The best traffic-free bike rides around Saumur
4.4
(72)
669
riders
57
rides
No traffic gravel bike trails around Saumur traverse the diverse landscapes of the Loire Valley, characterized by the majestic Loire River and its tributaries. The region features extensive vineyards, rolling countryside, and unique 'Falun' limestone tracks. These routes also lead through varied wooded environments, including the Courléon massif, offering a mix of surfaces for gravel biking.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Saumur
- The most popular no traffic gravel bike trail is Château de Saumur – Loire Riverside Gravel Trail loop from Saumur, a 32.6 miles (52.4 km) trail that takes 3 hours 37 minutes to complete. This difficult route offers views of the iconic Château de Saumur and follows the Loire River.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Montivert castle – Château de Baugé loop from Baugé, a difficult 59.2 miles (95.3 km) path. This extensive route features significant elevation gain through the rolling countryside.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Loire Riverside at Turquant – Fontevraud loop from Montsoreau, a 18.7 miles (30.1 km) trail leading through riverside paths and past the Fontevraud Royal Abbey, often completed in about 2 hours 1 minute.
- Gravel biking around Saumur is defined by riverside paths, extensive vineyards, and forested trails. The network offers options for various ability levels, from moderate rides through the countryside to more challenging routes with significant climbs.
- The routes in Saumur are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 60 reviews. More than 500 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Saumur's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
5.0
(3)
21
riders
95.3km
06:19
630m
630m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
11
riders
52.4km
03:37
500m
500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(2)
14
riders
57.6km
03:58
280m
280m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
11
riders
47.7km
03:03
330m
330m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
6
riders
30.0km
02:00
270m
270m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The sights are good but the terrain is not especially after high winds and heavy rain. Some people might find it tricky to navigate.
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For those who want to discover some art objects.
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The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place with a rich history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey is a unique cultural site! An abbey with a royal destination, a formidable prison is today a place of creation (museum of modern art).
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Fontevraud-l'Abbaye is located in the natural region of the Loire Valley, listed as a "living cultural landscape" by UNESCO. As its name suggests, the history and present of the municipality are closely linked to the Abbey of Notre-Dame, founded in 1099. The abbey presents the originality of being part of a mixed order, but led by abbesses until the Revolution. was the necropolis of the Plantagenet dynasty. The recumbent figures of Richard the Lionheart, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine are still preserved there. The vast abbey complex was transformed by Napoleon I into a penal colony and then into a "central house". This extraordinary prison closed its doors in 1963. While the abbey church and the various monastic sites were rehabilitated, the entire old abbey has since housed a prestigious cultural centre with, among other things, a renowned art museum, welcoming meetings and artists in residence. Art, history and heritage are highlighted throughout the year.
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A castle-palace of the Dukes of Anjou in the 19th and 19th centuries, the Château de Saumur, where King René resided, is the last example of the princely palaces built by the Valois dynasty. It served as the residence of the city's governors, a prison, and later an arms and ammunition depot. It was purchased by the city in 1906 to house the municipal museum, now the Musée de France. Today, we discover the rich collections scattered throughout the former apartments of the Dukes of Anjou in an educational museography. Want to know more? Click here: https://www.ot-saumur.fr/en/castles-and-country-houses/Saumurcastle-5261718/
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History: In 1454, while ploughing his field, a farmer discovered in the "ardille" (clay, a word that according to legend gave its name to Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers) a stone statuette about thirty centimetres high representing a Pietà. The farmer took it home. Twice he discovered that the Pietà returned to its place of discovery, near a fountain that was already known for its healing properties. From that moment on, devotions developed around this statuette, which was placed in a niche under a stone arch. Jean Olivier, Bishop of Angers, laid the foundations of the Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers chapel. Bishop Gabriel Bouvery, Bishop of Angers, opened the new church on 30 July 1553. It was a place of pilgrimage. The fountain was said to perform miracles. In 1614, thanks to the support of Marie de Medici, the management of the sanctuary was entrusted to the Order of Oratorians. In 1619, they settled in Ardilliers and founded a royal college in 1624. Louis XIII granted it the status of royal chapel and, from 1628 to 1643, the Oratorians built the buildings to the east of the chapel that would house their community, the classrooms and the students' dormitories. From 1634, Richelieu had a chapel built on the north wall of the chapel for votive and funeral purposes. The chapel was closed during the Revolution. The Oratorian house became a barracks and the rotunda was converted into an ammunition store. In 1796, the Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence opened a hospice there for the expelled. In 1798, the hospice became the property of the city of Saumur. The chapel was put back into use in 1799, but was damaged by damp. From 1849, architect Charles Joly-Leterme began restoring the building. The Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence became the owners of the former Oratorian House in 1866. During the Battle of the Cadets, in June 1940, the bombing destroyed the roof structures of the chapel and the Oratorian House. The vault of the nave collapsed. The buildings were restored between 1947 and 1957. The oak frame of the dome was replaced by a concrete shell to reduce the pressure on the walls. The Oratorian House was converted into a school in 1953. In February 2025, a fire broke out. Source Wikipedia
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History: In 1454, while ploughing his field, a farmer discovered in the "ardille" (clay, a word that according to legend gave its name to Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers) a stone statuette about thirty centimetres high representing a Pietà. The farmer took it home. Twice he discovered that the Pietà returned to its place of discovery, near a fountain that was already known for its healing properties. From that moment on, devotions developed around this statuette, which was placed in a niche under a stone arch. Jean Olivier, Bishop of Angers, laid the foundations of the Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers chapel. Bishop Gabriel Bouvery, Bishop of Angers, opened the new church on 30 July 1553. It was a place of pilgrimage. The fountain was said to perform miracles. In 1614, thanks to the support of Marie de Medici, the management of the sanctuary was entrusted to the Order of Oratorians. In 1619, they settled in Ardilliers and founded a royal college in 1624. Louis XIII granted it the status of royal chapel and, from 1628 to 1643, the Oratorians built the buildings to the east of the chapel that would house their community, the classrooms and the students' dormitories. From 1634, Richelieu had a chapel built on the north wall of the chapel for votive and funeral purposes. The chapel was closed during the Revolution. The Oratorian house became a barracks and the rotunda was converted into an ammunition store. In 1796, the Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence opened a hospice for the expelled. In 1798, the hospice became the property of the city of Saumur. The chapel was put back into use in 1799, but was damaged by damp. From 1849, architect Charles Joly-Leterme began restoring the building. The Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence became the owners of the former Oratorian House in 1866. During the Battle of the Cadets, in June 1940, the bombing destroyed the roof structures of the chapel and the Oratorian House. The vault of the nave collapsed. The buildings were restored between 1947 and 1957. The oak frame of the dome was replaced by a concrete shell to reduce the pressure on the walls. The Oratorian House was converted into a school in 1953. A fire broke out in February 2025. Source Wikipedia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic-free gravel bike trails are available around Saumur?
Komoot offers around 50 carefully curated traffic-free gravel bike trails in the Saumur region. These routes are designed to keep you away from cars, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beautiful Loire Valley landscape.
Are there easy gravel bike routes for beginners or families in Saumur?
Yes, Saumur offers several easy gravel bike routes perfect for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride away from traffic. These trails often follow the gentle paths along the Loire River or through quieter vineyard areas. For a moderate option, consider the Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – Saumur Castle loop from Varrains, which offers scenic views without being overly challenging.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on Saumur's traffic-free gravel trails?
Saumur's traffic-free gravel trails offer a diverse range of landscapes. You'll find picturesque riverside paths along the majestic Loire and its tributaries, extensive vineyards with unique 'Falun' limestone tracks, and serene forest paths through areas like the Courléon massif. These varied terrains provide both scenic beauty and a dynamic riding experience.
Are there challenging traffic-free gravel routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, Saumur has 15 difficult traffic-free routes. These often feature more elevation gain and varied surfaces, including sandy forest trails and more technical vineyard tracks. A challenging option is the Château de Saumur – Loire Riverside Gravel Trail loop from Saumur, which covers over 50 km with significant elevation changes.
What historical sites or attractions can I see along the gravel bike trails?
Many traffic-free gravel routes in Saumur pass by fascinating historical and natural attractions. You can cycle past the iconic Château de Saumur, or discover unique troglodyte dwellings carved into the tufa stone. Other routes might lead you near the impressive Montsoreau Castle or the ancient Gallo-Roman Amphitheater Gennes.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Saumur?
The Saumur region is generally pleasant for gravel biking from spring through autumn. Spring offers blooming vineyards and mild temperatures, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage. Summer can be warm, but many forest trails offer welcome shade. Even winter can be enjoyable on the compacted 'Falun' tracks, though some sandy forest trails might be softer after rain.
Can I find routes that offer opportunities for wildlife spotting?
Yes, the diverse natural environments around Saumur, including the Loire River banks and various forests like the Marson woods, provide excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for local birds and other fauna, especially on quieter routes such as the Picnic Table in the Forest – Two donkeys loop from Cuon, which traverses wooded areas.
Are there any circular traffic-free gravel routes available?
Many of Saumur's traffic-free gravel bike trails are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. This is ideal for exploring different landscapes and attractions. An example is the Montivert castle – Château de Baugé loop from Baugé, offering a comprehensive tour.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the Saumur region?
The Saumur region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's unique blend of riverside paths, extensive vineyards, and quiet forest trails that keep riders away from traffic. The rich historical backdrop, including castles and troglodyte dwellings, also adds to the appeal, making for a truly immersive experience.
Are there gravel routes that pass near towns or villages where I can find refreshments?
Yes, several traffic-free gravel routes are designed to pass through or near charming villages and towns in the Saumur region. This allows for convenient stops to refuel at local cafes, bakeries, or pubs. The Loire Riverside at Turquant – Fontevraud loop from Montsoreau, for instance, connects picturesque riverside spots with historical villages.
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