The best cycling routes around Epiry
4.5
(181)
6,101
riders
77
rides
Touring cycling around Epiry features a landscape characterized by its waterways, including canals and lakes, alongside rolling rural terrain. The region is situated near the Morvan Regional Natural Park, offering granite massifs, dense forests, and hills. Routes often traverse open countryside, pass by historical châteaux, and include sections along the Canal du Nivernais. Elevation changes are generally gentle on many routes, with some more challenging options involving greater ascents.
Best touring cycling routes around Epiry
- The most popular touring cycling…
Last updated: August 15, 2026
3.0
(1)
268
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
11
riders
64.6km
04:09
810m
810m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
6
riders
31.0km
01:52
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
1
riders
28.9km
01:49
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
2
riders
19.0km
01:11
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Canal du Nivernais During the harsh winter of 1782-1783, the Morvan forest was no longer sufficient to supply the capital with wood. Wood had to be transported from other forests, particularly from the Bazois. To solve this problem, the construction of a small channel between the Loire and the Yonne was considered. Work began in 1784 with the boring of "La Montagne" at La Collancelle, and in 1786, the construction of a navigable canal was planned. After 56 years of construction, the three tunnels were completed in 1840, and on March 15, 1841, the Nivernais Canal was officially opened. In the first four decades, the canal saw an increase in traffic, as it served as a means of transport for heavy loads such as stone, wood, and coal. With the decline in demand for wood in the capital and the advent of the railway, the decline of navigation on the canal began. In the 1970s, political will and financial support were needed to promote river tourism, ecotourism, and cycling tourism. To this day, the Canal du Nivernais is one of the busiest canals in France, thanks to its gentle cruising.
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The Nivernais Canal During the cold winter of 1782-1783, the Morvan forest was no longer sufficient to supply the capital with wood. It became necessary to transport wood from other forests, those of Bazois. Work was then considered to build a small channel between the Loire and the Yonne. In 1784, construction began with the drilling of "La Montagne" from La Collancelle, and in 1786, the construction of a navigation canal was planned. In 1840, the construction of the three tunnels was completed, then on March 15, 1841, the official commissioning of the Nivernais Canal took place. In the first 40 years, traffic on the canal increased, and it was also used as a means of transport for heavy loads (especially stone, but also wood and coal). With the decline in demand for wood in the capital and the development of the railway, navigation on the canal began to decline. In the 1970s, political will and funding were needed to develop river tourism, ecotourism, and cycle tourism. To this day, the Canal du Nivernais is one of the busiest canals in France due to its philosophy of gentle roaming.
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The Pannecière reservoir was commissioned in 1949. This artificial lake's purpose is to increase the flow of the Yonne and Seine rivers and to mitigate the risk of flooding. It is the largest lake in the Morvan region.
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pleasant and shaded
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Electricity production and tourism
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Delicious food and extremely friendly staff!
4
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Nice brasserie, good prices and centrally located
3
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Epiry?
There are over 60 touring cycling routes in the Epiry region, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Epiry?
Yes, Epiry offers several easy touring cycling routes. For instance, the View of Château de Chitry – Chitry‑les‑Mines Castle loop from Sardy-lès-Épiry is an easy 20.7-mile (33.4 km) trail that provides gentle terrain and scenic views of Château de Chitry.
What are some options for longer touring cycling routes in Epiry?
For those seeking longer rides, Epiry has several options. The Lake Chaumard-Pannecière – Lac de Pannecière loop from Sardy-lès-Épiry is a challenging 39.4-mile (63.4 km) route that takes you through lake scenery with significant elevation changes.
Are there challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders in Epiry?
Absolutely. Epiry features a number of difficult routes with notable elevation gains. The Lac de Pannecière – Lake Chaumard-Pannecière loop from Epiry, for example, is a 30.7-mile (49.4 km) trail with nearly 500 meters of ascent, offering a good workout amidst lake scenery.
Which touring cycling routes offer the best scenic views in Epiry?
Many routes in Epiry boast beautiful scenery, particularly those along waterways and lakes. The routes around Lac de Pannecière are known for their picturesque lake views. Additionally, routes like the View of Château de Chitry – In central Corbigny loop from Mouron-sur-Yonne offer glimpses of historical châteaux and rural landscapes.
What can I see along the touring cycling routes in Epiry?
Along the touring cycling routes, you can explore various points of interest. Highlights include the historic Collancelle Locks along the Canal de Nivernais, the charming Town of Corbigny, and the serene Baye Pond. You might also encounter historical sites like La Chapelle St Elymon and the Montreuillon Aqueduct.
When is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Epiry?
The best time for touring cycling in Epiry is typically during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer also offers good conditions, though it can be warmer, especially in open countryside sections.
Are most touring cycling routes in Epiry circular?
Many of the touring cycling routes in Epiry are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This is convenient for those traveling by car, as it simplifies parking and logistics. For example, the popular Collancelle Locks – Canal de Nivernais loop from Sardy-lès-Épiry is a circular route.
What are the typical trail conditions for touring cycling in Epiry?
The touring cycling routes in Epiry feature a mix of paved and unpaved paths. Routes often follow canal towpaths, quiet country roads, and sometimes forest tracks. While many are suitable for touring bicycles, some unpaved sections may require slightly wider tires for comfort.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy the most about touring cycling in Epiry?
The Epiry region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscape, including the tranquil waterways of the Canal de Nivernais, the rolling rural terrain, and the opportunities to discover historical châteaux.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in Epiry?
Yes, Epiry offers routes suitable for families, particularly those with gentler gradients and along dedicated paths. The easy routes, often found along the Canal de Nivernais, provide a safe and enjoyable experience for cyclists of all ages.
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