The best cycling routes around Mons

Mons offers a wide variety of touring cycling experiences, with over 230 routes to explore. These routes cater to different skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult options.

The region around Mons features diverse terrain. You'll find gentle countryside, former railway lines converted into traffic-free 'green routes', and more challenging hilly sections, particularly in the Borinage hills. Many paths traverse rural scenery, often alongside sparkling rivers and through lush forests.

Yes, Mons has routes suitable for all levels, including beginners and families. There are 29 easy routes available, often utilizing the flat, converted railway lines. An example of an easy route is the Bike loop from Saint-Privat-des-Vieux, which is 2.7 miles (4.3 km) long.

For those seeking a greater challenge, Mons offers 89 difficult routes. The Borinage hills provide a more strenuous cycling experience. A challenging option is the Pedaling inelas – The Viaduct loop from Mons, which covers 21.1 miles (33.9 km) and features significant elevation changes.

Cyclists can discover a blend of natural beauty and historical sites. Along the routes, you might encounter natural features like The Little Aiguières, or historical landmarks such as the Ruins of the Château de Sauvages. The region also offers scenic viewpoints, including the View of Mount Ricateau.

Yes, many routes in Mons are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the popular Pedaling inelas loop from Mons is a moderate 12.4 miles (19.9 km) circular route.

April and May are particularly popular months for cycling in Mons, offering pleasant weather conditions. The region's green routes through flower-filled fields and lush forests are especially enjoyable during spring and early summer.

The touring cycling routes in Mons are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 170 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the tranquility of the green routes, and the blend of natural beauty with historical points of interest.

Mons and the surrounding Hainaut region are well-equipped for cyclists. The 'Vhello node-point network' provides a signposted system of 1,200 km of cycling routes, making it easy to plan your tours. Many routes utilize former railway lines, offering traffic-free and safe cycling experiences. For more information on cycling in Mons, you can visit visitmons.be.

Yes, the region offers scenic rides along waterways. The Canal du Centre Path is a popular route, and cyclists can also enjoy a loop around the Grand Large Lake, which is highlighted as a pleasant outing, potentially suitable for families.

Route lengths vary significantly to accommodate different preferences and fitness levels. You can find short, easy rides like the Bike loop from Saint-Privat-des-Vieux at 2.7 miles (4.3 km), up to longer, more challenging tours such as the Mas Nouvel – Historic Village of Vézénobres loop from Saint-Privat-des-Vieux, which is nearly 31 miles (50 km).