4.5
(420)
1,313
riders
69
rides
Touring cycling around Senailly offers routes through the diverse landscapes of Burgundy, characterized by canals, vineyards, and forests. The region features a mix of terrains, from gentle paths along waterways to more challenging routes through rolling hills. Senailly is situated near the Burgundy Canal, providing access to scenic rides through the Ouche Valley and past historical locks. This area is well-suited for cyclists seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration.
Last updated: May 24, 2026
4.7
(46)
150
riders
26.3km
01:53
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(9)
53
riders
11.8km
00:41
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(6)
33
riders
48.8km
03:08
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(11)
68
riders
69.5km
04:43
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
18
riders
65.9km
04:14
500m
490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Step into the Middle Ages - another incredible place (incidentally, the film set of the movie “Chocolat” with Johnny Depp)
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In addition to strolling around the village, you can freely visit (and for free) the anise museum, discover the old workshops, the crypt of the abbey, and end up in the shop and buy small anise candies with different flavors.
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The factory has been restored in a nostalgic and fantastic museum style, and the aniseed candies are cult objects.
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The Abbey of Fontenay, like all monasteries and places of worship, was, of course, founded or built first and foremost as a place of prayer. Due to its outstanding significance, it has also been honored with the title of "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. The German-language television series "Treasures of the World – Heritage of Humanity" documents these special sites around the world in quarter-hour segments. One episode also deals with this abbey, and the website reads: * "France at the end of the 11th century. Christianity has prevailed. The noble abbots of the Benedictine monasteries live in prosperity. The monastic ideal of poverty and modesty seems to have been forgotten. A new order is founded in Burgundy. It calls its followers to return to early Christian ideals: to work and poverty, to humility and seclusion from the world. The monks establish their first monastery, "Citeaux," after which they later call themselves Cistercians. The order grows rapidly. The monks clear the forests and regulate the rivers. Their religious houses soon spread throughout France, even to Germany. The Fontenay Abbey is also founded under them." The film is available in the ARD media library at the following link =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/fontenay-frankreich-folge-11/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MjQ3MjIw
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The Abbey of Fontenay was, like all monasteries and places of worship, of course founded or built first and foremost as a place of prayer. Due to its outstanding importance, it has also been "ennobled" by UNESCO with the title of "World Cultural Heritage". The German-language television series "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity" documents these special sites all over the world in quarter-hour contributions. One episode also deals with this abbey, on the website you can read: * "France at the end of the 11th century. Christianity has prevailed. The noble abbots of the Benedictine monasteries live in prosperity. The monks' ideal of poverty and modesty seems to have been forgotten. A new order is founded in Burgundy. It calls on its followers to return to original Christian ideals: to work and poverty, to humility and seclusion from the world. The monks found their first monastery "Citeaux", after which they later call themselves Cistercians. The religious order grows quickly. The monks clear the forests and regulate the rivers. Their religious houses soon spread across France and into Germany. The Fontenay monastery was founded under them." The film is available in the ARD media library at the following link: => https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/fontenay-frankreich-folge-11/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MjQ3MjIw
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After about 40 locks have bridged a height difference of just over 100 m over a distance of about 15 km, the highest level for the canal and cycle path is reached here. The climb out of the valley begins at lock no. 55 and reaches the highest point at lock no. 16.
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The world heritage monastery is worth a visit. However, there is an entrance fee.
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There are over 70 touring cycling routes around Senailly, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include 14 easy routes, 42 moderate routes, and 15 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.
For an easy and family-friendly ride, consider the Montbard lock – Buffon's Little Forge loop from Montbard. This 7.3-mile (11.8 km) path is generally flat, following the tranquil Burgundy Canal, and takes you past Buffon's Little Forge. Another great option is the Château de Courcelles loop from Montbard, an easy 16.4-mile (26.3 km) trail through the countryside.
Yes, for more experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Semur en Auxois – Fontenay Abbey loop from Senailly is a difficult 41.0-mile (65.9 km) route. It features significant elevation changes as it leads to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fontenay Abbey, offering both a physical test and cultural reward.
Touring cycling around Senailly offers a rich tapestry of Burgundian landscapes. You'll encounter picturesque rolling green hills, tranquil canal towpaths along the historic Burgundy Canal, lush forests, and the region's famous vineyards. Routes often blend these features, providing varied scenery from open fields to shaded paths.
The region is rich in history. You can cycle to the magnificent Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Near Senailly, you'll find Buffon's Big Forge, an impressive 18th-century industrial heritage site, and Parc Buffon. The medieval city of Semur-en-Auxois is also accessible, as is Époisses Castle 🏰🌹.
Spring and autumn are generally considered the best seasons for touring cycling in Burgundy. These periods offer mild climates, comfortable temperatures, and vibrant natural colors, making for a pleasant riding experience. The summer can also be enjoyable, though it may be warmer.
Yes, many routes around Senailly are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Château de Courcelles loop from Montbard and the Montbard lock – Buffon's Little Forge loop from Montbard. These circular routes are convenient for day trips.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the tranquil canal paths, the scenic beauty of the rolling vineyard landscapes, and the integration of historic sites like Buffon's Big Forge and Fontenay Abbey into the routes. The variety of options for different ability levels is also frequently highlighted.
The Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, including the Côte d'Or, has an extensive cycling network. While specific public transport options for bikes can vary, many regional trains (TER) allow bikes, often with specific conditions or at certain times. It's advisable to check the local public transport provider's website for the most current information on bike carriage policies.
Look for establishments displaying the "Accueil Vélo" label. This national certification indicates that accommodations, restaurants, and other services are specifically equipped to welcome cyclists, offering amenities like secure bike storage, repair kits, and sometimes even luggage transfer services. This label is common along major cycling routes like the Burgundy Canal.
While not explicitly listed in the top routes for Senailly, the broader Burgundy region is renowned for its vineyards. Routes like the "Voie des Vignes" near Beaune offer dedicated cycling paths through acclaimed wine villages, providing opportunities for wine tourism. The general area around Senailly will often feature vineyard views as you cycle through the countryside.


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