The best traffic-free bike rides around Les Planches-Près-Arbois

There are several dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails in the Les Planches-Près-Arbois area, offering a mix of moderate and difficult routes to explore the stunning Jura landscape.

The no-traffic gravel bike trails around Les Planches-Près-Arbois are generally moderate to difficult. You'll find routes like the Arbois – Liberty Square loop from Arbois which is moderate, and more challenging options such as the Fer à Cheval Viewpoint – Belvédère de la roche au Feu loop from Arbois, which is classified as difficult with over 600 meters of elevation gain.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Fer à Cheval Viewpoint – Tuff Waterfalls loop from Arbois and the Fer à Cheval Viewpoint – Belvedere at Pupillin loop from Valempoulières.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can encounter impressive geological formations like the Reculée des Planches, the dramatic Cirque du Fer à Cheval, and the captivating Tuff Waterfalls. Many routes also pass through extensive forests and prairies.

Absolutely. The area is known for its stunning vistas. You can find routes that lead to the Fer à Cheval Viewpoint or offer views of the Roche du Feu. The Belvédère de la Châtelaine also provides magnificent panoramas over the Reculée des Planches.

Spring, summer, and early autumn are ideal for gravel biking in Les Planches-Près-Arbois, offering pleasant temperatures and lush scenery. While some trails may be accessible in winter, be aware that the Tuff Waterfalls can freeze over, and conditions might be more challenging due to ice or snow.

While many routes in this guide are moderate to difficult, the region offers diverse terrain. For families, look for routes with less elevation gain and shorter distances. Always check the route details on komoot for specific difficulty and length to ensure it suits your family's abilities.

Many natural areas and trails in the Jura are dog-friendly, especially if your dog is accustomed to running alongside a bike. However, it's always best to keep them on a leash, especially in protected areas or near wildlife. Check local signage for any specific restrictions.

Parking is generally available in and around Les Planches-Près-Arbois and the nearby town of Arbois. Look for designated parking areas in villages or near popular trailheads. Specific parking information is often provided in the tour descriptions on komoot.

Given that over 50% of the area is forest and 30% prairies, you have a good chance of spotting local wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, wild boars, various bird species, and smaller mammals. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitat.

Public transport options directly to the trailheads in Les Planches-Près-Arbois might be limited. The nearest larger town, Arbois, is more accessible by public transport. From Arbois, you might need to cycle a short distance to reach the starting points of some no-traffic gravel routes.

The komoot community rates the gravel biking experience in this area highly, with an average score of 3.875 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural landscapes, the quiet and traffic-free nature of the trails, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs that offer incredible views.