The best gravel rides around Selens
5.0
(2)
21
riders
4
rides
Gravel biking around Selens offers a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, dense woodlands, and historical sites. The region features a network of paths suitable for gravel bikes, often traversing quiet country roads and forest tracks. Riders can expect varied terrain, including sections with moderate climbs and descents. The area's natural features and historical architecture, such as the Château de Coucy, contribute to a scenic riding environment.
Best gravel bike trails around Selens
- The most popular gravel bike trail is…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
6
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
11
riders
72.4km
04:32
550m
550m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
riders
35.4km
02:35
510m
510m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
22.0km
01:34
170m
170m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
32.0km
02:11
360m
360m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the Aisne River. The name, "Passerelle des Anglais," refers to the important role the British played in the liberation of Soissons in 1918 and in the reconstruction of the city after the First World War, including the reconstruction of the original bridge, which was destroyed by the German army.
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The banks of the Aisne accessible by bike 👍
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Built on a hillock, the Coucy castle offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
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The Château du Fief Champėtre is a medieval fortress located in Pernant, in the Soissonnais region. It is the historic monumental part of a larger whole, the Pernant estate, which serves as a cultural and musical center. The castle dates from the 14th/15th century and was rebuilt in the 16th century. During the First World War the area was bombed, causing extensive damage to the castle.
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Housed in the former Hôtel de l’Intendance (1775), built on the site of the medieval castle of the Counts of Soissons. The neoclassical building became the town hall in 1834 after the destruction of the previous one. The building has an impressive façade with turrets and statues of historical figures. Inside, original salons, boiseries and a monumental staircase have been preserved – a tangible reminder of the administrative role of Soissons under the Ancien Régime.
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This medieval gate, built in the 13th century, was part of the impressive fortifications of Coucy-le-Château, a town once famous for its castle and its motto: "I am neither king, nor prince, nor count, I am the lord of Coucy ". The Porte de Laon is a massive structure with two round towers and an arched passage, defended by a drawbridge, a double portcullis and a barbican. You can admire the architecture and military devices of this ancient bastion, as well as the panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Selens?
Gravel biking around Selens offers a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, dense woodlands, and historical sites. You'll find a network of paths suitable for gravel bikes, often traversing quiet country roads and forest tracks. Riders can expect varied terrain, including sections with moderate climbs and descents, providing a balanced experience for different skill levels.
Are there any challenging gravel bike routes in Selens?
Yes, Selens offers several challenging routes. For instance, the Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique – Château de Coucy loop from Osly-Courtil is a difficult 45.2-mile (72.8 km) trail with significant elevation gain, taking approximately 5 hours 37 minutes to complete. Another difficult option is the Saint-Gobain Caves – Cross-country area with jumps loop from Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique, which is 31.0 miles (49.9 km) and explores varied terrain with notable elevation changes.
What are some moderate gravel biking options for those looking for a less strenuous ride?
For a moderate experience, consider the Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique – Château de Coucy loop from Guny, a 22.0-mile (35.4 km) route that can be completed in about 1 hour 34 minutes. Another good choice is the Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique – Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique loop from Folembray, which is 25.7 miles (41.3 km) and typically takes around 3 hours 2 minutes.
What historical landmarks or points of interest can I see along the gravel bike trails?
Many gravel bike trails in Selens pass by significant historical landmarks. The prominent Coucy Castle is a key feature, and you can also see the Laon Gate (Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique). For unique natural features, some routes explore areas near Le fond Guesot and the Carrières de Confrécourt, which are caves.
Are there any scenic viewpoints along the gravel routes in Selens?
Yes, you can find scenic viewpoints that offer expansive vistas of the region. A notable spot is the View of Coucy Castle and Surrounding Countryside, which provides a beautiful perspective of the historic castle and the rolling landscape.
How many gravel bike trails are available in the Selens area?
There are at least 5 gravel bike trails documented in the Selens area, offering a variety of distances and difficulties for riders to explore.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about riding in Selens?
The gravel biking routes in Selens are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 2 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the blend of quiet country roads and forest tracks, and the opportunity to pass by historical sites like Château de Coucy.
Are there any loop routes for gravel biking in Selens?
Yes, many of the gravel bike trails in Selens are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Château de Coucy – Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique loop from Folembray and the Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique – Château de Coucy loop from Guny.
What is the longest gravel bike route available in Selens?
The longest gravel bike route in Selens is the Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique – Château de Coucy loop from Osly-Courtil, which spans 45.2 miles (72.8 km) and is considered a difficult trail due to its length and elevation gain.
Is Selens suitable for beginner gravel bikers?
While some routes are challenging, Selens does offer options that can be suitable for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. The region features a network of paths with varied terrain, including sections with moderate climbs and descents. It's recommended to start with shorter, moderate-difficulty loops to get accustomed to the local conditions.
Can I find routes that combine historical sites with natural landscapes?
Absolutely. Many routes in Selens are designed to showcase both the region's natural beauty and its rich history. For example, the Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique – Château de Coucy loop from Osly-Courtil directly passes by the historic Château de Coucy, allowing you to combine a scenic ride with a visit to a significant landmark.
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