The best road cycling routes around Malbrans

There are over 170 road cycling routes around Malbrans. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 11 easy, 109 moderate, and 51 difficult options available for exploration.

Road cycling around Malbrans offers diverse terrain, from smooth, well-paved surfaces to undulating roads with varying elevation. You'll find routes winding along picturesque riverbanks, through charming villages, and past dramatic cliffs and forests, particularly in the Loue and Doubs valleys.

Yes, there are several easy road cycling routes around Malbrans perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the View of Cléron Castle – Cléron Castle loop from Scey-Maisières is an easy 11.2-mile (18.1 km) trail leading through the scenic Loue Valley.

Many routes offer stunning vistas. You can find viewpoints like the Gouille Noire Viewpoint, which is featured on the Cléron – Gouille Noire Viewpoint loop from Scey-en-Varais route. The region also boasts the Monument of the Virgin, offering breathtaking views over the Loue Valley.

Absolutely. The region is rich in history. You can cycle to see the gardens of Cléron Castle, just 4 km from Malbrans. Further afield, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Citadel of Besançon and the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans are also accessible, with dedicated cycle paths leading to the saltworks.

Yes, the natural landscape around Malbrans is a highlight. You can find routes that pass by the Bout du Monde Waterfall. The Gorges de Remonot, located roughly 36 km from Malbrans, also offer dramatic scenery that can be incorporated into longer rides.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 51 difficult routes available. These routes often feature significant elevation gains and more demanding terrain. The broader Doubs region is known for offering harder rides with substantial climbs.

Elevation gains vary significantly depending on the route's difficulty. For example, a moderate route like the Ornans loop from Ornans covers 28.1 miles (45.2 km) with an elevation gain of approximately 677 meters. Easier routes will have less, while difficult ones will have more.

Many road cycling routes around Malbrans are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Cléron – Gouille Noire Viewpoint loop from Scey-en-Varais and the Ornans – Nice route along the Loue loop from Scey-Maisières.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the picturesque river valleys, undulating roads, and charming villages. The mix of well-maintained roads and stunning natural features like gorges and forests also contributes to a highly enjoyable experience.

The spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the most favorable conditions for road cycling in Malbrans. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant, providing an ideal backdrop for your rides.

While Malbrans itself offers numerous local routes, its proximity to the Doubs Valley means you can access sections of the EuroVelo 6, a major cycling route. This allows for longer-distance rides and connections to greenways that meander below dramatic wooded slopes and rocky ridges. For more information on cycling in the broader region, you can visit France Vélo Tourisme.