The best traffic-free bike rides around Longchamp

There are nearly 80 traffic-free road cycling routes around Longchamp, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels. You'll find 30 easy routes, 46 moderate routes, and a couple of more challenging options.

Longchamp, particularly the circuit around the Hippodrome de Longchamp within the Bois de Boulogne, is renowned for its dedicated 4-kilometer loop of cycle paths and closed roads. This provides a safe, traffic-free environment perfect for both intense training and leisurely rides, making it a favorite for cyclists in Paris and beyond.

Yes, Longchamp offers 30 easy, traffic-free road cycling routes. These are perfect for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. An example is the Tille River at Cessey-sur-Tille loop from Genlis, which is 38.9 km long with minimal elevation gain.

The routes are set within the expansive Bois de Boulogne, offering a picturesque 'green lung' experience. You'll cycle through extensive forests, groves, and tree-lined avenues. The park also features artificial lakes like the Grand Lac and Petit Lac, and beautiful gardens such as the Château de Bagatelle and Pré-Catelan.

The komoot community highly rates the traffic-free cycling experience in Longchamp, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 61 ratings. Cyclists often praise the safe, car-free environment of the Hippodrome circuit and the beautiful natural surroundings of the Bois de Boulogne.

While cycling, you can explore several interesting points. Consider visiting Auxonne, a charming settlement, or the historic Auxonne Castle. You might also encounter natural features like the Diversion into the Saône river.

Route durations vary significantly. For instance, the Church of Tart-le-Haut – Bretenière Castle loop from Genlis is about 51.5 km and takes around 2 hours, while the Ascent of the Massif de la Serre – The Saône loop from Genlis is a longer 88.6 km ride, typically taking over 3 hours.

Yes, the Hippodrome de Longchamp circuit is highly inclusive. Its protection from road traffic makes it suitable for cyclists of all levels, from beginners to professionals. It's also a great option for athletes with disabilities, including those using tandems or recumbent bikes.

While the Longchamp circuit is popular, especially attracting faster groups on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, you can often find quieter times during weekday mornings or off-peak hours. The Bois de Boulogne is a large park, so even when busy, there are many paths to explore.

Many of the traffic-free routes around Longchamp are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Square and church of Auxonne – Auxonne loop from Genlis offers a 59.7 km circular ride.

Parking is available in and around the Bois de Boulogne. Specific parking areas are designated for visitors to the Hippodrome de Longchamp and various points within the park, making it convenient to access the traffic-free cycling routes.

Yes, the Bois de Boulogne and the Longchamp area are well-connected by public transport in Paris. Various bus lines serve the park, and a pedestrian footbridge connects the Saint Cloud side of the river directly to the edge of the cycling circuit, offering a scenic approach.