The best cycling routes around Troyes

There are over 650 touring cycling routes available around Troyes, catering to various skill levels and preferences. You'll find a wide selection, from easy rides to more challenging excursions.

The terrain around Troyes is quite diverse. You'll find many flat, accessible routes, especially along the greenways and around the lakes, which are ideal for relaxed rides. However, areas like the Forêt d'Othe or the Champagne vineyards offer more gently rolling sections, providing a bit more challenge for those seeking it.

Touring cycling around Troyes is unique due to its extensive network of greenways and dedicated cycling paths, which connect the historic city with the stunning natural beauty of the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park and its Great Lakes. You can cycle through dense forests, along tranquil canals, and past charming half-timbered houses, offering a blend of nature and history.

Yes, Troyes offers many easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. Over 250 routes are classified as easy, often following dedicated greenways like the Vélovoie des Lacs, which provides a safe and enjoyable experience away from traffic. A great option is the Mesnil-Saint-Père Beach – Inlet canal bridge loop from Mesnil-Saint-Père, which is an easy 15.8 km ride.

While many routes are gentle, some areas around Troyes, particularly in the Forêt d'Othe or the Champagne vineyards, offer more undulating terrain for experienced cyclists. For a longer, moderate challenge, consider the Lac d'Orient – Small island loop from Lusigny-sur-Barse, which covers over 70 km with more elevation gain.

The best areas for scenic touring cycling are undoubtedly the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park and its Great Lakes. The Vélovoie des Lacs greenway offers expansive views of Lac d'Orient, passing by beaches like Mesnil-Saint-Père Beach and through quiet forests. Additionally, the greenways along the Haute-Seine and Great Lakes Seine and Aube canals provide picturesque, bucolic settings.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Troyes are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location without retracing your steps. For example, the Lac d'Orient – Inlet canal bridge loop from La Loge-aux-Chèvres is a popular circular route through the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park.

As you cycle around Troyes, you can explore the city's rich history, particularly its famous half-timbered houses. The Historic Center of Troyes – Old half-timbered houses loop from Troyes is a great way to experience this. Beyond the city, you might encounter historical sites like Ervy-le-Châtel Highlights or even castles such as Château de la Cordelière, depending on your chosen route.

Absolutely. The routes around the Forêt d'Orient lakes offer numerous spots for picnics and breaks. A notable tranquil setting is the shaded rest area of Petit Orient, located on the edge of Lac d'Orient, which provides lovely views of the lake and its aquatic birds.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 1700 reviews. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained greenways, the stunning natural beauty of the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park, and the charming blend of urban and natural landscapes, making it ideal for relaxed and scenic rides.

The best time to cycle around Troyes is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the natural landscapes, especially around the lakes and forests, are at their most vibrant. Summer offers the added benefit of water activities at the lakes.

Yes, the "Vélovoie des Lacs" greenway directly links Troyes to the Great Lakes of the Orient Forest, offering a dedicated 50 km nature trail. This allows cyclists to easily transition from the urban environment to the expansive natural park, enjoying views of Lac d'Orient and its surrounding forests.

Yes, the Troyes region offers excellent opportunities to combine touring cycling with other outdoor activities. After a ride around the Forêt d'Orient lakes, you can enjoy swimming or various watersports. The Espace Faune animal park near Mesnil-Saint-Père is also accessible by greenway, making it a great family-friendly stop.