The best traffic-free bike rides around Barnay

There are 15 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes around Barnay featured in this guide, offering a variety of distances and difficulties for you to explore the Morvan Regional Natural Park.

The Morvan Regional Natural Park, where Barnay is located, is renowned for its tranquil countryside roads, making it an ideal destination for peaceful cycling away from heavy traffic. The routes often utilize quiet departmental roads and smaller lanes that wind through forests and past lakes.

Yes, there is one easy route perfect for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. Consider the Roadbike loop from Magnien, which covers 24.4 km with a manageable elevation gain of just over 200 meters.

The routes around Barnay offer varied terrain. While not as demanding as the Alps, the Morvan features undulating hills and manageable gradients. You'll find 10 moderate routes and 4 difficult routes, with climbs offering a good challenge. For example, the Settons Lake (south) – Col de la Croix de Chèvre loop from Chissey-en-Morvan is a difficult route with over 1200 meters of elevation gain.

The routes often pass through picturesque landscapes of forests and lakes. You can also discover charming villages and historical sites. For instance, the Château de Missery – Saint-Laurent Church of Manlay loop from Manlay passes by the historic Saint-Laurent Church of Manlay. Other routes might offer views of the Col de la croix d'Allye or the View of the Télots.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the View of the Castle – Burgundy Canal loop from Manlay and the Temple of Janus – Porte d'Arroux loop from Sommant.

The best seasons for road cycling in the Morvan Regional Natural Park are spring and autumn. During these times, the weather is mild, and the landscapes are particularly vibrant with lush greenery or rich autumn colors, making for a very pleasant riding experience.

While the routes focus on quiet roads, the Morvan region has charming villages where you can often find local cafes or small shops. For example, the Jardin du Thé Tea Garden is a highlight that could be near some routes, offering a pleasant stop.

The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience around Barnay, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free roads, the beautiful rolling landscapes of the Morvan, and the rewarding climbs that offer panoramic views.

Public transport options directly to the specific starting points of these rural routes can be limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car to Barnay or a nearby town and then cycle from there. Parking is usually available in the villages where routes begin.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a greater challenge, the Morvan includes passes like Col de la Croix Pilate and Col de la Gourdonne, known for their demanding climbs. The Settons Lake (south) – Col de la Croix de Chèvre loop from Chissey-en-Morvan is a difficult route with significant elevation, perfect for those looking to test their endurance.