The best gravel rides around Clerques

There are over 5 gravel bike trails around Clerques, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult. These routes explore the diverse landscapes of the Hem River valley and the Boutonnière du Boulonnais.

Gravel biking around Clerques features a varied terrain, including verdant river valleys, wooded sections, open farmland, and extensive country lanes. You'll encounter both flatter sections and areas with significant elevation changes, characteristic of the 'Boutonnière du Boulonnais' region.

Yes, Clerques offers several challenging routes. For instance, the Behind Guemy – Chapelle Saint-Louis de Guémy loop from Nordausques is a difficult 38.6-mile (62.1 km) trail with significant elevation gain. Another difficult option is the Saint-Louis Chapel of Guémy – Along the Houlle River loop from Nordausques, which explores the river valley with challenging climbs.

While Clerques is inland, its location in Pas-de-Calais means you can find routes that extend towards the stunning Opal Coast. The Cap Blanc Nez – View from Cap Blanc-Nez loop from Nortkerque is a difficult 82.6-mile (132.9 km) route that incorporates dramatic headlands like Cap Blanc-Nez, offering spectacular coastal views.

Many routes pass by historical and scenic points of interest. You can visit the historic Saint-Louis Chapel of Guémy, which offers panoramic views. The Château de Colembert, an 18th-century castle, is also accessible on some routes. Other highlights include the World War Memorial at Ardres and various charming churches like Église Notre-Dame de Graces.

Yes, for a moderate ride, consider the Behind Guemy – Saint-Louis Chapel of Guémy loop from Ardres. This 13.8-mile (22.2 km) trail leads through the Boutonnière du Boulonnais and can typically be completed in about 1 hour 50 minutes, offering a less strenuous option.

The gravel biking routes around Clerques are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 3 reviews. Many of the 33 visitors who have explored the area praise the varied terrain and scenic beauty of the Hem River valley and the Boutonnière du Boulonnais.

Yes, many of the gravel bike trails around Clerques are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Behind Guemy – Chapelle Saint-Louis de Guémy loop from Nordausques and the Behind Guemy – Saint-Louis Chapel of Guémy loop from Ardres.

Clerques, being in a maritime and wooded region, offers pleasant conditions for gravel biking through much of the year. Spring and autumn typically provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also suitable, though it can be warmer. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for potentially wetter and cooler conditions on country lanes.

Absolutely. Clerques serves as an excellent base for exploring the broader Pas-de-Calais department. Its diverse terrain, from river valleys to farmlands, connects well with the extensive network of country lanes. You can also plan longer rides that reach the stunning Opal Coast, incorporating paths along the Vélomaritime EuroVelo 4 route for a varied adventure.

Yes, the region is known for its scenic viewpoints. The Saint-Louis Chapel of Guémy, built on Mount Saint-Louis, is a prominent landmark that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is often included in gravel routes like the Behind Guemy – Chapelle Saint-Louis de Guémy loop from Nordausques.