The best gravel rides around La Maxe
4.3
(60)
335
riders
73
rides
Gravel biking around La Maxe is characterized by its proximity to the Moselle and Seille rivers, offering routes that often follow waterfront paths and explore the surrounding countryside. The terrain includes gentle gradients along riverbanks and some more challenging sections with notable elevation gains, particularly towards areas like Blocaus plappeville. The region provides a mix of open landscapes, vineyard-covered hillsides, and paths through varied natural settings suitable for gravel cycling.
Best gravel bike trails around La Maxe
- The most popular…
Last updated: July 16, 2026
4.8
(23)
83
riders
37.2km
02:06
180m
180m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
25
riders
41.8km
02:58
520m
520m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.4
(7)
38
riders
23.6km
01:21
60m
60m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
10
riders
42.0km
02:56
320m
320m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
riders
45.9km
02:37
320m
320m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
the city of Metz is very charming and green
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It's called the "Lantern of God" because St. Stephen's Church in Metz has almost three times the window area of Chartres Cathedral. Many great artists have attempted to design it – for the 800th anniversary, it will be a woman for the first time.
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Built between 1220 and 1522, it is the result of the merging of two separate churches. With its 42-meter-high nave, it is one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe. Its 6,500 square meters of stained-glass windows have earned it the nickname "Lantern of the Lord." Created in the 16th and 18th centuries by Hermann von Münster, Thiébault de Lixheim, Valentin Bousch, Jacques Villon, and Marc Chagall, these masterpieces of fire and light are a true encyclopedia of glass art.
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Fort Plappeville, renamed Fort Alvensleben in 1872, is a military installation northwest of Metz. It is part of the first fortified belt of Metz, built during the Second Empire by Napoleon III. The first fortified belt of Metz consists of the forts Saint-Privat (1870), Queleu (1867), Bordes (1870), Saint-Julien (1867), Gambetta, Déroulède, Decaen, Plappeville (1867), and Saint-Quentin (1867). Most of them were still unfinished in 1870, when the Franco-Prussian War broke out.
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A spectacular building from 2010, the first branch of Paris's famous Centre Pompidou, a museum of contemporary art. A white, curved roof is stretched across many exposed wooden beams. Inside, the tube-like exhibition spaces are stacked one above the other in a star shape, with enormous panoramic windows at the ends offering views of the city and the surrounding area.
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Of the original 17 city gates, only the German Gate in the east remains. Named after the former hospital of the Teutonic Order, which stood nearby, it was built as an entrance to the city on a bridge over the Seuille River. A medieval structure straight out of a picture book.
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Architecturally interesting and well-designed underpass under the tracks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around La Maxe?
There are over 80 gravel bike trails around La Maxe, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.
What is the general difficulty level of gravel biking in La Maxe?
The gravel bike trails around La Maxe offer a mix of difficulties. You'll find 16 easy routes, 49 moderate routes, and 21 difficult routes. The terrain varies from gentle riverside paths to more challenging sections with significant elevation gains, especially towards areas like Blocaus plappeville.
Are there any beginner-friendly gravel bike trails in the La Maxe area?
Yes, beginners can enjoy several easy routes. For a scenic and relatively flat ride, consider The Moselle at Metz – View of the River Moselle loop from Metz, which follows the Moselle river with minimal elevation gain.
What are the typical lengths of gravel bike trails in the La Maxe area?
The trails vary significantly in length. For example, the easy The Moselle at Metz – View of the River Moselle loop from Metz is about 24.6 km (15.3 miles), while the moderate Moselle Left-Bank Cycle Path – View of the River Moselle loop from Metz extends to 52.0 km (32.3 miles).
Are there any circular gravel bike routes around La Maxe?
Many of the gravel bike trails in the La Maxe area are designed as loops. For instance, the challenging Plan d'Eau de Metz – Blocaus plappeville loop from Metz and the moderate Blocaus plappeville – Le Petit Canada loop from Vantoux are both circular routes.
What kind of views or natural features can I expect along the gravel routes?
The routes often follow the Moselle and Seille rivers, offering picturesque waterfront views. You'll also encounter open landscapes and varied natural settings. Some trails, like those near Blocaus plappeville, provide elevated perspectives of the surrounding countryside.
What historical landmarks or attractions can I see near the gravel bike trails?
The region around La Maxe is rich in history. You can explore highlights such as the impressive Porte des Allemands and Metz Cathedral, the historic Fort Saint-Quentin, or the charming Mercy Castle. Many routes pass close to these points of interest, especially those starting from Metz.
Are there any lakes or water features to visit along the gravel routes?
Yes, the area features several beautiful lakes and water bodies. You might pass by Coulange Wood Lake, a Recreation lake, or the scenic Swan Lake. The Moselle Canal is also a prominent feature of the landscape.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in La Maxe?
The gravel bike trails around La Maxe are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 90 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the beautiful riverside paths, and the well-maintained routes that cater to various skill levels.
Where can I find parking when planning a gravel bike ride near La Maxe?
Many routes start from Metz, where public parking options are available. For routes originating outside the city, look for designated parking areas near trailheads or local villages. Specific parking details are often provided within individual route descriptions on komoot.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking around La Maxe?
Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking around La Maxe, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially along the shaded riverside paths, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter riding is possible, but check local conditions for ice or snow, particularly on less-trafficked paths.
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