The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise

There are over a dozen dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise, ranging from easy to difficult. This includes 14 moderate routes, 1 easy route, and 1 difficult route, offering options for various fitness levels.

Yes, the region offers easy, car-free options. While most routes are moderate, you can find paths like the repurposed former railway line, known as the Transternésienne, which provides a traffic-free greenway ideal for a relaxed ride through the countryside and charming villages. You can explore this highlight here: Former railway line.

The Ternois region offers a diverse and picturesque landscape for no-traffic road cycling. You'll experience tranquil countryside, gentle rolling hills, wooded valleys, and verdant bocages. Winding rivers like the Ternoise also add to the scenic beauty, providing a pleasant backdrop for your rides.

Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the moderate 41.8 km St Pol sur Ternoise – Bours Keep loop, which takes you past historical sites and through the scenic countryside.

Several quiet cycling routes pass by significant historical landmarks. A notable one is the 14th-century Bours Keep, one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in the region. The St Pol sur Ternoise – Bours Keep loop is a great way to incorporate this into your ride.

Absolutely. The region is rich in natural beauty. You can discover spots like La Comté Waterfall, where the Lawe river flows, offering a peaceful natural attraction. The routes often traverse wooded valleys and open fields, providing numerous scenic vistas of the preserved landscapes.

The lengths of no-traffic road cycling routes vary significantly. You can find moderate routes around 40-60 km, such as the 44.9 km St Pol sur Ternoise – Back to high school loop or the 62.1 km Back to high school – St Pol sur Ternoise loop. For a more challenging and longer ride, there's the difficult 133.4 km Doullens Belfry – Lucheux Belfry loop.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.375 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil countryside, the varied terrain suitable for different fitness levels, and the well-maintained paths that allow for enjoyable, car-free cycling experiences.

The region is generally pleasant for road cycling from spring through autumn, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. The varied terrain and preserved natural areas make it enjoyable across these seasons, though specific events like 'Les Vallées du Ternois' often take place in warmer months.

Yes, some routes extend to nearby towns and points of interest. For example, the Doullens Belfry – Lucheux Belfry loop takes you to the historic Doullens Belfry and Lucheux Belfry, offering a longer exploration of the wider region and its cultural heritage.

The elevation gain on these routes varies, reflecting the region's rolling hills. Moderate routes typically feature around 300-450 meters of elevation gain, such as the St Pol sur Ternoise – Back to high school loop with about 319 meters. More challenging routes, like the Doullens Belfry – Lucheux Belfry loop, can have over 1100 meters of ascent, providing a good fitness challenge.