The best traffic-free bike rides around Dun-Les-Places

There are over 40 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes around Dun-les-Places, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels within the Morvan Regional Natural Park. You'll find options ranging from easy rides to challenging, longer loops.

The Morvan Regional Natural Park is beautiful for cycling from spring through autumn. Spring brings lush greenery, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer is also excellent, but it's always wise to check the local weather forecast, especially for potential heatwaves. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions can be challenging with colder temperatures and potential for ice or snow, particularly at higher elevations like Haut Folin.

Yes, the region offers routes suitable for families. While many routes involve some elevation, there are easier options. The circular route around Lac des Settons, for instance, is approximately 14-15 kilometers and provides pleasant, relatively flat riding along the banks, perfect for a family outing. You can also find 2 easy-grade routes among the 40 available on komoot.

Parking is generally available in the villages and near the major lakes that serve as starting points for many routes. For example, Montsauche-les-Settons is a common starting point for tours around Lac des Settons and Lac de Pannecière, and you'll typically find parking facilities there. Always check local signage for specific parking regulations.

The Morvan Regional Natural Park is characterized by its wild and hilly terrain. You can expect rolling hills, significant ascents, and descents, with some routes reaching altitudes up to 901 meters at Haut Folin. For example, the difficult route Pannecière reservoir lake – Lake Saint-Agnan loop from Montsauche-les-Settons covers over 117 km with nearly 2000 meters of elevation gain. However, there are also moderate and easy routes with less demanding profiles.

Yes, many of the no traffic road cycling routes in the Dun-les-Places area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular example is the Pannecière reservoir lake – Settons Lake loop from Montsauche-les-Settons, which takes you around two of the region's beautiful lakes. The Lac des Settons also has its own well-known circular trail.

The routes often pass through vast forests, alongside picturesque lakes, and offer panoramic views of the Morvan's rolling hills. You'll encounter stunning waterside views around lakes like Lake Saint-Agnan, Lac des Settons, and Lac de Pannecière. The Settons Lake Dam is also a notable feature along some routes.

While the routes prioritize quiet roads away from heavy traffic, you'll find villages and towns along or near many routes where you can stop for refreshments. Montsauche-les-Settons, for example, is a common starting point and offers amenities. It's always a good idea to plan your stops in advance, especially on longer routes, as services can be sparse in the more remote parts of the Morvan.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.53 stars from 69 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the quiet country roads, the diverse and challenging terrain, and the stunning natural beauty of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, especially the scenic lakes and forests.

Absolutely. The Morvan Regional Natural Park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Besides road cycling, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking on dedicated trails, horseback riding, fishing, and various water sports on the lakes such as sailing and kayaking. Rock climbing is also available around Dun-les-Places, offering a diverse range of activities to complement your cycling trip.

Yes, the region has several points of interest. You might encounter historical sites such as the Couezon Franco-British Cemetery or ancient structures like the Chevresse Dolmen. The La Pierre-qui-Vire Abbey is another significant landmark in the wider Morvan area that could be visited as part of a longer tour or separate trip.