The best traffic-free bike rides around Cherbonnières
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77
riders
12
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No traffic touring cycling routes around Cherbonnières offer an exploration of the Charente-Maritime department's diverse landscape. The region features a rolling countryside characterized by a patchwork of fields, picturesque villages, and impressive French architecture. Cyclists can expect to traverse valleys, vineyards, and dense woodlands, alongside tranquil rivers and marshes. Limestone cliffs also contribute to the varied scenery, providing a rich backdrop for cycling adventures.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Cherbonnières
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route…
Last updated: May 7, 2026
44.9km
02:38
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
28
riders
40.5km
03:17
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
20.0km
01:16
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
7.08km
00:25
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Cherbonnières
Tips from the Community
Hidden through the alleys are some pretty graphs!
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Magnificent Graff' seen during a walk.
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Magnificent We can also have a picnic
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A typical village in this region, slightly dilapidated but very charming.
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A must-see visit alongside this abbey on a magnificent circuit
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The walls of the nave were doubled by means of arcades and it was endowed with a new chevet and a new bell tower. With an elegant silhouette and intact in its southern part, it is openworked with four twin bays on semicircular arches on two floors. The interior has a nave with three bays. A bay separates the nave from the front choir vaulted in blocks of rubble which, very narrow, supports the bell tower. The semi-circular apse is vaulted in cul-de-four. The 19th century side chapel, dedicated to Saint Anthony, is located on the left as you enter. Vaulted in a broken cradle, it has a stucco altar whose base has five broken arch bays. A very beautiful ornate wooden balcony dating from the end of the 19th century is located at the interior entrance of the church. The statue of Notre-Dame de Fontdouce, known as "the Virgin and Child" was sculpted by a monk from the Abbey of Fontdouce around the 15th century. It has been kept in the church of Saint Bris des Bois since the revolution and was once a destination of pilgrimage. On the back wall, a semicircular stained glass window indicates the names of the parish priest, Mr. Hague, and the mayor at the time, Mr. Lévécot (1904). The Priory of St Robert: the chapel destroyed during the wars of religion, the campanile is still in place. Saint Robert once had a great reputation, at the end of the 19th century, children suffering from certain illnesses were still brought there "before sunrise". The church was listed as a Historic Monument in 1973. To visit it you will have to pay your tribute just the price of a slight effort ....... the church is located at the top of the hill overlooking the village and adjoining the cemetery.
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Towards the end of the 12th century, an abbey church was built. At the beginning of the 13th century, attached to the west of the first Romanesque abbey, a Gothic-style cloister was gradually built. The abbey reached its peak from this period: in addition to its priories (la Grainetière in Vendée and la Tenaille near Pons), it owned land within a radius of 100 km, including saltworks on the coast. In the 15th century, Fontdouce obtained the title of royal abbey leading to a profound change in its mode of administration: the abbot was no longer elected by his peers within the community but was appointed by the king. It is often a great layman to whom the king grants the commendation, that is to say 80% of the income of the abbey. Then, the wars of religion, in the 16th century, accelerated its decline. The abbey church is ransacked: it will never be rebuilt. The years following the French Revolution also brought their share of destruction: several buildings, including the refectory, disappeared. The last monks were driven out in 1793 and the following year the site was sold as National Property to serve as agricultural property. The farmer who bought the place then built, on the remains of the conventual buildings, a house in the First Empire style. In the 1820s, Fontdouce entered the family of the current owners who, on December 16, 1986, had the Gothic parts, chapter house and parlor classified as historical monuments2. From 1970, the current owners undertook a series of excavations intended for the restoration of the Abbey of Fontdouce. They are gradually bringing the beautiful chapter house and the Gothic parlor back to life, the two superimposed Romanesque chapels and several other remains. These restoration works earned them third prize in the masterpiece in danger competition in 1979. In 1986, the site was entirely classified as a Historic Monument1. Today, Fontdouce remains a private property, focused on tourist and cultural activities, supported in its development actions by a team of enthusiasts grouped together within the Association Guillaume de Conchamp.
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Overlooks a large park at the edge of the aerial. Slide for children and football cage. Picnic table and benches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Cherbonnières?
There are 12 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Cherbonnières featured in this guide. These routes range in difficulty from easy to moderate, offering options for various skill levels.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Cherbonnières?
The Charente region, where Cherbonnières is located, is known as one of the sunniest regions in France. This makes spring and autumn ideal for touring cycling, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful landscapes of fields and vineyards. Summer also offers great conditions, but it can be warmer.
Are there any easy, traffic-free routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are 3 easy routes designed for a relaxed pace, perfect for beginners or families. One such route is the Mornay Castle loop from Saint-Pardoult, which covers 22.9 km with minimal elevation gain. Another easy option is the Church of Bagnizeau loop from Matha.
What kind of scenery can I expect on these no-traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes around Cherbonnières traverse a beautiful rolling countryside, characterized by a patchwork of fields of bright sunflowers and ripening wheat. You'll cycle through picturesque villages, past impressive French architecture, and often alongside vineyards and quiet woodlands. The Charente River also meanders through the wider region, offering tranquil views.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the routes are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Abbey of Fontdouce from Matha — loop and the Altes Dörfchen loop from Gourvillette are excellent circular options.
What interesting historical sites or natural attractions can I see along these routes?
The region is rich in Romanesque art and historical sites. While cycling, you might encounter charming churches and abbeys. For instance, the Abbey of Fontdouce from Matha — loop takes you past the historic Fontdouce Abbey. The Mornay Castle loop from Saint-Pardoult offers views of the impressive Mornay Castle.
Are the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Cherbonnières dog-friendly?
While specific routes may not explicitly state 'dog-friendly,' the general nature of quiet country roads and greenways in the Charente region often allows for cycling with well-behaved dogs, especially if they are accustomed to bike trailers or running alongside. Always ensure your dog is on a leash where required and respect local regulations.
Are there places to eat or drink along the routes?
Many routes pass through or near picturesque villages where you can find local cafes, bakeries, or small restaurants to refuel. It's always a good idea to check opening hours in advance, especially in smaller hamlets, or pack some snacks and water for longer stretches.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Cherbonnières?
The komoot community rates the touring cycling experience around Cherbonnières highly, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's tranquil, traffic-free roads, the beautiful rolling countryside, and the charming villages encountered along the way, making for a truly relaxing and picturesque cycling adventure.
Are there more challenging no-traffic touring routes for experienced cyclists?
Yes, the guide includes 9 moderate routes for those seeking a longer ride or slightly more varied terrain. These routes typically cover distances between 20 km and 45 km with moderate elevation changes. An example is the Altes Dörfchen loop from Gourvillette, which is 40.5 km long with over 300 meters of elevation gain.
Can I reach the starting points of these routes by public transport?
Cherbonnières and its surrounding rural areas have limited public transport options. While some larger towns in the Charente-Maritime department may be accessible by regional buses or trains, reaching the specific starting points of these rural cycling routes often requires personal transport. It's advisable to plan your logistics accordingly.
Are there options for parking near the starting points of these routes?
Given the rural nature of Cherbonnières and the starting points of many routes in small villages or hamlets, you can often find free parking in village squares or designated areas. Always be mindful of local parking regulations and private property.
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