The best traffic-free bike rides around Criel-Sur-Mer

There are over 20 traffic-free touring cycling routes around Criel-sur-Mer, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore the region's natural beauty and charming villages.

The routes cater to various fitness levels. You'll find a good mix, with 12 easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride, 10 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge, and 2 more difficult options for experienced cyclists.

Yes, many of the routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Cliffs of Criel-sur-Mer Loop offers a scenic circular ride, and the Les Prés Park and Orchard – Saint-Aubin Church loop is another great circular option.

Absolutely. Many routes are designed to be easy and family-friendly, perfect for beginners or those looking for a leisurely ride. The Les Prés Park and Orchard – Saint-Aubin Church loop from Criel-sur-Mer is an excellent easy option, covering about 5 km with minimal elevation.

Criel-sur-Mer is renowned for its dramatic natural beauty. You can expect to see majestic chalk cliffs, including the highest in Europe at Mont Joli-Bois, and picturesque pebble beaches like Mesnil-Val Beach and Cliffs and Beach of Criel-sur-Mer. The routes also often pass through the verdant Yères Valley with its wetlands and wooded hills, and offer stunning panoramas from viewpoints like Viewpoint overlooking the cliffs of Le Tréport.

Yes, the region is rich in history. You might cycle past the historic Manoir de Briançon, which now serves as the town hall, or the 14th-century Église Saint Aubin. The Saint-Aubin Church – Mesnil-Val Beach loop is a great way to combine natural beauty with historical sights. Nearby, you can also find the charming 19th-century seaside villas of Mesnil-Val and the Belle Époque houses of Mers-les-Bains.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Criel-sur-Mer, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 155 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free roads, the stunning coastal views, and the diverse landscapes that combine dramatic cliffs with peaceful inland valleys.

Absolutely. The dramatic white cliffs are a highlight of the region. Routes like the View over the cliffs – Le Tréport loop from Criel-sur-Mer specifically feature these iconic natural monuments, offering breathtaking coastal vistas.

Yes, some routes extend to nearby points of interest. For instance, the View over the cliffs – Le Tréport loop takes you towards Le Tréport, where you can experience its funicular and active port. These routes often utilize small, quiet roads, ensuring a pleasant, low-traffic cycling experience.

The terrain is quite varied. Many routes feature mostly paved surfaces, making them suitable for different bike types. However, some segments, especially on more challenging routes or those exploring natural areas like the Yères Valley, might include unpaved sections. Expect a mix of coastal paths, quiet country roads, and sometimes paths through wooded areas.

While the region is known for its dramatic cliffs, there are routes with varying elevation profiles. You can find relatively flat options, especially those staying closer to the valley floors or specific coastal stretches. However, many routes will include some climbs to reach scenic viewpoints or traverse the rolling landscape, such as the Saint-Aubin Church – Descent to Mesnil-Val loop which has moderate elevation changes.