The best road cycling routes around Barrage Du Bourdon

There are over 30 road cycling routes around Barrage Du Bourdon, offering a variety of options for different skill levels. You'll find everything from easy loops to more challenging moderate routes.

The region around Barrage Du Bourdon is pleasant for road cycling during spring, summer, and early autumn. The warmer months are ideal for enjoying the lake views and potentially combining your ride with water activities or breaks at the sandy beaches. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, the area offers several easy routes suitable for families. The terrain primarily consists of accessible, mostly paved paths with gentle gradients. An excellent option is the Lac du Bourdon Beach – Lac du Bourdon loop from Lac du Bourdon, which is 6.4 miles (10.3 km) and offers scenic lake views through forests.

Yes, cyclists can ride directly over the Barrage du Bourdon, providing unique perspectives of the reservoir and the surrounding landscape. This is a notable feature of many routes in the area.

Road cycling routes around Barrage Du Bourdon are defined by the large, horseshoe-shaped Lac du Bourdon, extensive surrounding forest paths, and the impressive Barrage du Bourdon itself. The environment was intentionally designed with aesthetic appeal, featuring groves and strategically placed trees, creating a garden-like setting.

While many routes offer gentle gradients, some include moderate elevation gains for those seeking a greater challenge. For example, the Lac du Bourdon – Guédelon Castle loop from Lac du Bourdon is a moderate 27.7 miles (44.5 km) path with over 400 meters of elevation gain, combining lakeside cycling with a journey towards the historic Guédelon Castle.

Beyond the impressive Barrage du Bourdon and the scenic Lac du Bourdon, some routes will take you past the historic Château de Saint-Fargeau, which dates back to the 11th century. The lake itself features cascades formed by the overflow canal and a false grotto, adding to the picturesque scenery.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Barrage Du Bourdon are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular options include loops around Lac du Bourdon, such as the Lac du Bourdon – Lac du Bourdon Beach loop from Lac du Bourdon.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Cyclists often praise the scenic lake views, the well-maintained paved paths, and the diverse routes that cater to various skill levels, from easy lakeside loops to more challenging rides towards historical sites.

Parking is generally available at various points around Lac du Bourdon and in nearby towns like Saint-Fargeau, which serve as common starting points for routes. Specific parking areas are often indicated on detailed route maps.

The area around Barrage Du Bourdon, including nearby Saint-Fargeau, offers various amenities such as cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can refuel during or after your ride. The presence of a municipal campsite also indicates facilities for visitors.

Beyond road cycling, Lac du Bourdon is a hub for water sports like canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating, sailing, and windsurfing. There are also supervised swimming areas during July and August. Hikers can explore numerous trails, and other activities include mountain biking, camping, and horse riding.