The best traffic-free bike rides around Bourgogne

Currently, there are 16 curated no-traffic gravel bike trails in Bourgogne featured in this guide. These routes are designed to offer peaceful rides away from vehicular traffic, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty.

Bourgogne offers a diverse range of terrain, even on its traffic-free routes. You'll find everything from the rolling hills and forest tracks of the Morvan Regional Natural Park to the flatter towpaths along canals like the Nivernais and Burgundy Canal. Many routes also traverse the famous vineyards, offering a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces suitable for gravel bikes. Expect manageable climbs and varied surfaces, ensuring an engaging ride.

Yes, Bourgogne has several options suitable for families, particularly along its extensive network of greenways and canal towpaths. These routes are generally flatter and well-maintained, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. While specific family-friendly routes aren't detailed here, look for paths along the Voie Verte or canal systems for easier rides.

While many of the routes focus on natural tranquility, you can still encounter interesting sights. For example, the region is known for its picturesque lakes like Setton and Saint-Agnan in the Morvan, and the stunning vineyard landscapes of the Côte d'Or. Near Reims, you might pass by historical sites such as the Place Royale or the Subé fountain, offering a blend of nature and culture.

The best time for gravel biking in Bourgogne, especially to enjoy traffic-free routes and pleasant weather, is typically from spring (April-May) to early autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the landscapes are vibrant. Summer can also be excellent, but it's wise to start earlier in the day to avoid the midday heat. Winter riding is possible but can be cold and wet, with some trails potentially muddy.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes in Bourgogne are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. An example is the moderate-difficulty tour, Reims green corridor – View of the canal loop from Reims, which offers a scenic circular experience. Look for routes explicitly labeled as 'loop' tours for this type of experience.

The no-traffic gravel routes in Bourgogne are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the trails, the stunning natural landscapes—especially through vineyards and forests—and the opportunity to explore the region's rich cultural heritage away from busy roads. The diverse terrain and well-maintained paths also receive frequent positive mentions.

Absolutely. While many traffic-free routes offer a relaxed experience, Bourgogne also provides options for more advanced gravel bikers. For instance, the Saint-Hilaire Church – Fort de Chenay loop from Saint-Thierry is rated as difficult, featuring more significant elevation changes and potentially more technical terrain. The Morvan Regional Natural Park, with its granite mountains and extensive network of forest tracks, is particularly known for offering challenging gravel rides.

Yes, Bourgogne's renowned vineyards are accessible via several traffic-free or very low-traffic routes. The View of the Vineyards – Fort de la Pompelle loop from Cernay-lès-Reims is a great example, offering scenic vistas of the grapevines. The 'Voie des Vignes' and 'Chemin des Grands Crus' are also famous for traversing prestigious wine-growing areas, providing a unique cycling experience through rolling hills and charming villages.

Many routes in Bourgogne weave through areas rich in history. For example, the Subé fountain – Pommery loop from Reims will take you near the Subé fountain. The region is dotted with medieval villages, ancient monasteries, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Vézelay Abbey and Bibracte, which can often be incorporated into or found near gravel biking adventures. Exploring routes around these areas will offer cultural immersion alongside your ride.

The Morvan Regional Natural Park is indeed a prime spot for gravel biking, known as the 'green lung of Burgundy.' It boasts an impressive 2,500 km of mountain biking trails, much of which is suitable for gravel riding, and even offers 1,500 km of specific GPX tracks. For more detailed information about the park itself and its offerings, you can visit the Burgundy Tourism website.