4.3
(296)
1,552
riders
71
rides
Touring cycling routes around Charentenay are primarily situated within the Yonne department, characterized by its extensive network of canals and waterways, including the Canal du Nivernais. The terrain is generally flat along the canals, offering tranquil paths for cycling. The region also features rolling hills covered with vineyards, such as those near Irancy, and a rural environment with small country roads connecting charming villages.
Last updated: May 7, 2026
4.9
(9)
31
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(6)
21
riders
20.5km
01:10
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.0
(1)
4
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
2
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(7)
29
riders
10.3km
00:36
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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very nice little village with a bakery, a grocery store, a garage with a gas pump.
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Châtel-Censoir, crossed by the Yonne and the Canal du Nivernais, has long been a prosperous town, just like its neighbor, Clamecy. This was particularly due to firewood, which was transported to Paris by canal. The Nivernais canal greenway passes below the village. Don't miss the remains of Castrum and the Saint-Potentien collegiate church. For rock lovers, the Saussois climbing site is just a few kilometers away.
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An old and massive stone bridge over the Yonne. It is cycleable and sees a lot of car and truck use, so be careful.
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Flat, smooth cycle path along the Yonne. From there if you look back you will see a railway bridge. A nice place for a break or a picnic.
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The Sainte-Reine chapel seems to have been started with the apse towards the end of the 15th century. and built in several stages until the beginning of the 17th century. On either side of the entrance arch to the apse and on the south wall of the nave, commemorative plaques recall the role of the d'Avigneau family, notably Maurice Marie d'Avigneau who restored the chapel and returned it to worship in 1952.
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A pretty flat section of a well-paved route crosses the commune of Chatel Censoir. Châtel-Censoir is a small village of nearly 700 people. The village takes its name from the bishop of Saint-Censure, bishop of Auxerre.
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This small village is located in a rich geological location. It is on the border of the limestone plateau of Burgundy and the granite Morvan. Only 540 people live here. Here you will find several wine merchants and even a grocery store open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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The stronghold of Belombre was the seat of part of the lordship of Escolives held, in 1507, by the lieutenant general of Auxerre, Blanchet David. Marie David brought it to Jacques de Meung dit de La Ferté, who died on June 4, 1589, massacred by the Leaguers of Auxerre. Madeleine de La Ferté Meung, her granddaughter, transmitted Bellombre to the La Bussière family and Catherine de La Bussière brought it to the Girard d'Azy family. The children of Paul de Girard sold it, around 1656, to François de Chastellux, who ceded this first half of Escolives in 1670, to Robert Chaponnel, Receiver General of Finances. He died on October 28, 1678 without issue, while he was undertaking the reconstruction of the castle. Anne Robineau, receiver general of Finances in Provence, who carried out the project developed by Chaponnel and built a new castle on the land surrounded by a moat on the site of the medieval manor. In 1709, Louis Gayot, buyer, united the two shares of the land of Escolives before selling the Château de Bélombre in November 1726, to Joseph Le Muet, King's attorney in the bailiwick of Auxerre. Rosalie Le Muet married in 1804, Jean Jacques Claude Baudenet d'Annoux. Their son, Louis-Hugues, who feared the dangerous invasions of the waters of the Yonne, decided to demolish the castle which he rebuilt on vast basements around 1870. The estate is located on the left bank of the canal. It is a large single-story building. Corner chains and harped stone legs support the entablature and an attic floor in the overhang of the broken roof. The moat and the stone bridge decorated with elegant 18th century ironwork have been preserved. (1) MH protected elements: facades and roofs; water pit ; the pillars of the entrance gate; the vestibule and the interior staircase with its wrought iron banister: registration by decree of December 6, 1977. The facades and roofs of the outbuildings; the terrace located to the southwest of the castle and the sleeping bridge; the bridge thrown over the moat, in front of the northeast facade of the castle; the gardens surrounding the castle; the perspective alley and the double water alley: registration by decree of June 7, 1993 The Chateau de Belombre 89290 Escolives-Sainte-Camille, private property, cannot be visited.
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There are over 70 touring cycling routes available around Charentenay, offering a diverse range of options for cyclists. These routes have been explored by more than 1,400 touring cyclists using komoot.
The terrain around Charentenay, primarily in the Yonne department, is varied. You'll find generally flat paths along the extensive network of canals, such as the Canal du Nivernais, which are ideal for relaxed cycling. The region also features rolling hills covered with vineyards, particularly near areas like Irancy, and a rural environment with small country roads connecting charming villages. Some routes offer more challenging circuits with greater elevation gain.
Yes, Charentenay offers 21 easy touring cycling routes, perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. A great example is the Canal du Nivernais and Irancy Loop, an easy 12.7-mile (20.5 km) path that combines canal-side riding with passages through the Irancy vineyard area.
Yes, for those seeking a more challenging experience, there are 15 difficult touring cycling routes around Charentenay. One such route is the Coulanges-la-Vineuse, Cravant, Escamps — hilly circuit by small country roads, which covers nearly 48 km with over 500 meters of elevation gain, offering a more strenuous ride through the countryside.
The canal paths, particularly along the Canal du Nivernais, are generally flat and secure, making them well-suited for family cycling. These routes offer picturesque views and a relaxed pace, with only slight uphill sections around locks. Look for the 'easy' graded routes for the most family-friendly options.
The region boasts a rich heritage. Along your routes, you can visit historical sites like the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Cravant or the Sainte-Reine Chapel. Natural features include The Saussois Rocks, and you might also pass by the historic Belombre Castle. The region's charming medieval towns like Auxerre and Noyers are also accessible.
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Charentenay are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular From Mailly-le-Château to Lucy-sur-Yonne — loop along the Canal du Nivernais and by the D39 and the Loop from Jussy to Champs-sur-Yonne, Augy and Vincelles along the Canal du Nivernais.
The Yonne department, where Charentenay is located, is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. The warmer months offer comfortable temperatures for exploring the canal paths and vineyards. However, it's always advisable to check local weather forecasts before heading out, especially during transitional seasons.
Given the rural nature of the region and the numerous villages, parking is generally available in or near the starting points of many routes. Look for public parking areas in towns and villages along the Canal du Nivernais or near popular attractions. Specific parking details may vary by route, so checking local maps or route descriptions is recommended.
The Yonne department has a regional public transport network, including train stations in larger towns like Auxerre. While direct access to every single route starting point by public transport might be limited, you can often reach a nearby town and cycle from there. For detailed information on cycling along the region's waterways, you may find resources like Burgundy Tourism's cycling guide helpful.
The touring cycling routes around Charentenay are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 280 reviews. Reviewers often praise the tranquil canal paths, the scenic vineyard landscapes, and the charm of the small country roads connecting the villages.
Yes, the region is known for its vineyards, particularly near the renowned Chablis area and Irancy. Routes like the Canal du Nivernais and Irancy Loop specifically combine canal-side riding with passages through the Irancy vineyard area, offering scenic views of vine-covered hills.
The Yonne department is dotted with charming villages and towns that offer various amenities. You'll find opportunities for refreshments, meals, and accommodation in places like Auxerre, Joigny, Sens, and Noyers, as well as smaller villages along the canal routes. Planning your route with stops in these locations will enhance your touring experience.


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