The best traffic-free bike rides around Brussey
4.5
(4)
40
riders
12
rides
Gravel biking around Brussey, located in France's Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, offers diverse terrain for cyclists seeking no traffic routes. The area is characterized by the picturesque Ognon Valley, featuring rivers, meadows, and forests. Cyclists can explore the unique Plateau des Mille Étangs, a landscape dotted with numerous ponds, or venture into the vast forests of the Comté and Vosges Saônoises. This region provides a mix of rolling hills, lush forests, and tranquil villages, with routes often combining unpaved roads and forest…
Last updated: July 5, 2026
3
riders
40.0km
03:08
560m
560m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
42.4km
03:04
350m
350m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
2
riders
36.8km
02:39
460m
460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(1)
3
riders
21.7km
01:24
150m
150m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Brussey
Tips from the Community
Marnay Castle, built from the 11th century onwards, was remodeled several times up until the 18th century. Formerly the residence of the lords of Marnay, it still has a medieval tower, Renaissance façades and a large wooded park.
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Le Paquey is a former floodplain meadow located on the outskirts of Marnay, on the banks of the Ognon River. This natural area is home to remarkable biodiversity, including wetlands, ancient hedgerows, and pastures. Designed for walking, it offers a glimpse of the valley's typical agricultural and river landscapes.
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A charming town in Franche-Comté, part of the Holy Roman Empire until the Treaty of 1678. Very prosperous in the Middle Ages, thanks to its trade and artisans. A cloth market was established there as early as the 14th century, after Joan of Burgundy, Countess of Franche-Comté and Queen of King Philip V the Long of France, brought weavers from Paris. From June 14, 1354, until the Revolution, the bourgeoisie of Marnay had a charter of emancipation that guaranteed them security and prosperity: "Whoever has a house and keeps a fire in the town will be a bourgeois." This charter allowed the inhabitants to administer the town themselves and thus build ramparts and create the individual gardens that can still be seen today.
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rolling road bike
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First mentioned in 1225, the castle oversaw the main passage of the river.
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Characterful Comtoise town which was part of the Holy Roman Empire until the treaty of 1678. Very prosperous in the Middle Ages, due to its trade and its artisans. There has been a cloth hall there since the 14th century, after Jeanne de Bourgogne, countess of Franche-Comté and queen of King Philippe V the Long of France, brought weavers from Paris there. From June 14, 1354 and until the Revolution, the bourgeoisie of Marnay had a charter of emancipation which ensured them security and abundance - "anyone who has a house and keeps fire in the village will be bourgeois". This charter allowed residents to administer the city themselves and thus build ramparts and set up the individual gardens that can still be found there today.
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Village which dates back to Gaulle (Gallic burials have been unearthed there) and of which we also find traces under the Gallo-Roman Empire. There we find the source of the Colombine and some beautiful buildings, including the cemetery chapel (listed as a Historic Monument) and the Notre-Dame de Leffond Chapel which dates from the 13th century. However, the village is best known for its vineyards. In the Middle Ages, the wines of Gy and Charcenne were already exported and we found them on the tables of nobles in the 16th century. The Guillaume family has been cultivating vines there since 1732 and has developed a highly specialized nursery business since 1895, recognized worldwide. The 43 hectares of vines therefore produce wine, awarded several times, but also serve as a support for the multiplication of vine plants. They therefore cultivate other grape varieties than those necessary for their production. And if you want to accompany your wine with a cheese, head to the Millet cheese dairy to taste a Charcennais or an Ortolan.
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Beautiful gravel road on the old railway line slightly downhill from Les Auxons to Marnay (and vice versa slightly uphill).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available around Brussey?
There are 8 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Brussey featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of experiences, from easy rides to more challenging adventures, all designed to keep you away from vehicular traffic.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these gravel bike trails?
The no-traffic gravel bike trails around Brussey offer a diverse mix of terrain. You'll encounter unpaved roads, forest tracks, and trails that wind through the picturesque Ognon Valley, meadows, and forests. The region, including the nearby Plateau des Mille Étangs, is known for its varied landscapes, combining rolling hills with tranquil flat sections.
Are there any easy no-traffic gravel routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there is one easy no-traffic gravel route around Brussey. For a more relaxed ride, consider the Recologne Castle – View of Recologne loop from Recologne. This 21.7 km route is perfect for those looking for a less strenuous experience away from traffic, offering gentle ascents and descents.
What are some interesting landmarks or natural features I can see along these routes?
Many no-traffic gravel routes around Brussey offer scenic views and pass by interesting points. You might encounter historical sites like the Historic Center of Marnay or natural beauty spots such as Les Étangs de Noironte. The region is rich in forests and river valleys, providing a constant backdrop of natural beauty.
Are there any circular no-traffic gravel bike routes?
Yes, all the no-traffic gravel bike trails listed in this guide are circular routes. This means you'll start and end at the same point, making logistics easier. For example, the Shelter on the Way of St. James. – Marnay Dam loop from Charcenne is a challenging 40 km loop, while the Marnay Dam – Historic Center of Marnay loop from Lantenne-Vertière offers a moderate 35.6 km option.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking around Brussey?
The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, where Brussey is located, is generally pleasant for gravel biking from spring through autumn. Spring brings lush greenery, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Summers are also great, but it's advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat. Winter can be challenging due to colder temperatures and potentially muddy or icy conditions on unpaved tracks.
Are there any challenging no-traffic gravel routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. This guide features four difficult no-traffic gravel bike trails for experienced riders seeking a challenge. Routes like the Shelter on the Way of St. James. – Marnay Dam loop from Charcenne, covering over 40 km with significant elevation gain, will test your endurance and skills on varied terrain.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the gravel trails?
While Brussey itself is a smaller commune, the surrounding towns and villages along the Ognon Valley and within the Haute-Saône department offer various amenities. Many routes pass through or near charming villages where you can find local cafes, restaurants, or small shops to refuel. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify such points of interest beforehand.
What makes the Brussey region particularly good for no-traffic gravel biking?
The Brussey region, situated in the Haute-Saône department, is ideal for no-traffic gravel biking due to its extensive network of unpaved roads, forest tracks, and quiet country lanes. The area benefits from the diverse natural features of the Ognon Valley and proximity to the Plateau des Mille Étangs, offering varied landscapes away from busy roads. The regional focus on cycle tourism also ensures a pleasant experience for gravel cyclists.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails around Brussey?
The komoot community rates the trails around Brussey highly, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility and natural beauty of the routes, highlighting the opportunity to explore less-known areas away from traffic. The diverse terrain and picturesque landscapes, from river valleys to forests, are frequently mentioned as key attractions.
Are there any specific natural parks or protected areas these trails pass through?
While Brussey is not directly within a major national park, its location in Haute-Saône provides access to natural spaces within regional parks like the Ballons des Vosges Nature Park. The unique landscape of the Plateau des Mille Étangs, often called 'Little Finland,' is a significant natural feature in the broader region, offering extensive trails through forests, meadows, and moors.
Where can I learn more about the local nature and environment in Brussey?
For those interested in the local environment, the Maison de la Nature CPIE Brussey is a local center that promotes environmental education and nature discovery. They organize family nature outings and activities in the surrounding woods, offering a deeper insight into the region's natural heritage.
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