The best gravel rides around Forest-Montiers

There are over 15 gravel bike trails around Forest-Montiers, offering a variety of experiences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars.

The region offers diverse terrain for gravel biking, including coastal paths along the Bay of Somme, marsh trails through areas like the Crotoy Municipal Marsh, and forest tracks within the Forest of Crécy. This mix provides both flat, scenic sections and more varied surfaces.

Yes, Forest-Montiers has several easy and moderate gravel routes. For a relatively flat and scenic ride, consider the Saint-Valery-sur-Somme Lock – Cycle path along the Canal Somme loop from Saint-Valery Canal, which follows the Canal Somme. Another option is the Cycle path along the Canal Somme – Kanal der Somme loop from Morlay, which takes you through marshland areas.

Many routes offer stunning views. You can experience the vastness of the Baie de Somme, especially from coastal paths. The Cape Hornu near Saint-Valery-sur-Somme provides panoramic views of the bay. For birdwatching, the Panoramic view of Marquenterre Park and the Marquenterre Park Observatory are excellent spots.

Absolutely. Many of the gravel routes around Forest-Montiers are designed as loops. For example, the popular Le Crotoy – Cap Hourdel Lighthouse loop from Rue offers coastal views and returns to your starting point. Another option is the Parc du Marquenterre – Le Crotoy loop from Gare du Crotoy.

Yes, several routes allow you to explore the region's cultural heritage. The Saint-Valery-sur-Somme Lock – Cycle path along the Canal Somme loop from Saint-Valery Canal starts near Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, allowing you to visit the Saint-Valery-sur-Somme Old Town and its Port of Saint-Valery. You can also explore Le Crotoy Waterfront and Historic Murals on routes passing through Le Crotoy.

The diverse landscapes of Forest-Montiers, with its coastal areas, marshlands, and forests, make it suitable for gravel biking across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Winter rides can be invigorating, especially through the Forest of Crécy, though some marshland paths might be wetter.

The region is rich in biodiversity. The On the Seagull Route, which passes through the Crotoy Municipal Marsh, is known for its wildlife, including storks, swans, ponies, and Highland cows. The nearby Parc du Marquenterre is also an acclaimed ornithological reserve, excellent for birdwatching.

Gravel routes around Forest-Montiers vary in length and duration. You can find shorter rides, like the Cycle path along the Canal Somme – Kanal der Somme loop from Morlay at about 21.6 miles (34.7 km) taking around 2 hours 30 minutes. Longer options, such as the Le Crotoy – Cap Hourdel Lighthouse loop from Rue, cover about 42.4 miles (68.3 km) and typically take around 4 hours 30 minutes.

While many routes are moderate, the region's network allows for combining sections to create longer, more challenging rides. The The Somme canalised – Around Long Lock loop from Hautvillers-Ouville, at over 54 km, offers a good distance for those seeking a longer day out.

For additional information about the Forest-Montiers area and its attractions, you can visit the official Somme Tourism website: somme-tourisme.com.