The best cycling routes around Sainte-Marie-Cappel
4.3
(126)
2,537
riders
280
rides
Touring cycling routes around Sainte-Marie-Cappel traverse the varied landscapes of the Nord department in France, characterized by the picturesque Flanders countryside and the Monts de Flandre. The terrain features winding paths, numerous small watercourses like the Peene Becque, and hills such as Mont Cassel. This region offers a mix of paved and unpaved sections, providing diverse conditions for touring cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes around Sainte-Marie-Cappel
- The most popular touring cycling route is Oxelaëre – Saint-Vaast church Southpene loop from…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
33
riders
25.5km
01:49
310m
320m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
16
riders
31.7km
02:04
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2.0
(1)
4
riders
42.4km
02:28
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
33.7km
02:23
480m
480m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The church has a turbulent history, because it fell victim to the Beeldenstorm in 1566, burned down in 1576, was destroyed by the French in 1644 and was rebuilt in late Gothic style from 1660-1664. The tower is from 1712 and the brick spire was built in 1890-1891. In May 1940 the church was again badly damaged. In 1950 it was restored. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sint-Pieterskerk_(Steenvoorde)
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The current hall church is a 16th century Gothic-style conversion of the original Romanesque church from the second half of the 12th century. The brick part of the nave and the lower part of the tower are remains of the old church. The pseudo-Romanesque gable with rose window and part of the octagonal crossing tower are 19th century. In the church you will find the mausoleums of the first counts of Watou, Karel van Ydeghem (+ 1630) and Maria van Cortewyle and of the mystic Karel Grimminck (1676-1728). The church has been a protected monument since 1939. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sint-Bavokerk_(Watou)
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Picnic and rest area with benches, close to the top of the Katsberg with beautiful views over French Flanders.
3
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Cassel is a fortified town on top of a hill and not far from the Belgian border with Poperinge (20 km). Beautiful views, cozy alleys, unique estaminets and a richly furnished museum in a historic mansion. This is in short what Cassel brings you, once you have conquered the slope from whichever side. A lot of variety with a bit of history and culture, a lot of nature and local gastronomy. Enjoyment is the motto. Highlights are there for the taking in Cassel. For some, the Musée de Flandre will be the top attraction, for others the estaminets and still others just come for the cobblestone climb. Enjoy Cassel.
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The Porte de Dunkerque dates back to the Middle Ages and served as one of the main gateways to the fortified city of Cassel. The gate is built in a robust medieval style, with thick stone walls and an imposing arch marking the passage. The architecture reflects the military and strategic function of the gate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Sainte-Marie-Cappel?
There are over 280 touring cycling routes available around Sainte-Marie-Cappel, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
What are the difficulty levels of touring cycling routes in this region?
The routes around Sainte-Marie-Cappel cater to various skill levels. You'll find over 100 easy routes, more than 120 moderate routes, and over 60 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Sainte-Marie-Cappel?
The terrain is varied, characterized by the picturesque Flanders countryside and the Monts de Flandre. You can expect winding paths, rolling hills, and numerous small watercourses. Routes often feature a mix of paved and unpaved sections, which can sometimes be muddy after rain. Climbs like Mont des Récollets add a challenging element for experienced riders.
Are there any notable landmarks or viewpoints to see while cycling around Sainte-Marie-Cappel?
Yes, the region is rich in landmarks and scenic viewpoints. You can cycle past the historic town of Cassel Village, which sits atop the highest hill in the Flanders region and offers panoramic views. Other points of interest include Mont des Cats and the historic Porte d'Aire.
What natural features can I expect to encounter on the touring cycling routes?
The routes traverse the beautiful countryside of Flanders, featuring the prominent Monts de Flandre, including Mont Cassel and Mont des Récollets. You'll also encounter many small watercourses such as La Pids becque, the Ruisseau de Sainte Marie, and the Peene Becque, which contribute to the area's scenic charm.
Are there any challenging climbs for experienced touring cyclists?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the ascent of Mont des Récollets is a notable feature. It's categorized as a 5th category climb, stretching for 2.1 km with an average gradient of 3.7% and a steepest segment of 8.6%. A difficult route like Godewaersvelde – Strade des Cats loop from Saint-Sylvestre-Cappel includes significant elevation gain.
Are there any easy, family-friendly touring cycling routes?
Absolutely. There are over 100 easy routes suitable for families. For instance, the Antoine Demoitié Memorial – Sainte-Marie-Cappel loop from Saint-Sylvestre-Cappel is an easy 9.8 km trail with minimal elevation, perfect for a relaxed family outing.
What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in Sainte-Marie-Cappel?
The touring cycling routes in Sainte-Marie-Cappel are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 125 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied landscapes, the mix of challenging climbs and gentle paths, and the charming Flemish heritage encountered along the way.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many routes are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Oxelaëre – Saint-Vaast church Southpene loop from Cassel, which is a popular moderate route offering views of the Flanders countryside and an ascent to Cassel.
Can I find routes that explore the rural landscape with gentle ascents?
Yes, many routes are designed to explore the rural landscape with manageable inclines. The Poperinge Market Square – Sint-Bavokerk Watou loop from Terdeghem is a moderate 42.4 km path that offers a great experience of the rural scenery with gentle ascents and descents.
Is it possible to cycle through the local countryside on shorter routes?
Yes, if you prefer shorter rides through the local area, routes like the Sainte-Marie-Cappel – Antoine Demoitié Memorial loop from Sainte-Marie-Cappel are ideal. This 11.4 km trail leads directly through the local countryside and can be completed in about 40 minutes.
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