Gravel Experience

From trails to the unexpected, live the gravel experience

Between adventure and freedom, gravel begins where the roads end.

On country roads, along rivers or through unspoilt landscapes, pedal to the rhythm of nature and let yourself be carried away by what’s essential: the pleasure of travel, discovery and harmony with your environment. Whether you’re looking for serenity or a challenge, gravel is an invitation to move differently, to explore without constraint and to enjoy a unique experience, between tradition and innovation.

Weekend gravel

in Laval

Laval is 10 Gravel routes for young and old, and over 700 km of exploration between nature and freedom, just 1h10 from Paris!

Get off the train in Laval, and we’ll coordinate everything else: carefully mapped routes, welcoming accommodation and perfectly equipped bikes for a harmonious, stress-free experience.

2 days / 1 night for 2 people: from €306

Day 1

From Laval train station, walk to the Tourist Office, just a few steps away. Your bikes are waiting for you, all you have to do is load the panniers… and download our On Piste application!

Then let yourself be carried away: pedal, breathe, explore!

We’ve prepared the best Gravel track to get you back to your nest. Yes, I did say “your nest”!

For this 100% low-carbon, 100% exploration, 100% Gravel, 100% Laval weekend, we’ve booked you a cabin perched in the heart of an exceptional natural site!

And what about Gravel? Two courses pass right by your cabin – it couldn’t be better!

Drop off your gear, hop on your bike and dive into the adventure. L’Entre Âmes, an atypical 42 km route, awaits you on your first day!

No need to worry about picnics, you’ll find them in the village of Entrammes (7 kms) or push on to the Port-Ringheard lock (another 5 kms)!

This route is a veritable digest of Mayenne landscapes: sunken lanes, hilly quarry roads, panoramic views over the Mayenne, towpaths to stroll along, rolling undergrowth and even a little jaunt into the heart of the city of Laval!

I’m told that you’ll want to grab a bite to eat before heading home! Well, you’ll have the choice between a café-vélo in the city center (28 km), or a guinguette on the banks of the Mayenne to share a convivial moment.

At the end of the afternoon, leave the city on the Plaine d’Aventure, return to your unusual accommodation and enjoy a night perched among the trees. Local meal and vitamin-packed breakfast included!

©Gravel Entrammes 002sebastien Courteille

©Parne Sur Roc 2007 D.vernier Petites Cites De Cara 9

©Gravel Parne Sur Roc 002sebastien Courteille R

Day 2 – Sunday, it’s Chaux Devant!

Chaux devant! That’s the itinerary we’re proposing for this second day: 62 km of adventure and 634 m of ascent. But if you prefer a gentler version, its little brother, “Chaux Devant Découverte”, offers 32 km of pure pleasure and passes right by the cabins.

For a gentle start, head for Parné-sur-Roc, a small town full of character. An ideal spot for a picnic! You’ll find plenty to eat in the local grocery store and café, which you can enjoy in the village square, in its tree-lined garden, or further down the river, on the banks of the Jouanne, for a moment by the water.

In the afternoon, take a trip back in time along the Roman Way! Then let yourself be carried away by the countryside, with its succession of paths, white roads and picturesque lanes. Need a break? Argentré, Louverné or Bonchamp-lès-Laval are just some of the villages you’ll pass through, where you can enjoy a snack or fill up your water bottle.

If the weather permits – and if it doesn’t, you’ll have to come back! – enjoy the Parc de l’Orbière in a different way: on foot, on horseback or even in a canoe, let yourself be immersed in this natural setting.

For a stress-free end to your stay, we’ll take care of the return journey: we’ll take you and your bikes to the station.
And if you’d like to extend the experience a little further, pedal to the foot of the station and we’ll take care of the rest.

The essentials: Gravel and On Piste

The must-have: the free On Piste app is designed as a real guide for your Gravel (but also Trail, Cyclo and MTB) adventure. In just a few clicks, create your account and access official routes, with all the information you need for a worry-free experience. Follow your routes in GPS mode, with voice guidance for total immersion. You can also download your routes in GPX format for use on your own GPS.

©Bois De Lhuisserie 001 Sebastien Courteille

Practical: Giant’s latest Gravel Revolt bikes are available in sizes S to L. They can be fitted with traditional panniers or bikepacking bags. Designed for adventure, they feature a double chainring drivetrain, disc brakes, tubeless tires and various accessories to guarantee your safety and comfort, such as lights, locks and much more.