The best traffic-free bike rides around La Quarte

There are over 25 no-traffic road cycling routes around La Quarte, offering a variety of distances and difficulties suitable for road cyclists looking for quiet roads.

The region around La Quarte, within the Haute-Saône department, features diverse terrain. You'll find routes through rolling hills, extensive forests, and scenic river valleys along the Saône and Ognon. For those seeking more challenging climbs, the Southern Vosges mountains are also accessible, offering demanding ascents.

Yes, while many routes are moderate, there is at least one easy route available. The Haute-Saône also features tranquil greenways built on old railway lines, which are perfect for relaxed rides through rural areas, though specific routes on these greenways are not detailed here. For a moderate but accessible option, consider the Mount Olivotte loop from Bourguignon-lès-Morey.

For a more demanding ride, the Stone Bridge of Port-sur-Saône – Château de Ray-sur-Saône loop from Ouge covers over 160 km with significant elevation gain. The broader Haute-Saône region is also home to legendary climbs like La Planche des Belles Filles in the Vosges du Sud for advanced cyclists.

The no-traffic road cycling routes around La Quarte are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Cyclists often praise the tranquility of the roads, the picturesque rural landscapes, and the varied terrain that caters to different fitness levels.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Pertes de la Rigotte – Ideal little road loop from Bourguignon-lès-Morey and the Mount Olivotte loop from Fayl-Billot.

The region is rich in natural beauty, including dense forests, rolling countryside, and the valleys of the Saône and Ognon rivers. You might also encounter unique landscapes like the Plateau des Mille Étangs (Plateau of 1,000 Ponds), known as 'Little Finland,' with its mosaic of ponds and wetlands. While specific viewpoints are not listed for every route, the overall scenery is a highlight.

Yes, the Haute-Saône department offers several points of interest. You could pass by the impressive Chateau la Rochelle or the Ruins of Cherlieu Abbey. The region also features traditional washhouses ('lavoirs') in many villages, adding to the historical charm. Further afield, the Château de Ray-sur-Saône and the iconic Notre-Dame-du-Haut chapel in Ronchamp are notable attractions.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in La Quarte, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it's advisable to start earlier in the day to avoid the midday heat. Winter cycling is possible but can be cold, and some routes might be affected by weather conditions.

The Haute-Saône boasts 21 marked cycling loops on low-traffic roads, ranging from easy to arduous. You can find more details about these regional cycling opportunities on the local tourism website: hautesaonetourisme.com.

Many of the routes traverse the tranquil rural landscapes of the Haute-Saône, passing through small villages. While specific cafes are not listed for each route, these villages often provide opportunities for a break or refreshments. Routes along the Saône and Ognon rivers are particularly known for passing through charming areas with historic features.