The best traffic-free bike rides around Les Ulmes
4.5
(15)
127
riders
17
rides
Gravel biking around Les Ulmes offers diverse landscapes within the Loire Valley, characterized by its valleys, the Loire River, and extensive forests. The region features rolling countryside with a mix of terrains, including vineyard tracks and serene country lanes. Unique "Falun" tracks, made from fine white limestone, provide varied riding conditions through vineyards and forests. This area is ideal for exploring no traffic gravel bike trails.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Les Ulmes
- The most popular no traffic…
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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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.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
94.6km
05:27
260m
260m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Les Ulmes
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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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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Very nice gravel along the banks of the Loire. Know that you are not alone here. Enjoy together, each at their own pace.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available around Les Ulmes?
There are 12 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Les Ulmes, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult. These routes allow you to explore the region's diverse landscapes without encountering vehicle traffic.
Are there any easy or family-friendly no-traffic gravel routes in Les Ulmes?
While our listed routes are primarily moderate to difficult, the broader Saumur Val de Loire region, where Les Ulmes is located, is known for its family-friendly options. The 'Gravel circuit N°18' in Les Ulmes, for example, is an easy 11.5 km route perfect for families, winding through vineyards and forests. Our guide features 10 moderate routes that could be suitable for experienced families or those looking for a slightly longer, yet manageable, ride.
What kind of terrain can I expect on no-traffic gravel trails near Les Ulmes?
You'll encounter a diverse mix of terrain. The region is characterized by its valleys, riverside paths along the Loire and its tributaries, extensive forests, and numerous vineyards. A unique feature is the 'Falun' tracks, made from fine white limestone, which offer varied conditions—compacted and dusty in summer, and more technically challenging with reduced grip after rain. Expect a blend of smooth paths and more rugged tracks.
What are the typical lengths and durations of these no-traffic gravel routes?
The no-traffic gravel routes around Les Ulmes vary significantly in length and duration. You can find tours ranging from approximately 47 km, like the Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – Saumur Castle loop from Varrains which takes around 3 hours, up to nearly 96 km, such as the View of the Loire – Château de Saumur loop from Saumur, which can take over 5.5 hours to complete.
What can I see along the no-traffic gravel bike trails around Les Ulmes?
Many routes offer stunning views and pass by significant landmarks. You can expect to see the majestic Loire River, vast vineyards, and charming villages. Several trails also lead past historic castles, such as the iconic Château de Saumur, or the impressive Montreuil-Bellay Castle. Keep an eye out for unique troglodyte dwellings carved into the rock, which are often found along these paths.
Are there any circular no-traffic gravel routes available?
Yes, all the no-traffic gravel routes listed in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end your ride at the same point. For example, the Château de Saumur – Loire Riverside Gravel Trail loop from Saumur offers a scenic circular journey.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Les Ulmes?
The Loire Valley is beautiful throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with vineyards in bloom or displaying rich fall colors. Summer can be warm, but the compacted 'Falun' tracks are generally dry and fast. Winter conditions can make the 'Falun' tracks more technically challenging due to reduced grip after rain, but the quiet trails can still be rewarding for experienced riders.
Can I find routes that offer views of castles or other historical sites?
Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic gravel routes are designed to showcase the region's rich history. For instance, the View of Château de Chinon – Château de Chinon loop from Varrains provides excellent views of the historic Château de Chinon. The Château de Saumur – Loire Riverside Gravel Trail loop from Saumur also features the stunning Château de Saumur.
Are there any advanced or difficult no-traffic gravel routes for experienced riders?
Yes, this guide includes several challenging routes for experienced gravel bikers. For example, the View of the Loire – Château de Saumur loop from Saumur is a difficult 96 km route with significant elevation gain, offering a demanding yet rewarding experience.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails in Les Ulmes?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, the tranquility of the no-traffic routes, and the unique experience of riding through vineyards and along the Loire River. The blend of natural beauty and historical attractions, such as castles and troglodyte sites, also receives frequent positive mentions.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting on these trails?
Yes, the region's diverse natural environment, particularly within the Loire-Anjou-Touraine natural park and along the riverbanks, provides excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. As you cycle through forests and along quiet paths, you might encounter various bird species, small mammals, and other local fauna that thrive in this protected landscape.
Can I find routes that pass through vineyards or offer wine-tasting opportunities?
Many gravel paths in the Les Ulmes area wind directly through vineyards, offering picturesque views and an immersive experience in the heart of the Loire Valley wine region. While the routes themselves don't typically include specific wine-tasting stops, passing through these areas provides a perfect opportunity to explore local wineries and cellars independently, often just a short detour from the main trail.
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