The best cycling routes around Saint-Aubin-Du-Désert

There are nearly 60 touring cycling routes in and around Saint-Aubin-Du-Désert, catering to various skill levels. This includes 3 easy routes, 32 moderate routes, and 24 difficult routes, offering a wide range of options for exploration.

The terrain around Saint-Aubin-Du-Désert is varied, featuring undulating landscapes with significant elevation changes. You'll encounter sandstone rock outcrops, panoramic viewpoints from hills like the Butte de Narbonne, and a mix of forests and areas with scree slopes, particularly within the Alpes Mancelles. Some routes, like sections of the Vélo Francette in Mayenne, utilize unpaved towpaths along rivers, making mountain bikes more suitable than city or racing bikes for those specific stretches.

Yes, the broader Mayenne region, which includes Saint-Aubin-Du-Désert, emphasizes cycle tourism with routes suitable for families. For those with younger children, stages of less than 40 km are recommended. It's important to note that helmets are compulsory for children up to 12 years old in France.

The region offers several interesting sights. You can visit Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, which provides panoramic views, or explore natural formations like the Rochers du Sphinx and the Alpes mancelle viewpoint. Picturesque spots include Lake Izé and the Butte de Narbonne view. Historically, the 11th-century chateau in Sillé-le-Guillaume is also a point of interest.

The Mayenne department generally offers pleasant conditions for cycling during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons provide milder weather, making it ideal to enjoy the varied landscapes and natural features of the region. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Absolutely. The area features 24 difficult routes. For instance, the "Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei – Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei Bridge loop from Gesvres" is a difficult 31.3-mile (50.4 km) path with varied terrain. Another challenging option is the "Mont des Avaloirs viewpoint – Pré-en-Pail loop from Les Perles," a 40.2-mile (64.7 km) trail that includes the highest elevation gain in the area.

The touring cycling routes in Saint-Aubin-Du-Désert are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the scenic beauty of the Mayenne department, and the options available for different skill levels.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the "Saint-Léonard-des-Bois – Saint-Léonard-des-Bois loop from Table d'orientation," a moderate 10.0-mile (16.1 km) trail that features a significant climb and scenic descent.

Yes, there are 3 easy touring cycling routes available. While the region is known for its undulating terrain, these easier options provide a gentler introduction to cycling in the area, often utilizing quieter country lanes and less challenging gradients.

For more details on cycling tourism and routes in the wider Mayenne area, including information on the Vélo Francette, you can visit the Laval Agglomération's tourism website: laval-tourisme.com.

The routes vary significantly in length. You can find shorter, moderate loops around 10 miles (16 km), such as the "Saint-Léonard-des-Bois – Saint-Léonard-des-Bois loop." For more ambitious rides, there are longer, difficult routes extending over 40 miles (64 km), like the "Mont des Avaloirs viewpoint – Pré-en-Pail loop."