The best road cycling routes around Chissey-En-Morvan

There are over 100 road cycling routes available around Chissey-en-Morvan, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences within the Morvan Regional Natural Park.

Road cycling routes in the Morvan Regional Natural Park are characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque lakes like Lac des Settons. You'll find a mix of terrain, from manageable ascents to more challenging climbs, all on quiet, often well-paved country roads. The region is known as the 'green lung' of Burgundy, offering scenic and often shaded routes.

Yes, there are options for beginners. While many routes feature varied elevation, there are 7 easy road cycling routes around Chissey-en-Morvan. These routes typically have less elevation gain, allowing for a more relaxed ride through the scenic Morvan landscape.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 27 difficult road cycling routes around Chissey-en-Morvan. The Morvan Regional Natural Park features several challenging passes, such as the Col de la Croix Pilate with gradients up to 10%, and the Col du Haut-Folin. Routes like Settons Lake Dam – Lac des Settons North loop from Chissey-en-Morvan offer significant elevation gain.

Many routes offer stunning views and pass by interesting landmarks. You might encounter highlights such as the Wooden Footbridge on the Lake or the Footbridge with lake view, especially around Lac des Settons. The Col de la Croix de Chèvre offers panoramic vistas, and you could also pass the Crossing the Settons Dam or the historic Chapel of Sainte-Claire.

Yes, the majority of road cycling routes around Chissey-en-Morvan are designed as circular loops. This allows you to start and finish at the same point, making logistics easier. Examples include the Jardin du Thé Tea Garden – Col de la croix d'Allye loop from Faye and the Les champs blancs – Col d'en Moulu loop from Cussy-en-Morvan.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 30 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the tranquility of the quiet country roads, and the beautiful natural scenery, especially around the lakes and through the dense forests.

The Morvan Regional Natural Park is generally pleasant for road cycling from spring through autumn. Spring offers lush greenery, while summer provides warmer weather for waterside breaks at the lakes. Autumn brings beautiful fall foliage. It's always advisable to check local weather conditions before heading out, as the region can experience varied weather.

Beyond the local routes, the Morvan Regional Natural Park offers extensive cycling networks for longer tours. These include signposted loops ranging from 15.5 km to 58 km, and even very long circuits such as the 99-kilometer Morvan des Sommets trail, the 154-kilometer Grands Lacs du Morvan circuit, and multi-day tours like the 370 km Tour du Morvan par l'intérieur.

While many routes involve hills, there are easier options that can be suitable for families with older children or those looking for a less strenuous ride. A local 8.9 km circuit 'Around Chissey-en-Morvan' offers a taste of the local area, passing by heritage sites like the Château de Buis and the Lavoir de Valouze, often on small tarmac surfaces.

Yes, the Morvan is a hub for various outdoor pursuits. Besides road cycling, you can enjoy hiking on extensive trails, mountain biking, and a range of water sports on the lakes, including swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Rivers like the Chalaux and Cure also offer adventures like rafting and hydrospeed.