The best road cycling routes around Barrage De Panneciere Chaumard

The terrain around Barrage De Panneciere Chaumard is characterized by forested hillsides surrounding the expansive Lac de Pannecière. You'll find varying elevation gains, with many routes benefiting from mostly paved surfaces, offering a smooth ride through a tranquil, natural setting within the Morvan Regional Nature Park.

Yes, while many routes are moderate, the Morvan region offers options for more challenging rides. For example, the Lake Pannecière – Town of Corbigny loop from Montigny-en-Morvan covers over 60 km with an elevation gain of more than 730 meters, providing a good test for experienced cyclists.

Many road cycling routes in the area are circular and loop around Lac de Pannecière. Popular options include the Pannecière reservoir lake – Lac de Pannecière loop from Montigny-en-Morvan (43 km) and the Pannecière reservoir lake – Lac de Pannecière loop from Les Brots (30.4 km). These routes offer continuous views of the lake and varied scenery.

Road cycling routes often provide continuous views of the vast Lac de Pannecière and its surrounding forested hills. The impressive multi-arch buttress dam itself is a significant engineering marvel and offers panoramic views. Some routes, like the 'route des crêtes', are specifically known for their magnificent viewpoints over the lake and charming villages.

While the guide primarily features moderate routes, the region does offer varying distances and elevation gains. For families, it's best to look for shorter, less hilly sections or consider routes with minimal traffic. The 22 km documented route around the lake with 240m ascent, with two-thirds alongside the lake, could be a good starting point for active families.

The Morvan region is generally pleasant for cycling. Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also suitable, though it can be warmer. It's important to note that during harsh winters, the lake area becomes a refuge for waterfowl, indicating colder conditions that might be less ideal for road cycling.

Yes, the routes often pass through charming villages such as Montigny-en-Morvan, Chaumard, and Ouroux-en-Morvan. These villages typically offer opportunities to find cafes or small shops for refreshments. Planning your route with these villages in mind can help ensure convenient stops.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 50 reviews. Reviewers often praise the tranquil, natural setting, the continuous views of Lac de Pannecière, and the mostly paved surfaces that make for a smooth ride through the Morvan Regional Nature Park.

Beyond the immediate lake circuits, the Morvan region offers more extensive routes. Cyclists can find longer options such as the 154 km 'Grands Lacs du Morvan' circuit, which links the six lakes of the region, or the more challenging 370 km 'Tour du Morvan par l'intérieur', featuring numerous viewpoints and passing over the 'Grands Cols du Morvan'.

Parking is generally available in the villages around Lac de Pannecière, such as Montigny-en-Morvan or Chaumard, which serve as common starting points for many routes. It's advisable to check specific village amenities for designated parking areas before your trip.

Yes, it's important to be aware that the road crossing the Pannecière dam will be closed to all traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians, from May 12, 2025, until October 13, 2025, for roadway renewal. A diversion will be in place during this period, so plan your routes accordingly if cycling during these dates.

There are over 15 road cycling routes available around Barrage De Panneciere Chaumard, ranging from moderate to difficult. These routes have been explored by over 1,300 road cyclists using komoot, highlighting the area's popularity.