The best cycling routes around Bonlieu

There are over 250 touring cycling routes around Bonlieu, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find everything from easy rides to more challenging excursions through the Jura Mountains.

The terrain around Bonlieu, part of the 'Pays des Lacs', is diverse and shaped by glacial activity. You can expect a mix of wooded slopes, medium mountain environments, and routes winding through glacial cirques. The landscape is characterized by numerous deep-blue lakes and forests of pines and beeches.

Yes, Bonlieu offers over 30 easy touring cycling routes. An excellent option for a more relaxed ride is the Grand Maclu Lake – Lac de la Motte loop from La Fromagerie. This 11.3 km (7 miles) route is rated easy and takes about 45 minutes to complete, offering beautiful lake views.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle past stunning glacial lakes like Petit Maclu Lake, Lake Narlay, and Lake Ilay. The Three Lakes Viewpoint offers exceptional panoramic vistas. Additionally, the area is known for the spectacular Hérisson Waterfalls, which are fed by Bonlieu Lake.

Many routes in Bonlieu are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the challenging Lac du Petit Maclu – Grand Maclu Lake loop from La Chaux-du-Dombief is a 11.4 km (7.1 miles) circular path that provides an immersive experience around two of the area's notable lakes.

Bonlieu offers seasonal beauty throughout the year. While winter brings snow, the spring, summer, and autumn months are ideal for touring cycling. The landscape transforms from vibrant greens in summer to stunning yellows and oranges in autumn, providing a constantly changing and picturesque backdrop for your rides.

The touring cycling routes in Bonlieu are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 600 reviews. Cyclists often praise the serene and picturesque environment, the stunning lake views, and the diverse terrain that offers varied experiences.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, Bonlieu offers several options. The Tunnel de la Diane (Voie PLM) – Révigny Metal Viaduct loop from Bonlieu is a substantial 74.6 km (46.4 miles) route that takes you through historical railway infrastructure and the wider 'Pays des Lacs' landscape, typically completed in about 4 hours 50 minutes.

While Bonlieu Lake is one of the sources of the Hérisson river, the main cluster of the spectacular Hérisson Waterfalls is located downstream. Many cycling routes in the broader region will bring you close to this impressive natural attraction, allowing for a detour to explore them.

Absolutely. The region is known for its exceptional panoramic views. While cycling, you can often catch glimpses of the various lakes. For dedicated viewpoints, consider routes that pass near belvederes like the one at La Ronde, which offers vistas of the Pic de l'Aigle, Bonlieu, Ilay, and Maclu lakes.

Yes, some routes incorporate historical elements. For instance, the Tunnel de la Diane (Voie PLM) – Révigny Metal Viaduct loop from Bonlieu leads through historical railway infrastructure, offering a blend of natural beauty and past engineering marvels. You can also find highlights like the Church of Our Lady of the Nativity of the Abbey and Abbey Site of Grandvaux in the vicinity.

The most popular touring cycling route is the Lac de la Motte – Doucier Beach loop from La Chaux-du-Dombief. This challenging 46.5 km (28.9 miles) trail takes approximately 3 hours 5 minutes to complete and navigates through the scenic lakes region, offering continuous views of the water and surrounding forests.