The best traffic-free bike rides around Les Bois

Komoot offers a selection of over 20 no-traffic gravel bike trails in the Les Bois region. These routes are designed to keep you away from busy roads, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

The terrain in Les Bois varies significantly. In the Swiss Jura, you'll find routes with challenging mountain passes and alpine valleys, featuring both paved and unpaved surfaces. For example, the View of the Doubs – Le Gros-Crêt loop from La Chaux-de Fonds Est covers nearly 40 km with over 1000 meters of elevation gain. Other areas, like those near Chamonix in the French Alps, might offer easier, flatter singletrack with crushed gravel options, suitable for a wider range of skill levels.

While many routes in Les Bois, particularly in the Swiss Jura, can be quite demanding, there are options that are more accessible. Look for routes described as 'moderate' difficulty. The Bahnhofplatz La Chaux-de-Fonds – Le Maillard loop from La Chaux-de-Fonds is a moderate 21.5 km route with over 400 meters of elevation, offering a good balance for families with some cycling experience. The region also features easier paths, especially in areas like the French Alps, which are noted for flatter, easier singletrack.

Les Bois offers diverse natural beauty. In the Swiss Jura, you can explore tranquil moor areas around Étang de la Gruère, or enjoy panoramic views of the Alps from passes like Col de la Vue des Alpes. The broader region features moor lakes, wind turbines, pastures, and forests. If you venture towards areas like British Columbia's Lac du Bois, you'd encounter grasslands, mossy forests, deep canyons, and freshwater lakes.

The best time largely depends on the specific Les Bois region you plan to visit. In the Swiss Jura, late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most favorable conditions, with pleasant temperatures and less chance of snow at higher elevations. Always check local weather conditions, especially for mountain passes, as they can change rapidly.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes in Les Bois are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the View of the Doubs – Tunnel near Lac de Moron loop from La Chaux-de-Fonds-Grenier is a challenging 51 km circular route with over 1200 meters of ascent, offering a full immersion into the landscape.

While many outdoor areas in Les Bois are dog-friendly, specific regulations can vary by region and nature reserve. It's always best to check local signage or official park websites for the specific trail you plan to ride. Generally, dogs should be kept on a leash, and you should always clean up after them to preserve the natural environment for everyone.

The no-traffic gravel trails in Les Bois range from moderate to difficult. You'll find 6 moderate routes and 16 difficult routes. Moderate trails, like the Typical Jura countryside – This is La Sagne. loop from La Chaux-de-Fonds-Grenier (20 km with 312m elevation), are suitable for riders with some experience. Difficult routes often involve significant elevation gains and longer distances, such as the Tunnel near Lac de Moron – View of the Doubs loop from La Chaux-de-Fonds, which is over 45 km with nearly 1100 meters of climbing.

Specific parking information for each trailhead is often available within individual komoot tour descriptions. Generally, you can look for parking facilities near major starting points in towns like La Chaux-de-Fonds or designated parking areas at popular natural attractions. Always ensure you park legally and respectfully.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Les Bois, with an average score of 4.85 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural landscapes, the quiet and traffic-free nature of the trails, and the diverse terrain that offers both challenging climbs and scenic, immersive rides through forests and pastures.

Absolutely. The region is rich in scenic beauty. The Col de la Vue des Alpes is renowned for its fantastic panoramic views. Many routes traverse pastures and forests, offering glimpses of the Jura massif and even the Vosges Mountains. Look for routes that pass by lakes like Étang de la Gruère or include sections along the Doubs river for particularly picturesque stretches.