The best MTB trails around Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud
4.3
(53)
201
riders
47
rides
Mountain bike trails around Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud, located in the Deux-Sèvres department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, traverse a rural and verdant environment. The region is characterized by its charming landscaped bocages, part of the Gâtine poitevine natural area, and is intersected by the winding Palace river. Elevations range from 132m to 231m, offering varied terrain for mountain biking.
Best mountain bike trails around Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Lac des Effres de Secondigny – Le Beugnon and its little pond loop from Secondigny, a 19.3 miles (31.0 km) trail that takes 2 hours 36 minutes to complete. This difficult route features significant elevation gain around water bodies.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Along the Thouet – Parthenay leisure center loop from Parthenay, a moderate 19.1 miles (30.7 km) path. This route follows the Thouet river, offering scenic views along its course.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Old Clécé station loop from Fénery, a 20.2 miles (32.6 km) trail leading through the Gâtine poitevine landscape, often completed in about 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud is defined by its bocage landscapes, winding rivers, and rural paths. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes, catering to various ability levels.
- The routes in Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 170 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
3.7
(3)
13
riders
37.0km
02:45
360m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.7
(6)
9
riders
30.7km
02:05
290m
290m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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5.0
(1)
8
riders
32.6km
02:15
260m
260m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
8
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.0
(2)
7
riders
26.1km
01:51
210m
210m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Tips from the Community
The old Clécé train station marks a stop on the old railway line converted into a greenway. The disused building, with its simple lines and exposed timbers, is a perfect resting spot for a break.
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The Saint-Pardoux Church is an emblematic Romanesque building in the Dordogne region, particularly in Saint-Pardoux-et-Vielvic, and has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1925. Built in the 12th century, it retains its single barrel-vaulted nave and a choir with a semicircular apse. A major renovation carried out in the 17th-18th centuries redefined its western façade and added a bell tower arcade. 🏛️ Architecture and Heritage Plan and structure: a single nave preceded by a Romanesque choir, with a pointed barrel vault and triumphal arch resting on 13th-century engaged columns. Decoration: vegetal capitals and archivolts adorned with geometric motifs (chevrons, triangles, rays), typical of Auvergne Romanesque art. Bell tower: bell tower arcade or pediment, rebuilt in the 17th-18th centuries, typical of the Périgord region. ⛪ History Founded in the 12th century, the church was remodeled in the 13th century with the addition of side chapels and ribbed vaults. Its atypical structure—not oriented toward the east—reflects of a plan adapted to the terrain and the needs of the community
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The Thouet, a peaceful river in western France (142 km), crosses several departments before flowing into the Loire. Its name, of Gallic origin, evokes "tranquility." Why stroll along the Thouet? Bucolic walks The landscaped banks around Parthenay offer a green and peaceful path, popular for walking or cycling. The "Along the Thouet" route (approximately 5–6 km) is classified as easy, punctuated by picnic tables, pétanque courts, and recreational areas.
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Picturesque walk: Strolling along the bridge at the foot of the walls, with the tranquil waters of the Thouet River and the reflections of the arches, is a moment of pure bliss. Historical immersion: Walk in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims, protected by this powerful military structure, all in a still-authentic setting. Iconic photo: The view from the bridge—or from the banks slightly downstream—offers a perfect frame to capture the gate and its towers reflected in the river.
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The fortified Saint-Jacques bridge (or “citadel bridge”) in Parthenay is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, bordered by its high walls and almond-shaped towers, offering an exceptional setting when the Thouet is reflected in the water.
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Things to See & Do Ramparts: With approximately 30 semicircular towers, the granite walls symbolize medieval urban robustness. Ruined Castle: All that remains of the castle is a round tower (perhaps the keep) and sections of walls restored since the 1980s. Panoramic Walk: The rampart path offers splendid views of the Thouet Valley and the Saint-Paul district.
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History & Architecture Medieval Construction: Built in the early 13th century under the aegis of John Lackland, the citadel rests on a natural promontory reinforced by three defensive walls, towers, and ramparts. Castle and Bastion: Its original, isolated castle included towers such as the Powder Tower and the Harcourt Tower. In the 15th century, Arthur de Richemont added the bastille and an artillery boulevard. Citadel Gate (or Clock Gate): The gatehouse is flanked by two almond-shaped towers and topped with a clock tower. A granite staircase provides access to the guardroom and the patrol path.
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The citadel of Parthenay, nicknamed the "little Carcassonne of the West", is one of the city's heritage jewels, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the bend of the Thouet River.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are there in Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud?
There are over 45 mountain bike trails around Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find 2 easy routes, 33 moderate routes, and 10 difficult routes to explore.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud?
The terrain around Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud is characterized by its rural and verdant environment, featuring charming landscaped bocages and the winding Palace river. Elevations range from 132m to 231m, providing a mix of gentle slopes and more challenging ascents through cultivated land, meadows, and hedgerows.
Are there easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud offers 2 easy mountain bike trails, perfect for beginners or families looking for a more relaxed ride. These routes allow you to enjoy the scenic bocage landscapes without significant technical challenges.
Are there challenging mountain bike trails for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 10 difficult mountain bike trails around Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud. An example is the Lac des Effres de Secondigny – Le Beugnon and its little pond loop from Secondigny, which covers 31.0 km with over 470m of elevation gain.
What are some scenic points or natural features to look out for on the trails?
Many trails offer views of the picturesque Gâtine poitevine landscape, known for its hedgerows and trees. You can also expect to encounter the winding Palace river and various water bodies. For instance, the Along the Thouet – Parthenay leisure center loop from Parthenay follows the Thouet river, offering scenic views. The area also features the Forêt domaniale de Secondigny, providing extensive green spaces.
Can I bring my dog on the mountain bike trails?
While many trails in rural areas are generally dog-friendly, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially when passing through agricultural land or near livestock. Please respect local signage and regulations regarding pets on specific routes.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud?
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud, with milder temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it's advisable to ride earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Are there circular mountain bike routes available?
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Old Clécé station loop from Fénery is a 32.6 km circular trail through the Gâtine poitevine landscape.
What amenities are available near the mountain bike trails?
Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud and nearby towns offer various amenities. You'll find places to eat and drink, as well as accommodation options. The Plan d'eau de Saint-Aubin-le-Cloud provides picnic areas, and you might find rest areas specifically for cyclists, such as the Rest area for cyclists near Parthenay.
How can I get to the mountain bike trails, and is parking available?
Access to the trails is generally straightforward, with many routes starting from villages or designated parking areas. While specific public transport options directly to trailheads might be limited in this rural area, driving and parking in the towns like Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud, Secondigny, or Parthenay is usually the most convenient way to access the routes.
What makes mountain biking in Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud unique?
Mountain biking in Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud offers a unique experience due to its location within the Gâtine poitevine natural region. The area is defined by its distinctive bocage landscapes – a mosaic of small fields enclosed by hedges and trees – combined with winding rivers and varied terrain, providing a tranquil and scenic backdrop for your rides.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud?
The mountain bike trails in Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 40 reviews. Riders often praise the beautiful rural scenery, the variety of terrain, and the peaceful atmosphere of the bocage landscapes.
Are there any specific long-distance cycling routes that pass through the area?
Yes, the significant 120 km "Le Thouet à vélo" itinerary passes through the region around Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud. This route emphasizes secure paths within bucolic landscapes, making it an excellent option for longer cycling explorations.
Are there any forests or green spaces to explore by mountain bike?
Yes, the nearby Forêt domaniale de Secondigny, spanning almost 430 hectares, offers extensive green spaces and wooded areas that can be explored by mountain bike. The overall rural environment, with its mix of cultivated land and meadows, also provides plenty of natural beauty.
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