Saint-Honoré-les-Bains

This racebike loop is approximately 35.8 kilometers long and generally takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete. This duration can vary based on your cycling pace and any stops you make along the way.

The route traverses the hilly and undulating landscapes of the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan. While it is a racebike route, implying mostly paved surfaces, the region is known for steep and narrow roads with significant elevation gains. Expect a moderate challenge with picturesque scenery.

The loop starts and ends in the historic spa town of Saint-Honoré-les-Bains, known for its Belle Époque architecture and thermal park. Along the way, you'll pass through charming small roads and hamlets, and can visit the Eglise romane de Préporché.

As the loop starts and ends in Saint-Honoré-les-Bains, you can typically find parking within the town. Look for public parking areas, especially near the thermal park or town center, which provide convenient access to the route.

Rated as 'moderate' with approximately 546 meters of elevation gain over 35.8 kilometers, this route presents a good challenge. While it's not overly extreme, beginners should have a reasonable level of fitness and experience with hilly terrain to comfortably enjoy the ride.

The Morvan region is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery with deciduous forests. Summer is also suitable, but be prepared for potentially warmer weather. Always check the local forecast before heading out.

This is a racebike route primarily on public roads. While there are no specific restrictions against dogs on public roads, it is generally not advisable to bring dogs on a racebike tour for safety reasons, especially given the hilly and potentially narrow sections.

No, there are typically no specific permits or entrance fees required for cycling on public roads within the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan. The park is open for public access, allowing you to enjoy its natural beauty freely.

While this specific loop is a distinct route, it does briefly utilize small sections of other local paths. You will encounter parts of the Chemin de la Goutte Ronde, Chemin de sous Breuillard, Chemin des Prés du Moulin, and Impasse de la Croix des Gouttes for short distances.

Your best options for cafes, restaurants, or refreshments will be in Saint-Honoré-les-Bains at the start and end of your ride. Préporché is a smaller hamlet, so it's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks for the duration of the loop.

You can expect picturesque scenery characterized by charming small roads, stretches through deciduous forests, and views of pretty hamlets. The route is described as 'mainly open' in parts, offering beautiful landscapes and a tranquil environment, providing a 'grand bol d'air pur' (a big breath of fresh air).