The best traffic-free bike rides around Bois des Brigands

Our guide features 5 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike routes around Bois des Brigands. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult terrain, perfect for exploring the region's natural beauty away from cars.

The Bois des Brigands area, situated within the Commounaille forest massif, offers a diverse network of trails that are generally well-maintained and suitable for gravel bikes. You'll find picturesque landscapes, including panoramic views of the Jura mountains and the majestic Alps, all within a peaceful, car-free environment. The trails often feature shaded forest paths, providing a pleasant riding experience.

While our current selection of no-traffic gravel routes around Bois des Brigands leans towards moderate and difficult ratings, the area's general trail network is known for paths suitable for all-terrain strollers, suggesting less technical surfaces. For a moderate option, consider the Painted Bench With Deer – Fountain with benches loop from Jorat-Menthue, which covers 14.4 km with manageable elevation changes.

You can expect superb panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Jura mountains and the Alps. A notable attraction is the 16-meter high wooden watchtower (Donjon) within Bois des Brigands, which offers exceptional vistas. The area also features thematic trails with educational panels on nature and local history, and a mini-arboretum showcasing various tree species.

Yes, several of the no-traffic gravel routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Bridge over the Broye – Path Along the Broye loop from Moudon is a moderate 19 km circular route, and the more challenging La Broye loop covers nearly 35 km.

The diverse forest environment of Bois des Brigands makes it enjoyable across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer provides shaded paths, while winter conditions can vary; always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out during colder months.

The Bois des Brigands site itself is equipped with amenities including picnic areas, and often has designated parking for visitors. For specific routes starting from towns like Moudon or Jorat-Menthue, public parking options are typically available within the village centers, providing convenient access to the trailheads.

Within the Bois des Brigands area, there are picnic areas, some with tables and benches, perfect for a break. There's also a refuge known as "L'Auberge" or "Le Repaire" which can accommodate groups. For more options, nearby villages like Thierrens or Moudon offer cafes and other establishments where you can refuel after your ride.

The no-traffic gravel bike trails in this guide are predominantly rated as moderate to difficult. Out of the 5 routes, 3 are moderate and 2 are difficult, offering a good challenge for experienced gravel bikers while still being accessible for those with a reasonable fitness level.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, natural environment, the scenic views of the Jura and Alps, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable, traffic-free gravel biking experience.

The routes vary in length, catering to different preferences. The shortest route, Painted Bench With Deer – Fountain with benches loop from Jorat-Menthue, is 14.4 km. For a longer adventure, consider the Brit Suspension Bridge – Path Along the Broye River loop from Moudon, which extends to 48.1 km.