The best cycling routes around Fontaines

Fontaines, located in Burgundy, offers a diverse range of touring cycling routes. You'll find gentle paths along canals like the Canal du Centre and the Thalie Canal, as well as routes that wind through the rolling hills and vineyards of the Mercurey wine region. The terrain varies from flat, serene canal paths to more undulating landscapes, suitable for different cycling abilities.

Yes, Fontaines has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. These often follow the flat, well-maintained canal paths. An example is the Rully lock – Canal du Centre at Chagny loop from Champ Nollot, which is 8.5 miles (13.7 km) long and offers pleasant canal-side scenery.

For those seeking a greater challenge, Fontaines offers routes with more significant elevation changes, particularly through the Mercurey wine region. The Virgin of Mercurey – Mercurey and its 1ers crus! loop from Fontaines - Mercurey is a difficult route spanning 34.4 miles (34.4 km) with over 660 meters of elevation gain, providing a demanding ride through picturesque vineyards.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Fontaines are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For instance, the Canal du Centre – Canal du Centre at Chagny loop from Fontaines - Mercurey is a popular 24.2-mile (38.9 km) circular route that showcases the scenic canal.

Along the touring cycling routes, you can explore the charming Burgundy countryside. You'll ride alongside the historic Canal du Centre, pass through vineyards, and discover small settlements. Notable attractions include the Route des Grands Crus Cycle Path, the town of Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune, and the vibrant city of Chalon-sur-Saône, which are all accessible from routes in the area.

The touring cycling routes in Fontaines are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Cyclists frequently praise the tranquil canal paths, the beauty of the Mercurey wine region, and the well-maintained network of trails that cater to various skill levels.

The best time for touring cycling in Fontaines, Burgundy, is typically from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with the vineyards in full bloom or harvest, offering picturesque scenery. Summer can be warm, but the canal paths often provide shade.

While many routes are designed for day trips, Fontaines is situated within a region known for its extensive canal networks and wine routes, which can be linked for longer touring adventures. Routes like the Canal du Centre at Chagny – Canal du Centre loop from Fontaines - Mercurey, at 25.7 miles (41.4 km), can be part of a multi-day itinerary exploring the wider Burgundy region.

Absolutely. The Mercurey wine region is a prominent feature of touring cycling around Fontaines. Routes like the challenging Virgin of Mercurey – Mercurey and its 1ers crus! loop from Fontaines - Mercurey specifically take you through these renowned vineyards, offering stunning views and the chance to experience the local viticulture.

There are over 20 touring cycling routes around Fontaines listed on komoot, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. These include 5 easy, 8 moderate, and 10 difficult routes.

Yes, you can find routes that follow the tranquil Thalie Canal. An example is the Thalie Canal – La Loyère loop from Fontaines - Mercurey, an easy 9.2-mile (14.9 km) route that provides a peaceful ride alongside the waterway.