The best traffic-free bike rides around Villers-Au-Tertre

There are over 35 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike routes around Villers-Au-Tertre, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels. These routes are designed to keep you away from vehicular traffic, providing a peaceful and safe cycling experience.

The terrain around Villers-Au-Tertre is quite varied, making it ideal for gravel biking. You'll find a mix of packed earth, crushed stone, and some paved sections, especially along canal towpaths and greenways. The region features natural reserves with wetlands and woodlands, as well as former mining areas like the Étang des Argales, which offer unique landscapes and surfaces.

Yes, many of the routes are suitable for families, particularly those that follow the flat and scenic canal towpaths. These paths offer a safe environment away from traffic. For an easy and enjoyable ride, consider the Bridge Over the Scarpe loop from Somain, which is rated as easy and covers 34.8 km.

The region is rich in natural and historical points of interest. You can cycle past the unique Étang des Argales, a lake formed in an old mining site, or explore sections of the Towpath Along the Scarpe. Other interesting sites include the megalithic The Menhir of Lécluse or the Devil's Stone and The Big Rock.

Absolutely. For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, the area offers several moderate difficulty routes. The Trouée d'Arenberg – Étang des Argales loop from Montigny-en-Ostrevent is a substantial 55.9 km route with varied terrain, providing a good test for experienced gravel bikers.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in the Nord department. The weather is milder, and the natural landscapes are vibrant. Summer can also be good, but it's advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat. Winter rides are possible, but some paths might be muddy or require more robust tires.

While Villers-Au-Tertre itself is a smaller commune, nearby towns like Somain, which serve as starting points for several routes, often have better public transport connections. It's recommended to check local bus or train schedules to these larger hubs, from where you can begin your ride.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes around Villers-Au-Tertre are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Scarpe towpath – Scarpe towpath loop from Somain offers a 59 km circular journey along the scenic towpaths.

The komoot community rates the routes around Villers-Au-Tertre highly, with an average score of 4.25 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, car-free nature of the trails, the diverse landscapes ranging from natural reserves to historical sites, and the well-maintained surfaces that make for an enjoyable gravel biking experience.

Yes, the region's proximity to natural reserves like the Réserve naturelle régionale de la Tourbière de Vred and the Réserve naturelle régionale du Marais de Wagnonville means many routes will take you through or near these protected areas. The Étang des Argales – Marchiennes State Forest loop from Somain is a great example, offering a long ride through diverse natural settings.

Many of the routes start from towns or villages like Somain, Montigny-en-Ostrevent, or Abscon, which typically offer public parking facilities. When planning your trip, check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for specific parking recommendations or nearby options.