4.2
(20)
35
riders
7
rides
Gravel biking around Pouillenay offers diverse landscapes in the Côte d'Or department, characterized by undulating terrain and quiet country roads, many of which are unpaved. The region features agricultural lands, forests, and waterways, including the confluence of the La Lochère and La Brenne rivers. The Canal de Bourgogne runs along the west of the commune, providing largely flat cycle paths that complement the area's gentle hills. This varied topography makes the "Pays verdoyant de l'Auxois" suitable for different gravel biking…
Last updated: July 3, 2026
5.0
(15)
14
riders
36.8km
02:05
120m
120m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
13
riders
32.2km
01:55
90m
90m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
3.0
(1)
2
riders
13.1km
01:04
300m
300m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
2
riders
7.88km
00:35
90m
90m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
65.4km
04:26
710m
710m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
I highly recommend visiting the abbey church of St Thibault in St Thibault! A pure marvel!
0
0
Charming place, impeccable welcome and catering!
0
0
B&B on the banks of the canal with a terrace open to all for a break...
0
0
Wonderful location on the Burgundy Canal, a welcoming hub for hikers, cyclists, and boaters. Rooms, a small restaurant with a bar and restaurant, and a small grocery store for basic needs. And Christel and Gérald are two warm hosts. We loved our stay there. maison-du-canal.fr
1
0
An interestingly designed public space near the bridge over the Brenne River, a prime spot with a view, a bridgehead, and a city terrace. Designed by local architects Atelier B2A, 2019.
2
0
A wonderful location on the Canal de Bourgogne, a welcoming hub for hikers, cyclists, and boaters. Rooms, a small restaurant with a bar and restaurant, and a small grocery store for basic needs. And Christel and Gérald are two welcoming hosts. For long-distance hikers on the Sentier Bibracte, Alésia is a good stopover, even if it's a bit off the beaten track—the detour is worth it! https://www.maison-du-canal.fr/
4
0
A lovely little stopover along the Canal, not far from Vitteaux. Head to the little bistro (red sign), where you'll eat like kings for next to nothing.
1
0
The Abbey of Fontenay, like all monasteries and places of worship, was, of course, founded or built first and foremost as a place of prayer. Due to its outstanding significance, it has also been honored with the title of "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. The German-language television series "Treasures of the World – Heritage of Humanity" documents these special sites around the world in quarter-hour segments. One episode also deals with this abbey, and the website reads: * "France at the end of the 11th century. Christianity has prevailed. The noble abbots of the Benedictine monasteries live in prosperity. The monastic ideal of poverty and modesty seems to have been forgotten. A new order is founded in Burgundy. It calls its followers to return to early Christian ideals: to work and poverty, to humility and seclusion from the world. The monks establish their first monastery, "Citeaux," after which they later call themselves Cistercians. The order grows rapidly. The monks clear the forests and regulate the rivers. Their religious houses soon spread throughout France, even to Germany. The Fontenay Abbey is also founded under them." The film is available in the ARD media library at the following link =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/fontenay-frankreich-folge-11/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MjQ3MjIw
3
1
There are over 10 gravel bike trails around Pouillenay, offering a variety of experiences from leisurely canal paths to more challenging routes through rolling countryside. The komoot community has explored these diverse paths over 40 times.
Yes, Pouillenay offers several routes suitable for beginners and families. The Canal de Bourgogne – Maison du Canal de Bourgogne loop from Pouillenay is a great option, featuring largely flat paths along the scenic Canal de Bourgogne, ideal for a relaxed ride.
You can expect a diverse range of landscapes. Many routes follow the lush river valleys of La Lochère and La Brenne, as well as the historic Canal de Bourgogne. Further afield, you'll find rolling countryside characteristic of the Pays de l'Auxois region, with some routes venturing towards the more varied terrain near the Morvan Regional Natural Park.
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Pouillenay are designed as loops. For instance, the Bridge over the Brenne – Parc Buffon loop from Les Laumes Alésia offers a moderate circular path exploring the countryside near the Brenne river.
The region is rich in history and natural beauty. You can cycle past sites like the MuséoParc Alésia, which commemorates a significant Gallo-Roman battle. Many routes also pass through charming villages like Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, known for its ancient center, or near natural features like Lac de Pont. The Canal de Bourgogne itself is a historic waterway offering picturesque views.
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Pouillenay, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially along shaded canal paths, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winters can be cold and potentially wet, making some trails less accessible.
Yes, the Semur en Auxois – Lac de Pont loop from Semur-en-Auxois is a popular trail that leads through the historic town of Semur-en-Auxois and directly past Lac de Pont, an artificial lake with recreational opportunities.
The gravel bike trails in Pouillenay are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 17 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, from flat canal paths to rolling countryside, and the opportunity to combine cycling with exploring the region's rich history and charming villages.
While many routes are moderate, the region's proximity to the Morvan Regional Natural Park suggests opportunities for more rugged and varied terrain. Some of the 4 difficult routes available will offer more elevation and technical sections for experienced gravel bikers looking for a challenge.
Yes, many starting points for gravel bike trails in and around Pouillenay, especially in larger towns like Semur-en-Auxois or near popular attractions, offer designated parking areas. It's advisable to check the specific tour details on komoot for parking information at your chosen starting point.
Absolutely. The Canal de Bourgogne is a central feature for gravel biking here. Beyond the loop starting from Pouillenay, the Canal de Bourgogne – Lac de Pont loop from Pouillenay also incorporates sections along the canal, offering a longer ride that combines the waterway with the lake.


Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.