The best traffic-free bike rides around Curlu

There are several dedicated traffic-free gravel bike trails around Curlu, offering a great way to explore the Somme Valley. This guide features three excellent routes, all of moderate difficulty, perfect for a full day out.

The terrain around Curlu is diverse, featuring gentle river valleys, historical locks, and extensive agricultural lands. You'll ride along the meandering Somme River, through lush meadows, past ponds and marshes, and occasionally encounter the unique limestone hillsides known as "larris." Routes often follow towpaths and smaller roads, providing a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces ideal for gravel biking.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Froissy Lock – Towpath Along the Somme River loop from La sapinière offers a scenic circular journey along the Somme.

The region is rich in World War I history. You can explore significant sites like the Lochnagar Crater, a preserved site of remembrance from the Battle of the Somme. Another route, the Château de Péronne – Brittany Gate loop from Péronne, takes you near the Historial of the Great War – Château de Péronne, which offers insightful exhibitions.

Many sections of the cycling network, particularly along the Somme River, are part of the broader Véloroute Vallée de Somme. This route is largely flat, fully signposted, and offers a safe experience, making it suitable for families. The traffic-free nature of these paths ensures a relaxed ride for all ages.

The Somme River Valley is a dominant natural feature, creating picturesque landscapes with canals, ponds, and marshes. You can enjoy tranquil views from spots like the Vaux Viewpoint, which provides an exceptional panorama of the upper Somme valley. The region also features natural sites such as the Marais de Méricourt-sur-Somme and the Etangs de la Barette.

Yes, the region offers several scenic viewpoints. The Frise Viewpoint and the Vaux Viewpoint are notable spots where you can enjoy expansive views of the Somme valley, its ponds, marshes, and river meanders.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the traffic-free paths, the beautiful river scenery, and the opportunity to combine cycling with exploring significant historical sites.

While specific public transport connections directly to trailheads in Curlu can be limited, the broader Somme region has train stations in towns like Péronne. From there, you might need to cycle or arrange local transport to reach the starting points of the more remote traffic-free routes. It's advisable to check local bus or train schedules for connections to towns near your chosen route.

While the routes themselves are traffic-free and often pass through natural areas, you will find opportunities for refreshments in the villages and towns along the Somme River. The Véloroute Vallée de Somme, which many of these trails connect to, passes through several communities where you can find cafes, restaurants, and local shops to refuel.

The Somme region is enjoyable for gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer, while winter rides are possible but may require more preparation for colder, potentially wetter conditions. The flat nature of many routes makes them accessible in various seasons.

Beyond the historical sites, you might encounter other interesting points. For instance, the Thiepval Memorial – Ulster Tower loop from Carnoy-Mametz takes you through an area rich with memorials. You could also visit the P'tit Train de la Haute Somme, a narrow-gauge railway offering a unique historical experience.