The best traffic-free bike rides around Longchamps

Longchamps offers a fantastic selection of nearly 40 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with options ranging from easy, leisurely rides to more challenging, moderate tours.

Longchamps, particularly the area around the Hippodrome de Longchamp within the Bois de Boulogne, is renowned for its unique cycling environment. The core attraction is the circuit around the famous horse racing track, which provides a safe, largely closed-to-traffic loop of approximately 3.6 to 4 kilometers. This, combined with the Bois de Boulogne's 15 kilometers of dedicated cycle paths and roads occasionally closed to cars on weekends, creates an ideal, traffic-free setting for cyclists of all abilities.

Yes, Longchamps is very welcoming for beginners and those seeking easy rides. The Bois de Boulogne's terrain is generally flat and accessible. You'll find 13 easy routes, perfect for a relaxed pace. For example, the Côte de l'Église de Martagny – Festival photos loop from Amécourt offers a pleasant, manageable ride.

The terrain around Longchamps, especially within the Bois de Boulogne, is generally easy and flat, making it suitable for various fitness levels. While many routes offer gentle gradients, some moderate options include slight inclines. For instance, the Gisors Castle – Gournay-en-Bray loop from Bouchevilliers features around 890 meters of elevation gain over its 111 km, providing a good workout without extreme climbs.

Longchamps is enjoyable for road cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Even in winter, the dedicated paths and circuit remain accessible, providing a consistent training ground, though you should dress appropriately for cooler weather.

Absolutely! The Bois de Boulogne, often called one of the 'lungs of Paris,' provides a picturesque backdrop. You'll cycle through lush greenery, past cedars, oaks, and ginkgo biloba trees. The park also features beautiful lakes like Lac Supérieur and Lac Inférieur, and even waterfalls. While specific viewpoints are less about grand vistas and more about the serene park environment, the natural beauty is constant.

Yes, the area around Longchamps and the Bois de Boulogne is rich in history and attractions. Within the park, you can explore beautiful gardens like Bagatelle Park and the Auteuil Garden. Further afield, you might encounter sites such as Lyons-la-Forêt, the Maurice Ravel House, or the historic Mortemer Abbey, offering cultural stops during your cycling adventures.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in Longchamps, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the dedicated, traffic-free nature of the Hippodrome circuit and the extensive network of paths within the Bois de Boulogne. The ability to train safely and consistently, combined with the beautiful natural surroundings, is frequently highlighted as a major draw.

Yes, Longchamps and the Bois de Boulogne are well-connected by public transport, making them easily accessible from central Paris. Various bus lines serve the park, and metro stations are within reasonable cycling distance, allowing you to reach the traffic-free routes without needing a car.

Given its location within the Bois de Boulogne and proximity to Paris, you'll find various options for refreshments. The park itself has kiosks and cafes, especially near popular areas and lakes. Additionally, the surrounding neighborhoods offer numerous cafes and restaurants where you can refuel before or after your ride.

While the immediate Longchamps circuit is shorter, many routes extend beyond it into the wider region, offering greater distances and moderate challenges. For example, the Château de Gisors – 🛣️🏰 Route du Château Saussard loop from Sérifontaine covers over 50 km with moderate elevation, providing a more extensive ride while still prioritizing quiet roads.

Yes, circular routes are a key feature of cycling in Longchamps. The Hippodrome circuit itself is a perfect loop, ideal for repeated laps. Many of the 39 available routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without retracing your steps. The 🛣️🏰 Route du Château Saussard – Tree-Lined Lane loop from Bouchevilliers is another excellent example of a circular route.