The best traffic-free bike rides around Villers-Au-Bois
4.7
(14)
95
riders
14
rides
Gravel biking around Villers-Au-Bois offers routes through the varied landscapes of the Artois plain in Pas-de-Calais. The region features rolling countryside, extensive agricultural plains, and quiet country roads, providing numerous unpaved farm tracks and forest trails. Distinctive features like the historic slag heaps (terrils) and the Mont Saint-Éloi area introduce elevation changes and panoramic views, ideal for no traffic gravel bike trails. These routes allow for an immersive experience in the rural French landscape, often connecting to significant historical sites.
…Last updated: May 8, 2026
4.8
(5)
33
riders
48.1km
02:52
170m
170m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
12
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
riders
68.5km
04:16
600m
600m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
6
riders
102km
06:55
910m
910m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
37.1km
02:29
240m
240m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Villers-Au-Bois
Tips from the Community
Philosophe British Cemetery is located in Mazingarbe and is managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). The cemetery contains the graves of 1,996 Commonwealth soldiers who died during the First World War, of whom 277 are unidentified. The cemetery was established in August 1915 and was used by various divisions until October 1918.
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A poignant story from Philosophe British Cemetery concerns Private Reginald Albert Twyford of the East Surrey Regiment. He died on 8 August 1916, at the young age of 15. His gravestone bears the inscription: "No King Or Saint Hath Tomb So Proud As He Whose Flag Becomes His Shroud," reflecting the deep honour and respect accorded even to the youngest soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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Small hill over 500 meters through fields and woods, with a positive elevation gain of 26 meters.
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ideal place to improve your mountain bike/gravel/cyclocross technique between the trees, short and steep climbs, descents...
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This is the oldest mining town still in existence in the Pas-de-Calais Mining Basin. The preservation of the carins (outbuildings) and the voyettes (alleys) has allowed it to maintain its integrity. By preserving what already exists and assigning it new uses, the project preserves and adapts the town to new ways of living and to environmental issues.
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Lined with vegetation, this canal offers a bucolic setting where it is pleasant to ride a bike, along the shaded banks. The reflections of the trees in the calm water create a serene atmosphere, ideal for recharging your batteries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available around Villers-Au-Bois?
There are over a dozen dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Villers-Au-Bois, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. These routes take you through the serene landscapes of the Artois plain, away from busy roads.
Are there any easy no-traffic gravel routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there is at least one easy no-traffic gravel route. For a gentle ride, consider the Scarpe riverbanks – The Scarpe by bike loop from Anzin-Saint-Aubin. This route offers a pleasant experience along the riverbanks, perfect for those new to gravel biking or looking for a relaxed outing.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on these gravel bike trails?
The trails around Villers-Au-Bois traverse diverse landscapes. You'll find yourself cycling through rolling countryside, vast agricultural plains with quiet farm tracks, and lush woodlands. The region also features unique historical slag heaps (terrils) and offers panoramic views from areas like Mont Saint-Éloi.
Can I find routes that include scenic viewpoints or natural attractions?
Absolutely. Many routes offer scenic views, particularly from elevated points like Mont Saint-Éloi, which provides panoramic vistas over the Scarpe valley. You can also explore natural features such as the Loos-en-Gohelle slag heap or the Bray Chalk Quarry, which are accessible via nearby trails.
Are there any historical sites I can visit while gravel biking?
Yes, the region is rich in history. You can incorporate visits to significant World War I sites into your rides. Notable attractions include the solemn Notre-Dame-de-Lorette National Cemetery and the impressive Canadian National Vimy Memorial. These sites offer a poignant historical context to your outdoor adventure.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Villers-Au-Bois?
Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Villers-Au-Bois, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. During warmer months, the forested sections of trails provide welcome shade. Winter riding is also possible, though some unpaved sections might be muddier.
Are there any long-distance or challenging gravel routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are several difficult routes. For example, the View of Olhain – Extra for a break loop from Marœuil covers over 100 km with significant elevation gain, offering a demanding and rewarding experience. Another challenging option is the Lac de Beugin – La Comté Waterfall loop from Marœuil.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes around Villers-Au-Bois?
Many of the gravel bike trails in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Scarpe riverbanks – The Scarpe by bike loop from Marœuil is a moderate circular route that offers varied terrain and scenic views.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails in this region?
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Villers-Au-Bois, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the no-traffic routes, the diverse landscapes from rolling hills to forests, and the opportunity to combine cycling with visits to historical sites.
Is there public transport access to the starting points of these gravel trails?
While Villers-Au-Bois itself is a smaller village, the broader Pas-de-Calais department has a regional public transport network. It's advisable to check local bus or train schedules for connections to larger towns like Arras or Lens, from which you might be able to cycle to the trailheads. However, direct public transport to every starting point may be limited.
Where can I find more information about gravel biking in the Pas-de-Calais region?
For additional resources and information specific to gravel biking in the wider Pas-de-Calais department, you can consult regional cycling portals such as vtt-hautsdefrance.fr. This can provide broader context and potentially more routes in the surrounding areas.
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