4.3
(3)
30
riders
7
rides
Gravel biking around Thérouanne offers diverse terrain across rolling landscapes, picturesque villages, and historic sites in the Hauts-de-France region. The area features a mix of paved roads, unpaved tracks, and forest paths, providing varied surfaces for off-asphalt exploration. The River Lys valley and surrounding hills contribute to a varied topography, with "belles bosses" (nice hills) adding a challenging element. This region provides a blend of natural beauty and historical context for gravel riders.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
6
riders
47.0km
02:48
200m
200m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
52.6km
04:11
770m
770m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4
riders
55.9km
04:11
680m
680m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
32.1km
02:09
390m
390m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
32.1km
02:09
400m
400m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Thérouanne was Sigeric's 77th stop on his return from Canturbey's pilgrimage to Rome. In the 19th century, this fortified town was a French enclave within the German Empire, but was razed by Charles V in 1553. On the hill north of the town are the remains of one of the first cathedrals built in the Gothic style in France. The famous Great God of Thérouanne, which adorned one of the portals, is now housed in Saint-Omer Cathedral.
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Founded in 1889, this abbey was built in the Gothic style. Listed as a Historic Monument, it consists of several buildings, including two castles. Today, it is home to around twenty Benedictine nuns of all ages. The monastery is partially open to the public: the abbey church, parlor, and shop are accessible.
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The Pont de Thiennes is a traffic bridge located on the Leie, connecting the municipalities of Thiennes and Aire-sur-la-Lys. The bridge was inaugurated in 2014. It is built of Soignies granite and was financed by the state (33.9%) for war damage, by the department of Pas-de-Calais (33.05%) and by the department of Nord (33.05%). The bridge is equipped with a lifting system to allow the passage of boats.
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From 1859 onwards, the permanent church was built and in 1860 the tower was built. In 1865 the choir was restored and in 1866 a new sacristy was built. This church was consecrated in 1872. The stained glass windows of this church show the coats of arms of the bishops of the former diocese of Thérouanne. They were installed in 1901-1902.
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Thérouanne is stop 77 of Sigeric on his return journey from Canterbury to Rome. The town is also located on the historic road between Boulogne and Arras (Chaussée Brunehaut). In the 16th century, this fortified town was a French enclave within the German Empire, but was razed to the ground by Charles V in 1553. On the hill to the north of the town lie the remains of one of the first cathedrals built in the Gothic style in France. The famous Grand dieu de Thérouanne, which once adorned one of the portals, is now in the cathedral of St-Omer.
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The neo-Gothic church was built before 1597 and replaced another building from the 11th century, which stood near the current chapel of Notre-Dame des Affligés. It was partially rebuilt in 1855. The tower dates from 1683. The originality of this construction lies in the fact that the bell tower is not above the entrance door, but above the choir. The door is simply formed by a pointed arch decorated with a pentacle. The first two bays of the nave are built of red brick and the last two in chalk. The four bays of the nave also have a pointed arch. The bell tower is formed by a gable wall that projects above the nave. The buttresses on this side are placed in line with the wall, creating a flat surface. The buttresses of the bell tower on the choir side are well placed on the corners
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There are 7 gravel bike trails around Thérouanne listed in this guide, offering a variety of experiences. These include 4 moderate routes and 3 more challenging options for experienced riders.
The terrain around Thérouanne is quite varied, perfect for gravel biking. You'll encounter a mix of paved roads, unpaved tracks, and forest paths. The region features rolling countryside, the valley of the River Lys, and even some 'belles bosses' (nice hills) to add a challenging element. Many routes traverse forest roads closed to traffic and small country roads, providing diverse surfaces for off-asphalt exploration.
The gravel biking routes in Thérouanne are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the peaceful canals, and the historic sites integrated into the routes, making for a rich cycling experience.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are several difficult routes. One notable option is the Saint-Omer Valley – Pihem Ravine loop from Pihem, which covers 52.6 km with significant elevation gain. Another challenging route is the Saint Martin Church – Saint-Léger Church, Cléty loop from Pihem, spanning 55.8 km.
Absolutely. Thérouanne offers several moderate-difficulty gravel routes. A popular choice is the Château de la motte au bois – The Thiennes Bridge loop from Roquetoire, a 47 km trail that traverses rolling landscapes. Other moderate options include the Pihem Ravine – Le Moulin Pidoux loop from Heuringhem (32 km) and the Pihem Ravine – Le Moulin Pidoux loop from Wisques (31.5 km).
Thérouanne is rich in history. You can integrate visits to historical sites into your rides. The town itself has an archaeological site. Nearby attractions include the Saint-Pierre Collegiate Church of Aire-sur-la-Lys, and the The Dome. The Pays de Saint-Omer region, which encompasses Thérouanne, also offers cultural heritage and picturesque villages.
Yes, the region offers tranquil natural settings and scenic views. The valley of the River Lys provides picturesque landscapes, and the broader Hauts-de-France region has lush forests. Routes often follow waterways, such as the Greenway along the Aa, offering scenic views of canals and rural areas. You can find more inspiration for exploring the region's natural beauty by bike on tourisme-saintomer.com.
The varied terrain of Thérouanne makes it suitable for gravel biking across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. While specific weather conditions can vary, the region's accessible relief means that even in cooler months, many paths remain enjoyable. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
While this guide focuses on moderate to difficult routes, the generally accessible relief and mix of paved and unpaved paths in the broader Thérouanne area can be suitable for families. Look for routes with less elevation gain and shorter distances if riding with children. The tranquil natural settings along the Lys river could offer a pleasant experience for families.
Yes, some routes in the area incorporate waterways. For instance, the Greenway along the Aa is a feature of some trails, offering scenic views of canals and rural areas. The region's character is often described as 'hill and dale, rural and wild,' with the Lys river contributing to this picturesque setting.
For more information about cycling opportunities, including gravel, in the broader Pays de Saint-Omer region, you can visit the official tourism website: tourisme-saintomer.com. They provide insights into the diverse landscapes and cycling potential of the area.


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