4.4
(617)
2,455
riders
296
rides
Mountain bike trails in Bois Monsieur offer a dedicated environment for riders, characterized by its wooded terrain and specialized features. The area, particularly the "Bois de Monsieur" near Saint-Éloi, includes a bike park designed with technical elements such as elevated turns. This natural setting provides a varied experience for mountain bikers, with routes winding through forests around Besançon. The terrain includes moderate elevation changes, suitable for a range of skill levels.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
3.8
(5)
5
riders
32.6km
02:37
480m
480m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
26.2km
01:43
290m
290m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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7
riders
21.2km
01:41
300m
300m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
22.6km
01:34
250m
250m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
46
riders
18.4km
01:49
530m
530m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Always nice to cycle here on the EV6. Great scenery.
0
0
One of countless locks on the EV6.
1
0
Lock in the connecting canal to the ship tunnel, approx. 3-4 m high.
2
0
A ship tunnel (1810) that can be walked through from the side as a shortcut for the Le Doubs river canal. On the other side of the canal there is a lock about 3-4 m high. There is a water curtain at both portals and the interior is beautifully and decoratively lit. Worth seeing.
2
0
It is also possible to walk through the tunnel.
5
0
The Thoraise lock is charming and surrounded by lush greenery. The abandoned old lock building adds to its charm. Nice place to rest on the bike path to Besancon.
4
0
Rocher de Valmy, Tower of Montferrand
2
0
Bois Monsieur offers a wide selection of mountain bike trails, with over 280 routes recorded on komoot. These range in difficulty, ensuring options for various skill levels.
You can expect a diverse terrain primarily characterized by dense woodlands and moderate elevation changes. The area, particularly the "Bois de Monsieur" near Saint-Éloi, also features a dedicated bike park with technical elements like elevated turns, providing a varied experience from flowing forest paths to more challenging sections.
Yes, Bois Monsieur has options suitable for beginners. There are 66 easy mountain bike routes available, offering a gentler introduction to the area's trails. An example of an easy route is the Château loop from Grandfontaine, which covers 12.9 miles (20.7 km) with moderate elevation.
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Bois Monsieur offers 34 difficult mountain bike routes. These trails often feature more significant elevation gains and technical sections, providing a demanding and rewarding experience.
The mountain bike trails in Bois Monsieur are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 580 reviews. More than 3,000 mountain bikers have explored the area using komoot, often praising the varied terrain and dedicated bike park features.
Yes, many routes in Bois Monsieur incorporate natural features and points of interest. For example, the Thoraise Tunnel – Thoraise Canal Tunnel loop from Chemaudin explores natural and historical features, including canal tunnels. Other routes, like the Valmy Rock – Belvedere of Vorges-les-Pins loop from Chemaudin, offer scenic viewpoints and varied forest landscapes.
Many of the mountain bike routes in Bois Monsieur are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Thoraise Canal Tunnel – Thoraise Tunnel loop from Grandfontaine and the Fort de Planoise – Rosemont Hill loop from Avanne-Aveney.
While some trails feature technical elements, the presence of 66 easy routes suggests that families with varying skill levels can find suitable options. Look for shorter, less challenging loops through the wooded areas for a family-friendly experience.
The wooded environment of Bois Monsieur generally makes it suitable for mountain biking through spring, summer, and autumn. Spring offers lush greenery, summer provides shade, and autumn brings vibrant colors. Always check local weather conditions, especially after heavy rain, as trails can become muddy.
While specific regulations for Bois Monsieur are not detailed, generally, dogs are permitted on trails in natural areas if kept under control, often on a leash. It's always best to check local signage or park rules upon arrival to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Specific parking areas are not detailed in the route information, but for popular trailheads like those near Chemaudin or Grandfontaine, you can typically find designated parking spaces. It's advisable to check the starting points of individual routes on komoot for user-reported parking information.
While the primary access to Bois Monsieur for mountain biking is often by car, some starting points near towns like Chemaudin or Grandfontaine might have limited public transport connections. For detailed information, it's recommended to check local bus or train schedules to the nearest villages and plan your route accordingly.


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