The best gravel rides around Beauvais

Beauvais offers a wide selection of gravel biking opportunities, with over 60 routes available. These range from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

The terrain around Beauvais is quite diverse, featuring wooded hills, riverside paths along the Thérain and Oise rivers, and sections of greenways built on old railway lines. You'll encounter a mix of unpaved segments, country roads, and some elevation changes, particularly in the Oise Normande and French Vexin areas. Routes like Beauvais to Breteuil-Embranchement – Tour de l'Oise gravel specifically explore the Oise region with varied surfaces.

Yes, Beauvais has several routes suitable for beginners. For example, the Plan d'eau du Canada – Plan d'Eau du Canada loop from Troissereux is an easy 18.2 km route, perfect for those new to gravel biking. The region also features greenways that offer relatively flat and traffic-free paths.

Absolutely. Experienced riders looking for a challenge can explore routes with significant elevation gain and longer distances. The Beauvais to Breteuil-Embranchement – Tour de l'Oise gravel is a difficult 70.2 km path, and the Hunting Castle – Pond and Château de la Chasse loop from Chambly is a demanding 92.6 km route with over 700 meters of elevation gain.

Many gravel routes in Beauvais pass by significant historical and natural sites. You can cycle past the impressive Beauvais Cathedral, known for its Gothic choir, or explore the Plan d'Eau du Canada leisure center. Routes like the one from Beauvais to Saint-Germer-de-Fly pass by the historic Saint-Germer-de-Fly Abbey Church. The region also features charming villages like Gerberoy, classified as one of France's most beautiful, and various ponds and wooded areas.

While specific named viewpoints aren't always marked, the region's 'bucolic scenery' and wooded hills offer many picturesque spots. Routes traversing the Oise Valley or the Plateau Picard, such as Beauvais to the Memory Cycle Route via the Plateau Picard, provide scenic views over rolling landscapes and river valleys. The L'Isle Adam – View of La Plongeuse loop from Champagne-sur-Oise also suggests specific scenic spots.

Yes, many gravel routes around Beauvais are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Banks of the Oise River – L'Isle Adam loop from Chambly, the Beauvais Cathedral – Plan d'Eau du Canada loop from Beauvais, and the Plan d'eau du Canada – Plan d'Eau du Canada loop from Troissereux.

Parking is generally available in and around Beauvais, especially near popular starting points for trails. For routes originating in Beauvais itself, you can often find parking in the city center or near major attractions like the Plan d'Eau du Canada. For routes starting in smaller towns like Chambly or Troissereux, local parking options are usually present.

Beauvais is well-connected by regional public transport, including train services that can bring you to the city from Paris and other nearby towns. From Beauvais, you can access many trailheads directly. For routes starting in surrounding villages, local bus services might be an option, though it's advisable to check specific routes and schedules in advance, especially regarding bike transport.

Yes, the region offers family-friendly options, particularly on the greenways and flatter riverside paths. The Plan d'eau du Canada – Plan d'Eau du Canada loop from Troissereux is an easy route that could be suitable for families. The general presence of greenways, often utilizing old railway lines, provides safe and relatively smooth surfaces away from traffic, ideal for family outings.

Beauvais and the surrounding towns offer various facilities. In Beauvais itself, you'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. Smaller villages along routes, such as Gerberoy, also have charming local eateries. For longer rides, it's a good idea to plan your stops in advance, especially when venturing into more rural areas.

The gravel biking routes around Beauvais are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 30 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from wooded hills to river valleys, and the blend of natural beauty with historical charm. The variety of routes, catering to different skill levels, is also a common highlight.