The best cycling routes around Laval

There are over 440 touring cycling routes recorded in Laval on komoot, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.

Laval's touring cycling routes are characterized by riverine landscapes and gentle elevation changes, often following river courses like the Rivière des Mille Îles and Rivière des Prairies. The terrain is generally gentle, accommodating cyclists of varying skill levels, with a mix of paved and natural surfaces. You'll encounter numerous locks along the waterways, providing a unique scenic element.

Yes, Laval offers many easy routes. A good option for a relaxed ride is the Charming House by the Water – Port Lake loop from Laval, which is 28.3 km long and features gentle terrain. Another easy route is the Charming House by the Water – Laval loop from École Supérieure d'Informatique Électronique Automatique (ESIEA) – Campus de Laval, covering 18.8 km.

For a more challenging experience, consider the Port-Rhingeard Lock – Mirwault Lock loop from L'Huisserie, a difficult 64 km route with significant elevation gain. Another extensive option is the Mirwault Lock – Locks loop from Louverné, which spans over 136 km and is also rated as difficult.

Many of Laval's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the La guinguette de Montflours – Locks loop from Saint-Jean-sur-Mayenne (46.3 km) and the Charming House by the Water – Laval loop from Laval (31.9 km).

Laval's routes offer scenic views of the Rivière des Mille Îles and Rivière des Prairies. You can explore natural highlights like the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, a protected wildlife area, or the Centre de la Nature with its extensive gardens. Many routes also pass by historic locks along the waterways, adding to the picturesque scenery.

Along your cycling routes, you can explore various attractions. Notable landmarks include the Museum of the Old Castle of Laval and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. For natural wonders, consider visiting the Saulges Caves and Prehistory Museum or the tranquil Gué de Selle Pond.

Laval is committed to supporting cyclists, with amenities like bike racks on all STL buses (Cyclobus). This makes it convenient to combine public transport with your cycling adventures, allowing you to reach various trailheads or extend your range without needing a car.

Many routes in Laval blend urban and natural environments. The extensive Route Verte network, which traverses Laval, offers over 30 kilometers of paths with scenic views of the rivers, connecting to both natural areas and urban centers. The Port-Rhingeard Lock – Briacé lock loop from Laval is a moderate 31.8 km route that offers a balanced experience.

The touring cycling routes in Laval are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 470 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the picturesque river paths, and the well-maintained network of trails that cater to various ability levels.

While specific conditions vary, the generally gentle terrain and extensive network of paths make Laval suitable for touring cycling during most temperate seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, a significant portion of the Route Verte, North America's longest cycling network, traverses Laval. This route offers over 30 kilometers of paths within the city, providing scenic views of the Rivière des Mille Îles and Rivière des Prairies, and connecting to other communities. You can access sections of this network from various points in Laval.