The best gravel rides around Les Ulmes
4.5
(15)
128
riders
20
rides
Gravel biking around Les Ulmes offers routes through a landscape characterized by vineyards, forests, and the nearby Loire River. The region features gently rolling countryside, providing varied terrain suitable for gravel bikes. Water features and historical sites are often encountered along the paths, adding points of interest. This blend of natural and cultural elements creates diverse backdrops for exploration.
Best gravel bike trails around Les Ulmes
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – Saumur loop…
Last updated: May 22, 2026
4.8
(8)
55
riders
56.4km
03:17
420m
420m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(1)
11
riders
52.4km
03:37
500m
500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
11
riders
47.7km
03:03
330m
330m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
riders
65.5km
03:53
630m
630m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
14
riders
42.7km
02:32
290m
290m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The sights are good but the terrain is not especially after high winds and heavy rain. Some people might find it tricky to navigate.
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For those who want to discover some art objects.
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The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place with a rich history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey is a unique cultural site! An abbey with a royal destination, a formidable prison is today a place of creation (museum of modern art).
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Simply enjoy the beautiful views over the city but especially over the mighty Loire River.
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A castle-palace of the Dukes of Anjou in the 19th and 19th centuries, the Château de Saumur, where King René resided, is the last example of the princely palaces built by the Valois dynasty. It served as the residence of the city's governors, a prison, and later an arms and ammunition depot. It was purchased by the city in 1906 to house the municipal museum, now the Musée de France. Today, we discover the rich collections scattered throughout the former apartments of the Dukes of Anjou in an educational museography. Want to know more? Click here: https://www.ot-saumur.fr/en/castles-and-country-houses/Saumurcastle-5261718/
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History: In 1454, while ploughing his field, a farmer discovered in the "ardille" (clay, a word that according to legend gave its name to Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers) a stone statuette about thirty centimetres high representing a Pietà. The farmer took it home. Twice he discovered that the Pietà returned to its place of discovery, near a fountain that was already known for its healing properties. From that moment on, devotions developed around this statuette, which was placed in a niche under a stone arch. Jean Olivier, Bishop of Angers, laid the foundations of the Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers chapel. Bishop Gabriel Bouvery, Bishop of Angers, opened the new church on 30 July 1553. It was a place of pilgrimage. The fountain was said to perform miracles. In 1614, thanks to the support of Marie de Medici, the management of the sanctuary was entrusted to the Order of Oratorians. In 1619, they settled in Ardilliers and founded a royal college in 1624. Louis XIII granted it the status of royal chapel and, from 1628 to 1643, the Oratorians built the buildings to the east of the chapel that would house their community, the classrooms and the students' dormitories. From 1634, Richelieu had a chapel built on the north wall of the chapel for votive and funeral purposes. The chapel was closed during the Revolution. The Oratorian house became a barracks and the rotunda was converted into an ammunition store. In 1796, the Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence opened a hospice there for the expelled. In 1798, the hospice became the property of the city of Saumur. The chapel was put back into use in 1799, but was damaged by damp. From 1849, architect Charles Joly-Leterme began restoring the building. The Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence became the owners of the former Oratorian House in 1866. During the Battle of the Cadets, in June 1940, the bombing destroyed the roof structures of the chapel and the Oratorian House. The vault of the nave collapsed. The buildings were restored between 1947 and 1957. The oak frame of the dome was replaced by a concrete shell to reduce the pressure on the walls. The Oratorian House was converted into a school in 1953. In February 2025, a fire broke out. Source Wikipedia
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History: In 1454, while ploughing his field, a farmer discovered in the "ardille" (clay, a word that according to legend gave its name to Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers) a stone statuette about thirty centimetres high representing a Pietà. The farmer took it home. Twice he discovered that the Pietà returned to its place of discovery, near a fountain that was already known for its healing properties. From that moment on, devotions developed around this statuette, which was placed in a niche under a stone arch. Jean Olivier, Bishop of Angers, laid the foundations of the Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers chapel. Bishop Gabriel Bouvery, Bishop of Angers, opened the new church on 30 July 1553. It was a place of pilgrimage. The fountain was said to perform miracles. In 1614, thanks to the support of Marie de Medici, the management of the sanctuary was entrusted to the Order of Oratorians. In 1619, they settled in Ardilliers and founded a royal college in 1624. Louis XIII granted it the status of royal chapel and, from 1628 to 1643, the Oratorians built the buildings to the east of the chapel that would house their community, the classrooms and the students' dormitories. From 1634, Richelieu had a chapel built on the north wall of the chapel for votive and funeral purposes. The chapel was closed during the Revolution. The Oratorian house became a barracks and the rotunda was converted into an ammunition store. In 1796, the Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence opened a hospice for the expelled. In 1798, the hospice became the property of the city of Saumur. The chapel was put back into use in 1799, but was damaged by damp. From 1849, architect Charles Joly-Leterme began restoring the building. The Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence became the owners of the former Oratorian House in 1866. During the Battle of the Cadets, in June 1940, the bombing destroyed the roof structures of the chapel and the Oratorian House. The vault of the nave collapsed. The buildings were restored between 1947 and 1957. The oak frame of the dome was replaced by a concrete shell to reduce the pressure on the walls. The Oratorian House was converted into a school in 1953. A fire broke out in February 2025. Source Wikipedia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Les Ulmes?
Komoot features over 25 gravel bike routes around Les Ulmes. These trails offer a range of experiences, primarily catering to moderate to difficult ability levels, with diverse landscapes including vineyards, forests, and riverside paths.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails near Les Ulmes?
The gravel biking terrain around Les Ulmes is characterized by a harmonious blend of picturesque landscapes. You'll find routes winding through extensive vineyards, offering beautiful views, as well as shaded, winding paths through forests. The region features gently rolling countryside, providing varied cycling experiences without overly strenuous climbs, often alongside the Loire River.
Are there any family-friendly gravel routes in the Les Ulmes area?
While many routes in our guide are moderate to difficult, the broader Les Ulmes area is known for some easier, familial options. For instance, the local 'Circuit Gravel N°18 – Les Ulmes' is described as an easy route situated 'between vineyards and forest', perfect for discovering gravel biking with family. This 11.5 km circuit offers charming natural settings. You can find more information about this type of route on the Anjou Tourisme website: Circuit Gravel N°18 – Les Ulmes.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see while gravel biking around Les Ulmes?
The region around Les Ulmes is rich in historical and natural attractions. You can cycle past impressive sites such as the historic Château de Saumur, the majestic Montreuil-Bellay Castle, or the serene Étang de Joreau. Many routes also follow the scenic Loire Riverside Gravel Trail, offering beautiful views of the river and its surroundings.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails in Les Ulmes?
The gravel biking routes around Les Ulmes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from nearly 30 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse scenery, which includes picturesque vineyards, tranquil forests, and the majestic Loire River. The blend of natural beauty and historical points of interest makes for a truly engaging experience.
Are there any circular gravel routes available near Les Ulmes?
Yes, many of the gravel routes around Les Ulmes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the challenging Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – Saumur loop from Varrains and the scenic Château de Saumur – Saumur loop from Saint-Martin-de-la-Place. These circular routes make planning your ride convenient.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Les Ulmes?
The region's vineyards and forests offer beautiful scenery throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn are generally ideal, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant colors in the vineyards. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially on routes that pass through shaded forest sections. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any routes that explore historical sites like abbeys or castles?
Absolutely. The region is rich in history. For example, the challenging Fontevraud Royal Abbey – Loire Riverside Gravel Trail loop from Saumur takes you through the area surrounding the historic Fontevraud Royal Abbey, a significant landmark. Other routes also pass by various châteaux, offering glimpses into the region's past.
Can I find routes with significant elevation changes or are they mostly flat?
While the general landscape around Les Ulmes is characterized by gently rolling countryside, many gravel routes do feature moderate elevation changes, adding to the challenge and scenic variety. For instance, the Le Thoureil Village – View of the Loire loop from Saumur includes over 600 meters of ascent, providing a more demanding experience with rewarding views.
Where can I find parking for gravel biking routes in Les Ulmes?
Many routes around Les Ulmes start from nearby towns like Saumur or Varrains, where public parking is generally available. It's advisable to check the specific starting point of your chosen route on komoot for detailed parking information, as options can vary. The region is well-equipped to welcome cyclists.
Are there any specific routes that offer views of the Loire River?
Yes, several routes are designed to showcase the beauty of the Loire River. The Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – Saumur Castle loop from Varrains is a great example, offering extensive sections along the river with picturesque views. The river is a defining feature of the landscape, and many trails incorporate its banks into their paths.
What are the typical distances for gravel bike trails in this area?
The gravel bike trails around Les Ulmes vary in length, generally ranging from around 45 km to over 65 km. For example, the Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – Saumur Castle loop from Varrains is about 47.7 km, while the Le Thoureil Village – View of the Loire loop from Saumur extends to 65.5 km, offering options for different endurance levels.
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