The best traffic-free bike rides around Sempy

The gravel bike trails featured in this guide are primarily located around the historic town of Montreuil-sur-Mer and nearby areas like Beutin and Hucqueliers, in the Pas-de-Calais department of France. While the guide uses 'Sempy' as a general reference, the routes themselves explore the beautiful landscapes along the Canche river and its surroundings, offering car-free cycling experiences.

This guide features 5 distinct no-traffic gravel bike trails, offering a variety of distances and challenges for your cycling adventures.

While all routes in this guide are designed to be traffic-free, it's important to note that the majority are rated as 'difficult'. However, there are two moderate options that might be more suitable for beginners or those looking for a less strenuous ride: the Sous-Bois de Saint-Josse – Chemin des Huttes loop from Beutin (33.9 km) and the Banks of the Canche – Porte de Boulogne loop from Montreuil-sur-Mer (21.4 km).

The duration varies depending on the route and your pace. The shortest moderate route, the Banks of the Canche – Porte de Boulogne loop, can take around 1 hour 25 minutes. Longer, more difficult routes, such as the Inxent – Banks of the Canche loop (48.4 km), can take over 3 hours 25 minutes to complete.

Yes, all the routes in this guide are designed as circular loops, ensuring you start and finish at the same point. This makes planning your ride and parking much more convenient. Examples include the Banks of the Canche – Montreuil and its citadel loop and the Banks of the Canche – Citadel of Montreuil loop.

Many of these routes explore the scenic banks of the Canche river and pass by historical sites. You can expect to see landmarks like the impressive Citadel of Montreuil, the charming Montreuil and its citadel, and other historical structures such as the Saint Saulve Abbey Church or the Chapelle Sainte Austreberthe. These offer great opportunities for a break and some exploration.

The routes in this area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Users often praise the tranquility of the car-free paths, the beautiful river scenery, and the historical points of interest along the way.

Given that most routes are rated 'difficult' and involve distances of 30-50 km, they might be challenging for younger children or less experienced family members. However, the shorter, moderate routes like the Banks of the Canche – Porte de Boulogne loop (21.4 km) could be considered for families with older, more experienced riders.

The routes along the Banks of the Canche river offer numerous scenic views of the waterway and surrounding natural landscapes. Additionally, routes that pass through or near Montreuil-sur-Mer provide excellent vantage points of its historic citadel and the charming town itself.

While the guide doesn't specify a 'best' time, spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery for gravel biking in this region of France. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it's always wise to check local weather forecasts. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for potentially colder, wetter conditions and shorter daylight hours.

Many of the routes start or pass through Montreuil-sur-Mer, a town known for its culinary scene and charming cafes. This provides excellent opportunities for refreshment stops before, during, or after your ride. For routes further afield, it's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, as dedicated cafe stops might be less frequent.