The best gravel rides around Bay
4.3
(3)
36
riders
14
rides
Gravel biking around Bay features a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, agricultural plains, and river valleys, often incorporating historic routes and water features. The region's terrain includes a mix of unpaved roads, forest paths, and tracks around dams and ponds. These routes provide varied surfaces suitable for gravel bikes, connecting rural villages and natural areas.
Best gravel bike trails around Bay
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Shelter on the Way of St. James. – Marnay Dam loop from Charcenne, a 24.9 miles (40.1 km) trail that takes 3 hours 8 minutes to complete, featuring significant elevation gain through varied terrain.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Les Étangs de Noironte – Marnay Dam loop from Lantenne-Vertière, a moderate 26.3 miles (42.4 km) path. This route explores areas around ponds and a dam, offering a mix of natural scenery and rural tracks.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Historic Center of Marnay – Marnay Dam loop from Lantenne-Vertière, a 20.9 miles (33.6 km) trail leading through historic areas and along the Marnay Dam, often completed in about 2 hours 55 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Bay is defined by rural paths, dam-side tracks, and routes connecting historic villages. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easier loops to more challenging climbs.
- The routes in Bay are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 3 reviews. More than 30 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Bay's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
3
riders
40.0km
03:08
560m
560m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
42.4km
03:01
350m
350m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
2
riders
26.8km
01:53
270m
270m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
2
riders
36.8km
02:39
460m
460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(1)
3
riders
21.8km
01:22
150m
150m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Marnay Castle, built from the 11th century onwards, was remodeled several times up until the 18th century. Formerly the residence of the lords of Marnay, it still has a medieval tower, Renaissance façades and a large wooded park.
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Le Paquey is a former floodplain meadow located on the outskirts of Marnay, on the banks of the Ognon River. This natural area is home to remarkable biodiversity, including wetlands, ancient hedgerows, and pastures. Designed for walking, it offers a glimpse of the valley's typical agricultural and river landscapes.
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A charming town in Franche-Comté, part of the Holy Roman Empire until the Treaty of 1678. Very prosperous in the Middle Ages, thanks to its trade and artisans. A cloth market was established there as early as the 14th century, after Joan of Burgundy, Countess of Franche-Comté and Queen of King Philip V the Long of France, brought weavers from Paris. From June 14, 1354, until the Revolution, the bourgeoisie of Marnay had a charter of emancipation that guaranteed them security and prosperity: "Whoever has a house and keeps a fire in the town will be a bourgeois." This charter allowed the inhabitants to administer the town themselves and thus build ramparts and create the individual gardens that can still be seen today.
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rolling road bike
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First mentioned in 1225, the castle oversaw the main passage of the river.
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Characterful Comtoise town which was part of the Holy Roman Empire until the treaty of 1678. Very prosperous in the Middle Ages, due to its trade and its artisans. There has been a cloth hall there since the 14th century, after Jeanne de Bourgogne, countess of Franche-Comté and queen of King Philippe V the Long of France, brought weavers from Paris there. From June 14, 1354 and until the Revolution, the bourgeoisie of Marnay had a charter of emancipation which ensured them security and abundance - "anyone who has a house and keeps fire in the village will be bourgeois". This charter allowed residents to administer the city themselves and thus build ramparts and set up the individual gardens that can still be found there today.
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Village which dates back to Gaulle (Gallic burials have been unearthed there) and of which we also find traces under the Gallo-Roman Empire. There we find the source of the Colombine and some beautiful buildings, including the cemetery chapel (listed as a Historic Monument) and the Notre-Dame de Leffond Chapel which dates from the 13th century. However, the village is best known for its vineyards. In the Middle Ages, the wines of Gy and Charcenne were already exported and we found them on the tables of nobles in the 16th century. The Guillaume family has been cultivating vines there since 1732 and has developed a highly specialized nursery business since 1895, recognized worldwide. The 43 hectares of vines therefore produce wine, awarded several times, but also serve as a support for the multiplication of vine plants. They therefore cultivate other grape varieties than those necessary for their production. And if you want to accompany your wine with a cheese, head to the Millet cheese dairy to taste a Charcennais or an Ortolan.
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Beautiful gravel road on the old railway line slightly downhill from Les Auxons to Marnay (and vice versa slightly uphill).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available in Bay?
Bay offers a good selection of gravel bike trails, with over 10 routes available for exploration. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy loops to more challenging rides.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails in Bay?
The gravel bike trails in Bay feature a diverse landscape, including rolling hills, agricultural plains, and river valleys. You'll encounter a mix of unpaved roads, forest paths, and tracks around dams and ponds, providing varied surfaces suitable for gravel bikes.
Are there any easy gravel bike trails suitable for beginners in Bay?
Yes, Bay has options for beginners. An easy route to consider is Recologne Castle – View of Recologne loop from Recologne, which is about 13.6 miles (21.9 km) long and features minimal elevation gain, making it a great starting point.
What are some more challenging gravel routes for experienced riders in Bay?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Shelter on the Way of St. James. – Marnay Dam loop from Charcenne offers a difficult rating with significant elevation gain over 24.9 miles (40.1 km). Another demanding option is the Marnay Dam – Historic Center of Marnay loop from Lantenne-Vertière, which is 22.1 miles (35.6 km) and also rated difficult.
Can I find circular gravel bike routes in Bay?
Absolutely, most of the gravel bike trails in Bay are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Les Étangs de Noironte – Marnay Dam loop from Lantenne-Vertière and the Historic Center of Marnay – Marnay Dam loop from Lantenne-Vertière.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks to see along the gravel trails in Bay?
Yes, the region is rich in history. You can cycle past the Historic Center of Marnay, explore the area around Acey Abbey, or discover the Feudal Enclosure of Châtelard. Many routes connect these historic villages and points of interest.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Bay?
The gravel biking routes in Bay are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the scenic routes around dams and ponds, and the charm of connecting historic villages.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Bay?
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, gravel biking in regions with diverse terrain like Bay is generally enjoyable during spring and autumn when temperatures are mild and the natural scenery is vibrant. Summer can also be pleasant, but always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there options for longer gravel bike rides in Bay?
Yes, Bay offers several longer gravel routes. The Les Étangs de Noironte – Marnay Dam loop from Lantenne-Vertière is one of the longest at 26.3 miles (42.4 km), providing an extended ride through natural scenery and rural tracks.
Are the gravel trails in Bay suitable for families?
Many of the trails in Bay are moderate to difficult, but there are easier options that could be suitable for families with some biking experience. The Recologne Castle – View of Recologne loop from Recologne is an easy route that might be a good starting point for a family outing, offering a shorter distance and less elevation.
What are the typical distances of gravel bike trails in Bay?
The gravel bike trails in Bay vary in length, generally ranging from around 13.6 miles (21.9 km) for easier routes up to 26.3 miles (42.4 km) for longer, more challenging loops. This variety allows riders to choose routes that match their desired distance and endurance.
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