The best traffic-free bike rides around Soumaintrain

This guide highlights a selection of three excellent no-traffic gravel bike trails around Soumaintrain, offering diverse experiences for different skill levels. These routes are carefully chosen to provide a peaceful and scenic cycling adventure away from cars.

The gravel bike trails around Soumaintrain traverse a varied landscape typical of the Yonne department. You can expect a mix of 'white roads' winding through vineyards, forest tracks, and rural paths through bocages and charming villages. The terrain features moderate climbs and descents, suitable for various skill levels, and offers a true immersion in the French countryside.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Puisotin loop and the Val d'Armance loop are both designed as circular tours, perfect for a day trip.

While cycling, you'll pass through picturesque rural landscapes. For specific attractions, consider visiting nearby towns. For instance, you could explore Saint-Florentin, or discover the historical sites in Ervy-le-Châtel, which boasts a circular market hall and a chapel. The region's charm lies in its small villages and natural beauty.

The region's moderate terrain and extensive network of rural paths make it generally suitable for families. While this guide features routes of moderate to difficult grades, the 'no traffic' aspect ensures a safer and more relaxed environment for all riders. The Puisotin loop, for example, is a moderate route that could be enjoyable for families with some biking experience.

The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, including Soumaintrain, is generally pleasant for gravel biking from spring through autumn. Spring offers blooming vineyards and mild temperatures, while autumn provides stunning foliage. Summers are also good, but it's advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat. Winters can be cold and potentially muddy on some tracks.

The routes in this guide typically range from approximately 26 to 31 kilometers (16 to 19 miles) in length. For example, the Chenu Forest – Spatial construction loop from Auxon is about 31 kilometers long, offering a substantial ride through varied landscapes.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in this area, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the routes, the beautiful rural scenery, and the opportunity to explore the authentic French countryside away from traffic. The diverse terrain, from vineyards to forests, is also a frequently mentioned highlight.

While the routes themselves focus on natural and rural paths, the region is dotted with small villages and towns. It's a good idea to plan your route to pass through or near a village where you might find a local bakery, café, or restaurant to refuel and experience local gastronomy, perhaps even trying the famous Soumaintrain cheese.

Yes, for those seeking a more challenging ride, the Val d'Armance loop is classified as difficult. This route offers a longer distance and potentially more demanding sections, providing a good test for experienced gravel bikers while still enjoying the no-traffic environment.

You will experience the rich natural diversity of the Yonne department. Expect to cycle through extensive vineyards, especially in areas close to Chablis, and explore shaded forest tracks. The routes also wind through tranquil rural landscapes with agricultural lands and bocages, offering a peaceful and immersive natural experience.