Auvers-sur-Oise Loop 1 (33 km)

A scenic 33 km loop in Val-d’Oise linking Pontoise, Auvers-sur-Oise, Nesles-la-Vallée, and Vallangoujard. Expect rolling hills (about 300 m of climbing), Oise riverside views, and quiet village lanes through the Vexin countryside. The surface is mixed: plenty of smooth tarmac, but also long stretches of gravel and farm tracks, plus a bit of sand. A gravel or sturdy hybrid bike is ideal; skinny road tires will feel rough. Most of it runs on quiet roads and paths with a few short busy sections—stay alert there. Highlights include Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his last months (don’t miss the church and the Auberge Ravoux), the historic streets of Pontoise, and shady valleys around Nesles-la-Vallée and Vallangoujard. Easy to start from Pontoise or Auvers, and it rides well in either direction. Plan a half-day with time for photos and café stops. After rain, the unpaved bits can get muddy, so pick your tires accordingly or detour to paved options where available.