The best road cycling routes around Calonne-Ricouart
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Road cycling routes around Calonne-Ricouart traverse a landscape shaped by its mining history, featuring re-naturalized slag heaps and accessible natural parks. The region offers dedicated cycling infrastructure, including paved "voies vertes" built on former railway lines, providing smooth, traffic-free experiences. These routes often wind through woods and along rivers, offering varied scenery. The terrain generally presents gentle gradients, with some routes incorporating unique elevation changes from former industrial sites.
Best road cycling routes around Calonne-Ricouart
- The most popular road cycling…
Last updated: July 10, 2026
14
riders
49.7km
02:07
350m
350m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
23
riders
82.4km
03:40
570m
570m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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8
riders
55.7km
03:23
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
16
riders
50.7km
02:06
180m
180m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5
riders
72.4km
03:08
590m
590m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Located in the immediate vicinity of Béthune town center, the Public Garden is an exceptional space. With its lake and listed kiosk, it's the ideal place to stroll, take a walk, and relax. (c) https://www.bethune.fr/cadre-de-vie/parcs-et-espaces-verts/le-jardin-public-741.html
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A very well-known place for pilgrims and a good tavern which recently reopened: LA TABLE DE ST BENOIT.
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Marles-les-Mines is an iconic town in the mining region. It's home to the mining museum and the last remaining headframe. Standing 25 meters tall, the small Vieux II headframe is a must-see in the region's mining heritage.
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The patron saint of the marginalized, Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, was born in 1748 in the picturesque village of Amettes. He is better known as "God's Traveler." A French mendicant pilgrim, he traveled the roads of Europe, from sanctuary to sanctuary until his final stop: Rome. He was canonized in 1881. The birthplace of Saint Benedict Joseph, a small chalet, has become an important pilgrimage site in Artois, dedicated to his memory and housing his belongings.
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The Bornes Vauthier are a series of sculptures created in the 1920s by the artist Paul Moreau-Vauthier to mark the front line of the First World War. They are located in Belgium and France and are one of the routes set up to keep the memory of the war alive. The Bornes Vauthier consist of a series of granite monoliths marking the front line as it was in July 1918, during one of the last Allied offensives. A total of 240 Bornes Vauthier are planned, from the North Sea to the Swiss border, between Nieuwpoort in Belgium and Mooslargue near Altkirch/Belfort on the Franco-Swiss border.
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In the main square opposite the Belfry. The widest range of pastries you can wish for.
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Very nice little hillside street
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Patron saint of the marginalized, Saint Benoît-Joseph Labre was born in the picturesque village of Amettes in 1748. He is better known as the “wanderer of God”. A French beggar pilgrim, he traveled the roads of Europe going from sanctuary to sanctuary until his final stop: Rome. He was canonized in 1881. The birthplace of Saint Benoît-Joseph, a small country cottage, has become a major place of pilgrimage in Artois dedicated to his memory bringing together objects that belonged to him.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around Calonne-Ricouart?
The region offers a unique blend of landscapes. You'll find many routes on paved "voies vertes" (greenways) built on former railway lines, providing smooth, traffic-free experiences. These often wind through woods and along rivers. The area's mining heritage also means some routes incorporate re-naturalized slag heaps, offering distinctive elevation changes and panoramic views.
Are there routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easy ride?
Yes, Calonne-Ricouart has options for all abilities. The paved "voies vertes" are generally flat and ideal for easy rides. For example, the Nico loop from Calonne-Ricouart is an easy 26.3 km route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed cycling experience.
What are some challenging road cycling routes in the area?
For cyclists seeking a greater challenge, routes with significant elevation gain are available. The Ruins of Mont-Saint-Eloi Abbey – Abbey of Mont Saint-Éloi loop from Calonne-Ricouart is a difficult 125.8 km trail featuring nearly 1000 meters of elevation gain, offering a demanding ride through the regional landscape.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while cycling?
The routes often pass by interesting natural and historical sites. You can cycle past the serene Lac de Beugin, or explore areas shaped by mining history like the Terril de Fouquereuil. Many routes offer views of these re-naturalized slag heaps, which provide unique backdrops.
Are there any family-friendly cycling options in Calonne-Ricouart?
Absolutely. The region is known for its focus on leisure tourism and accessible outdoor activities. The paved "voies vertes" are excellent for families, as they are traffic-free and offer a peaceful environment. The local municipality actively promotes "soft mobility" options, making it a great place for family cycling.
What do other road cyclists think about the routes in Calonne-Ricouart?
The road cycling routes around Calonne-Ricouart are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained greenways and the unique landscapes that blend natural beauty with industrial heritage.
Can I find circular road cycling routes around Calonne-Ricouart?
Yes, many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Lac de Beugin loop from Calonne-Ricouart is a popular 31.6 km circular trail that takes you through varied terrain.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Calonne-Ricouart?
While specific recommendations vary, the region's generally gentle gradients and well-maintained paths make it enjoyable for cycling through much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours for extended rides.
Are there any historical sites or castles accessible by bike?
Yes, the broader area around Calonne-Ricouart features several historical points of interest. You might encounter sites like Olhain Castle or the Bours Keep, which add a cultural dimension to your ride. The Birthplace of Saint Benoît – Petite Côte de Fiefs loop from Calonne-Ricouart is another route that passes by a significant historical location.
How many road cycling routes are available in the Calonne-Ricouart area?
There are over 40 road cycling routes available around Calonne-Ricouart, offering a wide variety of distances and difficulty levels to suit different preferences and fitness levels.
Are there specific routes that highlight the region's mining heritage?
Yes, the area's past as a coal mining basin has left a distinctive landscape. Some cycling routes traverse areas that were once active mining sites, with former slag heaps, known as "terrils," now integrated into recreational areas. These provide unique elevation changes and panoramic views, such as those found near the View of the Terrils du Pays à Part.
Where can I find more information about cycling on former railway lines in France?
Calonne-Ricouart is part of a larger network of "voies vertes" built on old railway lines. For more general information about cycling on these unique paths across France, you can visit France Vélo Tourisme.
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