The best cycling routes around Vaux-En-Pré

There are over 90 touring cycling routes around Vaux-en-Pré, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. This includes 22 easy routes, 47 moderate routes, and 25 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for everyone.

The region around Vaux-en-Pré is characterized by gentle hills, extensive vineyards, groves, meadows, and forests. You'll experience the picturesque Côte Chalonnaise, with its varied terrain and charming rural scenery. The altitude ranges from approximately 262m to 415m, providing engaging rides.

Yes, the area is well-suited for families, particularly due to the extensive network of "Voies Vertes" (Greenways). These paths, often built on old railway lines, offer smooth, safe, and enjoyable rides away from traffic. An excellent option is the Voie Verte Chalon–Mâcon – Arrival at Collonge loop from Saint-Gengoux-le-National, which is an easy 25.7 km (16.0 miles) path.

The region is rich in history and culture. You can cycle past impressive landmarks such as Cormatin Castle, a magnificent 17th-century château, or explore the medieval village of Saint-Gengoux-le-National. Other notable sites include Sercy Castle and various Romanesque chapels scattered throughout the landscape.

Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Saint-Gengoux-le-National — circuit by Buxy and other medieval villages is a moderate 30.8 km (19.1 miles) loop that explores charming medieval villages. Another option is the Cormatin Castle – Landscapes of the Clunisois loop from La Grande Agasse, an easy 24.4 km (15.2 miles) route.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for cycling, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially during the grape harvest season in the vineyards. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it's advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat. Winter cycling is possible, but some services might be limited.

Absolutely! The region is famous for its vineyards. The renowned "Voie des Vignes" (Wine Route) is a major draw, winding through prestigious vineyards and connecting towns like Beaune and Santenay. While Vaux-en-Pré is not directly on it, it's easily accessible. This route offers an immersive experience into Burgundy's wine heritage, with opportunities to visit cellars and winemakers' villages. You can find more information about the Voie des Vignes on Beaune Tourism or Burgundy Tourism.

The touring cycling routes around Vaux-en-Pré are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained greenways, the picturesque vineyards, and the charming medieval villages encountered along the way. Many appreciate the variety of routes suitable for different fitness levels.

While Vaux-en-Pré is not directly on the Saône River, the broader Saône-et-Loire department features the "Voie Bleue" along the Saône River Valley. This route offers peaceful cycling alongside vast meadows and wetlands, providing a different natural experience compared to the vineyard routes. Sections of the Voie Verte also follow river valleys.

Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, there are 25 difficult routes available. These routes typically feature more significant elevation changes, taking advantage of the region's rolling hills. The Cormatin Castle – Saint-Gengoux-le-National loop from Bonnay-Saint-Ythaire is a moderate 35.9 km (22.3 miles) route with notable elevation, offering a good step up in difficulty.

The villages and towns along the cycling routes, especially those on the Voie Verte and Voie des Vignes, often have cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. Larger towns like Saint-Gengoux-le-National, Cluny, and those within the Côte Chalonnaise wine region are good places to find amenities. Many wine villages also offer opportunities for local gastronomy and wine tasting.

The routes vary in length to suit different preferences. For example, the Étang de Burzy – Château de Joncy loop from Joncy is a moderate 22.3 km (13.9 miles) route, while the Saint-Gengoux-le-National — circuit by Buxy and other medieval villages extends to 30.8 km (19.1 miles). You'll find options ranging from shorter, easy rides to longer, more challenging excursions.