The best traffic-free bike rides around Mont-Saint-Sulpice

There are over 80 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Mont-Saint-Sulpice, offering a wide range of options for exploring the region's picturesque landscapes.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic touring routes in this area, with an average score of 4.45 stars. Cyclists often praise the serene countryside, expansive views over the plains, and the quiet, agricultural landscapes that make for a peaceful ride.

Yes, Mont-Saint-Sulpice offers 23 easy no-traffic touring routes suitable for families and beginners. A great option is the Étang de Bonnard loop from Cheny, which is just over 15 km long and features minimal elevation gain, making it very accessible.

Many of the no-traffic routes around Mont-Saint-Sulpice are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Burgundy canal lock – Gurgy diversion lock loop from Héry offers a longer circular journey along the canal, while the View of Pontigny Abbey loop from Mont-Saint-Sulpice provides a moderate circular option with cultural sights.

The routes predominantly feature agricultural landscapes with extensive cultivated lands, meadows, and orchards. You'll also find sections near the Armançon and Serein river valleys, and some routes offer rewarding vistas from elevated positions, such as the 'mount' of Mont-Saint-Sulpice itself. The communal forest also provides shaded pathways.

You can discover several points of interest. The View of Pontigny Abbey loop from Mont-Saint-Sulpice offers views of the historic Pontigny Abbey. Many routes also follow the Canal de Bourgogne at Brienon-sur-Armançon, where you can see features like the Gurgy diversion lock and the Start of the Gurgy diversion. The Cycle path along the Yonne in Chemilly-sur-Yonne also provides scenic riverside cycling.

Yes, the elevated position of Mont-Saint-Sulpice itself provides expansive views over the surrounding plains. Routes that climb towards or pass through the village will offer these rewarding vistas. The general agricultural landscape also means many open sections with wide views of the countryside.

Spring and early autumn are generally ideal. The weather is typically mild, and the landscapes are vibrant – green in spring with blooming orchards, and rich with autumnal colors later in the year. Summer can also be pleasant, especially in the shaded forest sections, but be mindful of warmer temperatures.

While specific parking areas for each route are not detailed, Mont-Saint-Sulpice and surrounding villages like Héry, Cheny, and Beaumont, which serve as starting points for many routes, typically offer public parking facilities. It's advisable to check local village maps for designated parking spots.

Access to Mont-Saint-Sulpice and nearby villages by public transport can be limited, especially for bringing bicycles. While regional train services might connect to larger towns like Auxerre (about 17 km away), direct public transport links to the specific starting points of many routes might require additional planning or a short cycle from a larger hub.

The routes pass through or near several small villages. While not every route will have frequent stops, larger villages like Mont-Saint-Sulpice, Héry, and Cheny often have local cafes, bakeries, or small shops where you can find refreshments. For example, the Gurgy – Riverside Restaurant loop from Seignelay explicitly mentions a riverside restaurant, indicating potential refreshment stops.