The best traffic-free bike rides around Auxerre

There are nearly 500 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Auxerre listed on komoot. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from easy canal paths to more challenging vineyard circuits, ensuring a suitable option for every cyclist.

The no-traffic routes around Auxerre offer varied terrain. You'll find many easy, mostly paved surfaces along the Canal du Nivernais and Yonne River, perfect for relaxed touring. Other routes, particularly those winding through the Auxerrois vineyards, feature undulating landscapes with ascents and descents, providing a more challenging experience. Expect a mix of dedicated greenways, riverside paths, and quiet country roads.

Yes, Auxerre is excellent for family cycling. The dedicated greenways, such as sections of the Canal du Nivernais, offer flat, safe, and car-free environments. Routes like the Tour de Bourgogne: Canal du Nivernais - Auxerre Loop are rated as easy and are ideal for families looking for a gentle ride through scenic landscapes.

The best times to cycle in Auxerre are typically spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is pleasant, temperatures are mild, and the natural scenery, whether blooming or displaying autumn colors, is at its most beautiful. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it's advisable to cycle in the mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday heat.

You'll encounter a rich variety of natural features. Many routes follow the tranquil Canal du Nivernais, with its charming locks and lock keeper's houses, and the scenic Yonne River. The region is also known for its extensive Auxerrois vineyards, particularly the historic Chablis area, and offers routes through forests and open countryside, providing a refreshing natural escape.

Yes, many no-traffic routes around Auxerre are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the easy Tour de Bourgogne: Canal du Nivernais - Auxerre Loop and the moderate Auxerrois Countryside and Canal du Nivernais Loop, which combine canal paths with rural scenery.

Auxerre and its surroundings are rich in history. Along your rides, you might encounter charming historical villages like Mailly-le-Château with its medieval ramparts, or Cravant, known for its fortifications. Within Auxerre, you can visit the impressive Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre. Further afield, you could explore fascinating sites like Guédelon Castle, a medieval construction project, or the historic Rogny – The Seven Locks.

While many routes start directly from Auxerre, which is well-connected by train, specific public transport options to the exact starting points of all no-traffic routes can vary. It's best to check local bus services or regional train lines for connections to villages along the major greenways like the Canal du Nivernais, which often have train stations nearby. For example, the Auxerre-Migennes section of the Tour de Bourgogne is easily accessible by train.

Parking is generally available in and around Auxerre, particularly near the start of popular greenways and canal paths. Look for designated parking areas in towns and villages that serve as access points to the Canal du Nivernais or the Coulée Verte. Many routes that begin directly in Auxerre will have access to city parking facilities.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in Auxerre, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 1300 ratings. Reviewers frequently praise the tranquility of the no-traffic routes, especially along the canals and rivers, the picturesque vineyard landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that make for a relaxing and enjoyable ride. The blend of natural beauty and historical charm is often highlighted as a major draw.

Yes, the region is part of the larger "Tour de Bourgogne à Vélo" (Burgundy by Bike) network, which includes extensive greenways like the Canal du Nivernais. This canal path alone stretches for over 180 km, offering ample opportunities for multi-day, traffic-free touring. You can link various sections and loops to create longer itineraries, often finding accommodation in charming villages along the way.

Yes, especially along the popular canal paths and routes that pass through villages. Many lock keeper's houses along the Canal du Nivernais have been converted into small cafes or guesthouses. You'll also find bakeries, restaurants, and picnic spots in the towns and villages that these routes connect, providing convenient places to rest and refuel.