The best traffic-free bike rides around Avion

There are over 180 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Avion, offering a wide variety of experiences. You'll find a good mix, with more than 80 easy routes and over 70 moderate options to explore.

The terrain around Avion is unique, largely shaped by its industrial past. You'll find many routes utilizing former railway lines and canal towpaths, which are typically flat. However, the rehabilitated mining landscapes, known as 'terrils,' offer gentle ascents to elevated viewpoints. For example, the Mont Hernu cycle path – Glissoire Park loop from Pont de Sallaumines includes some varied elevation as it navigates these transformed hills.

Yes, Avion is well-suited for families and beginners, with over 80 easy routes. Many of these are 'Voies Vertes' (greenways) which are flat and secure. A great example is the Greenway – Greenway loop from Avion, which offers a pleasant and accessible ride directly from the town.

Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic routes around Avion are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. The Glissoire Park – View from Terril 81 loop from Avion is a popular circular option that showcases the unique local landscape.

Avion's routes offer a blend of natural beauty and rich history. You can cycle through former mining areas that are now green spaces, often leading to 'terrils' (slag heaps) which provide panoramic views. The From the Mine to the Louvre-Lens Loop highlights the region's UNESCO-listed mining heritage. Nearby, you can also find significant historical sites like the Vimy Ridge Shell Craters and the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park, commemorating World War I history.

Avion is well-connected, making it easy to access routes. Many routes start directly from Avion or nearby towns. For example, the Greenway – Harnes Lagoons loop from Gare de Lens starts conveniently from Lens train station, offering public transport access. Parking is generally available in and around the starting points of these routes in local towns and villages.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Avion, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery as the vegetation changes. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it's advisable to start earlier in the day to avoid the midday heat. The transformed mining landscapes and greenways are accessible year-round, though some paths might be muddy after heavy rain in winter.

Many of the greenways and converted paths around Avion are dog-friendly, especially if your dog is well-behaved and kept on a leash. However, it's always best to check specific route regulations or local signage, particularly in nature reserves or protected areas, to ensure dogs are permitted. Remember to bring water for your dog and clean up after them.

As many routes connect towns and villages, you'll often find opportunities for refreshments. Avion itself, and nearby urban centers like Lens, offer various cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. Smaller villages along the greenways may also have local establishments. It's a good idea to plan your route and check for amenities in advance, especially on longer rides.

The no-traffic touring cycling in Avion is unique due to its blend of industrial heritage and green transformation. You'll cycle through landscapes that were once coal mines, now rehabilitated into scenic parks and 'terrils' offering panoramic views. The extensive network of 'Voies Vertes' (greenways) provides safe, car-free paths, often following former railway lines or canals, making for a truly distinctive and peaceful cycling experience.

Yes, while many routes are shorter loops, the network of greenways allows for longer, interconnected car-free journeys. For instance, the Greenway – Harnes Lagoons loop from Gare de Lens covers over 42 km, providing a substantial ride away from traffic. These greenways often form part of larger regional and national cycling networks, offering possibilities for extended touring.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling in Avion, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, car-free nature of the routes, the unique historical landscapes, and the accessibility for all skill levels. Many appreciate the transformation of industrial sites into beautiful green spaces, offering both cultural insight and enjoyable cycling.