The best gravel rides around Clichy-Sous-Bois

There are over 50 gravel bike trails around Clichy-Sous-Bois, offering a variety of options for different skill levels. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.5 stars.

You can expect a diverse range of terrains. The Forêt Régionale de Bondy offers varied paths through woodlands, including trails along the ancient Dhuis aqueduct. The Ourcq Canal provides largely flat, continuous paths, some of which become more rugged further from Paris. Additionally, local parks like Parc de la Fosse Maussoin offer pleasant wooded areas and recreational paths.

The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for gravel biking around Clichy-Sous-Bois, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery as the foliage changes. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially along shaded forest paths or the Canal de l'Ourcq. Winter riding is possible, but trails might be muddy or wet, particularly in the forests.

Yes, the Forêt Régionale de Bondy is a major draw for gravel biking, featuring diverse landscapes with numerous paths suitable for various skill levels. Routes often incorporate sections of the Dhuis aqueduct, offering scenic rides through woods and fields. An example is the moderate route Ourcq canal bridge – View from the Dhuys loop from Bondy.

Absolutely. The Ourcq Canal provides a key artery for cycling, offering routes that extend from Paris into the countryside. These paths are largely flat and separated from car traffic, making them a safe and enjoyable option. While some sections are paved, further out the terrain can become more rugged, suitable for gravel biking. Many routes, like the difficult Ourcq Canal – Ourcq canal bridge loop from Hôpital de Montfermeil, feature extended sections along the canal.

For families, the flatter sections along the Ourcq Canal are often a good choice, as they are separated from car traffic. Local parks like Parc de la Fosse Maussoin also offer pleasant, less challenging paths. While many routes in the area are moderate to difficult, komoot lists 9 easy tours that could be suitable for families looking for a gentler gravel experience.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Clichy-Sous-Bois are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the difficult Ourcq canal bridge – Marne Statues Park loop from Merlan and the moderate Moulin footbridge – Vaires Watersports Centre loop from Neuilly-Plaisance.

Clichy-Sous-Bois and its surrounding areas are well-served by public transport, including the T4 tram line, which can provide access to various starting points for rides. The Ourcq Canal is also accessible from multiple points via public transport, allowing you to start your ride further out and cycle back towards urban areas or vice versa.

Parking is generally available near major access points to the forests and canal paths. For instance, areas bordering the Forêt Régionale de Bondy and along the Ourcq Canal often have designated parking spots or roadside parking suitable for accessing the trails.

While the routes themselves often pass through natural and forested areas, you'll find cafes and refreshment stops in the towns and villages bordering the forests and along the Ourcq Canal. It's a good idea to plan your route to include stops in places like Bondy or Montfermeil, or to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially on longer rides.

Along the trails, especially those near the Ourcq Canal, you might encounter highlights such as the Ourcq Canal Bridge or sections of the Canal de L'ourcq itself. The region also features the Vaires-sur-Marne Aquatic Stadium and various ponds like Minimes Lake, offering scenic views and points of interest.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 400 reviews. Reviewers often praise the extensive green spaces, the varied terrain of the Forêt Régionale de Bondy, and the continuous, traffic-free paths along the Ourcq Canal that offer a mix of riverside and forested scenery.