4.1
(8)
35
riders
11
rides
Gravel biking around Vincelles offers a diverse landscape characterized by the Yonne River and the historic Nivernais Canal, providing numerous pathways suitable for mixed-surface cycling. The region features a blend of paved and unpaved sections, including towpaths along waterways and routes through surrounding vineyards. This varied terrain, bordering Burgundy's limestone plateau, presents opportunities for both scenic and challenging no traffic gravel bike trails.
Last updated: October 23, 2026
3.0
(1)
3
riders
33.0km
02:19
460m
460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
3.0
(1)
5
riders
43.1km
02:47
480m
480m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
53.0km
03:55
610m
610m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
3
riders
78.6km
05:03
960m
960m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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In Escolives-Sainte-Camille lies the Chateau de Belombre. The origins of this château on the Yonne date back to the early 16th century. The current château was completed by the renovation of the former manor house in the 17th century.
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The washhouse was built in 1863 and extensively restored in 2016. It has two separate entrances. To prevent a possible rise in the river water, the floor of the washhouse is 80 cm higher than the level of the small spring, whose very regular supply had to be ensured by pumping. The water level in the basin rises daily around 4 p.m. and then stabilizes again.
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An unmissable viewpoint of our region!
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beautiful old washhouse
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Beautiful little village with many sights, e.g. washhouse, dungeon and lovingly restored houses
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An old and massive stone bridge over the Yonne. It is cycleable and sees a lot of car and truck use, so be careful.
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Flat, smooth cycle path along the Yonne. From there if you look back you will see a railway bridge. A nice place for a break or a picnic.
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The stronghold of Belombre was the seat of part of the lordship of Escolives held, in 1507, by the lieutenant general of Auxerre, Blanchet David. Marie David brought it to Jacques de Meung dit de La Ferté, who died on June 4, 1589, massacred by the Leaguers of Auxerre. Madeleine de La Ferté Meung, her granddaughter, transmitted Bellombre to the La Bussière family and Catherine de La Bussière brought it to the Girard d'Azy family. The children of Paul de Girard sold it, around 1656, to François de Chastellux, who ceded this first half of Escolives in 1670, to Robert Chaponnel, Receiver General of Finances. He died on October 28, 1678 without issue, while he was undertaking the reconstruction of the castle. Anne Robineau, receiver general of Finances in Provence, who carried out the project developed by Chaponnel and built a new castle on the land surrounded by a moat on the site of the medieval manor. In 1709, Louis Gayot, buyer, united the two shares of the land of Escolives before selling the Château de Bélombre in November 1726, to Joseph Le Muet, King's attorney in the bailiwick of Auxerre. Rosalie Le Muet married in 1804, Jean Jacques Claude Baudenet d'Annoux. Their son, Louis-Hugues, who feared the dangerous invasions of the waters of the Yonne, decided to demolish the castle which he rebuilt on vast basements around 1870. The estate is located on the left bank of the canal. It is a large single-story building. Corner chains and harped stone legs support the entablature and an attic floor in the overhang of the broken roof. The moat and the stone bridge decorated with elegant 18th century ironwork have been preserved. (1) MH protected elements: facades and roofs; water pit ; the pillars of the entrance gate; the vestibule and the interior staircase with its wrought iron banister: registration by decree of December 6, 1977. The facades and roofs of the outbuildings; the terrace located to the southwest of the castle and the sleeping bridge; the bridge thrown over the moat, in front of the northeast facade of the castle; the gardens surrounding the castle; the perspective alley and the double water alley: registration by decree of June 7, 1993 The Chateau de Belombre 89290 Escolives-Sainte-Camille, private property, cannot be visited.
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There are 7 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Vincelles featured in this guide. These routes offer varying distances and difficulties, ensuring a suitable option for most riders.
Vincelles is perfectly situated for quiet gravel biking, nestled between the Yonne River and the Nivernais Canal. The region offers a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, including scenic towpaths and routes through renowned vineyards. Its 'green setting' means you'll often find yourself on peaceful paths away from vehicle traffic, enjoying the natural beauty and historical charm of Burgundy.
Yes, Vincelles offers several moderate routes that are suitable for beginners or those looking for a less strenuous ride. For example, the Vincelles Lock – Town Gate of Cravant loop from Vermenton and The Yonne and the Canal du Nivernais – Paul Bert Bridge loop from Champs-sur-Yonne are both rated as moderate and provide a great introduction to gravel biking in the area.
Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic gravel routes around Vincelles are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the challenging Pont sur Yonne – Belombre Castle loop from Vincelles and the moderate Vincelles Lock – Town Gate of Cravant loop from Vermenton.
You'll experience a rich variety of natural landscapes. Many routes follow the tranquil banks of the Yonne River and the historic Nivernais Canal, offering picturesque waterside views. You'll also cycle through the famous vineyards of Irancy, providing stunning hillside vistas. The diverse terrain, bordering Burgundy's limestone plateau and the granite Morvan, ensures a constantly changing and engaging ride.
Yes, the region is rich in history. You might pass by the 18th-century Château de Vincelles, the village lavoir (washhouse) from 1867, or the late 13th-century Saint-Roch Church. Some routes may also take you near the Belombre Castle or the Paul Bert Bridge. The area itself has historical significance as a former 'wine cellar' for local vineyards.
Routes that traverse the vineyard areas, such as those near Irancy, often provide excellent panoramic views of the rolling countryside. Additionally, trails along the Yonne River and Nivernais Canal offer scenic perspectives of the waterways and surrounding 'green setting'. The View of Vaux Village – Col de Crémant loop from Champs - Saint-Bris is known for its scenic vistas.
Vincelles and nearby villages often have public parking areas, especially near the canal or village centers, which can serve as convenient starting points for your gravel rides. It's advisable to check local signage for specific parking regulations.
Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Vincelles. The weather is milder, and the natural scenery, with blossoming vineyards or autumn colors, is particularly beautiful. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it's best to ride earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Winter rides are possible, but trails might be muddy or wet.
Yes, many sections, particularly the flat towpaths along the Nivernais Canal, are very suitable for families. These paths are generally smooth and offer a safe, car-free environment. Look for the moderate-difficulty routes in this guide, as they tend to have gentler gradients and less technical terrain, making them more family-friendly.
The komoot community rates the trails around Vincelles highly, with an average score of 3.5 stars. Riders frequently praise the peaceful, car-free environment, the beautiful riverside and canal-side paths, and the stunning vineyard landscapes. The blend of natural beauty and historical points of interest also makes for a very rewarding cycling experience.


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