The best cycling routes around Mons

There are over 30 touring cycling routes available around Mons, catering to various skill levels. While most are considered difficult, there are also several moderate options for those seeking a less strenuous ride.

The terrain around Mons is quite diverse, offering everything from flat paths along canals to varied landscapes with moderate inclines. You'll find routes that follow former railway lines, traffic-free trails through fields, and paths within urban areas. The region's industrial heritage also means some routes trace its past as a coal mining area, providing unique scenery.

Mons offers pleasant cycling conditions through much of the year. Spring and autumn generally provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. While specific winter conditions can vary, the network of paths, including those along canals and former railway lines, can still be enjoyable on milder days.

While many routes around Mons are rated as difficult, there are at least 6 moderate touring cycling routes available, which are suitable for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. These routes often follow flatter sections along canals or through the countryside.

The region around Mons is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle through the expansive forests and wetlands of the Parc naturel des Plaines de l'Escaut, part of the scenic Escaut valley. Some routes also lead to natural highlights such as the Gouffre du Cerisier Natural Pool and Waterfall or along the Old bridge over the Heric stream.

Yes, Mons is rich in history and culture. Cycling routes can take you past the UNESCO-listed Belfry Tower, the Grand Place Square, and the Saint-Waudru Collegiate Church. Further afield, you can reach the Grand-Hornu, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing industrial heritage, or cycle along the Canal du Centre with its historic boat lifts, also a UNESCO site. For scenic views, consider highlights like the Orientation table at Mont Caroux.

The touring cycling routes around Mons are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which includes a mix of canals, former railway lines, and scenic countryside, offering options for both moderate and more challenging rides.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Mons are designed as loops. For example, the Olargues Railway Bridge – Voie Verte Passa Paiis loop from Saint-Martin-de-l'Arçon and the View of Roquebrun – Roquebrun Bridge on the Orb loop from Mons are popular circular options that allow you to start and end in the same location.

Yes, Mons offers readily available bike rentals, including electric options, making it easy to explore the city and its surroundings even if you don't bring your own bike. For more information on bike rental services, you can check resources like world-tourism.org.

Yes, for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Mons offers a significant number of difficult routes. Out of the over 30 available routes, 26 are rated as difficult. These often feature greater distances and more significant elevation changes, such as the View of Olargues Village – Olargues Railway Bridge loop from Mons, which includes substantial elevation gain.

Mons boasts a well-developed cycling infrastructure. This includes a dense network of cycle paths, some of which are UNESCO cycling routes. The Vhello junction system is particularly helpful for navigating and planning custom routes in the Coeur du Hainaut area, making it easy to connect different paths and attractions.

Yes, the region around Mons is known for its routes that utilize former railway lines, offering traffic-free and often scenic paths. An example is the Olargues Railway Bridge – Voie Verte Passa Paiis loop from Mons, which incorporates sections of these historic railway paths.