5.0
(1)
12
riders
5
rides
Mountain bike trails Fontaines-En-Duesmois are situated on the Plateau du Duesmois, an agricultural area offering expansive views and varied terrain. The region is characterized by an immense forest area covering its northern part, providing diverse routes for outdoor activities. Elevations range from 333 meters to 419 meters, creating varied inclines and descents suitable for mountain biking. The karstic subsoil contributes to numerous springs in the surrounding valleys, influencing the natural hydrology of the area.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
5
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
41.7km
03:03
390m
390m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2
riders
21.6km
01:43
150m
150m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
1
riders
16.6km
01:24
240m
240m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
26.1km
01:58
320m
310m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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
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The Abbey of Fontenay was, like all monasteries and places of worship, of course founded or built first and foremost as a place of prayer. Due to its outstanding importance, it has also been "ennobled" by UNESCO with the title of "World Cultural Heritage". The German-language television series "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity" documents these special sites all over the world in quarter-hour contributions. One episode also deals with this abbey, on the website you can read: * "France at the end of the 11th century. Christianity has prevailed. The noble abbots of the Benedictine monasteries live in prosperity. The monks' ideal of poverty and modesty seems to have been forgotten. A new order is founded in Burgundy. It calls on its followers to return to original Christian ideals: to work and poverty, to humility and seclusion from the world. The monks found their first monastery "Citeaux", after which they later call themselves Cistercians. The religious order grows quickly. The monks clear the forests and regulate the rivers. Their religious houses soon spread across France and into Germany. The Fontenay monastery was 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
5
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The world heritage monastery is worth a visit. However, there is an entrance fee.
3
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Old church from the 12th century, with a small cemetery, closed to visitors, but still picturesque from the outside.
0
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A world heritage abbey from the 12th century. Its territory extends over 1200 ha. The Abbey is decorated with a landscaped park classified in 2004 as a “Remarkable Garden” by the National Council of Parks and Gardens. You can book tickets in advance to visit this place on this site: https://www.abbayedefontenay.com the price starts from 9 euros.
2
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Another historical monument built in the 12th century; it is closed to visitors for the moment.
1
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Many, mostly young people, even without any further knowledge of French history. The comic series ASTERIX, which has been translated into many languages around the world, acquaints its readers with this, even though it is (supposedly) not possible to identify this fateful place with a specific location there: “I don't know any Alesia. Nobody knows where this Alesia is," claims Majestix, head of the small Gallic village that successfully resisted the Roman occupiers - thanks to the legendary magic potion of their druid Miraculix - for example in the volume "Asterix and the Avernian Shield".
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It is the tourist port of the Burgundy canal located in VENAREY LES LAUMES (21150). There are barges converted into homes, and license-free pleasure boats which allow you to take relaxing excursions with family or friends over several days. You can combine cycling as well as the discovery of sites and monuments that line the pretty shaded route. The passage of the locks is also a curiosity of the canal. The Burgundy Canal connects the Yonne and Saône rivers: https://www.canal-de-bourgogne.fr/ License-free boat excursions in Venarey les Laumes: https://www.nicols.com/croisiere-fluviale/france/location-bateau-bourgogne?q=bases-Venarey
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There are 5 mountain bike trails around Fontaines-En-Duesmois listed in this guide, offering a range of experiences from easy to moderate difficulty.
The trails in Fontaines-En-Duesmois are situated on the Plateau du Duesmois, featuring varied inclines and descents with elevations ranging from 333 to 419 meters. You'll find routes through immense forest areas, particularly in the northern part of the commune, and some paths follow the historic Canal de Bourgogne, offering flatter sections.
Yes, there are several easy mountain bike routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Canal de Bourgogne loop from Fain-lès-Montbard is an easy 12 km trail that takes about 37 minutes to complete, offering flat sections along the canal. Another easy option is the Fontenay Abbey loop from Le Petit Jailly, covering 16.6 km.
While this guide features easy and moderate trails, the region's varied elevations and forest areas can offer engaging rides. The moderate routes, such as the Fontenay Abbey – Alise-Sainte-Reine Village loop from Bussy-le-Grand (41.8 km) or the Fontenay Abbey loop from Chapelle Sainte-Marguerite (26.1 km), provide longer distances and more significant elevation changes, requiring good physical condition.
Absolutely. Many routes in the area combine natural landscapes with historical sites. The Fontenay Abbey – Alise-Sainte-Reine Village loop from Bussy-le-Grand, for instance, includes the renowned Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other routes, like the Fontenay Abbey loop from Le Petit Jailly, also pass by this significant landmark.
Yes, all the mountain bike routes listed in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Canal de Bourgogne loop from Fain-lès-Montbard, the Path in the shade loop from Puits, and various loops around Fontenay Abbey.
Beyond the trails, the region offers several historical and cultural attractions. You can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Fontenay Abbey and its Forge, or explore the Villaines-en-Duesmois Castle and Rocheprise Castle. The village of Fontaines-En-Duesmois itself has traces of 15th and 16th-century fortifications and old buildings, including the Saint-Germain-d'Auxerre Church.
Many trails in the Fontaines-En-Duesmois region are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy your ride with your canine companion. It's always a good idea to check specific trail regulations or local signage for any particular restrictions.
The varied landscapes and forest areas of Fontaines-En-Duesmois make it suitable for mountain biking across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. The immense forest cover can also provide welcome shade during warmer months.
The mountain bike routes in Fontaines-En-Duesmois are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from more than 1 review. Users often appreciate the diverse terrain, from flat canal paths to forest trails with varied elevations, and the opportunity to combine rides with visits to historical sites like Fontenay Abbey.
Yes, the region is known for its immense forest areas, particularly in the northern part of the commune. The Path in the shade loop from Puits is a prime example, leading you through shaded forest paths, making it a pleasant ride, especially on warmer days.


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