4.3
(9)
418
riders
34
rides
Road cycling around Pointel offers a network of no traffic road cycling routes through the rural landscapes of Normandy, France. The terrain is characterized by its bocage, a mix of hedgerows, small fields, and woodlands, with gentle ascents and descents. The commune itself ranges in altitude from 200m to 242m, providing varied but manageable elevation changes for cyclists. Several watercourses, including the Rouvre river, contribute to the green and natural environment.
Last updated: November 5, 2026
13
riders
Easy road ride. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
14
riders
104km
04:34
1,040m
1,040m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

8
riders
62.6km
02:55
750m
750m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
46.0km
02:05
520m
520m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
56.0km
02:32
470m
470m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Magnificent, a must-see.
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The town has two old market halls dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. While one of them has been closed for renovation into a community hall, the second has remained open and hosts local events and hikers looking for a pleasant spot to picnic and rest.
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For those who are fond of mountainous landscapes in Normandy: the Suisse Normande.
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2 small halls converted into a rest area for a well-deserved break
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There was already a church in Bellou-en-Houlme in 1053, when the building was donated by Guillaume de la Ferté-Macé to the Abbey of Saint-Julien in Tours. The bell tower-porch appears to be of Romanesque origin, having been built in the 11th century and then remodeled in the 12th century. Several architectural elements bear witness to this: "the semicircular arches, the small round interior door above the gallery, the narrow openings of the bell tower, the modillions bordering the dripstone" recall the 11th century, while "the pointed arches which are inscribed in the semicircular arches and especially the underside of the tower where the tore-shaped arcades intersect, each ending in a abacus" (Le Pays Bas-Normand, 1962 n°2) show that the tower was modified at the end of the 12th century. The rest of the building was largely transformed during the first half of the 18th century, as indicated by the date 1718 inscribed on the lintel of the door of the south arm of the transept and that of 1749, inscribed on the lintel of one of the south bays of the chevet. The church was originally surrounded by a cemetery, transferred outside the town in 1840.
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This church was built in the 16th century. It was remodeled and enlarged starting in 1850 (with the construction of chapels, the choir, and the sacristy). The Heritage Foundation organized a fundraiser for the restoration of the church: the purpose of the fundraiser is to restore the exterior of the church (stained glass windows and bell tower), as well as the interior (altarpiece, master paintings, baptismal font, fixing the pews to the floor, Stations of the Cross). The cost of this work is estimated at approximately €70,000. February 9, 2022: Renovation work on the church building completed, carried out by the Beauvain History and Heritage Association (restoration of the altarpieces, stained glass windows, baptismal font, as well as the roof, bell tower, clock mechanism, the Calvary on the Rock, the church door, and the heating system).
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In 1874, the project for a new church was born, at the instigation of Father Macé, then vicar, who had the municipality and even the priest against him. The nave, however, was completed in 1878, the tower the following year, the consecration took place in 1881. The building is constructed of local granite, also in Romanesque style but its axis is perpendicular to that of the old one, the entrance towards the road to Carrouges-La Ferté. The nave is supported by ten granite pillars made from a single piece and 2 m. high. The only treasure is the altar decoration, Louis XIII, given by Father Dufriche-Desgenettes to his friend Father Lapierre. Father Husson made the furnishings of the sacristy and the church with his own hands: stalls, confessionals, pulpit. Burned by bombing on August 14, 1944, the church was unusable. In 1953, after extensive restoration, religious services were reinstated, and two years later, the three bells were replaced, along with the stained-glass windows themselves. Those in the choir depict the life of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint; four smaller ones depict the four chapels of Joué (La Raîtière, Le Bel, St-Jacques, and St-Roch) with the coats of arms of the founding families. A lintel bearing the Le Verrier coat of arms, taken from the seigneurial chapel dedicated to Saints Hubert and Suzanne in the church, was incorporated into the tower's masonry; this lintel was designed in La Chaux, by the Count of Contades.
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There are over 30 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Pointel. These routes range from easy, shorter rides to more challenging, longer tours, ensuring options for various skill levels and preferences.
Yes, Pointel offers several easy, traffic-free road cycling routes. For instance, the Notre-Dame Church – Col du signal de Charlemagne loop from Bellou-en-Houlme is an easy 15.8 km ride, perfect for a relaxed outing. The terrain around Pointel generally features gentle ascents and descents, making it suitable for cyclists of varying abilities.
The routes around Pointel traverse picturesque rural landscapes, including agricultural areas, marshes, and forests. You'll experience the tranquil bocage landscape of Normandy, characterized by hedgerows and small fields, offering a peaceful environment for cycling.
Absolutely. For those seeking a greater challenge, routes like the Col du signal de Charlemagne – Chapelle de Longuenoe loop from Bellou-en-Houlme offer a difficult 104 km ride with significant elevation gain. These routes provide a more demanding experience through the varied terrain of the Orne department.
While cycling, you can explore the natural beauty of the region. The area is fed by several watercourses, including the Rouvre river. You might encounter marshlands like Le Marais du Grand Hazé, which also has an observatory. Additionally, there are beautiful lakes such as Lande Forêt Pond and Plan d'Eau de la Ferté-Macé nearby.
Yes, the region offers glimpses of local heritage. You could pass by the Old Saint-Aubert Church. Some routes, like the Belle-Époque villas – Bagnoles-de-l'Orne loop from Beauvain, guide cyclists through areas with historical sites and charming architecture.
The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience around Pointel, with an average score of 3.8 out of 5 stars for these specific routes. Cyclists often praise the tranquil rural setting and the variety of paths available, from dedicated cycle paths to quiet rural roads.
Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Pointel are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the moderate La Roche d'Oëtre – La Carneille loop from Chênedouit and the Forêt de Monnaie – Manoir de Joué-du-Bois loop from Beauvain.
The region's rural paths and greenways are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. Summer is also ideal, though it can be warmer. Winter cycling is possible, but be mindful of potentially colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours.
While Pointel itself is a smaller commune, the routes often pass through or near charming villages and towns in the Orne department. These areas typically offer opportunities to find local cafes, bakeries, or small shops where you can stop for refreshments and experience local hospitality.
Many routes originate from nearby towns and villages such as Bellou-en-Houlme or Beauvain, which typically offer public parking facilities. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for specific parking recommendations.


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