The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Mars-La-Brière
4.4
(117)
1,560
riders
239
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Mars-La-Brière traverse a landscape characterized by extensive forests, including a 350-hectare forest and the diverse ecosystems of L'Arche de la Nature. The region is watered by the Huisne river and Narais stream, offering relatively flat terrain along waterways. Cyclists can explore green valleys, ponds like those at Loudon, and wooded hills, particularly in the Perche Sarthois area. This varied topography provides a range of options for touring cyclists seeking car-free paths.
Best no traffic…
Last updated: October 19, 2026
5.0
(1)
27
riders
57.9km
04:16
430m
430m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
18
riders
39.7km
02:57
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
riders
79.6km
06:07
640m
640m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5
riders
14.0km
00:48
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
34.4km
02:44
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Saint-Mars-La-Brière
Tips from the Community
The Arche de la Nature is a vast natural space located near Le Mans. Among its various places of interest, we find the Maison de la prairie, composed of a vegetable garden and a farm.
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Founded in 1229 by Bérengère de Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, it constitutes one of the most beautiful Cistercian jewels in France. It was acquired by the Department of Sarthe in 1959. The Royal Abbey of Épau constitutes one of the finest examples of Cistercian architecture in France. In 1229, Bérengère de Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, decided to found this abbey at the gates of Le Mans, where she was buried a year later. During the Revolution, the abbey, almost deserted by monks since the 18th century, was sold as national property to an industrialist. Then transformed into an agricultural operation, the abbey experienced many vicissitudes before its purchase by the Department of Sarthe in 1959. A vast restoration program, still in progress, is giving it a second wind, making the abbey one of the most important places cultural heritage of Sarthe. The abbey also hosts the sessions of the departmental assembly of which it has been the seat since the 1970s. Since July 1, 2016, its management has been entrusted to the Sarthe Cultural Center whose mission is to offer it a new dimension, in order to strengthen its cultural role in the region. Recently, the research of Father Michel Niaussat, a Cistercian monk writer, has shed light on the royal character of the building. L'Épau Abbey then became Royal Abbey of l'Épau in March 2017. Alongside this cultural and tourist growth, another flagship project which will guide the development of the abbey in the coming years: the transformation of the park into permacultural garden. It must then be remembered that times of prayer and work were equivalent in the Cistercian rule. This agricultural dimension is at the heart of the departmental project, the ultimate objective of which is to restore as faithfully as possible the original principles of the place. The abbey, which has preserved almost all of its buildings, is located at the gates of Le Mans. It is inserted in a 13 ha enclosed park delimited by a surrounding wall.
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VISITS Free individual visits Individual guided tours Average duration of the individual visit: 1:30h Groups welcome from 10 people Free group visits Guided group tours Guided group tours on request Educational group visits Average duration of the group visit: 1:30h Point of interest visible without visit Languages available Spoken: French, English Panels: French, English Audio: English, French ACTIVITIES Specific thematic animation Workshop for adults Children's workshop Conferences Temporary exhibitions Sound and light
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PRICES Individual price adult: €5.50 Individual price reduced: €4.00 Job seeker, student, RSA, person in disability situation, Cezam card, CE Individual price child: €3.00 10-17 years old Free: €0.00 Under 10 years old and accompanying person
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The Palets de Gargantua is a megalithic structure that was originally a dolmen. Looking at it in its environment, one can't help but wonder which came first: the rock...or the tree...? The tree trunk giving way to the rock of course gives the answer to this question.
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Founded in 1229, the Royal Abbey of Epau is a fine example of Cistercian architecture. Its interior is worth visiting, with its vaulted ceilings and arched windows. The thick stone walls give an idea of the history of the place.
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There is a small wooded park by the water. Ideal place for a break or a picnic
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available around Saint-Mars-La-Brière?
There are over 240 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Mars-La-Brière. These routes cater to various skill levels, with approximately 95 easy, 109 moderate, and 37 difficult options to choose from.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no traffic routes in Saint-Mars-La-Brière?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 87 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquil, car-free paths that wind through the extensive forests and along the scenic waterways, offering a peaceful cycling experience away from traffic.
Are there easy no traffic touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Saint-Mars-La-Brière offers numerous easy, no traffic routes perfect for beginners and families. These often follow dedicated paths or quiet country lanes. An excellent example is the View of Château du Mesnil loop from Saint-Corneille, which is just under 14 km long with minimal elevation gain, making it very accessible. The region's 'Boulevard Nature' also provides developing networks of paths ideal for gentle mobility.
Are there more challenging no traffic touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a longer and more challenging ride, routes like the Montfort-le-Rotrou Castle loop from Saint-Mars-la-Brière offer nearly 80 km of cycling with over 600 meters of elevation gain. These routes often traverse the varied terrain of the Sarthe department, including the wooded hills of the Perche Sarthois region.
Are there any circular no traffic touring cycling routes?
Many of the no traffic touring cycling routes in the area are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. For instance, the Château des Aulnays loop from Montfort-le-Gesnois is a moderate 40 km circular route that showcases the local landscape. The Sarthe department also features nearly 500 kilometers of marked cycling loops that can be connected for longer itineraries.
What natural attractions can I explore along the no traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes often lead through or near significant natural areas. You can cycle past the tranquil Loudon Ponds, which are perfect for a peaceful stop. Many paths also wind through the extensive forests, including sections of L'Arche de la Nature, a diverse natural area with various ecosystems. The Huisne river and Narais stream also offer scenic, relatively flat routes.
Are there any historical landmarks or points of interest along these routes?
Yes, the region is dotted with historical and cultural points of interest. While cycling, you might encounter charming villages or historical sites. For example, the Château des Aulnays – Montfort-le-Rotrou Castle loop from Montfort-le-Gesnois takes you past impressive castles. The magnificent L'Épau Abbey is also a notable landmark in the wider area, accessible via some routes.
What is the best time of year for no traffic bike touring in Saint-Mars-La-Brière?
The best time for no traffic bike touring in Saint-Mars-La-Brière is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, and the natural landscapes, especially the forests and riverine areas, are at their most vibrant. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage.
Are there specific routes that are particularly good for spotting wildlife?
Routes that pass through L'Arche de la Nature or along the Huisne river are excellent for wildlife spotting. This area is known for its diverse ecosystems, including ponds, peat bogs, and marshy woods, which are habitats for various birds, small mammals, and aquatic life. Cycling quietly through these areas increases your chances of observing local fauna.
Where can I find more detailed information about cycling routes in the Sarthe department?
For more detailed information and a wider range of cycling circuits throughout the Sarthe department, you can consult the official tourism website. They often provide guides like the 'Perche Sarthois à vélo' which details numerous marked cycling loops. You can find more information at sarthetourisme.com.
Are there any routes that pass by playgrounds or family-friendly stops?
Yes, some routes are designed with family-friendly stops in mind. For example, the Playground loop from Montfort-le-Gesnois is an easy 23 km route that specifically includes a playground, making it a great option for families with children who need a break from cycling.
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