of Saumur. The chapel was put back into use in 1799, but was damaged by damp. From 1849, architect Charles Joly-Leterme began restoring the building. The Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence became the owners of the former Oratorian House in 1866. During the Battle of the Cadets, in June 1940, the bombing destroyed the roof structures of the chapel and the Oratorian House. The vault of the nave collapsed. The buildings were restored between 1947 and 1957. The oak frame of the dome was replaced by a concrete shell to reduce the pressure on the walls. The Oratorian House was converted into a school in 1953. In February 2025, a fire broke out. Source Wikipedia
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History: In 1454, while ploughing his field, a farmer discovered in the "ardille" (clay, a word that according to legend gave its name to Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers) a stone statuette about thirty centimetres high representing a Pietà. The farmer took it home. Twice he discovered that the Pietà returned to its place of discovery, near a fountain that was already known for its healing properties. From that moment on, devotions developed around this statuette, which was placed in a niche under a stone arch. Jean Olivier, Bishop of Angers, laid the foundations of the Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers chapel. Bishop Gabriel Bouvery, Bishop of Angers, opened the new church on 30 July 1553. It was a place of pilgrimage. The fountain was said to perform miracles. In 1614, thanks to the support of Marie de Medici, the management of the sanctuary was entrusted to the Order of Oratorians. In 1619, they settled in Ardilliers and founded a royal college in 1624. Louis XIII granted it the status of royal chapel and, from 1628 to 1643, the Oratorians built the buildings to the east of the chapel that would house their community, the classrooms and the students' dormitories. From 1634, Richelieu had a chapel built on the north wall of the chapel for votive and funeral purposes. The chapel was closed during the Revolution. The Oratorian house became a barracks and the rotunda was converted into an ammunition store. In 1796, the Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence opened a hospice for the expelled. In 1798, the hospice became the property of the city of Saumur. The chapel was put back into use in 1799, but was damaged by damp. From 1849, architect Charles Joly-Leterme began restoring the building. The Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence became the owners of the former Oratorian House in 1866. During the Battle of the Cadets, in June 1940, the bombing destroyed the roof structures of the chapel and the Oratorian House. The vault of the nave collapsed. The buildings were restored between 1947 and 1957. The oak frame of the dome was replaced by a concrete shell to reduce the pressure on the walls. The Oratorian House was converted into a school in 1953. A fire broke out in February 2025. Source Wikipedia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available around Allonnes?
There are over 20 dedicated gravel bike routes around Allonnes that focus on minimizing traffic, offering a peaceful and immersive experience. These routes range in difficulty, ensuring options for various skill levels.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Allonnes?
The Loire Valley region, including Allonnes, is generally best for gravel biking from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, you'll find pleasant temperatures, lush landscapes, and ideal conditions for exploring the riverside paths, forests, and agricultural plains. Summers can be warm, but many trails offer shade.
Are there any easy, beginner-friendly gravel routes without traffic near Allonnes?
Yes, while many routes are moderate, you can find easier sections, especially along the Loire Riverside. These often feature mostly paved or well-maintained gravel surfaces. For a good starting point, consider exploring the areas around communal forests, which often have less challenging circuits. Always check the route details for specific difficulty ratings.
What kind of terrain can I expect on traffic-free gravel trails around Allonnes?
The terrain is wonderfully varied! You'll encounter picturesque gravel paths along the Loire River, shaded trails through extensive communal forests (like those around Brain-sur-Allonnes), and routes winding through market garden plains, orchards, and vineyards. This diversity offers a rich tapestry of landscapes for your ride.
Can I find circular gravel bike routes around Allonnes that avoid traffic?
Absolutely. Many of the gravel routes in the region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without retracing your steps. For example, the Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – Saumur Castle loop from Varrains offers a scenic circular journey. These routes often utilize quiet country roads, forest tracks, and riverside paths to keep you away from heavy traffic.
What interesting sights or landmarks can I explore along the no-traffic gravel routes?
The region is rich in history and natural beauty. You can cycle past impressive historical sites such as the Château de Saumur, offering stunning views of the city and river. Other highlights include the unique Souzay-Champigny troglodyte site, which provides a glimpse into the region's cool, historic past. Many routes also offer beautiful views of the Loire River itself, a designated Loire Riverside Gravel Trail.
Are there any challenging car-free gravel trails for experienced riders?
Yes, for those seeking a more demanding ride, there are several difficult-grade routes. These often feature longer distances and more significant elevation changes. An example is the View of the Loire – Château de Saumur loop from Saumur, which covers nearly 100 km with substantial climbing, providing a rewarding challenge for advanced gravel bikers.
Are the gravel trails around Allonnes suitable for families with children?
Many sections of the gravel trails, particularly those along the Loire River or within communal forests, are suitable for families. Look for routes described as 'easy' or 'moderate' with well-maintained surfaces. These often provide safe, traffic-free environments perfect for a family outing. Always check the route's specific details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.
Are dogs allowed on the no-traffic gravel bike trails in Allonnes?
Generally, dogs are welcome on many public trails in France, especially in natural areas like forests and along riverbanks, provided they are kept on a leash and you clean up after them. However, specific rules can vary by municipality or protected area. It's always best to check local signage or park regulations for the specific trail you plan to ride.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the traffic-free routes around Allonnes?
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Allonnes, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the routes, the stunning natural beauty of the Loire River and communal forests, and the excellent variety of terrain that keeps rides interesting and engaging. The absence of traffic is consistently highlighted as a major plus, allowing for a truly immersive outdoor adventure.
Is public transport available to access gravel trails around Allonnes?
While Allonnes itself is a smaller commune, its proximity to larger towns like Le Mans and Saumur means that regional public transport (buses and trains) can get you into the general area. From there, you might need to cycle a short distance to reach specific trailheads. For detailed information on local transport options, it's best to consult regional transport websites.
Can I find places to stop for coffee or refreshments along the traffic-free gravel trails?
Yes, many routes pass through or near charming villages and towns along the Loire River or within the surrounding countryside. These often offer opportunities to stop at local cafés, bakeries, or small shops for refreshments. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify potential stops along the way, ensuring you can refuel and relax during your ride.
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