The best gravel rides around Matour

The gravel bike trails around Matour, situated near the Morvan Regional Natural Park, feature diverse terrain. You'll encounter rolling hills, dense mixed forests, and quiet country roads with little traffic. The routes often combine unpaved roads, forest tracks, and paths, providing a varied and engaging cycling experience. While climbs are generally rolling, some routes, like the Dovecote of Château de Drée – Drée Castle loop from Gibles, include significant elevation gain.

Yes, the Matour area offers challenging gravel routes. The region's granite massif includes rolling hills and some more demanding sections. For instance, the Dovecote of Château de Drée – Drée Castle loop from Gibles is classified as difficult, covering 28.4 km with over 500 meters of elevation gain. Another difficult option is the Rest area by the stream loop from Bois-Sainte-Marie, which spans 31.2 km with nearly 480 meters of ascent.

While Matour itself is close to Lac de Saint-Point Lamartine, the broader Morvan Regional Natural Park, to which Matour is linked, is renowned for its six man-made lakes. These include Lac des Settons, Lac de Pannecière, Lac de Saint-Agnan, Lac de Chaumeçon, Lac des Chamboux, and Lac du Crescent. Many gravel routes in the wider region incorporate these scenic water bodies, offering beautiful views and opportunities for breaks. The Berthaud Wood – Lake Saint-Point loop from Tramayes specifically passes by Lac de Saint-Point.

Yes, the region around Matour is rich in historical sites and castles. For example, the Dovecote of Château de Drée – Drée Castle loop from Gibles takes you past the impressive Drée Castle. Other notable castles in the vicinity include Château de La Clayette and Montrouant Castle, which can be explored as part of your gravel biking adventures.

The rolling hills and varied topography of the Matour area, particularly within the Morvan Regional Natural Park, offer numerous scenic viewpoints. Routes often traverse elevated sections, providing panoramic vistas of the dense forests and picturesque countryside. Notable peaks in the area, such as Mount Saint-Rigaud, Mount Dun, and Mount St. Cyr, provide excellent opportunities for breathtaking views.

Yes, many gravel bike routes around Matour are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Dovecote of Château de Drée – Drée Castle loop from Gibles, the Berthaud Wood – Lake Saint-Point loop from Tramayes, and the Rest area by the stream loop from Bois-Sainte-Marie. These circular routes are convenient for exploration, bringing you back to your starting location.

The Morvan Regional Natural Park, encompassing Matour, is beautiful throughout the year, but spring and autumn are often considered ideal for gravel biking. In spring, the forests are lush and green, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summers are generally pleasant, though some passages might require a mountain bike in wet weather, so checking conditions is always advisable. The rolling nature of the climbs makes them accessible for much of the year.

Matour is a commune in a rural part of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. While local bus services might connect some villages, direct public transport access to specific trailheads for gravel biking can be limited. It is generally recommended to use a car to reach your desired starting point for gravel routes in this region, especially for flexibility in exploring the wider Morvan area.

Parking is typically available in the villages and towns that serve as starting points for the gravel routes. For example, if you plan to ride the Dovecote of Château de Drée – Drée Castle loop, you would likely find parking options in Gibles. Similarly, for the Berthaud Wood – Lake Saint-Point loop, parking would be available in Tramayes. Look for designated parking areas in these smaller communities.

While the guide highlights some moderate and difficult routes, the Morvan Regional Natural Park offers a network of trails that can cater to various skill levels. For family-friendly options, look for routes described as 'easy' or those with minimal elevation gain and well-maintained surfaces. The general terrain of rolling hills and forest tracks can be enjoyable for families, but always check the specific route details for distance and elevation before setting out.

Gravel bikers frequently praise the natural scenery, woodlands, and rolling hills that define the Matour area and the wider Morvan Regional Natural Park. The varied terrain, combining unpaved roads and forest tracks, offers a diverse and engaging experience. Riders appreciate the quiet country roads and the opportunity to explore the 'green lung of Burgundy' away from heavy traffic.