The best traffic-free bike rides around Longsols

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Longsols featured in this guide. These routes are designed to offer a serene cycling experience away from vehicular traffic.

The terrain around Longsols, particularly within the Regional Natural Park of the Orient Forest, is generally varied. You can expect smooth tarmac and sweeping curves, with some routes offering gentle elevation changes. The landscape features vast forests and large lakes, providing a scenic and often flat to gently rolling experience ideal for road cycling. For example, the Lusigny-sur-Barse Spillway – Velovoie de Lacs loop has an elevation gain of around 360 meters over nearly 80 km.

Yes, there are easy options suitable for beginners. For instance, the Moulin de dosche – Moulin de Dosches loop from Mesnil-Sellières is classified as easy, covering a distance of about 17.4 km with minimal elevation gain, making it a great choice for a relaxed ride.

Experienced cyclists looking for a longer ride will find several moderate routes. The Lusigny-sur-Barse Spillway – Velovoie de Lacs loop from Parking du point de vue du Croît is a moderate route spanning nearly 80 km with over 360 meters of elevation, offering a substantial challenge while enjoying the car-free environment.

Many routes traverse the beautiful Regional Natural Park of the Orient Forest, offering views of its vast forests and large lakes like Lacs Amance et du Temple and Lac d'Orient. While specific highlights are not listed for these routes, the general area is known for its natural beauty. The nearby city of Troyes, with its impressive medieval quarter, also offers a cultural excursion if you extend your trip beyond the cycling routes.

Yes, the presence of easy, no-traffic routes makes the area suitable for families. The dedicated car-free paths provide a safe environment for children and less experienced riders. The Moulin de dosche – Moulin de Dosches loop is a good example of an easy route that families can enjoy together.

While the routes are car-free, road cycling on a bike is generally not recommended for dogs due to the sustained pace and hard surfaces. If you wish to bring your dog, consider if they can comfortably keep up or be safely carried in a trailer designed for pets. Always check local park regulations regarding dogs on cycling paths within the Regional Natural Park of the Orient Forest.

Many routes start from designated parking areas. For example, the Lusigny-sur-Barse Spillway – Velovoie de Lacs loop and the Roadbike loop both start from Parking du point de vue du Croît, indicating convenient access points for cyclists arriving by car.

While specific public transport links directly to the trailheads are not detailed, the region's main hub, Troyes, is accessible by train. From Troyes, local bus services or a short taxi ride might connect you to towns closer to the routes, such as Mesnil-Sellières or Lesmont, where some routes begin. Planning ahead is recommended to confirm connections.

The spring and autumn months typically offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling around Longsols. The weather is generally mild, and the natural landscapes of the Regional Natural Park of the Orient Forest are particularly beautiful with blooming flora or vibrant autumn colors. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it's advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, meaning they start and end at the same point. This makes planning your ride convenient, as you'll return to your starting location without needing additional transport. Examples include the Velovoie – Moulin de Dosches loop from Mesnil-Sellières and the Lake Auzon-Temple – Velovoie de Lacs loop from Lesmont.