The best road cycling routes around Criel-Sur-Mer

There are over 15 road cycling routes around Criel-Sur-Mer, offering a variety of experiences. These include routes ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, ensuring options for different fitness levels.

Road cycling in Criel-Sur-Mer features a diverse landscape. You'll find routes along dramatic coastal cliffs offering panoramic views of the English Channel, as well as tranquil paths through the verdant Yères Valley with its wetlands and meadows. Most routes are predominantly on paved surfaces, providing a smooth experience.

Yes, Criel-Sur-Mer offers several road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families. For example, the Criel Beach – Tolerance Square loop from Résidence du Mas is an easy route that allows for a pleasant ride without excessive challenge.

The routes vary in length and duration. You can find moderate rides like the Promenade Bruno Garraud – View of Mers-les-Bains loop from Criel-sur-Mer, which is about 16 miles (25.6 km) and takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. Longer excursions, such as the Saint-Aubin Church – Briançon Manor loop from Criel-sur-Mer, can be over 33 miles (53.8 km) and take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

While Criel-Sur-Mer primarily features easy to moderate routes, some offer significant elevation gain for a good workout. For instance, the Ault Chalk Cliffs – Cliffs of Ault loop from Criel-sur-Mer covers nearly 31 miles (49.4 km) with over 560 meters of elevation, providing a more demanding ride.

Many routes offer stunning natural sights. You can cycle past the dramatic La Cise Cliff, enjoy panoramic views from the Viewpoint overlooking the cliffs of Le Tréport, or explore the ecologically important Salt Meadows of Criel-sur-Mer. The peaceful pebble beaches of Criel and Mesnil-Val are also accessible.

Yes, several routes incorporate historical and cultural points of interest. You might pass by the historic Manoir de Briançon, which now serves as the town hall, or the charming Saint Martin's Church. The Belle Époque houses of Mers-les-Bains are also a notable sight on some coastal rides.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.75 stars. Reviewers often praise the blend of dramatic coastal scenery with tranquil inland valleys, the well-maintained paved surfaces, and the variety of routes that cater to different abilities.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Criel-Sur-Mer are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Saint-Aubin Church – Briançon Manor loop from Criel-sur-Mer and the Ault Chalk Cliffs – Cliffs of Ault loop from Criel-sur-Mer.

Yes, Criel-Sur-Mer is part of the Vélomaritime® – EuroVelo 4, a major coastal cycling route in Normandy. The broader Seine-Maritime department is recognized for its extensive network, offering over 600 km of cycle routes and approximately 1,000 km of cycling loops, connecting Criel-Sur-Mer to diverse landscapes from flax fields to chalk cliffs.

The region is generally appealing for outdoor activities, including cycling, throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and often less crowded routes, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

While specific parking details for each route are best checked on individual tour pages, Criel-sur-Mer, as a coastal town, typically offers various parking options, especially near popular beaches or town centers, which can serve as convenient starting points for your rides.