The best traffic-free bike rides around Les Ponts-de-Martel

There are 18 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Les Ponts-de-Martel, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are carefully selected to provide quiet and enjoyable rides away from heavy vehicle traffic.

The routes around Les Ponts-de-Martel cater to various fitness levels. You'll find 5 easy routes, 8 moderate routes, and 5 difficult routes. This ensures there's a suitable option whether you're looking for a relaxed ride or a more challenging ascent.

Yes, several easy routes are suitable for families. For instance, the Church of La Sagne – Public Fountain loop from La Sagne is an easy 17.5 km ride with minimal elevation gain, making it a great choice for a relaxed family outing.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle past vast peat bogs and enjoy dramatic landscapes. Notable natural highlights include the breathtaking Creux du Van, a natural rock cirque, and the scenic Areuse Gorge with its historic Stone Bridge and Saut de Brot stone bridge. The Saut du Doubs Waterfall is also a major national site nearby, offering magnificent views.

The Neuchâtel Jura plateau is generally excellent for cycling throughout the year, but spring to autumn offers the most pleasant conditions. Summer provides warm weather for longer rides, while spring and autumn showcase vibrant foliage and comfortable temperatures. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Brévine Valley – Lac des Taillères loop from La Brévine, a moderate 36 km ride that takes you through scenic landscapes.

The routes vary from relatively flat sections across the plateau to more challenging ascents and descents typical of the Jura mountains. You can expect mostly well-paved surfaces suitable for road bikes. Elevation gains range from around 250 meters on easier routes to over 950 meters on more difficult ones, such as the Eau de Princes Spring – Creux du Van loop from Noiraigue.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.57 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the stunning panoramic views, and the unique natural features like the Creux du Van. The diverse landscapes and well-maintained paths are frequently highlighted as key attractions.

Absolutely. The Creux du Van offers breathtaking panoramic views from its summit. Additionally, routes winding through the Areuse Gorge provide dramatic scenery. Many routes also pass by various summits like Soliat Summit (1,465 m), offering elevated perspectives of the Jura landscape.

Les Ponts-de-Martel and surrounding villages are generally accessible by public transport, often via bus connections. Many routes start from towns like La Sagne or Noiraigue, which typically have public transport links. Parking is usually available in these starting points, though it's advisable to check local signage for specific parking regulations and availability.

While the routes focus on quiet, no-traffic sections, you'll find villages and towns along or near the routes where you can stop for refreshments or find accommodation. For example, the Restaurant Le Soliat is located near the Soliat Summit, offering a convenient stop on some longer tours. It's always a good idea to plan your stops in advance, especially on more remote sections.