The best cycling routes around Quarré-Les-Tombes

There are over 20 touring cycling routes available around Quarré-les-Tombes, offering a variety of experiences through the Morvan Regional Natural Park. The region is known for its diverse landscapes, including rolling hills and extensive forests.

The terrain around Quarré-les-Tombes is quite varied, featuring rolling hills, vast forests, and numerous lakes and rivers. You can expect a mix of challenging climbs and scenic stretches, often traversing country paths and low woodlands. Routes frequently follow river valleys, like the Cure River, and offer both shaded forest paths and open sections around water bodies.

While many routes in the area are rated as difficult, there are 5 moderate routes available. The region's focus is more on challenging terrain, but some sections around lakes like Lake Saint-Agnan might offer more tranquil paths. For specific family-friendly options, it's best to check individual route details for elevation and surface conditions.

Cyclists can enjoy breathtaking vistas from the Rocher de la Pérouse, the highest point in the Yonne department, offering panoramic views over the Morvan landscape and the Cure Valley. The region is also dotted with significant water bodies like Lac du Crescent and Lake Saint-Agnan, which provide picturesque scenery. Don't miss the legendary "Roche des Fées" (Fairy Rock) within the Forêt au Duc, characterized by striking granite blocks.

Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Champeau Pond – Morvan Regional Park Visitor Centre loop from Les Lavaults is a popular circular route. Another option is the Quarré-les-Tombes – Lake Saint-Agnan loop from Les Lavaults, which offers views of the lake. These loops allow you to start and finish at the same point.

Along the cycling routes, you can explore the La Pierre-qui-Vire Abbey, known for its unique name. The Morvan Regional Park Visitor Centre is also a great stop, offering discovery trails, a heritage orchard, and a botanical garden to learn about the region's natural and cultural richness.

The Morvan Regional Natural Park, often called the "green lung of Burgundy," is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides lush forests and refreshing lakes. Winter conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice, especially on higher elevations and less maintained paths.

Given the extensive forests and varied natural habitats, including wet meadows and numerous water bodies, the region offers good opportunities for wildlife spotting. Cyclists might encounter various bird species, deer, and other forest animals, especially during quieter times of day or on less frequented paths.

The touring cycling routes in Quarré-les-Tombes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the beauty of the forests, and the scenic views around the lakes and hills.

The duration of routes varies significantly based on distance and difficulty. For instance, the Champeau Pond – Morvan Regional Park Visitor Centre loop, at 29.5 miles (47.5 km), typically takes around 3 hours and 7 minutes. Longer, more difficult routes like the Quarré-les-Tombes – Chapelle Saint-Pierre loop, which is 29.9 miles (48.2 km) with significant elevation, can take up to 4 hours and 25 minutes or more.

Yes, Quarré-les-Tombes is part of stages for the Grande Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC), a renowned mountain biking route. This offers challenging sections with singletracks, diverse surfaces, and significant elevation changes for experienced cyclists. You can find more information about the GTMC stages through Quarré-les-Tombes on France Vélo Tourisme.

Many routes around Quarré-les-Tombes are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and varied terrain. Examples include the La Pierre-qui-Vire Abbey – Saint-Agnan Lake Dam loop from Quarré-les-Tombes and the La Pierre-qui-Vire Abbey – Quarré-les-Tombes loop from Quarré-les-Tombes, both of which involve substantial climbing and cover distances of nearly 50-55 km.