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Routes
Road cycling routes
France
Normandy
Alençon

Essay

The best traffic-free bike rides around Essay

4.0

(2)

307

riders

22

rides

No traffic road cycling routes around Essay offer varied terrain suitable for cyclists seeking quiet roads. The region features a mix of rolling hills and open countryside, with routes often passing by historical landmarks and scenic viewpoints. Cyclists can expect diverse landscapes that cater to different fitness levels.

Best no traffic road cycling routes around Essay

  • The most popular no traffic road cycling route is Sées Cathedral – St. Madeleine Church loop from Sées, a 33.2 miles (53.5 km) trail that takes 2 hours 17 minutes to complete. This moderate route features gentle ascents and descents through the countryside.
  • Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Ruins of Perseigne Abbey – Perseigne Viewpoint loop from La Fresnaye-sur-Chédouet, a moderate 21.2 miles (34.1 km) path. This route offers a mix of open roads and climbs towards a scenic viewpoint.
  • Local road cyclists also love the Sherman tank – Mont des Avaloirs viewpoint loop from Sées, a 47.1 miles (75.8 km) trail leading through varied terrain with significant elevation gain, often completed in about 3 hours 47 minutes.
  • Road cycling around Essay is defined by rolling hills, open countryside, and historical points of interest. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to more challenging routes with substantial climbs.
  • The routes in Essay are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 1 review. More than 250 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Essay's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 25, 2026

8

riders

#1.

Alençon Courthouse – Castle of the Dukes of Alençon loop from La Fresnaye-sur-Chédouet

58.7km

02:49

290m

290m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard

Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate
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Popular around Essay

Traffic-free bike rides around Essay

Tips from the Community

JakobusPilger
September 13, 2025, Carrefour du Chêne au Verdier

Perhaps the small botanical problem only exists in the German translation that the komoot system displays via Google, but: The highlight name refers to an "oak," but the text then refers to a "mammoth tree." But aside from this minor linguistic confusion, a beautiful carving can be found at this point in the forest.

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Riding up there by bike was quite strenuous, but the view from the top was worth the effort. It was well worth it.

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Perhaps the small botanical problem only exists in the German translation that the komoot system displays via Google, but: The highlight name refers to an "oak," but the text then refers to a "mammoth tree." But aside from this minor linguistic confusion, a beautiful carving can be found at this point in the forest.

Translated by Google

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The church dates from the 13th and 16th centuries. The bell tower, porch, transept, and choir have been listed as historic monuments since December 22, 1927.

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11th Century Church Worship was abolished in the parish of Chevain. The church was sold for 31,700 livres to the citizen of Villeray on 6 Vendémiaire, Year VII (September 27, 1799). The Chevain church, having been donated by Madame du Hameau de Villeray to the commune by notarial deed dated April 16, 1827, was restored to worship there on January 15, 1827. The parish was established as a branch parish.

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Built at the end of the 12th century, the church belonged to the former diocese of Saintes. It has been restored several times, notably in the 15th century. Rectangular building with a straight chevet. A single nave with a ribbed vault. Sculpted column capitals. In the transept, a dome on pendentives. Chancel with a ribbed vault and a large 13th-century chevet window. On the north side of the chancel, a large pointed arch gives access to a ribbed vaulted chapel. The western façade dates from the 13th century, with a pointed arch portal with three arches on round columns. Two chamfered pilasters separate the portal from the blind doors and rise to the top of the façade. Above this ground floor and set back are three pointed arch arcades with sculpted figures (seated Virgin, shepherds guided by an angel, three wise men). On each side, twin arcades with pointed arches with heads, fantastic animals, diamond points and crockets. On the transept rises a square bell tower.

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Armand
May 15, 2025, Char Sherman

2 perforations visible on the 12th photo of the Sherman M4A2 "Valois"

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12th century square defensive tower, canopied choir enclosure with 15th century painted woodwork and 17th century altarpieces, 19th century coffered ceiling.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available around Essay?

There are nearly 20 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Essay, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for a peaceful ride.

Are there routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easy ride?

Yes, you'll find 8 easy routes around Essay. These are perfect for a relaxed pace, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without significant climbs or long distances. For example, the Bassin 3 loop from Sées offers a moderate but accessible experience.

What kind of landmarks or points of interest can I expect to see on these routes?

While cycling around Essay, you can encounter various points of interest. Some routes pass by historical sites like the Sées Cathedral or the Ruins of Perseigne Abbey. You might also find natural features such as the Mêlois Country Lake or viewpoints like the Perseigne Viewpoint.

Are there any challenging no-traffic road cycling routes for experienced riders?

Absolutely. For those seeking a more demanding ride, there are 2 difficult routes available. These typically feature more significant elevation gains and longer distances. An example is the Sherman tank – Mont des Avaloirs viewpoint loop from Sées, which includes over 1000 meters of elevation gain.

What do other cyclists say about the no-traffic road cycling experience in Essay?

The komoot community rates the road cycling experience around Essay highly, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the quiet roads and the opportunity to explore the region's serene landscapes away from vehicle traffic.

Are there any circular no-traffic road cycling routes?

Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Essay are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Sées Cathedral – St. Madeleine Church loop from Sées and the Ruins of Perseigne Abbey – Perseigne Viewpoint loop from La Fresnaye-sur-Chédouet.

What is the best time of year to go road cycling around Essay?

While specific regional climate data for 'Essay' is not available, generally, spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in similar regions of France, with milder temperatures and less extreme weather. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially in the mornings or late afternoons.

Are there any facilities like picnic areas along the routes?

Yes, some routes or nearby areas offer facilities. For instance, you might find an Equipped Picnic Area within the Parc naturel régional Normandie-Maine, which could be accessible from some of the cycling routes.

Is there public transport available to reach the cycling areas around Essay?

Specific public transport options directly to 'Essay' for cycling access are not detailed in available regional information. It is advisable to check local transport services for the specific starting points of the routes you plan to undertake, such as Sées or La Fresnaye-sur-Chédouet.

Where can I park my car when starting a no-traffic road cycling route?

Parking availability will depend on the specific starting point of your chosen route. For routes beginning in towns like Sées or La Fresnaye-sur-Chédouet, you can typically find public parking areas. Always check local signage for any restrictions or fees.

Are there any routes that connect to greenways or dedicated cycle paths?

While the focus is on no-traffic roads, some areas might offer connections to dedicated paths. For example, the Greenway from La Mele-sur-Sarthe to Alencon is a nearby trail that could potentially be incorporated into a longer ride or accessed from a starting point.

Most popular routes around Essay

Traffic-free bike rides around Essay

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