The best traffic-free bike rides around La Baconnière

There are nearly 50 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around La Baconnière. These routes offer a variety of experiences, with 16 easy, 19 moderate, and 14 difficult options to choose from, ensuring something for every skill level.

The region around La Baconnière is renowned for its extensive network of greenways ("voies vertes") and converted old railway lines and towpaths along rivers. These provide smooth, safe, and traffic-free cycling experiences, ideal for touring cyclists looking for peaceful rides away from vehicular traffic. The Mayenne department, which includes La Baconnière, boasts approximately 128 km of repurposed railway lines and 85 km of towpaths along the Mayenne River.

Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for families. One excellent option is the Plan d'eau de la Briqueterie loop from La Baconnière, which is 13.6 km long and takes less than an hour to complete. Another easy route is the Bike loop from Saint-Roch, covering 16.2 km in about an hour. These routes are generally flat and follow dedicated paths, making them safe and enjoyable for all ages.

Spring and summer are considered the ideal times to explore the greenways and cycling routes around La Baconnière. The weather is generally pleasant, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant, offering beautiful scenery for your rides.

The cycling paths traverse diverse and tranquil rural landscapes, including peaceful valleys, scenic riverbanks lined with trees, and open fields. You'll experience the serene beauty of the Mayenne countryside, often following former railway lines or river towpaths.

Yes, the broader Mayenne region, accessible from La Baconnière, offers several points of interest. You might encounter the picturesque Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church of Chailland, or the tranquil Belle-Poule Lock. The routes also connect to charming villages where you can discover local architectural heritage.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the region offers more demanding routes. The Le Gué Guérin – Beautiful Singletrack loop from La Baconnière is a difficult 40.5 km route that takes over 3 hours to complete, offering varied terrain. Another challenging option is the Bike loop from Chailland, a 45.9 km difficult route.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes around La Baconnière are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 100 visitors. Reviewers often praise the peaceful rural setting, the well-maintained greenways, and the opportunity to explore the charming Mayenne countryside away from traffic.

Yes, many of the no-traffic routes around La Baconnière are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Bike loop from Saint-Ouën-des-Toits, a moderate 27.6 km route, and the Plan d'eau de la Briqueterie loop from La Baconnière for an easier option.

La Baconnière is part of the broader Mayenne region, which is well-known for its extensive greenway network. You can access sections of the "Greenway Ambrières-les-Vallées / La Chapelle-Anthenaise" or the "Greenway St-Berthevin (Laval) > Renazé," which follow former railway lines for significant distances, providing long stretches of traffic-free cycling. The Mayenne River towpath is also part of the La Vélo Francette route, offering a lovely natural setting.

For more detailed information about the extensive greenway network in the Mayenne department, including maps and additional resources, you can visit the official France Vélo Tourisme website: The Greenways of Mayenne.