The best traffic-free bike rides around Matha
5.0
(6)
103
riders
16
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Matha traverse the Charente-Maritime department, offering a network of paths through diverse landscapes. The region is characterized by rolling vineyards, tranquil marshes, and dense forests, with routes often following the Charente river. The terrain generally features gentle gradients and quiet country roads, making it suitable for touring cyclists. This area provides an extensive network of cycling paths, ideal for exploring the local flora and fauna.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Matha
- The…
Last updated: May 21, 2026
44.9km
02:38
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
30
riders
40.9km
02:45
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(4)
28
riders
40.5km
03:17
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
20.2km
01:18
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
36.3km
02:15
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Matha
Tips from the Community
Hidden through the alleys are some pretty graphs!
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Magnificent Graff' seen during a walk.
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Magnificent We can also have a picnic
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A typical village in this region, slightly dilapidated but very charming.
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A must-see visit alongside this abbey on a magnificent circuit
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The walls of the nave were doubled by means of arcades and it was endowed with a new chevet and a new bell tower. With an elegant silhouette and intact in its southern part, it is openworked with four twin bays on semicircular arches on two floors. The interior has a nave with three bays. A bay separates the nave from the front choir vaulted in blocks of rubble which, very narrow, supports the bell tower. The semi-circular apse is vaulted in cul-de-four. The 19th century side chapel, dedicated to Saint Anthony, is located on the left as you enter. Vaulted in a broken cradle, it has a stucco altar whose base has five broken arch bays. A very beautiful ornate wooden balcony dating from the end of the 19th century is located at the interior entrance of the church. The statue of Notre-Dame de Fontdouce, known as "the Virgin and Child" was sculpted by a monk from the Abbey of Fontdouce around the 15th century. It has been kept in the church of Saint Bris des Bois since the revolution and was once a destination of pilgrimage. On the back wall, a semicircular stained glass window indicates the names of the parish priest, Mr. Hague, and the mayor at the time, Mr. Lévécot (1904). The Priory of St Robert: the chapel destroyed during the wars of religion, the campanile is still in place. Saint Robert once had a great reputation, at the end of the 19th century, children suffering from certain illnesses were still brought there "before sunrise". The church was listed as a Historic Monument in 1973. To visit it you will have to pay your tribute just the price of a slight effort ....... the church is located at the top of the hill overlooking the village and adjoining the cemetery.
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Towards the end of the 12th century, an abbey church was built. At the beginning of the 13th century, attached to the west of the first Romanesque abbey, a Gothic-style cloister was gradually built. The abbey reached its peak from this period: in addition to its priories (la Grainetière in Vendée and la Tenaille near Pons), it owned land within a radius of 100 km, including saltworks on the coast. In the 15th century, Fontdouce obtained the title of royal abbey leading to a profound change in its mode of administration: the abbot was no longer elected by his peers within the community but was appointed by the king. It is often a great layman to whom the king grants the commendation, that is to say 80% of the income of the abbey. Then, the wars of religion, in the 16th century, accelerated its decline. The abbey church is ransacked: it will never be rebuilt. The years following the French Revolution also brought their share of destruction: several buildings, including the refectory, disappeared. The last monks were driven out in 1793 and the following year the site was sold as National Property to serve as agricultural property. The farmer who bought the place then built, on the remains of the conventual buildings, a house in the First Empire style. In the 1820s, Fontdouce entered the family of the current owners who, on December 16, 1986, had the Gothic parts, chapter house and parlor classified as historical monuments2. From 1970, the current owners undertook a series of excavations intended for the restoration of the Abbey of Fontdouce. They are gradually bringing the beautiful chapter house and the Gothic parlor back to life, the two superimposed Romanesque chapels and several other remains. These restoration works earned them third prize in the masterpiece in danger competition in 1979. In 1986, the site was entirely classified as a Historic Monument1. Today, Fontdouce remains a private property, focused on tourist and cultural activities, supported in its development actions by a team of enthusiasts grouped together within the Association Guillaume de Conchamp.
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Overlooks a large park at the edge of the aerial. Slide for children and football cage. Picnic table and benches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Matha?
There are 18 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Matha listed in this guide. These include 4 easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride and 14 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge.
What is the best time of year to enjoy car-free touring cycling in Matha?
The most popular months for touring cycling in Matha are typically May and August. During these times, the weather is generally pleasant, allowing you to fully enjoy the region's diverse landscapes, from vineyards to marshes and forests.
Are there routes suitable for beginners or families with children?
Yes, Matha offers 4 easy no-traffic touring cycling routes that are well-suited for beginners or families with children. The region's commitment to developing paved and safe cycle lanes ensures a pleasant and accessible experience for all skill levels.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on these no-traffic routes?
The no-traffic routes around Matha wind through a rich tapestry of scenery. You can expect to cycle through picturesque vineyards, tranquil marshes, and lush forests. The wider Charente region also features rolling hills, green banks of the Charente river, charming villages, and fields of sunflowers, providing a beautiful backdrop for your rides.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is The abbey of Fontdouce from Matha — loop, which offers a moderate 44.8 km ride.
What interesting sights or attractions can I discover along these routes?
While cycling the no-traffic routes, you can explore various points of interest. Consider visiting the historic Château de Chesnel, or the unique A collection of garden gnomes like no other. The Cachet leisure pond also offers a pleasant stop.
Are there opportunities to stop for refreshments or meals on these routes?
While specific cafes or pubs are not detailed for every route, the routes often pass through or near charming villages. It's advisable to carry some snacks and water, but you'll likely find local establishments in towns along the way, especially in the larger network of routes within Charente-Maritime.
What should I bring for a no-traffic touring cycling trip in Matha?
For a comfortable no-traffic touring cycling trip, we recommend bringing appropriate cycling gear, plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, and a basic repair kit. Given the diverse landscapes, a camera is also a great idea to capture the scenic beauty.
What do other cyclists say about the no-traffic touring routes around Matha?
The no-traffic touring routes around Matha are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the car-free paths, the beautiful and varied scenery, and the well-maintained surfaces that make for an enjoyable ride.
Can you recommend a moderate no-traffic route that explores local heritage?
Certainly! The Church of Bagnizeau – Laundry loop from Courcerac is a moderate 40.9 km route that allows you to explore local heritage sites and charming rural landscapes without traffic.
Are there any longer, more challenging no-traffic routes for experienced touring cyclists?
While this guide focuses on routes up to moderate difficulty, the region is part of larger networks like La Vélodyssée and La Scandibérique (EuroVelo 3), which offer extended car-free sections and can be combined for longer, more challenging touring experiences. Within this guide, routes like Bike loop from Migron offer a substantial 36.3 km moderate ride.
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