The best traffic-free bike rides around Verrie
4.4
(21)
176
riders
19
rides
Gravel biking around Verrie, located in the Maine-et-Loire department, offers diverse terrain within the Loire Valley. The region is characterized by the meandering Loire River, vine-covered slopes, and a mix of forests and gentle hills. Unique Falun tracks, made from fine white limestone, provide technically varied surfaces through vineyards and woodlands. This landscape supports a network of no traffic gravel bike trails suitable for exploration.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Verrie
- The most popular no traffic gravel bike…
Last updated: July 4, 2026
4.0
(1)
15
riders
52.4km
03:37
500m
500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
14
riders
47.7km
03:03
330m
330m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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15
riders
65.6km
03:53
630m
630m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
95.8km
05:33
810m
810m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
riders
94.5km
05:26
250m
250m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Verrie
Tips from the Community
The sights are good but the terrain is not especially after high winds and heavy rain. Some people might find it tricky to navigate.
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For those who want to discover some art objects.
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The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place with a rich history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey is a unique cultural site! An abbey with a royal destination, a formidable prison is today a place of creation (museum of modern art).
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A castle-palace of the Dukes of Anjou in the 19th and 19th centuries, the Château de Saumur, where King René resided, is the last example of the princely palaces built by the Valois dynasty. It served as the residence of the city's governors, a prison, and later an arms and ammunition depot. It was purchased by the city in 1906 to house the municipal museum, now the Musée de France. Today, we discover the rich collections scattered throughout the former apartments of the Dukes of Anjou in an educational museography. Want to know more? Click here: https://www.ot-saumur.fr/en/castles-and-country-houses/Saumurcastle-5261718/
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History: In 1454, while ploughing his field, a farmer discovered in the "ardille" (clay, a word that according to legend gave its name to Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers) a stone statuette about thirty centimetres high representing a Pietà. The farmer took it home. Twice he discovered that the Pietà returned to its place of discovery, near a fountain that was already known for its healing properties. From that moment on, devotions developed around this statuette, which was placed in a niche under a stone arch. Jean Olivier, Bishop of Angers, laid the foundations of the Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers chapel. Bishop Gabriel Bouvery, Bishop of Angers, opened the new church on 30 July 1553. It was a place of pilgrimage. The fountain was said to perform miracles. In 1614, thanks to the support of Marie de Medici, the management of the sanctuary was entrusted to the Order of Oratorians. In 1619, they settled in Ardilliers and founded a royal college in 1624. Louis XIII granted it the status of royal chapel and, from 1628 to 1643, the Oratorians built the buildings to the east of the chapel that would house their community, the classrooms and the students' dormitories. From 1634, Richelieu had a chapel built on the north wall of the chapel for votive and funeral purposes. The chapel was closed during the Revolution. The Oratorian house became a barracks and the rotunda was converted into an ammunition store. In 1796, the Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence opened a hospice there for the expelled. In 1798, the hospice became the property of the city of Saumur. The chapel was put back into use in 1799, but was damaged by damp. From 1849, architect Charles Joly-Leterme began restoring the building. The Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence became the owners of the former Oratorian House in 1866. During the Battle of the Cadets, in June 1940, the bombing destroyed the roof structures of the chapel and the Oratorian House. The vault of the nave collapsed. The buildings were restored between 1947 and 1957. The oak frame of the dome was replaced by a concrete shell to reduce the pressure on the walls. The Oratorian House was converted into a school in 1953. In February 2025, a fire broke out. Source Wikipedia
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History: In 1454, while ploughing his field, a farmer discovered in the "ardille" (clay, a word that according to legend gave its name to Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers) a stone statuette about thirty centimetres high representing a Pietà. The farmer took it home. Twice he discovered that the Pietà returned to its place of discovery, near a fountain that was already known for its healing properties. From that moment on, devotions developed around this statuette, which was placed in a niche under a stone arch. Jean Olivier, Bishop of Angers, laid the foundations of the Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers chapel. Bishop Gabriel Bouvery, Bishop of Angers, opened the new church on 30 July 1553. It was a place of pilgrimage. The fountain was said to perform miracles. In 1614, thanks to the support of Marie de Medici, the management of the sanctuary was entrusted to the Order of Oratorians. In 1619, they settled in Ardilliers and founded a royal college in 1624. Louis XIII granted it the status of royal chapel and, from 1628 to 1643, the Oratorians built the buildings to the east of the chapel that would house their community, the classrooms and the students' dormitories. From 1634, Richelieu had a chapel built on the north wall of the chapel for votive and funeral purposes. The chapel was closed during the Revolution. The Oratorian house became a barracks and the rotunda was converted into an ammunition store. In 1796, the Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence opened a hospice for the expelled. In 1798, the hospice became the property of the city of Saumur. The chapel was put back into use in 1799, but was damaged by damp. From 1849, architect Charles Joly-Leterme began restoring the building. The Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence became the owners of the former Oratorian House in 1866. During the Battle of the Cadets, in June 1940, the bombing destroyed the roof structures of the chapel and the Oratorian House. The vault of the nave collapsed. The buildings were restored between 1947 and 1957. The oak frame of the dome was replaced by a concrete shell to reduce the pressure on the walls. The Oratorian House was converted into a school in 1953. A fire broke out in February 2025. Source Wikipedia
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Very nice gravel along the banks of the Loire. Know that you are not alone here. Enjoy together, each at their own pace.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available around Verrie?
There are over 10 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Verrie, offering a variety of distances and experiences. These routes are carefully selected to ensure a peaceful ride away from vehicular traffic, focusing on the natural beauty of the region.
What is the general difficulty level of gravel biking trails near Verrie?
The gravel biking trails around Verrie primarily range from moderate to difficult. While there are no easy routes listed, the moderate trails offer a good challenge for intermediate riders, and the difficult routes provide a more strenuous experience with significant elevation changes. For example, the Château de Saumur – Saumur loop from Saumur is rated moderate, while many others, like the Château de Saumur – Loire Riverside Gravel Trail loop from Saumur, are considered difficult.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes around Verrie?
Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel bike trails around Verrie are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. This is convenient for planning your day. Examples include the Château de Saumur – Loire Riverside Gravel Trail loop from Saumur and the Le Thoureil Village – View of the Loire loop from Saumur.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Verrie?
The Pays de la Loire region, where Verrie is located, is excellent for gravel biking from spring through autumn. The lush greenery is at its peak in spring and early summer, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. The region's unique microclimate, influenced by oceanic winds, helps maintain pleasant conditions. Summer can be warm, but riverside routes often provide cooler air.
What scenic viewpoints or landmarks can I expect on no-traffic gravel routes near Verrie?
Many routes offer stunning views of the Loire River and its surrounding landscapes. You can expect to encounter charming villages, vineyards, and forests. The Loire Riverside Gravel Trail itself is a highlight, offering picturesque views. The area around Angers, known for its hundreds of kilometers of gravel riding terrain, also features riverside towpaths and vineyard slopes.
Are there any castles or historical sites accessible via these gravel trails?
Absolutely! The Loire Valley is famous for its châteaux. Many gravel routes pass near or offer views of historical sites. For instance, the Château de Saumur – Loire Riverside Gravel Trail loop from Saumur takes you past the magnificent Château de Saumur. Other notable castles in the wider region include Marson Castle and Château de la Reine de Sicile.
Are there family-friendly gravel bike paths around Verrie that are traffic-free?
While many routes are rated moderate to difficult, the emphasis on 'no traffic' makes them safer for families with older children who are comfortable with longer distances and varied terrain. The Loire à Vélo route, which has sections of gravel, is generally considered family-friendly, though specific segments near Verrie might be more challenging. Look for routes with less elevation gain if riding with younger or less experienced family members.
Where can I find parking for these car-free gravel trails near Verrie?
For routes starting in larger towns like Saumur, you'll typically find public parking facilities. Many komoot tours, such as those starting from Saumur, implicitly assume parking availability in the town center or designated areas. For more rural starting points, look for small village car parks or roadside parking where permitted, ensuring you do not obstruct local access.
Are there any gravel bike trails near Verrie with cafes or places to stop for refreshments?
Yes, routes that pass through or near villages and towns along the Loire River often offer opportunities for refreshments. The Le Thoureil Village – View of the Loire loop from Saumur, for example, passes through Le Thoureil, a charming village where you might find local cafes. Planning your route to include stops in towns like Saumur or other riverside communities will ensure access to amenities.
Can I bring my dog on the gravel bike trails around Verrie?
Many natural areas and trails in France are dog-friendly, especially if your dog is well-behaved and kept on a leash. However, specific regulations can vary by municipality or protected area. It's always best to check local signage. When cycling, ensure your dog is accustomed to running alongside a bike and that you carry enough water for both of you.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy the most about gravel biking in Verrie?
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Verrie, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's tranquil, traffic-free paths, the stunning views of the Loire River, and the opportunity to explore historical sites like the Château de Saumur. The diverse terrain, from riverside paths to vineyard tracks, also receives positive feedback.
What are the trail conditions like for gravel biking in Verrie, especially in winter?
The Loire Valley features unique gravel tracks made from 'Falun,' a fine white limestone. These tracks can offer technically challenging riding, especially after rain when ruts can form. In winter, while the region doesn't typically experience heavy snow, trails can become muddy and slippery, particularly in forested areas or along riverbanks. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, and be prepared for varied surfaces.
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