The best traffic-free bike rides around Chaumard

Chaumard and the surrounding Morvan Regional Natural Park offer a fantastic network for gravel biking. Our guide features 22 dedicated no traffic gravel bike trails, providing a wide range of options to explore the serene landscapes.

The Morvan region is beautiful year-round, but for gravel biking, spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal. The weather is generally mild, and the natural scenery, with blooming flowers or vibrant fall foliage, is at its most picturesque. Summer can also be great, especially around the lakes, but be prepared for warmer temperatures.

You'll find a diverse mix of terrain perfect for gravel biking. The Morvan is known for its 'green' environment with abundant earthen paths, forest tracks, and quiet country roads. Expect rolling hills with manageable climbs, offering a good workout without the extreme demands of high mountain ranges. The trails often wind through forests and along the shores of lakes like Lac de Pannecière.

Yes, many of the no traffic gravel bike trails in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the challenging Lake Chaumard-Pannecière – Lac de Pannecière loop from Chaumard is a great option for a full day's ride around the lake.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Chaumard, with an average score of 3.8 stars. Riders frequently praise the tranquility of the routes, the stunning natural beauty of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, and the extensive network of traffic-free paths that allow for immersive exploration of forests and lakes.

While many of the routes in this guide are rated as 'difficult' due to their length and elevation, the Morvan Regional Natural Park generally offers a range of options. For families, look for shorter, flatter sections around Lac de Pannecière or explore local forest tracks. Always check the route details on komoot for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.

The trails often lead you through scenic natural and historical points. You might pass by the impressive Settons Lake Dam, an 1858 structure with a unique pyramid shape, or enjoy views from the Wooden Footbridge on the Lake over Lac de Pannecière. The vast Pannecière reservoir lake itself is a central feature, offering beautiful vistas.

Parking is generally available in and around Chaumard, especially near popular access points for Lac de Pannecière. Look for designated parking areas in villages or near trailheads. As the region is geared towards outdoor activities, you'll often find convenient spots, particularly if you start your ride from a village center or a lake access point.

While many routes traverse quiet, natural areas, you'll find small villages and hamlets scattered throughout the Morvan. These often have local bakeries, cafes, or small restaurants where you can refuel. Planning your route to pass through a village like Chaumard or Ouroux-en-Morvan can provide opportunities for a break. It's always a good idea to carry snacks and water, especially on longer rides.

The routes listed in this guide are generally considered 'difficult' due to their significant distances and elevation gains. For example, the GTMC; Les serolles – Pannecière reservoir lake loop from Chaumard covers over 57 km with more than 1200 meters of elevation. While the climbs are manageable, these are long rides requiring good fitness and experience.

Given their 'difficult' rating, these trails are designed for longer excursions. For instance, the Settons Lake – Settons Lake Dam loop from Chaumard, at nearly 63 km, typically takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes of riding time. Longer routes, like the 101 km Settons Lake – Lake of Settons loop from Château-Chinon (Campagne), can take over 7 hours. Plan for full-day adventures.

Public transport options directly to the more remote trailheads in the Morvan Regional Natural Park, including around Chaumard, can be limited. While regional buses might connect larger towns, reaching specific starting points for gravel routes often requires a car. Consider driving to a central village like Chaumard and starting your ride from there.