The best traffic-free bike rides around Varrains
4.3
(32)
302
riders
29
rides
Gravel biking around Varrains offers routes through the heart of the Saumur-Champigny appellation, characterized by extensive vineyards and rolling countryside. The region's terrain includes riverside paths along the Loire and Thouet rivers, alongside agricultural lands. This diverse landscape provides varied surfaces suitable for gravel biking, from smoother tracks to more rugged sections.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Varrains
- The most popular no traffic gravel bike trail is Château de Saumur – Loire Riverside Gravel Trail loop from Saumur…
Last updated: May 7, 2026
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.
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.
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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.
15
riders
65.5km
03:53
630m
630m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
96.4km
05:40
830m
830m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Varrains
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 Varrains?
There are over 20 dedicated traffic-free gravel bike trails around Varrains, offering a variety of experiences through vineyards, along riverbanks, and across the rolling countryside. These routes are specifically curated to ensure a peaceful and car-free cycling adventure.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these traffic-free gravel routes near Varrains?
The traffic-free gravel routes around Varrains primarily traverse the picturesque vineyards of the Saumur-Champigny appellation and follow scenic riverside paths along the Loire. You can expect a mix of well-maintained gravel tracks, agricultural paths, and some sections through woodlands, providing varied surfaces suitable for gravel biking. The terrain is generally rolling, characteristic of the Loire Valley.
Are there any family-friendly traffic-free gravel routes in the Varrains area?
While many routes offer a moderate challenge, some sections of the riverside trails are suitable for families. For a good starting point, consider routes that stick closer to the Loire River, which often feature flatter, more accessible paths. Always check the route details on komoot for specific difficulty ratings and elevation profiles to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.
Can I bring my dog on these gravel bike trails?
Many of the gravel paths and natural areas around Varrains are dog-friendly, especially those away from busy roads. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash, especially when passing through vineyards or near agricultural lands, and to be mindful of local regulations. Remember to carry water for your pet, particularly during warmer months.
What are the best times of year to gravel bike in Varrains to avoid traffic and enjoy good weather?
The best seasons for gravel biking in Varrains are spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, and the vineyards are either blooming or displaying beautiful autumnal colors. While the routes are designed to be traffic-free, these shoulder seasons also tend to have fewer tourists than the peak summer months, ensuring a more serene experience.
Are there any circular traffic-free gravel routes starting near Varrains?
Yes, many of the gravel routes in the region are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An excellent example is the Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – Saumur Castle loop from Varrains, which offers a moderate 47 km ride with stunning views and minimal road crossings, perfect for a full day out.
What historical landmarks or natural features can I see along the traffic-free gravel trails?
The traffic-free gravel trails around Varrains offer a rich blend of natural beauty and historical sites. You can cycle through extensive vineyards, enjoy the serene banks of the Loire River, and pass by charming villages. Notable landmarks include the majestic Château de Saumur, often visible from riverside paths, and the unique Souzay-Champigny troglodyte site, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient past. The Loire Riverside Gravel Trail itself is a significant natural feature.
Where can I park my car when accessing these traffic-free gravel routes?
Varrains and nearby towns like Saumur offer various parking options. For routes starting directly from Varrains, you can often find street parking in the village. For routes that begin slightly further afield, look for designated parking areas near trailheads or in the centers of small towns like Montsoreau or Turquant, which are often well-equipped for visitors accessing the Loire à Vélo network.
Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the traffic-free gravel trails?
Yes, the region is dotted with charming villages and towns that offer opportunities for refreshments. While cycling through the vineyards and along the Loire, you'll often pass through places like Turquant, known for its artisan shops and troglodyte dwellings, or you can venture into Saumur for a wider selection of cafes and restaurants. Many local wineries also offer tastings and direct sales, providing a unique stop during your ride.
How can I reach the gravel trails near Varrains using public transport?
While Varrains itself is a smaller commune, the nearby city of Saumur is well-connected by regional trains (TER) from major cities like Tours and Angers. From Saumur, you can often find local bus services that connect to surrounding villages, or you can cycle directly from Saumur to access many of the gravel routes, including the Château de Saumur – Loire Riverside Gravel Trail loop from Saumur. Always check current public transport schedules and bike carriage policies in advance.
What is the general difficulty level of the traffic-free gravel routes around Varrains?
The traffic-free gravel routes around Varrains range from moderate to difficult. The majority (16 out of 23) are rated as moderate, suitable for riders with some gravel biking experience and a reasonable level of fitness. There are also 7 more challenging routes, often featuring longer distances or more significant elevation changes. For example, the Loire Riverside at Turquant – Fontevraud loop from Montsoreau is a moderate 30 km ride, while the Le Thoureil Village – View of the Loire loop from Saumur is a more difficult 65 km option.
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