Heart of Auxois Loop: Flavigny, Panthier, and Grosbois

This is a challenging road cycling route, classified as a 'hard road ride'. It requires very good fitness due to its length of over 90 kilometers and more than 900 meters of elevation gain. It typically takes over 5 hours to complete.

The route primarily features well-paved surfaces that are generally easy to ride. You'll encounter a mix of roads (58.0 km), state roads (16.5 km), cycleways (15.5 km), and smaller streets (726 m). The Haute Côte-d'Or region has varied topography with upper slopes, plateaus, and valleys.

You'll experience charming villages, rolling vineyards, and picturesque landscapes. Notable highlights include the medieval town of Flavigny Village, recognized as one of France's most beautiful villages, the Saint-Thibault church, the Panthier Reservoir, and a Historic dam. The 'Hautes-Côtes' section offers changing scenery with vineyards, fields, and limestone cliffs.

While specific parking lots aren't detailed, you can typically find parking in the villages along the route, such as Grosbois-en-Montagne, Pouilly-en-Auxois, or Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, which are common starting points for exploring the area.

Given the picturesque landscapes and vineyards of Burgundy, the route is best enjoyed during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn (May to October). This period generally offers pleasant weather for cycling and allows you to fully appreciate the region's natural beauty.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle this route through the Haute Côte-d'Or countryside.

As this is a challenging road cycling route, it's generally not suitable for dogs to run alongside. If you wish to bring a dog, it would need to be safely secured in a bike trailer, but this route's difficulty and length might still make it challenging for such an arrangement.

Yes, sections of this route overlap with other paths. You'll find it intersects with parts of the Canal de Bourgogne: Dijon - Migennes, Boucle Vercingétorix / Jules César Alise-Sainte-Reine vers Pouillenay (CDM), and Boucle du lac de Grosbois Bellenot-sous-Pouilly vers Vandenesse-en-Auxois (CDM), among others.

Yes, the route features significant elevation gain. Notably, the medieval town of Flavigny Village is perched on a rocky spur at 405 meters, with at least four ascents leading up to it. Be prepared for sustained climbs throughout the Haute Côte-d'Or region.

You can expect diverse and beautiful scenery, including charming villages, expansive fields of cereals and red berries, rolling vineyards, and dramatic limestone cliffs. The varying altitudes and exposures in the 'Hautes-Côtes' section ensure constantly changing views.

The route passes through several villages like Grosbois-en-Montagne, Pouilly-en-Auxois, and Flavigny-sur-Ozerain. These towns are likely to offer cafes, restaurants, or shops where you can refuel and find refreshments. It's always a good idea to carry some snacks and water, especially on a long ride.