The best road cycling routes around Auxerre

Auxerre offers a diverse range of road cycling routes, from flat paths along the Canal du Nivernais and Yonne River to more challenging climbs through the region's vineyards and hilly uplands. You'll find routes suitable for various skill levels, including greenways dedicated to cyclists and walkers.

Yes, Auxerre has many easy routes perfect for beginners or family outings. The greenways, such as the 'Coulée Verte' around Auxerre, provide safe and scenic paths. Routes like Discovering Auxerre — loop along the Yonne offer gentle terrain with views of the historic center and quays. Another easy option is the Abbaye de Pontigny — loop from Chablis.

For those seeking a challenge, the Auxerre region offers routes with significant elevation gains, particularly through the vineyard-covered hillsides and hilly uplands. A notable difficult route is Auxerre, Toucy — loop around the Parc Naturel de Boutissaint, which features over 1300 meters of elevation gain.

The scenery around Auxerre is incredibly varied. You'll cycle alongside the tranquil Canal du Nivernais and Yonne River, through picturesque vineyards in the Auxerrois and Chablis areas, and past charming villages. The region also features hilly uplands, steep-sided valleys, and forests, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks.

Yes, many road cycling routes around Auxerre are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Charentenay & la riviére de l'Yonne— boucle au départ d'Auxerre, the Chablis Vineyards Loop, and the Saint-Florentin and Pontigny Abbey Heritage Loop.

Auxerre's cycling routes often pass through or near significant historical and cultural sites. You can explore Auxerre's historic center, including St. Étienne Cathedral and Saint-Germain Abbey. Routes along the Canal du Nivernais feature historic locks and bridges. Many routes also connect charming villages like Irancy, Vincelottes, and Cravant, or lead to destinations like Vézelay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You might also encounter castles such as Guédelon Castle or Château de Druyes.

The best time for road cycling in Auxerre is generally during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the landscapes are particularly beautiful, with blooming vineyards or vibrant fall colors. Summer can also be pleasant, though it can get warmer, especially in July and August.

Absolutely. The Auxerrois region is renowned for its vineyards, especially Chablis. The Chablis Vineyards Loop is a dedicated route that takes you through these famous wine-producing hillsides, offering opportunities to admire the viticultural scenery and potentially visit wine cellars.

The road cycling routes around Auxerre are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained paths along the Canal du Nivernais, and the scenic beauty of the vineyard routes.

Yes, many cycling routes, especially those along the Canal du Nivernais and through villages, offer access to amenities. You'll find charming villages with cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. The region is well-equipped to cater to cyclists, particularly in popular areas and towns like Auxerre, Chablis, and those along the canal.

Beyond the vineyards and rivers, look out for the charming hilly uplands and steep-sided valleys, such as the Yonne valley, which offer varied terrain and scenic vistas. The route along the Nivernais Canal towards Cravant also features gorges with striking cliffs and cherry tree-lined paths, providing beautiful natural viewpoints.

There are nearly 1200 road cycling routes available around Auxerre, offering a wide variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore the region's diverse landscapes.