The best traffic-free bike rides around Menades

There are 4 dedicated traffic-free gravel bike trails listed in this guide for the area around Menades. These routes are designed to offer a quiet and immersive cycling experience away from vehicle traffic.

All the traffic-free gravel routes in this guide are rated as 'difficult'. They typically involve significant elevation gains, making them suitable for experienced gravel bikers looking for a challenging ride.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. For example, you can explore the Vézelay town gate – Vézelay loop from Avallon or the Quarré-les-Tombes – Quarré-les-Tombes loop from Villaine.

The distances for these traffic-free gravel trails vary. You'll find routes ranging from approximately 23 km, like the Quarré-les-Tombes loop, up to longer rides around 67 km, such as the Avallon – Magnificent view of Avallon loop.

While enjoying the quiet gravel trails, you can discover several historical and cultural landmarks. Notable attractions include the impressive Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene in Vézelay, the charming Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père, and the historic town of Avallon.

Yes, some routes are specifically named for their scenic beauty. For instance, the Magnificent view of Avallon loop suggests stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape and the town of Avallon.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging terrain, the quiet nature of the trails, and the opportunity to explore historical sites away from busy roads.

The elevation gain on these routes is substantial, contributing to their 'difficult' rating. You can expect ascents ranging from approximately 500 meters, as seen on the Quarré-les-Tombes loop, up to over 850 meters for longer routes like the Avallon loop.

Many routes are centered around or pass near notable towns. For example, routes often start or pass through Avallon, Vézelay, and Quarré-les-Tombes, offering opportunities to explore these charming locations.

Given the 'gravel bike' and 'difficult' classifications, you can expect a mix of unpaved roads, forest tracks, and potentially some rougher sections. These trails are chosen for their low traffic and natural surfaces, providing an authentic gravel biking experience.

Beyond the major religious buildings, you might encounter smaller, equally charming historical spots like the Cordelle Chapel, which adds to the cultural richness of the rides.