The best road cycling routes around Lac De L'Uby

There are over 30 road cycling routes to explore around Lac de l'Uby, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and some more challenging options.

Yes, Lac de l'Uby offers several easy routes. A great option is the Circuit from lake Uby, which is about 31.2 km with moderate elevation gain, taking around 1 hour and 27 minutes. The lake's banks also feature shaded paths accessible to all, perfect for a relaxed ride.

The region around Lac de l'Uby is characterized by rolling countryside and surrounding forests, with mostly well-paved surfaces. You'll encounter varied terrain as routes traverse the departments of Gers and Landes, offering a blend of serene waterscapes and bucolic settings.

For those seeking a more demanding ride, consider the Labastide-d'Armagnac – Our Lady of Cyclists loop from Barbotan-les-Thermes. This moderate 67.4 km path navigates through rolling countryside and requires good fitness for its approximately 2-hour 45-minute duration. Another option is the Jean Bartherotte Arena – Labastide-d'Armagnac loop from Barbotan-les-Thermes, a 58.1 km trail through the Gascony Moors.

The central feature is Lac de l'Uby itself, an 80-hectare lake. Many routes offer picturesque views of the lake and the surrounding Uby Valley. You'll also cycle through the scenic Gascony Moors, characterized by heathland and forests. The nearby spa resort of Barbotan-les-Thermes is another point of interest.

The region is generally pleasant for cycling, but summer offers the added benefit of supervised swimming and water sports at Lac de l'Uby. The surrounding forest is described as very pleasant for sports, suggesting spring and autumn also provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery.

Absolutely. The Lac de l'Uby leisure park offers a range of family-friendly amenities, including a swimming pool, paddling pool, water games, an adventure park with a zip line over the lake, tennis courts, and a skatepark. There are also shaded picnic areas and barbecue facilities, making it a great spot for a family day out after a ride.

Given the lake's popularity as a leisure hub, you can typically find parking facilities at the Lac de l'Uby leisure park itself, which serves as a central point for many activities and routes. Specific trailheads for routes often have designated parking areas nearby.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the blend of serene waterscapes and rolling countryside, as well as the well-paved surfaces that make for enjoyable rides. The diversity of routes, from easy loops around the lake to more challenging excursions through the Gascony Moors, is also frequently highlighted.

The area around Lac de l'Uby, particularly near Barbotan-les-Thermes, offers various amenities. You can find cafes and restaurants in the nearby towns. Barbotan-les-Thermes is a spa resort, so accommodation options, including wellness centers, are available for cyclists looking to relax after their rides.

Yes, Lac de l'Uby is a versatile destination. Besides road cycling, you can enjoy supervised swimming, a large sandy beach, and water sports like pedal boats, paddles, and canoes. The surrounding forest also has fitness trails for hiking, and the leisure park offers various sports facilities. For more details on water activities, you can visit Barbotan Tourisme.

Elevation gain varies significantly by route. For easier rides like the Circuit from lake Uby, you might encounter around 280m of elevation. More moderate routes, such as the Mauléon-d'Armagnac – Jean Bartherotte Arena loop from Larée, can have over 420m of elevation, providing a good workout without being overly strenuous.