The best cycling routes around Barrage Des Settons
4.2
(204)
1,731
riders
50
rides
Touring cycling routes around Barrage Des Settons traverse the diverse landscapes of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, centered around the artificial Lac des Settons. The area features extensive forests of fir and larch, granite hills, and winding lake shores. Cyclists will encounter varied terrain, including both paved and unpaved surfaces, with routes offering different elevation gains. The region's geography provides a mix of moderate lakeside paths and more challenging ascents through wooded areas.
Best touring cycling routes around Barrage Des Settons
- The most popular touring cycling route is Settons Lake – Lake of Settons loop from Lac des Settons, a 19.5 miles (31.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 41 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers views of the lake and surrounding woodlands.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Settons Lake Dam loop from Lac des Settons, a moderate 13.5 miles (21.8 km) path. This route circles a section of the lake, providing scenic views of the water and the historic dam structure.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Lac des Settons North – Settons Lake Dam loop from Lac des Settons, a 20.3 miles (32.7 km) trail leading through wooded areas and along the lake's northern shore, often completed in about 2 hours 12 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Barrage Des Settons is defined by extensive forests, granite formations, and the shores of Lac des Settons. The network offers options for different ability levels, from leisurely rides to more demanding routes with significant elevation.
- The routes in Barrage Des Settons are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.8 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Barrage Des Settons's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
4.0
(1)
39
riders
21.8km
01:22
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(4)
20
riders
32.7km
02:12
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(7)
30
riders
41.0km
02:45
500m
490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
28
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.0
(1)
25
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Just a stone's throw from the Maison du Parc du Morvan, the Étang Taureau offers a peaceful rural retreat. A discovery trail has been created nearby, and thirteen information panels explain the history of its fauna and flora.
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The Ouroux-en-Morvan pond offers an ideal setting for a relaxing break by the water. A small, shaded path circles the pond. You'll find several spots for picnics and simply enjoying the surroundings.
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Beautiful and very pleasant for a break!
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Long but regular neck, without great difficulty.
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Lake Sentons is the most famous lake in Morvan: fishing, water sports and walking.
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Beautiful wooden walkways have been created around the lake so you can walk on dry ground. Be careful, however, of pedestrians using this same walkway! Sometimes you have to put your foot down.
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It's a must-see in Burgundy; its 366 hectares make it one of the six large lakes in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. Located in the heart of the Morvan National Park, at an altitude of 590 meters, Lac des Settons (or "chettons" in Morvan) is, like all the lakes in the Morvan region, an artificial lake. Built between 1850 and 1858, south of Montsauche-les-Settons, it facilitated the floating of timber from the Morvan forests to Paris.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Barrage des Settons?
The routes around Barrage des Settons offer diverse terrain, characteristic of the Morvan Regional Natural Park. You'll find a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, winding through extensive forests of fir and larch, granite hills, and along the shores of Lac des Settons. Elevation gains vary, providing options from moderate lakeside paths to more challenging ascents.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easier options. For a moderate ride with scenic views, consider the Settons Lake Dam loop from Lac des Settons, which is about 21.8 km long with around 260m of elevation. The 15-kilometer "Tour du Lac des Settons" is also mentioned as accessible for families and offers viewpoints and rest areas.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see while cycling around Barrage des Settons?
The area is rich in natural and historical attractions. You can cycle past the historic Settons Lake Dam, a unique pyramid-shaped granite structure. The lake itself features beautiful Wooden Footbridges on the Lake and Footbridges with lake view, offering unique perspectives of the water and surrounding forests. The Lakeside boardwalk also provides pleasant views.
How many touring cycling routes are available in the Barrage des Settons area?
There are over 45 touring cycling routes available around Barrage des Settons on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 8 easy, 17 moderate, and 22 difficult options.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Barrage des Settons?
The Morvan Regional Natural Park, where Barrage des Settons is located, is generally pleasant for cycling during spring, summer, and early autumn. Summer offers supervised swimming at beaches like the "Blue Flag" certified Settons peninsula, and guided tours of the dam are available. However, some routes may require good fitness or even pushing your bike, especially during less favorable conditions or on more challenging paths.
Are there any longer or more challenging touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists?
Yes, for more experienced cyclists, there are challenging options. The Settons Lake Dam – Settons Lake loop from Lac des Settons is a difficult 41 km route with about 500m of elevation. Even more demanding is the Settons Lake Dam – Lac de Pannecière loop from Lac des Settons, covering 53.8 km with nearly 1000m of elevation gain.
Can I rent bicycles near Barrage des Settons?
Yes, bike rentals are available in the area. This allows visitors to explore the diverse cycling routes, including options with electric assistance for those who prefer it.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes around Barrage des Settons?
The touring cycling routes around Barrage des Settons are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 3.8 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the extensive forests, and the scenic views of Lac des Settons and its granite formations.
Are there circular touring cycling routes around Barrage des Settons?
Many routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Settons Lake – Lake of Settons loop from Lac des Settons, a 31.4 km moderate route, and the Lac des Settons North – Settons Lake Dam loop from Lac des Settons, which is 32.7 km long.
Are there places to eat or stay near the cycling routes?
Yes, the Barrage des Settons area, particularly around Lac des Settons, offers amenities such as picnic areas, restaurants, and a marina. Accommodation options are also available, making it convenient for multi-day cycling trips.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see along the routes?
The routes traverse the Morvan Regional Natural Park, known for its authentic and wild environment. You'll encounter extensive forests of fir and larch, granite hills, and the winding shores of Lac des Settons. The lake's calm waters are home to wildlife such as herons and ducks, and the unspoilt natural setting provides numerous viewpoints.
Most popular routes around Barrage Des Settons
Most popular attractions around Barrage Des Settons
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