The best cycling routes around Champs

There are over 100 touring cycling routes in the Champs area, offering a wide variety of options for cyclists of all skill levels.

The routes around Champs cater to various abilities. You'll find approximately 40 easy routes, over 50 moderate routes, and around 20 challenging routes for experienced cyclists.

Touring cycling routes around Champs are characterized by dense woodlands, historical landmarks, and gently rolling terrain. You'll often find yourself winding through forests and past significant cultural sites, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical interest. The region's proximity to areas like the Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne (though not directly in Champs) suggests varied landscapes, from serene canal paths to more undulating countryside.

Yes, there are several easy routes. A great option for beginners is the Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique – Castle wall loop from Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique. This 10.7-mile (17.3 km) trail leads through historical areas and can typically be completed in about 1 hour 5 minutes.

Absolutely. For those seeking a more demanding ride, consider the Saint-Gobain – Oak of the Three Little Girls loop from Folembray. This difficult 31.1-mile (50.1 km) path features significant elevation gain and passes through varied forest scenery. Another challenging option is the Porte de Chauny – Château de Coucy loop from Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique, which covers 50.0 miles (80.5 km) with substantial climbs.

Many of the touring cycling routes in Champs are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Saint-Gobain Caves – Saint-Gobain Caves loop from Folembray and the Coucy Castle – Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique loop from Coucy-la-Ville.

The Champs area is rich in history. Along your rides, you can explore fascinating sites such as Coucy Castle, the impressive Laon Gate (Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique), and the historic Saint-Sauveur Church of Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique. You might also pass by the Manufacture des Glaces de Saint-Gobain, a significant historical site.

The touring cycling routes in Champs are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from nearly 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet woodlands, historical sites, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.

Distances vary significantly, from shorter loops like the 10.7-mile (17.3 km) Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique – Castle wall loop with about 140 meters of elevation, to longer, more challenging rides such as the 31.1-mile (50.1 km) Saint-Gobain – Oak of the Three Little Girls loop, which features around 690 meters of ascent.

Given the presence of numerous easy and moderate routes, and the gently rolling terrain described, Champs offers good potential for family-friendly touring cycling. Look for the 'easy' rated routes, which are generally shorter and have less elevation gain, making them suitable for families with children.

Yes, many routes in Champs are known for their dense woodlands. For example, the Saint-Gobain Caves – Saint-Gobain Caves loop from Folembray takes you through forested areas, and you can also explore the Forest road through the St-Gobain woods.