The best traffic-free bike rides around Vélu
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156
riders
33
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Vélu are located in the Pas-de-Calais department of the Hauts-de-France region, an area known for its agricultural landscapes and gently rolling hills. The terrain offers varied cycling experiences, from paths alongside canals to routes traversing historical sites and open fields. This region provides a network of quiet roads and dedicated paths suitable for touring cyclists seeking peaceful journeys.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Vélu
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route…
Last updated: November 5, 2026
26
riders
52.1km
03:53
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
11
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.0
(2)
9
riders
29.9km
02:13
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
9
riders
58.1km
04:27
480m
490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
11
riders
47.6km
03:40
310m
310m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Tips from the Community
cemetery housing the bodies of 82 British and 27 Australian soldiers, fallen during the fighting of 1917
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Saint-Pierre Catholic Church is located in the municipality of Ruyaulcourt.
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The Catholic church of Saint-Pierre is located in Neuville-Bourjonval. It was built from 1929 to 1935 by the company Henry Durand following the project and under the supervision of Parisian architects André Teppe and Pierre Lavanant. The bell tower and main facade (southeast facade) are built mainly of Saint-Maximin stone with some exposed brick facings. The spire is entirely made of reinforced concrete. The aisle walls (of the side aisles, choir, and sacristy) are mainly made of solid bricks, bonded and cemented, with decorative elements coated in cement: cornices, bay window surrounds, bands. The sloped sill of the bays is made of concrete.
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This cemetery contains the graves of 209 British soldiers and 5 New Zealanders, who fell during the fighting from March 1917 to September 1918.
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The Pipers Memorial in Longueval is a special tribute to all pipers who died during the First World War, regardless of their regiment or origin. It was unveiled on 20 July 2002 and stands in the village square, just off the Rue de Bazentin. The bronze statue, designed by Andy De Comyn, shows a piper in full uniform climbing out of a trench playing—a powerful symbol of courage and moral support for troops under fire. Plaques around the plinth list the regiments that lost pipers, and the memorial also remembers heroes such as Piper James Richardson VC, who led his battalion into the attack with his music and was later killed trying to retrieve his bagpipes. It is a rare monument that honours not only military valour but also cultural identity and tradition. A place where music and memory come together in stone and bronze.
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The New Zealand 'Ngā Tapuwae' Plaque in Longueval is a memorial plaque that forms part of the Ngā Tapuwae Trails, a series of commemorative trails that mark important locations where New Zealand troops fought during World War I. Interestingly, the plaque not only provides historical information but also includes personal stories from New Zealand soldiers. This allows visitors to feel a deeper connection to the events and the people involved. The plaque commemorates the fierce fighting that New Zealand troops fought during the Battle of the Somme in 1916.
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French politician, MP and then resistance fighter, born on November 6, 1890 in Bapaume, he became mayor of the town in 1929. In 1934, he was elected general councilor of Pas-de-Calais. In 1936, he ran in the legislative elections and was elected in the second round. He was arrested in 1943 by the Nazis as he left the prefecture, and deported to the Gross-Rosen camp where he died on November 27, 1944. Since 1948, a monument showing him at the time of his arrest honors his memory. At the Town Hall there is an urn with soil from Gross-Rosen as well as a painting of him.
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The Piper's Memorial pays tribute to the pipers who fell during the Great War, regardless of nationality or unit. Unveiled in 2002, this 3-meter-high statue depicts one of these musicians, straddling the parapet of his trench, playing his instrument to encourage the soldiers heading into the assault.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Vélu?
There are over 30 no-traffic touring cycling routes around Vélu, offering a variety of options for exploring the region by bike. These routes are designed to keep you away from busy roads, providing a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
What is the general difficulty level of these no-traffic touring routes?
The no-traffic touring routes around Vélu cater to various skill levels. You'll find 8 easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride, 18 moderate routes offering a good balance of challenge and enjoyment, and 6 more difficult routes for those seeking a greater physical test. For example, the Bapaume Town Hall – Pipers' Memorial Longueval loop from Bapaume is considered difficult due to its length and elevation.
What kind of terrain can I expect on no-traffic touring cycling routes near Vélu?
The region around Vélu features predominantly agricultural landscapes, gentle rolling hills, and occasional river valleys. You can expect a mix of paved country roads, dedicated cycle paths, and sometimes well-maintained gravel sections, all chosen to minimize traffic exposure. The terrain is generally accessible, making it suitable for touring bikes.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring routes?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring routes around Vélu are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. Examples include the Beaumetz Cross Roads Cemetery – Chemin du Canal loop from Quéant and the Favreuil – Bapaume Town Hall loop from Bapaume.
What historical landmarks or points of interest can I see along these no-traffic routes?
The routes often pass by significant historical sites. You might encounter the Bapaume Town Hall, a historic monument rebuilt after WWI, or the Monument aux Morts in Barrastre, commemorating a village destroyed during the war. Other highlights include the Monument to Abel Guidet and the Monument to the Dead, Bapaume.
What do other cyclists say about the no-traffic touring routes in Vélu?
The no-traffic touring routes around Vélu are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the peacefulness of the routes, the scenic agricultural views, and the opportunity to explore historical sites without the disturbance of heavy traffic.
Is it easy to find parking near the starting points of these no-traffic cycling routes?
Given that many routes start from smaller towns or villages like Quéant or Bapaume, you can generally find public parking options. It's advisable to check the specific starting point of your chosen route for the most convenient parking, often available near town centers or local amenities.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling around Vélu?
The spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) months generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in the Hauts-de-France region, with milder temperatures and beautiful landscapes. Summer can also be enjoyable, but be prepared for potentially warmer days. Winter cycling is possible, but routes might be colder and some services less available.
Are these no-traffic touring routes suitable for families?
Many of the easier and moderate no-traffic routes are well-suited for families, especially those with dedicated cycle paths or quiet country roads. The absence of heavy traffic makes for a safer and more relaxed experience. Consider routes with shorter distances and minimal elevation gain, such as the Chemin du Canal – Hermies Hill British Cemetery loop from Quéant, which is a moderate 33 km ride.
Are there places to eat or stay along the no-traffic touring routes?
While Vélu itself is a small commune, the routes often pass through or near larger towns like Bapaume, Cambrai, or Péronne, where you'll find various cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. It's a good idea to plan your stops in advance, especially on longer routes, to ensure you have access to refreshments and facilities.
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