The best traffic-free bike rides around Houdain
4.6
(215)
2,136
riders
169
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Houdain, located in the Pas-de-Calais department of France, traverse a landscape characterized by varied terrain. The region features the Artois Hills, reclaimed industrial sites, and expansive natural areas. Cyclists will find a mix of rolling hills, open countryside, and forests, providing diverse backdrops for rides. The area also includes former mining spoil heaps transformed into viewpoints, offering unique perspectives of the surrounding environment.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Houdain
- The most popular…
Last updated: May 8, 2026
4.9
(7)
81
riders
49.7km
03:15
560m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
31
riders
25.6km
02:05
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
5.0
(2)
22
riders
46.2km
03:46
530m
520m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
20
riders
22.4km
01:43
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
17
riders
48.2km
03:47
540m
540m
Hard bike ride. Very 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 Houdain
Tips from the Community
It's a very quiet and friendly place
0
0
The ruins of the old church of Ablain-Saint-Nazaire are an impressive and symbolic remnant of the First World War. This church, built in the 16th century in flamboyant Gothic style by Jacques Le Caron, was heavily damaged during the fighting in 1915. The ruins have been preserved as a monument to commemorate the horrors of war.
7
0
The National Necropolis of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette is located on Mont Hernu (173m) and opposite the necropolis, next to the anneau de la Mémoire you have a balcony set up as a lookout point.
6
0
A remarkable story about the ruins concerns the decision not to rebuild the church after the war. Although the church had been classified as a historical monument in 1908, the Commission for Historical Monuments decided that the ruins should remain as a testimony to the German destruction. Ironically, it was the French guns that had destroyed the church, but the ruins became a symbol of the war and the reconstruction.
6
0
The Nécropole nationale de Notre-Dame-de-Lorette is one of the largest and most impressive military cemeteries in France. Situated on a hill in Ablain-Saint-Nazaire, this cemetery contains the graves of more than 42,000 soldiers who died during the First World War. The cemetery was inaugurated in 1925 and includes a basilica, a tower-lantern and a museum.
7
0
The church dedicated to the Mother of God under the title "Notre-Dame de Lorette" rises in brilliant white and is visible from far away. But the brilliant impression is deceptive, at the latest when the visitor to the site realizes that they are in a huge military cemetery. Around 20,000 individual graves and a further 23,000 victims of war and tyranny buried in ossuaries are deeply disturbing.
3
0
Beautiful! Check opening times as they change throughout the year. Last entry 45 minutes before closing time.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Houdain?
There are nearly 200 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Houdain, offering a wide variety of experiences. This includes 55 easy routes, 105 moderate routes, and 28 difficult routes, ensuring options for all skill levels.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on these car-free cycling routes?
The no-traffic routes around Houdain traverse a diverse landscape, from the rolling Artois Hills and reclaimed mining areas to serene forests and picturesque countryside. You'll find routes offering panoramic views, especially from elevated points like the belvedere at Olhain Park, and paths alongside canals and rivers, providing gentle, traffic-free rides.
Are there any family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes in Houdain?
Yes, Houdain offers several family-friendly no-traffic routes. Many of the 55 easy routes are suitable for families, often following flat paths along canals or through forests. These routes provide a safe and enjoyable environment for cyclists of all ages to explore the region's natural beauty.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can visit along these routes?
You can discover a rich blend of historical sites and natural wonders. Consider visiting the picturesque The Caucourt Ford and Watermill, or enjoy panoramic views from The belvedere at Olhain Park. Reclaimed industrial sites like Terril Number 5 of Lapugnoy also offer unique perspectives and a blend of heritage and nature.
Are there any circular no-traffic cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Houdain are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the moderate route Le Gué de Caucourt – Chemin des chênes loop from Houdain, which offers a scenic loop through the countryside.
What is the best time of year to cycle the no-traffic routes in Houdain?
The best time to cycle in Houdain is generally from spring to autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is milder and more predictable, making for pleasant rides. The landscapes are vibrant in spring and summer, and the autumn foliage offers beautiful scenery. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder, potentially wetter conditions.
Can I find routes that incorporate lakes or natural monuments?
Absolutely. The region features beautiful natural elements like Lac de Beugin, which is often part of touring routes. You can also explore routes that pass by natural monuments such as Terril 36 of Nœux-les-Mines, offering unique views of the area's geological history.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no-traffic routes in Houdain?
The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Houdain, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the car-free paths, the diverse scenery ranging from rolling hills to reclaimed industrial sites, and the opportunity to discover charming historical points like the Caucourt Ford and Watermill.
Are there any challenging no-traffic routes for experienced cyclists?
Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 28 difficult no-traffic routes. These often feature more significant elevation gains and longer distances. An example is The White Way – Mont Hernu cycle path loop from Bruay-la-Buissière, which includes over 500 meters of elevation gain.
Are there routes that explore the region's mining heritage?
Yes, the region around Houdain has a rich mining history, and some no-traffic routes incorporate reclaimed industrial sites. These former mining spoil heaps, like Terril Number 5 of Lapugnoy, have been transformed into viewpoints and natural areas, offering a unique blend of industrial heritage and natural regeneration along your ride.
Can I find routes that pass by historical castles or keeps?
Certainly. The area around Houdain is dotted with historical structures. You can find routes that pass by sites such as Olhain Castle or Bours Keep, adding a historical dimension to your cycling adventure. The route Lac de Beugin – Bours Keep loop from Beugin is a great option to see one of these.
Most popular attractions around Houdain
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
