The best traffic-free bike rides around Marles-Sur-Canche

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails detailed in this guide, offering a range of distances and difficulties to explore the beautiful landscapes around Marles-sur-Canche.

You'll experience the diverse 'Montreuillois undulations,' featuring a mix of valleys and plateaus. Routes often follow the scenic Canche River, passing through agricultural fields of sugar beet, wheat, and corn, and occasionally skirting forested areas like the Hesdin-la-Forêt. The varied terrain provides both open vistas and shaded paths.

While all routes in this guide are designed to be traffic-free, some are more challenging. For a moderate option that could be suitable for families with some cycling experience, consider the Sous-Bois de Saint-Josse – Chemin des Huttes loop from Beutin, which is 33 km long and has less elevation gain compared to the more difficult routes.

Many routes incorporate historical and natural points of interest. You can cycle towards the historic town of Montreuil-sur-Mer and its impressive citadel, offering panoramic views of the Canche Valley. Other highlights in the broader area include the Saint Saulve Abbey Church and the tranquil Chapelle Sainte Austreberthe.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Banks of the Canche – Montreuil and its citadel loop from Montreuil-sur-Mer is a challenging 42 km circular route that takes you through varied terrain.

The region is enjoyable for gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with changing foliage or blooming wildflowers. Summer is also great, especially for shaded forest sections. Even winter can be suitable, though some unpaved sections might be muddy after heavy rain.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience here, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Riders often praise the tranquility of the traffic-free paths, the scenic beauty of the Canche Valley, and the rewarding mix of terrain that makes for an engaging ride.

Absolutely. For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, the Inxent – Banks of the Canche loop from Montreuil-sur-Mer covers nearly 48 km with significant elevation gain, offering a demanding yet rewarding experience through the region's diverse landscapes.

While Marles-sur-Canche is inland, its proximity to the Bay of Authie and the Côte d'Opale means you can easily plan a multi-day trip or extend your ride to explore coastal areas. The sandy beaches of Berck-sur-Mer are relatively close, offering a different cycling experience to complement the inland gravel trails.

The Canche Valley and its surrounding marshes are rich in biodiversity. Cycling along the riverbanks and through the village marsh can offer opportunities to spot various bird species, including Shelducks, Spoonbills, and Curlews, especially during migration seasons. The region's Nature Park also highlights its commitment to wildlife preservation.

The duration varies significantly by route and your pace. For instance, a moderate route like the Banks of the Canche – Porte de Boulogne loop from Montreuil-sur-Mer (21 km) might take around 1.5 to 2 hours, while longer, more difficult routes can take 3 to 4 hours or more to complete.