The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Martin-De-Valamas

There are over 45 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Martin-De-Valamas. These routes cater to various skill levels, with options ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring a suitable ride for every cyclist.

The most acclaimed no-traffic route is the Dolce Via, which passes directly through Saint-Martin-De-Valamas. Voted the most beautiful easy cycle trail in Europe in 2020, it's built on a former railway line, offering a safe, gentle gradient and scenic views of the Eyrieux Valley. A section of this route is La Dolce Via from Le Cheylard to Saint-Martin-de-Valamas.

Yes, there are several circular routes that incorporate no-traffic sections. For example, the Voie verte La Dolce Via – La Dolce Via loop from Le Cheylard offers a substantial circular tour, allowing you to experience the beauty of the region without retracing your steps on the same path.

The no-traffic routes, particularly the Dolce Via, feature a mix of compacted granite sand and tarmacked surfaces. They generally follow gentle gradients, as they are built on former railway lines. While the immediate no-traffic paths are smooth, the broader region offers varied terrain from gentle greenways to more challenging mountain climbs for those looking to extend their rides off the dedicated paths.

Along the routes, you can discover various points of interest. The Dolce Via itself is a highlight, featuring tunnels, bridges, and viaducts. You might also pass by the Nonières Tunnel. The nearby Rochebonne Castle ruins are also a short distance from Saint-Martin-De-Valamas.

Absolutely. The Dolce Via is particularly well-suited for families due to its gentle gradient (around 1%) and car-free environment. Its smooth surfaces and scenic views make it an enjoyable and safe experience for cyclists of all ages. The La Dolce Via from Le Cheylard to Saint-Martin-de-Valamas is a moderate option for families.

The region's mild climate makes spring, autumn, and summer excellent seasons for touring cycling. These periods offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes, ideal for enjoying the greenways and scenic views of the Eyrieux Valley.

Yes, the region offers several spots for water activities. The Lac des Collanges is a notable lake nearby. Additionally, Saint-Martial features a swimming lake, and Le Cheylard has the Eyrium Base Aquatique for various water sports. The Eyrieux River itself is popular for swimming, fishing, and canoeing-kayaking.

The Dolce Via offers numerous scenic viewpoints as it winds through the unspoiled countryside of the Eyrieux Valley. You'll encounter views of orchards, former mills, and natural landscapes. Higher points of the Dolce Via near Saint-Agrève also provide panoramic views towards Mont Gerbier de Jonc and Mont Mézenc. Consider the Viewpoint on the Dolce Via – Viaduc de Chabranç loop from Le Cheylard for dedicated scenic spots.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility and safety of the car-free paths, the stunning natural beauty of the Eyrieux Valley, and the well-maintained surfaces of routes like the Dolce Via, which make for a relaxing and enjoyable touring experience.

Yes, while many routes are shorter, you can combine sections of the Dolce Via for longer tours. For instance, the Voie verte La Dolce Via – La Dolce Via loop from Le Cheylard covers approximately 78 km, offering an extended no-traffic experience. The Dolce Via itself stretches for many kilometers, connecting various towns in the Eyrieux Valley.