3.8
(4)
24
riders
5
rides
Mountain biking around Dornes offers a network of trails primarily situated along river valleys and through forested areas. The region features varied terrain, including paths alongside the Allier and Loire rivers, with some routes passing by historic châteaux and cathedrals. Elevation gains are generally moderate, providing a mix of longer, flatter sections and some rolling hills suitable for mountain biking.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
5.0
(1)
6
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
4
riders
35.4km
02:28
180m
180m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
3
riders
29.1km
01:40
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The patronage of this cathedral in Moulins, dedicated to the Annunciation (or, in another spelling, the Annunciation of Mary), refers to one of the many feast days in honor of the Virgin Mary. The Feast of the Annunciation (liturgical name: Annunciation of the Lord) is celebrated on March 25th, exactly nine months before Christmas. It commemorates the message the angel of the Lord brought her: that she would give birth to the Son of God – Jesus Christ. According to the account in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, this occurred in Nazareth, Israel. There, on the site where this event took place – according to a tradition spanning some two thousand years – a large church stands, which can thus be considered the original patronal church for the title of this church in Moulins. ] ... The Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth can be found as a komoot highlight at the following link =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/251260
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This beautiful trail runs along the Allier River to the entrance to Moulins. You'll be immersed in a very pleasant natural space. Don't hesitate to set foot on land to explore this beautiful natural site and observe the birds.
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The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation, the episcopal see of the Diocese of Moulins, was built in the 15th century on the remains of an original 10th-century chapel dedicated to Saint Peter. The oldest parts of the collegiate church are primarily built in the flamboyant Gothic style. It was elevated to a cathedral in the first half of the 19th century and then to a minor basilica.
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The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation was built in the 15th century on the remains of a first chapel from the 10th century, which was dedicated to Saint Peter. Since 1817 it has been the episcopal church of the diocese of Moulins. The most important work of art in the cathedral is the altarpiece from around 1502 by the Master of Moulins. His triptych of Moulins shows the Virgin Mary in front of a rainbow on the central panel, also surrounded by the donor Duke Pierre II and Anne de Beaujeu and their daughter Suzanne, and is considered an important example of a donor portrait of the late Gothic period.
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Old railway bridge, nice to pose for a moment.
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This magnificent Notre-Dame-de-l’Annonciation cathedral in Moulins is absolutely worth discovering for its history but also for the points of interest that you will find inside: - The Black Madonna, patron saint of Moulins Since the 12th century, the Black Virgin has been the object of veneration by the people of Moulin in gratitude for the remarkable protection with which she has surrounded the town of Moulins for centuries. - The great Merklin organ, a great romantic instrument - The triptych of the Master of Moulins is undoubtedly the only masterpiece that survives from the vast collections of paintings that the Dukes of Bourbon had established in their ducal palace of Moulins or with which they had endowed the collegiate church that they had founded near. The triptych of the Master of Moulins was classified as a Historic Monument on June 14, 1898.
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Not far from here, in Nevers, is where the Allier River ends its course in the Loire. The view from here is picturesque. Take the time to take some photos. From here, you have a beautiful view of Moulins.
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The mountain biking trails around Dornes primarily follow river valleys and wind through forested areas. You'll encounter varied terrain, including paths alongside the Allier and Loire rivers, with some routes passing by historic châteaux and cathedrals. The elevation gains are generally moderate, offering a mix of longer, flatter sections and rolling hills.
Yes, Dornes offers trails suitable for beginners. For example, the Moulins Cathedral – Moulins Cathedral loop from Trévol is an easy 18.1-mile (29.1 km) route that takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to complete, making it a good option for those new to mountain biking or looking for a less strenuous ride.
Advanced mountain bikers can challenge themselves with longer and more demanding routes. The most difficult trail in the area is By the Allier – The iron bridge over the Allier River loop from Saint-Ennemond, which spans 75.9 miles (122.2 km) and involves significant elevation changes, typically taking over 8 hours to complete.
For families, routes with easier difficulty ratings and shorter distances are ideal. The Moulins Cathedral – Moulins Cathedral loop from Trévol is an easy 18.1-mile (29.1 km) trail that could be suitable for families looking for a pleasant ride without excessive challenge.
Given the region's river valleys and forested areas, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Dornes, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it might be warmer. Winter riding is possible but be prepared for potentially wet or muddy conditions on some trails.
Yes, many of the routes around Dornes are designed as loops. Examples include the View of the Loire – Decize loop from Lucenay-lès-Aix, the Moulins Cathedral – Moulins Cathedral loop from Trévol, and the Château d'Avrilly loop from Villeneuve-sur-Allier, all offering a return to your starting point.
The trails often pass by interesting points. You might encounter historic châteaux and cathedrals, especially on routes near Moulins. Specific highlights include the Canal Bridge Over the Acolin and the Abron lock and lock house, which are part of the region's waterways.
While specific cafes directly on every trail are not guaranteed, the region has amenities. For instance, the Boulangerie Jolivot is a bakery, restaurant, and sandwich shop that could be a convenient stop for refreshments or a meal, depending on your chosen route and proximity to towns.
The mountain bike routes in Dornes are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average score of 3.5 stars from 2 reviews. Over 20 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic river valleys and forested paths.
There are 6 mountain bike trails detailed for the Dornes area, offering a range of difficulties from easy to difficult, and varying lengths to suit different preferences and fitness levels.
The longest mountain bike trail in the area is By the Allier – The iron bridge over the Allier River loop from Saint-Ennemond, which covers a substantial distance of 75.9 miles (122.2 km).
Yes, the View of the Loire – Decize loop from Lucenay-lès-Aix is a moderate 38.0-mile (61.2 km) path specifically designed to offer scenic views of the Loire River as it passes through the Decize area.
While specific parking details for each trailhead are not provided, most routes start and end in or near towns like Saint-Ennemond, Lucenay-lès-Aix, or Trévol. You can typically find public parking facilities in these villages or at designated starting points for outdoor activities.


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