The best traffic-free bike rides around Auteuil

There are over 20 traffic-free gravel bike trails around Auteuil, offering a variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and difficult routes to explore.

The terrain around Auteuil, particularly within the adjacent Bois de Boulogne, features a robust network of gravel paths, forest tracks, and wooded areas. While Auteuil itself is urban, these trails quickly transition into natural, unpaved surfaces, offering a true gravel biking experience with varied landscapes and rolling hills.

Spring and autumn are generally ideal for gravel biking around Auteuil. The weather is mild, and the natural scenery of the Bois de Boulogne is particularly beautiful. Summer can be pleasant, but be mindful of potential heat, while winter rides are possible but may involve colder, potentially muddier conditions on some trails.

Yes, the routes cater to various skill levels. While the majority are rated as moderate or difficult, there is at least one easy route available. For example, the Route des Deux Chateaux – Hollande Pond loop from Orgerus - Béhoust is a challenging option, while routes like the Plaisir Church – Plaisir Castle loop from Villiers - Neauphle - Pontchartrain offer a moderate experience.

Many of the gravel bike trails in the wider region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Anne of Brittany Tower – Hollande Pond loop from Garancières - La Queue is a moderate circular route, perfect for exploring without retracing your steps.

While Auteuil itself offers the beautiful Jardins des Serres d'Auteuil, the gravel trails often lead to historical and natural highlights. You might encounter charming castles like the Ruins of the Château de Beynes or the Château des Mesnuls. Religious sites such as Saint Martin's Church, Beynes are also accessible, adding cultural interest to your ride.

Given Auteuil's urban setting, parking can be limited. However, the Bois de Boulogne, which is directly adjacent, offers various parking options. Look for designated parking areas around the park's perimeter, especially near its entrances, to access the gravel trails. Always check local signage for parking regulations.

Auteuil is well-connected by Paris's public transport system, including metro and bus lines. You can easily reach the edges of the Bois de Boulogne, which is the primary area for gravel trails, via public transport. From there, it's a short ride to transition onto the unpaved paths. Check the RATP website for specific routes and schedules.

Many sections of the Bois de Boulogne's gravel trails are relatively flat and wide, making them suitable for families, especially those with older children. For an easier family-friendly option, consider routes with a 'moderate' difficulty rating, such as the 18% hill – Singletrack Through the Ferns loop from Villiers - Neauphle - Pontchartrain, which offers a manageable distance and elevation.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.07 stars. Reviewers often praise the immediate escape from the city into the extensive green spaces of the Bois de Boulogne, the variety of gravel paths, and the ability to find genuinely traffic-free sections so close to Paris.

While the gravel trails themselves are often in natural settings, the Bois de Boulogne has several kiosks and cafes, especially near its lakes and popular areas. Additionally, Auteuil's village-like atmosphere means you'll find charming cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood before or after your ride.