The best gravel rides around Roussillon-En-Morvan

Gravel biking in Roussillon-En-Morvan, nestled within the Morvan Regional Natural Park, offers a diverse landscape. You'll encounter rolling hills, extensive forests, and granite mountains. The region is known for its varied terrain, including winding paths, deep forests, and authentic hamlets, with routes often featuring significant elevation changes and a mix of challenging climbs and rolling descents.

Yes, there are over a dozen gravel biking routes around Roussillon-En-Morvan. The komoot community has mapped 13 distinct trails, offering a wide range of options for exploring the Morvan's natural beauty.

Most gravel bike trails in Roussillon-En-Morvan are considered challenging. Out of the 13 routes available, 12 are rated as difficult, with only one moderate option. This means many routes present a significant challenge, often involving considerable elevation gain and longer distances, making them suitable for experienced gravel bikers.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in the area are circular. For example, you could try the challenging Rebout Pass – Mont Beuvray loop from Arleuf, which covers 74.7 km with significant elevation, or the View of Autun – Saint-Lazare Cathedral loop from La Grande-Verrière, a longer 89.7 km ride through scenic viewpoints.

Absolutely! The Morvan Regional Natural Park is rich in natural beauty. You can ride past significant natural features like the Haut-Folin Pass, which is the highest point in Burgundy, or explore routes that pass by lakes such as La Canche Pond. Some trails also lead to impressive sights like the Dragne Waterfall or the Sources of the Yonne.

The gravel biking routes around Roussillon-En-Morvan are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 5 reviews. Riders often praise the immersive experience, allowing them to explore wild areas away from crowds, and the diverse terrain that combines deep forests with challenging climbs.

Yes, the Morvan is dotted with several large artificial lakes. You can find routes that integrate these scenic water bodies, such as the extensive Settons Lake Dam – Lac des Settons North loop from Anost, which is a challenging 118.7 km ride offering beautiful lakeside views and opportunities for breaks.

The Morvan Regional Natural Park is often referred to as the 'green lung of Burgundy,' suggesting that spring, summer, and early autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking. During these seasons, the forests are lush, and the weather is generally favorable for outdoor activities, allowing you to fully enjoy the diverse terrain and natural features.

Yes, some routes in the region incorporate sections along old railroad beds, offering a unique riding experience. An example is the challenging Saint-Prix – Old railroad loop from Anost, which covers 62.9 km and features over 1200 meters of elevation gain.

Definitely. The Morvan is characterized by its granite mountains, and several gravel routes lead to significant passes and high points. For instance, the Haut-Folin Pass – Old railroad loop from Arleuf combines challenging climbs towards the Haut-Folin Pass, which is the highest point in Burgundy, with sections along an old railroad bed.

The gravel biking experience in Roussillon-En-Morvan is defined by its immersion in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. You'll ride through extensive forests of diverse tree species like large-leaved lime, sycamore maple, and sessile oak, often intertwined with granite rocks. The region's unspoiled nature, including tranquil rivers and gorges like the Gorges de la Canche, provides a quiet and scenic backdrop for your rides.