The best gravel rides around Les Grandes-Ventes

The gravel bike trails around Les Grandes-Ventes are predominantly challenging. Out of 20 available routes, 18 are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and varied terrain. There are also 2 moderate routes for those looking for a slightly less strenuous ride.

While most routes around Les Grandes-Ventes are rated difficult, there are a couple of moderate options that might be more suitable for families with some gravel biking experience. One such route is the Montée Saint-Martin – Mongolian Yurt – Rural Cottage loop from Longueville-sur-Scie, which covers 28.1 km with moderate elevation, offering a scenic experience without the extreme challenges of the difficult trails.

You'll experience a diverse landscape characterized by extensive forests, such as the Forêt d'Eawy, rolling hills, and a network of rural tracks. Many routes also pass through open countryside and feature historical points of interest, providing a rich visual experience.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Les Grandes-Ventes are designed as loops. For example, the challenging Martigny wooden bridge – Climb to access forest loop from Martigny is a 68.3 km circular path that explores forest sections and includes a substantial climb. Another option is the Gravel Tracks in Forêt d'Eawy – Site of V1 at Val-Ygot loop from Bures-en-Bray, a 52.3 km loop through the forest.

Several routes offer glimpses of historical sites. For instance, the Site of V1 at Val-Ygot – Mesnières-en-Bray Castle loop from Bures-en-Bray takes you past the historic Mesnières-en-Bray Castle. Other nearby attractions include Arques-la-Bataille Castle and the View of Château de Longueville and the Lake.

The trails vary in length, with many being quite substantial. For example, the Quiet picnic area – Martigny wooden bridge loop from Freulleville is 69.0 km long with over 700 meters of elevation gain. Even the moderate routes, like the Montée Saint-Martin – Mongolian Yurt – Rural Cottage loop from Longueville-sur-Scie, still feature around 380 meters of ascent over 28.1 km, so be prepared for rolling terrain.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in this region, with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summers can be warm, while winters can be wet and muddy, potentially making some unpaved sections more challenging. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Many routes start from villages or towns such as Martigny, Bures-en-Bray, Freulleville, or Longueville-sur-Scie. These locations typically offer public parking facilities, making it convenient to access the trailheads. It's advisable to check specific starting points for detailed parking information.

The gravel biking routes in Les Grandes-Ventes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 2 reviews. More than 70 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the challenging climbs, dense woodlands, and the sense of adventure these trails provide.

While specific 'hidden gems' are often discovered through local exploration, routes that delve deep into the Forêt d'Eawy, such as the Gravel Tracks in Forêt d'Eawy – Site of V1 at Val-Ygot loop from Bures-en-Bray, offer a more secluded experience away from main roads. These trails provide a true immersion into the region's natural beauty and can feel like a discovery.

Given the varied terrain and potential for changing weather, it's best to dress in layers. Padded cycling shorts are recommended for comfort on longer rides. Depending on the season, waterproof or windproof outer layers can be beneficial, especially when riding through exposed areas or dense forests. Sturdy gravel-specific shoes are also advisable for better grip and power transfer.