The best cycling routes around Planchez

There are over 270 touring cycling routes around Planchez, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find approximately 16 easy routes, 78 moderate routes, and 177 more challenging routes to explore the diverse landscapes of the Morvan Regional Natural Park.

The mild weather during spring and autumn makes these seasons ideal for touring cycling around Planchez. The temperatures are pleasant, and the natural scenery is particularly beautiful, with lush greenery in spring and vibrant colors in autumn.

Yes, Planchez offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for families or those new to touring. For instance, the Bike loop from Lac des Settons is an easy 11.6 km ride with minimal elevation gain, providing a relaxed way to enjoy the scenery around the lake.

The terrain around Planchez is characterized by rolling hills and deep valleys, offering an engaging cycling experience without the extreme demands of high mountain ranges. You'll encounter extensive wooded areas providing shaded routes, and picturesque lakes like Lac des Settons and Lac de Pannecière are central features of many rides. Expect varied elevation, with some routes featuring significant climbs.

Yes, many routes around Planchez are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. A popular option is the Settons Lake – Lake of Settons loop from Lac des Settons, a moderate 31.4 km trail that circles the scenic Lac des Settons. Another is the more challenging Settons Lake Dam – Settons Lake loop from Lac des Settons, which covers 36.1 km with significant elevation changes.

The routes often feature stunning natural beauty and interesting landmarks. You can cycle past the impressive Settons Lake Dam, cross the charming Wooden Footbridge on the Lake, and enjoy views of the vast Pannecière reservoir lake. The region is also home to several mountain passes like the Col de la Croix de Chèvre, offering panoramic views.

The touring cycling routes around Planchez are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 360 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the tranquility of the wooded areas, and the picturesque lakes. The variety of routes, from easy loops to more challenging climbs, also contributes to its popularity among over 3100 visitors.

Yes, for more ambitious touring cyclists, the Morvan Regional Natural Park offers grander challenges. The 58 km 'Settons-Pannecière Cycle Loop' connects the two iconic lakes. Longer tours include the 154 km 'Grands Lacs du Morvan' circuit, which links six lakes, and the challenging 370 km 'Tour du Morvan par l'intérieur' that traverses major passes. A more tourist-oriented 'Tour du Morvan par l'extérieur' covers 316 km and connects to broader regional cycle routes like the 'Tour de Bourgogne à vélo'.

While specific parking locations for every route are not detailed here, many touring cycling routes around Planchez, especially those starting from popular points like Lac des Settons, will have designated parking areas nearby. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for specific parking information.

Beyond natural beauty, touring cyclists can explore local heritage. In Planchez itself, you can find a dolmen, remains of a medieval gatehouse, the 16th-century Saint-Sulpice church, and the operational Presle watermill. Nearby towns like Château-Chinon offer attractions such as a panoramic view and the distinctive Stravinsky fountain. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Vézelay is also within reach for a cultural detour.

Yes, the wider Autunois Morvan area, which includes Planchez, provides bike rental services. This includes electric bikes, making cycling accessible to a wider range of visitors and allowing you to tackle the rolling hills with greater ease.