4.9
(6)
90
riders
16
rides
Mountain bike trails in Bois Ballu traverse a significant 349-hectare forest in Normandy, France, offering a varied landscape for cycling. The area features a diverse arboreal composition with both deciduous and coniferous trees, creating dynamic scenery and varied terrain. This forest is situated within a region known for extensive mountain biking opportunities, including numerous marked trails in surrounding areas like the Ecouves forest. The terrain includes undulating paths through woodlands, with some routes featuring historical landmarks.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
4
riders
15.9km
01:18
240m
250m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
27.1km
02:25
410m
410m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
22
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
2
riders
13.4km
01:09
200m
200m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
43
riders
25.9km
02:25
550m
550m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Perhaps the small botanical problem only exists in the German translation that the komoot system displays via Google, but: The highlight name refers to an "oak," but the text then refers to a "mammoth tree." But aside from this minor linguistic confusion, a beautiful carving can be found at this point in the forest.
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Perhaps the small botanical problem only exists in the German translation that the komoot system displays via Google, but: The highlight name refers to an "oak," but the text then refers to a "mammoth tree." But aside from this minor linguistic confusion, a beautiful carving can be found at this point in the forest.
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At this central location in the forest—where six streets converge to form an open space—the brightly lit small sacred monument rises above a slab and a small stone base. The simply crafted wooden cross (without a body) bearing the name "La Croix Madame" is painted white, forming a radiant centerpiece in the middle of the forest.
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2 perforations visible on the 12th photo of the Sherman M4A2 "Valois"
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Several nice descents start from here towards l'Etang de Radon
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The Écouves national forest is located in the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park. It is home to abundant game, sessile oaks, beeches and Scots pines, over 15,000 hectares. Its highest point is the Écouves signal, which rises to an altitude of 413 meters. It is the highest peak in Normandy.
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If you are looking for a unique destination in Normandy, you should stop to see the Sherman tank in La Ferrière-Béchet. This is an American tank from World War II that was abandoned in the Ecouves forest after being hit by a German shell in August 1944. The tank is today covered in moss and vegetation, creating a striking contrast with its metal structure.
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There are 15 mountain bike trails available in Bois Ballu, offering a range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
Bois Ballu offers a diverse and dynamic environment for mountain biking. You can expect undulating paths through woodlands, with a mix of deciduous trees like young oaks and coniferous species such as Douglas firs and spruces. The varied arboreal landscape ensures changing scenery throughout the seasons.
Yes, Bois Ballu has 3 easy mountain bike trails. A good option for beginners is the Croix Médavy – Sherman tank loop from Tanville, which is 9.9 miles (15.9 km) long and passes by a historic landmark.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Bois Ballu offers 8 difficult mountain bike routes. One such route is the Rendezvous crossroads – Carrefour du Chêne au Verdier loop from L'Orée-d'Écouves, a demanding 45 km trail with significant elevation gain.
Yes, several trails pass by interesting landmarks. You can encounter the historic World War II Sherman tank on routes like the Croix Médavy – Sherman tank loop from Tanville. Another notable feature is the ancient Dolmen de la Pierre Tournoire, which you can see on the Dolmen de la Pierre Tournoire loop from Montmerrei. The diverse forest ecosystem itself, with its mix of tree types, is a natural highlight.
The easy trails in Bois Ballu are generally suitable for families looking for a less strenuous ride. The Croix Médavy – Sherman tank loop from Carrefour de la Croix Médavy is an easy 13.4 km loop that could be a good option for a family outing.
While Bois Ballu is a natural forest environment, it's always recommended to check local regulations regarding dogs on trails. Generally, dogs are permitted on leash in public forests, but specific rules may apply to certain areas or during particular seasons. Please ensure your dog is under control and that you clean up after them.
The mountain bike trails in Bois Ballu are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Riders often praise the diverse forest ecosystems, the undulating woodland paths, and the opportunity to encounter historical landmarks along the routes.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Bois Ballu are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Dolmen de la Pierre Tournoire loop from Montmerrei and the Croix Médavy – Sherman tank loop from Saint-Didier-sous-Écouves.
While specific parking areas are not detailed for every trail, Bois Ballu is a well-known forest, and access points often have designated parking. For routes starting from villages like Tanville or Montmerrei, you can typically find parking within or on the outskirts of these communities.
Bois Ballu's diverse arboreal landscape, with its mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, offers a pleasant experience throughout the seasons. Spring and autumn provide vibrant colors and milder temperatures, while summer offers lush greenery. Winter riding is possible, but trail conditions may vary with weather.
Bois Ballu is located near Alençon and other communities in Normandy. While specific cafes or accommodations directly within the forest are limited, you can find various options for refreshments and lodging in nearby towns and villages, such as Alençon, which is approximately 20 kilometers away.


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