Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
MTB trails
France
Auvergne Rhône Alpes
Roanne

Violay

The best MTB trails around Violay

4.4

(128)

541

riders

80

rides

Mountain biking around Violay features a landscape characterized by rolling hills and significant elevation changes, with routes often traversing through forested areas. The region includes notable points like Col de la Croix Cazard and Matagrin Tower, offering varied terrain for mountain bikers. The trails provide opportunities to explore both natural and historical landmarks.

Best mountain bike trails around Violay

  • The most popular mountain bike trail is Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m) – Matagrin Tower loop from Violay,…

Last updated: May 6, 2026

5.0

(2)

21

riders

#1.

Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m) – Matagrin Tower loop from Violay

22.7km

02:12

580m

590m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
Sign up for free to see 76 more rides around Violay.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Violay

Hiking around Violay

Road Cycling Routes around Violay

Cycling around Violay

Running Trails around Violay

Tips from the Community

joel desbiolles
August 10, 2025, Pont Marteau (Viaduc du Bernand)

take the stairs to Chemin du Tacot in Sainte Colombe

Translated by Google

0

0

very nice circuit with 2 difficult passages (lots of stones in the path) good physical conditions.

Translated by Google

0

0

Pretty long pass on the Tarare side with a constant slope around 5%. Delimits the watershed line between the Rhône and the Loire. Do not hesitate to climb to Mont Boussuivre by extending a few hundred meters and climb to the top of the Matagrin tower to enjoy a magnificent view of the whole region.

Translated by Google

0

0

Magnificent work of art overlooking the A89, a very beautiful point of view and an impressive feeling of space. We can say hi to cars, it's funny.

Translated by Google

0

0

Fortified medieval village. You can still see three emblematic fortified towers at the gates of the village: the Magna Porta Tower, the Egg Tower and the Cotton Tower.

Translated by Google

1

0

Romain
September 3, 2022, Tour Matagrin

Built in 1876, the tower was topped with a pointed roof. At the time, it served as a hunting meeting place for a local notary, Master Matagrin, then became a drinking establishment and even welcomed dance enthusiasts. A Napoleonic terminal was inserted next to the entrance door with the inscription: "Point trigo Napoléon Empereur Nov 1812".

Translated by Google

0

0

Vincent Reboul
March 4, 2022, Affoux

This small village located in the Rhône department and at the extreme south of the Monts du Beaujolais is the final stage of the GR 76.

Translated by Google

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are available around Violay?

There are over 80 mountain bike trails around Violay, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.

What is the general difficulty level of mountain bike trails in Violay?

The mountain bike trails around Violay are predominantly moderate to difficult. You'll find 52 moderate routes and 26 difficult routes, with a few easier options also available. The region is characterized by rolling hills and significant elevation changes.

Are there any beginner-friendly mountain bike trails in Violay?

Yes, there are a couple of easier mountain bike trails around Violay, suitable for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. These routes typically feature less challenging terrain and elevation.

What are the typical distances and durations for mountain bike trails in Violay?

Trail distances vary, with many routes ranging from 18 km to over 38 km. For example, the Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m) – Col de la Croix Cazard loop from Violay is about 18.9 km and takes around 1 hour 50 minutes, while the more challenging Matagrin Tower – Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m) loop from Violay covers 38.1 km and can take nearly 4 hours.

Are there circular mountain bike routes available in Violay?

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Violay are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m) – Matagrin Tower loop from Violay and the Matagrin Tower – Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m) loop from Violay.

What kind of scenery and landmarks can I expect to see on the trails?

The trails often traverse through forested areas and rolling hills. You can expect to pass by notable points like Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m) and Matagrin Tower. Some routes, like the Medieval village of Néronde loop from Sainte-Colombe-sur-Gand, also lead past historical sites.

Are there any interesting viewpoints or attractions along the mountain bike routes?

Yes, the region offers several points of interest. You might encounter mountain passes such as Col de la Croix de Mazieux and Col des Cassettes (622 m). Other attractions include the Croix de Paisselay and the Beaujolais Vert Wind Farm.

What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Violay?

The mountain bike trails in Violay are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 100 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the challenging climbs, and the scenic forested sections.

When is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Violay?

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Violay, with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can also be good, but it's advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat. Winter riding is possible, but trails may be muddy or icy, especially at higher elevations.

What are the typical starting points or trailheads for mountain biking in Violay?

Many routes conveniently start directly from Violay or nearby villages like Sainte-Colombe-sur-Gand. Common starting points often include areas near key landmarks such as Col de la Croix Cazard or Matagrin Tower, which are well-known in the local cycling community.

Are there any mountain bike trails that pass through historical areas?

Yes, the Medieval village of Néronde loop from Sainte-Colombe-sur-Gand is a notable route that takes you through varied landscapes and past historical sites, offering a cultural dimension to your ride.

Most popular routes around Violay

Traffic-free bike rides around Violay

Most popular attractions around Violay

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.

Saint-Priest-La-PrugneLes NoësSaint-RirandPouilly-Les-NonainsSaint-Romain-La-MotteRenaisonSaint-André-D'ApchonSaint-Haon-Le-VieuxSaint-Germain-LespinasseLac De VillerestCordelleSaint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-Sur-LoireLentignyCombreMablyCommelle-VernayAmbierleArconMontagnySaint-Symphorien-De-LayChirassimontFourneauxParignyRiorgesNeauxVillerestOuchesCherierRégnyVivansDancéLaySaint-Victor-Sur-RhinsSaint-Haon-Le-ChâtelSaint-Martin-D'EstréauxSaint-Forgeux-LespinasseNoaillySaint-PolguesVillersSail-Les-BainsBelmont-De-La-LoireArcingesBussièresVillemontaisCuinzierNandaxNotre-Dame-De-BoissetSaint-Pierre-La-NoailleSaint-JodardPradinesBalbignyCharlieuVougyMarsSainte-Agathe-En-DonzyBullySainte-Colombe-Sur-GandNollieuxBellerocheNeuliseSaint-Léger-Sur-RoanneJarnosseVendrangesSaint-Just-La-PenduePerreuxBriennonNérondeSaint-Cyr-De-ValorgesChampolyLa Bénisson-DieuSaint-Nizier-Sous-CharlieuChandonSaint-Romain-D'UrféLe CoteauSaint-Vincent-De-BoissetPinaySaint-Just-En-ChevaletMachézalBoyerCoutouvreForêt De LespinasseSaint-Marcel-De-FélinesÉcocheChangySaint-Priest-La-RocheSaint-Alban-Les-EauxSaint-Bonnet-Des-QuartsSaint-Denis-De-CabanneChausseterrePouilly-Sous-CharlieuSaint-Martin-La-SauvetéJuréLuréLe CergneSevelingesSaint-Georges-De-BaroilleSaint-Germain-La-MontagneLa GresleLa TuilièreSaint-Cyr-De-FavièresLe CrozetCremeauxSaint-Hilaire-Sous-CharlieuSaint-Paul-De-VézelinMaizillyGrézollesSaint-Marcel-D'UrféSaint-Germain-LavalSaint-Julien-D'OddesPommiersLa PacaudièreAmionsSouternonUrbiseCroizet-Sur-Gand

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Montchal

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy