The best traffic-free bike rides in Forêt De Voisines

There are several dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails in the Forêt De Voisines area, offering a range of distances and difficulties. You can find routes like the challenging 17th-Century Wine Press – Laundry loop from Saligny or the easier View of Pont-sur-Yonne loop from Cuy.

The Forêt De Voisines and the wider Yonne department offer a diverse gravel biking experience. You'll encounter a mix of terrains, including white roads that wind through vineyards, classic forest tracks, and picturesque country paths through bocages and charming villages. The relief is generally moderate, making it adaptable for various skill levels.

Yes, there are options suitable for beginners. For instance, the View of Pont-sur-Yonne loop from Cuy is classified as an easy route, covering approximately 23 km with minimal elevation gain, perfect for those new to gravel biking or looking for a relaxed ride.

Absolutely. For experienced gravel riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Chigy Watermill – Chapelle de la Charmée loop from Malay-le-Grand offer nearly 50 km of riding with significant elevation changes. Another demanding option is the Start of the greenway in Sens loop from Saint-Denis-lès-Sens, which is over 50 km long.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You'll cycle through predominant deciduous forests, across chalky plateaus, and past dry grasslands. The Yonne River's meanders create distinctive landscapes with forests and wet meadows. The wider Parc National de Forêts, which encompasses this area, is known for its ancient trees and diverse flora and fauna, offering many scenic moments.

Yes, the moderate relief and extensive network of trails, particularly those designated as no-traffic, make the Forêt De Voisines suitable for family outings. Choosing shorter, easier routes like the 'View of Pont-sur-Yonne loop from Cuy' can provide a pleasant and safe experience for families.

The Forêt De Voisines is enjoyable for gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with blooming wildflowers or vibrant fall foliage. Summer can also be great, especially for rides within the shaded forests. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While the primary draw is nature, the wider Yonne region and Parc National de Forêts offer cultural heritage. You might encounter charming villages, and the area reflects a long-standing relationship between humans and the forest. Further afield, historical sites like the Château de Saint-Fargeau and the vineyards of Chablis provide additional cultural enrichment.

Specific parking information for each route start point is often detailed within the individual tour descriptions on komoot. Generally, you can find parking in or near the villages where the loops begin, such as Saligny, Malay-le-Grand, Saint-Denis-lès-Sens, or Cuy.

While direct public transport to specific trailheads within the forest might be limited, the Yonne department has train stations in larger towns like Sens. From there, you might need to cycle or arrange local transport to reach the starting points of the gravel routes. Planning ahead is recommended.

The Forêt De Voisines, nestled within the Yonne department and part of the Parc National de Forêts, is renowned for its extensive network of quiet forest tracks, white roads, and country paths. Its moderate relief and diverse landscapes, combined with a focus on car-free routes, create a peaceful and immersive gravel biking experience away from busy roads.