The best MTB trails around Avallon

Avallon, as a gateway to the Morvan Regional Natural Park, offers a diverse range of mountain biking experiences. The terrain features rolling hills, dense forests, and numerous lakes, providing a mix of climbs, descents, technical paths, and quieter sections. The Morvan's granite soil ensures good riding conditions. You'll find a wide variety of trails, with 107 routes recorded in the area, including 12 easy, 76 moderate, and 19 difficult options.

Yes, there are several easy mountain bike trails around Avallon. For instance, the "Parcours 1 Bleu – Avallon VTT" is a 13.87 km route classified as easy, starting from the Gazzillo gymnasium. This type of trail offers a gentle introduction to mountain biking in the region.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Avallon is a starting point for the Grande Traversée du Morvan (GTM), a significant route spanning 344 km. Locally, you can find technically demanding circuits like the "Parcours 7 Rouge – Avallon VTT." Komoot also lists several difficult routes, such as the Lake Crescent – Quarré-les-Tombes loop from Saint-Germain-des-Champs, which covers 69.6 km with over 1200 meters of elevation gain.

Many trails in the Morvan Regional Natural Park offer scenic views due to the region's hilly landscape and dense forests. The Grande Traversée du Morvan is known for countless scenic viewpoints. You can also find routes that pass by natural attractions like the Cousin Valley or offer views from spots like the Rocher de la Pérouse. The View of Vézelay loop from Avallon is a moderate 38.7 km route that provides picturesque vistas.

Yes, many mountain bike trails around Avallon are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Lake Saint-Agnan – Lake Saint-Agnan loop from Saint-Léger-Vauban, a moderate 33.4 km ride, and the Small Bridge Crossing – Avallon loop from Avallon, a 41 km moderate route.

Beyond the natural beauty of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, you can encounter various attractions. The region features several lakes, such as Lake Crescent and Lake Saint-Agnan, which are often integrated into routes. Historic sites like Vézelay (a UNESCO World Heritage site) are also nearby. You might also pass by natural monuments like the Fosse Dionne or castles such as the Château de Chastellux-sur-Cure.

The Morvan's granite soil is excellent for mountain biking as it doesn't become sticky, making it suitable for riding across many seasons. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, with shaded woodland trails providing relief from the heat. It's always advisable to check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, Avallon is a "Véli'station" and offers bike rentals, including electrically assisted bicycles, directly from the Tourist Office. Some hotels in the area also provide bike rental services, making it convenient for visitors who don't bring their own equipment.

The mountain biking experience around Avallon is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 90 reviews. Riders frequently praise the varied terrain, the extensive network of trails through dense forests and alongside lakes, and the excellent riding conditions provided by the Morvan's granite soil. The mix of challenging technical paths and quieter sections is also a highlight for many.

Yes, parking is generally available at common starting points for mountain bike trails. For example, the "Parcours 1 Bleu – Avallon VTT" route starts from the Gazzillo gymnasium, where parking facilities are typically accessible. Many other routes originating from villages or specific points within the Morvan Regional Natural Park will have designated parking areas.

Yes, the region offers options suitable for families. While many trails involve climbs and descents, there are easier routes available. The "Parcours 1 Bleu – Avallon VTT" is classified as easy and could be a good starting point for families. When planning, look for trails marked as 'easy' in the guide, which typically have less elevation gain and smoother paths.

The Morvan Regional Natural Park is generally dog-friendly, but it's important to keep your dog under control, preferably on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock. Always follow local regulations and be mindful of other trail users. Ensure your dog is fit enough for the chosen route and carry enough water for both of you.