The best traffic-free bike rides around Longsols

This guide features three dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Longsols, offering a range of distances and challenges. These routes are carefully selected to provide a serene cycling experience away from vehicular traffic.

The gravel trails around Longsols offer a diverse mix of surfaces. You can expect well-maintained paths, more rugged forest trails, white roads, and rural and farm tracks. This variety ensures an engaging experience, especially as you traverse the extensive forests and lakeside paths within the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a longer challenge, the route Lusigny-sur-Barse Spillway – Inlet canal bridge loop from Mesnil-Sellières covers over 103 km with significant elevation gain, making it a demanding yet rewarding option. Another challenging route is the Lac d'Orient – Velovoie de Lacs loop from Mesnil-Sellières, spanning nearly 90 km.

The trails primarily explore the stunning landscapes of the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park. You'll cycle through extensive oak forests and along the shores of the park's three large artificial lakes: Lac d'Orient, Lac du Temple, and Lac Amance. These areas are known for their diverse habitats and are excellent for birdwatching.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the beautiful lakeside scenery, and the immersive experience of cycling through the vast forests of the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park.

Yes, a great option for a moderate challenge is the Lusigny-sur-Barse Spillway – Lac d'Orient loop from Parking du point de vue du Croît. This route is approximately 68 km long with a moderate elevation gain, offering a balanced ride through scenic landscapes.

While Longsols itself is a smaller commune, the broader Aube region and the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park are accessible. However, direct public transport links specifically for accessing the start points of these gravel trails might be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car to reach the trailheads, especially for the more remote starting points.

Many of the routes, such as the Lusigny-sur-Barse Spillway – Lac d'Orient loop, start from designated parking areas like the Parking du point de vue du Croît. For other routes, look for parking facilities near the villages mentioned as starting points, such as Mesnil-Sellières, which often have public parking available.

The best time for gravel biking around Longsols is typically from spring to autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the natural beauty of the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park is at its peak. Spring brings lush greenery, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer is also pleasant, though it can be warmer.

While the routes in this guide are generally longer and rated moderate to difficult, the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park also features well-signposted 'greenways' (Voies Vertes) and dedicated cycle paths, including a 25km loop around Lac d'Orient. These often incorporate forest tracks and varied landscapes suitable for families, though some sections may be paved. For shorter, easier options, look for these dedicated cycle paths within the park.

Yes, the villages and towns surrounding the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park and the lakes, such as Lusigny-sur-Barse or Mesnil-Sellières, often have local cafes, bakeries, or small restaurants where you can stop for refreshments. It's always a good idea to check opening hours, especially in smaller communities.