The best traffic-free bike rides around Les Bordes

There are over 30 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Les Bordes, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels. You'll find 9 easy routes, 17 moderate routes, and 8 more challenging options to explore.

The Les Bordes Estate provides a unique car-free environment with an extensive network of trails, ensuring a serene and safe cycling experience. Nestled within the vast Sologne forest, part of the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley, you'll cycle through lush woodlands, past tranquil lakes, and protected wetlands, far from traffic noise.

Yes, there are 9 easy no-traffic touring routes around Les Bordes, perfect for beginners or families with children. These routes typically feature gentle terrain and shorter distances, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sologne forest at a relaxed pace. The estate also offers family-friendly attractions like a petting farm.

Yes, Les Bordes is strategically located to access the renowned Loire à Vélo route, which is part of the EuroVelo 6 network. This allows touring cyclists to seamlessly transition from the tranquil, car-free trails of the estate to the broader, culturally rich paths of the Loire Valley, exploring historic towns and châteaux.

The Sologne forest and Les Bordes Estate are rich in biodiversity. Cyclists often encounter diverse wildlife, including red deer, wild boar, woodlarks, kites, bats, amphibians, and nearly 50 species of butterfly. The protected wetland areas also support a variety of birdlife and unique plant species.

Many of the no-traffic touring routes around Les Bordes are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without retracing your steps. For example, the Covered market – Sens Town Hall loop from Val Peronne is a moderate circular route, and the Landscaped banks of the Yonne – Yonne loop from Malay-le-Grand offers an easy circular option.

While cycling, you can explore several points of interest. Consider visiting the historic town of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, the impressive Porte de Sens, or the serene Yonne River at Armeau. The estate itself features historical buildings like a 12th-century priory, which is being repurposed into a social hub.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the car-free trails, the beautiful natural landscapes of the Sologne forest, and the opportunity to spot wildlife. The well-maintained paths and the connection to the wider Loire à Vélo network are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, for experienced touring cyclists, there are 8 difficult routes available. These routes often cover longer distances and may include more varied terrain. An example is the challenging Gurgy diversion lock – Yonne River at Armeau loop from Étigny - Véron, which spans over 120 kilometers.

Within the Les Bordes Estate, you'll find a range of amenities. Beyond the cycling trails, there's a natural swimming lake with a white sand beach, boating lakes, and equestrian facilities. A 12th-century priory is being transformed into a social hub with a bakery, café, and farmers market, offering convenient stops for refreshments and local produce.

While the Les Bordes Estate itself is largely car-free, there are designated parking areas for visitors accessing the estate and its trails. For routes extending beyond the estate, specific trailheads and parking information can often be found on individual route descriptions on komoot, ensuring convenient access to your chosen touring adventure.

The Loire Valley, including Les Bordes, is beautiful throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with fewer crowds. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Even in winter, the car-free trails provide a peaceful experience, especially for those who enjoy crisp air and quiet woodlands.