The best traffic-free bike rides around La Malhoure

There are 5 curated no-traffic gravel bike trails around La Malhoure, offering a range of distances and difficulties. These routes are designed to keep you away from vehicular traffic, providing a peaceful and immersive cycling experience through Brittany's diverse landscapes.

The gravel trails around La Malhoure and the broader Côtes-d'Armor department offer a varied terrain. You'll encounter a mix of unsealed tracks, rural trails, forest paths, and some paved sections. The region is known for its rolling hills, coastal paths, and inland forests, providing both challenging climbs and scenic flat stretches.

While all routes in this guide are traffic-free, their lengths and elevation gains vary. For a moderate family-friendly option, consider the Gouessant River Trail – Sorie Lamballe loop from Lamballe, which is about 25 km long. It offers a pleasant ride along the river, suitable for those with some cycling experience.

Yes, all the no-traffic gravel bike trails featured in this guide are circular routes. This allows for convenient starting and ending points, often in or near towns like Lamballe or Bréhand. For example, the Dahouët Harbour – Dahouët Marina loop from Lamballe is a great circular option exploring coastal areas.

The routes often pass by significant natural features and charming landmarks. You might encounter the scenic Le Gouessant river, the historic Chapelle Notre-Dame du Mont-Carmel, or the prominent Mount Bel-Air. The region also boasts picturesque lakes, dense forests, and dramatic coastlines within easy reach.

While La Malhoure is inland, the Côtes-d'Armor department is famous for its stunning coastline. The Dahouët Harbour – Dahouët Marina loop from Lamballe takes you towards the coast, offering glimpses of the maritime environment. The broader region, including areas like Cap Fréhel and the Baie de Saint-Brieuc, provides numerous opportunities for coastal gravel biking.

The best time for gravel biking around La Malhoure is typically from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with less rainfall, making for ideal riding conditions. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while autumn offers beautiful foliage.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are more demanding options. The longer Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Mount Bel-Air loop from Bréhand, spanning nearly 79 km with significant elevation gain, is classified as difficult. Another challenging route is the Ponts-Neufs Viaduct – Ponts-Neufs Viaduct loop from Lamballe, which covers over 58 km.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the traffic-free routes, the diverse scenery ranging from river valleys to forests, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable gravel biking experience.

Absolutely. Many routes start or pass near charming towns and attractions. Lamballe, a nearby town, features the National Stud and the impressive Collégiale Notre-Dame de Lamballe. The medieval town of Moncontour is also a short distance away, offering a glimpse into Brittany's rich history.

While La Malhoure itself is a small village, nearby larger towns like Lamballe are accessible by train, making it possible to reach the starting points of some routes via public transport. From Lamballe, you can often cycle directly onto the trails or take a short local bus connection if available. It's advisable to check local transport schedules in advance.

Generally, no specific permits are required for gravel biking on the public trails and paths around La Malhoure and in the Côtes-d'Armor region. However, always respect private property, follow local signage, and adhere to any specific rules posted in natural reserves or protected areas.