The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Martin-Du-Vieux-Bellême

There are several dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails in the Saint-Martin-Du-Vieux-Bellême area, offering a variety of experiences. Our guide features 4 such routes, ranging from moderate to difficult, ensuring options for different skill levels.

The trails in this region, part of the Perche Regional Natural Park, offer varied terrain. You'll encounter a mix of unpaved roads, forest tracks, and scenic paths through 'forest hills and bocage countryside'. Elevations range from gentle to moderate, with some routes featuring significant climbs. For example, the La Perrière – Mortagne-au-Perche loop is considered difficult with over 940 meters of elevation gain, while the Bellême – Étang de la Herse loop is a moderate option with around 280 meters of ascent.

While some routes are more challenging, active families can enjoy the moderate trails, especially those with some gravel biking experience. The region's gentle to moderate inclines and scenic, unpaved back roads within the Perche Regional Natural Park can be suitable for family outings. Always check the route details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's fitness level.

Riding these trails allows you to explore the rich biodiversity of the Perche Regional Natural Park, including its extensive forests and ponds. You might pass through areas like the Forest of Bellême, which hosts historical sites such as a 19th-century hunting lodge. The Bellême – Étang de la Herse loop, for instance, takes you near the charming town of Bellême and the Étang de la Herse.

Yes, all the no-traffic gravel bike routes featured in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This includes routes like the Villeray Mill – Above the Huisne loop from Nocé and the La Chapelle-Montligeon – Porte Saint Denis loop from Réveillon.

The Perche Regional Natural Park is beautiful throughout the year, but spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking. The weather is milder, and the natural landscapes are vibrant with seasonal colors. Summer can also be great, but be mindful of warmer temperatures, especially on longer routes. Winter rides are possible, but trails might be muddy or icy, so check conditions beforehand.

Absolutely. The region is part of Natura 2000 conservation sites and includes local nature reserves like "La réserve des Houles-Blanches." This means you have a good chance of encountering diverse flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for species such as the European stag beetle, European ash, Brown hairstreak, European tree frog, and Hazel dormouse, especially in the quieter, forested sections of the trails.

Many of the routes start from villages or towns where public parking is available. For example, the Bellême – Étang de la Herse loop starts from Bellême, which offers parking options. It's always a good idea to check the specific starting point of your chosen route for the most convenient parking facilities.

The routes often pass through or near charming villages and towns within the Perche Regional Natural Park. These locations, such as Bellême or La Perrière, typically offer cafes, bakeries, or small restaurants where you can refuel. Planning your stops in advance is recommended, especially for longer rides.

The komoot community rates the area highly, with an average score of 3.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's "rugged beauty," the tranquility of the "scenic, unpaved back roads," and the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of the Perche Regional Natural Park away from traffic.