The best traffic-free bike rides around Roussillon-En-Morvan

There are 9 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails detailed in this guide, offering a variety of experiences within the Morvan Regional Natural Park. These routes are specifically curated to keep you away from vehicular traffic, allowing for a peaceful and immersive ride through nature.

The Morvan Regional Natural Park, often called the 'green lung of Burgundy,' offers a diverse range of terrain perfect for gravel biking. You'll encounter earthy paths, dense forest tracks, and quiet country roads. The region is characterized by rolling hills and a granite massif, providing varied landscapes without the overly strenuous climbs of higher mountain ranges.

While many routes in this guide are rated as 'difficult' due to their length and elevation, the Morvan generally offers more manageable climbs compared to other regions. For a less strenuous experience, consider routes that stick to the flatter sections around the numerous lakes. Always check the route details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the exceptional natural environment of the Path along the Canche, known for its unique forest and granite rocks. The wider Morvan area is also famous for its artificial lakes like Lac des Settons and Lac de Pannecière, which often feature scenic routes. You might also encounter the Dragne Waterfall or the Sources of the Yonne.

Yes, the Morvan combines natural beauty with historical significance. You can ride towards sites like Mount Beuvray, home to the ancient Gallic oppidum of Bibracte, which also has the Bibracte Museum. Another notable point is the Haut-Folin Pass, offering stunning views and a sense of the region's varied elevation.

The Morvan Regional Natural Park is beautiful throughout the year, but spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking. These seasons provide comfortable temperatures, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds. Summers can be warm, but the dense forests offer plenty of shade. Winters can be cold and wet, with some trails potentially becoming muddy or icy.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in the Morvan are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Rebout Pass – Mont Beuvray loop from Arleuf offers a challenging circular ride, as does the Haut-Folin Pass – Old railroad loop from Arleuf.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility and natural immersion offered by the Morvan's extensive network of low-traffic paths. The diverse landscapes, from dense forests to rolling hills and scenic lakes, are frequently highlighted as key attractions for an authentic gravel biking experience.

Yes, the region features routes that incorporate sections of old railroad lines, which often provide relatively flat and direct paths through the landscape. An example is the Saint-Prix – Old railroad loop from Anost, offering a unique historical element to your ride.

Parking is generally available in and around the villages that serve as starting points for many routes, such as Roussillon-En-Morvan itself, Arleuf, or Anost. Look for designated parking areas or public spaces within these hamlets. It's always a good idea to check specific route descriptions for recommended starting points and parking information.

The routes in this guide vary significantly. For instance, you can find challenging rides like the Settons Lake Dam – Lac des Settons North loop from Anost, which covers over 117 km with more than 2000 meters of elevation gain. Other routes, such as the View of Autun – Saint-Lazare Cathedral loop from La Grande-Verrière, are around 89 km with over 1200 meters of ascent. Always consult the individual route details for precise distance and elevation profiles.