The best traffic-free bike rides around Croisilles

There are 13 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Croisilles featured in this guide. These routes offer a variety of distances and elevations, perfect for exploring the region's quiet plains and natural landscapes.

While many routes in the area are rated moderate to difficult, the region's generally flat to gently rolling plains make it accessible for beginners. For a moderate option, consider the Former mine at May-sur-Orne – On the Banks of the Orne loop from Amayé-sur-Orne, which offers a good introduction to gravel biking without excessive technical challenges.

The trails around Croisilles traverse the 'paysages des grandes plaines arrageoises et cambrésiennes,' offering vast open plains and gently rolling terrain. You'll encounter natural features like the scenic Lac Bleu, known for its blue reflections and bordering woods, and paths along waterways such as La Sensée. The area also features historical sites, particularly related to World War I, adding a unique dimension to your ride.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the The Rochers des Parcs – Clécy Viaduct loop from Grimbosq is a longer circular option, offering diverse terrain and points of interest.

The region offers a mix of natural beauty and historical significance. You might pass by the impressive Clécy Viaduct or the striking rock formations of The Rochers des Parcs. The area is also rich in World War I history, with numerous military cemeteries that can be integrated into your routes, offering moments of reflection amidst the landscape.

The vast plains and generally mild climate of Pas-de-Calais make gravel biking enjoyable for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer can be great for longer rides, though it's wise to start early to avoid the midday heat. Winter conditions can vary, so checking local weather and trail conditions is always recommended.

Absolutely. For experienced gravel bikers looking for a challenge, routes like the The lair of Thury Harcourt – the railroad tunnel loop from Thury-Harcourt offer significant distance and elevation gain, providing a rewarding experience through varied terrain.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Croisilles, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the diverse landscapes ranging from open plains to wooded areas, and the opportunity to combine outdoor activity with historical exploration.

While specific routes in this guide may not explicitly list Lac Bleu, the region's natural features suggest that many local paths and trails suitable for gravel biking would lead you near or through such scenic spots. The Lac Bleu is known for its beautiful reflections and surrounding woods, offering picturesque off-road sections.

The La Scarpe à vélo is a dedicated cycling route along the Upper Scarpe canal, connecting Arras and Douai. While not directly listed in every Croisilles route, its nature as a dedicated path makes it highly suitable for gravel bikes. Many local routes in the broader region could connect to or incorporate sections of this established cycling infrastructure, offering smooth, traffic-free riding along the canal.

Yes, despite the region being known for its plains, some routes offer substantial climbing. The Saint-Rémy-sur-Orne – The Pont de la Mousse loop from Thury-Harcourt, for instance, features over 580 meters of elevation gain, providing a good workout for those seeking a more demanding gravel ride.