2
riders
Canal and Morvan Loop
04:22
98.3km
980m
Road cycling
This difficult 61.1-mile (98.3 km) road cycling loop in the Morvan Regional Natural Park offers stunning scenery and charming villages.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
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Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
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44.7 km
Luzy - village
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
66.4 km
Étang Honoré
Highlight • Lake
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67.1 km
Saint-Honoré-les-Bains
Highlight • Settlement
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Tip by
70.1 km
Eglise romane de Préporché
Highlight • Religious Site
In 1872 the church was restored, the Romanesque facade was destroyed in 1920, it was rebuilt set back for road reasons.
It is pierced with modern windows. The church is coated with Morvan granite and pink sandstone. The bell tower is rectangular in plan, it is imposing, its roof is gabled, it has a single bay on its four sides.
It has a wooden statue of Saint Peter from the 14th century.
Magnificent contemporary stained glass windows are to be discovered, eight stained glass windows, created by the artist Isabel Michel in 2000, their theme is the seasons, the nights, the burning bush and the angel of Saint Peter. Statue of Saint Peter, in wood covered with gray wash, traces of polychromy, it dates from the 14th century.
The church would have been built at the end of the 11th century. We find some features from this period in the facade and the west gable, with its Romanesque portal with jambs decorated with a simple column.
The building was restored in the 16th and 19th centuries. The apse has a flat bottom. The square bell tower is covered with a gable roof. Inside there is a beautiful 18th century altar, a rustic wooden gallery and a polychrome wooden statue of Saint Peter from the 14th century.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul: They cannot be separated. They are the two pillars of the Roman Church, it is the Church of Peter and Paul, the Church of direct witnesses who shared the life of the Lord.
Isabel Michel, victorious painter in the competition organized by the municipality, chose the theme of the four seasons to illustrate the stained glass windows of the church with the help of master glassmaker Guy Méliava.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
86.9 km
Vandenesse
Highlight • Castle
At the end of the 19th century the village turned to agriculture and livestock. In the 20th century industrial and artisanal activities stopped, during the rural exodus the village became depopulated. Today tourists can admire the pretty village and the Castle.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
98.3 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
81.5 km
16.8 km
Surfaces
93.1 km
5.26 km
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Elevation
Highest point (400 m)
Lowest point (200 m)
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Weather
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Tuesday 19 May
21°C
10°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How challenging is the Saint-Honoré-les-Bains & Luzy — Cercy-la-Tour loop for road cycling?
This loop is rated as difficult on komoot, indicating it's an expert-level route. You should expect a demanding ride with significant elevation gain (around 980 meters) over its 98.3-kilometer distance. The Morvan region is known for its challenging, hilly terrain.
How long does it typically take to complete this road cycling loop?
The estimated cycling time for this 98.3-kilometer loop is approximately 4 hours and 22 minutes, though this can vary based on your fitness level and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.
Where can I park or access the start of this cycling route?
A significant advantage of this loop is its 'station-to-station connection,' meaning you can conveniently access it via public transport. The route connects the train stations of Luzy and Cercy-la-Tour, offering flexible starting points. Parking would be available near these stations.
What is the best time of year to cycle this route in the Morvan Regional Natural Park?
The best seasons for road cycling in the Morvan are spring and autumn. During these times, the weather is typically mild, and the landscapes are particularly beautiful with vibrant colors.
What kind of scenery and points of interest will I encounter along the way?
You'll be immersed in the stunning scenery and beautiful forests of the Morvan Regional Natural Park. Highlights include passing through the village of Luzy - village, the scenic Étang Honoré, and the thermal station of Saint-Honoré-les-Bains. You'll also see the historic Eglise romane de Préporché and enjoy remarkable panoramas from Cercy-la-Tour.
Are there any places to stop for refreshments or amenities on the loop?
Yes, the village of Luzy - village is an ideal spot for a break, offering various amenities such as shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, and bakeries. Other towns like Saint-Honoré-les-Bains and Cercy-la-Tour also provide options.
Are there any specific permits or regulations for cycling within the Morvan Regional Natural Park?
Generally, there are no specific permits required for road cycling on public roads within the Morvan Regional Natural Park. However, always respect local signage, private property, and park regulations regarding nature preservation. There are no entrance fees for the park itself.
Is this road cycling route dog-friendly?
As this is a road cycling route primarily on paved surfaces, it's generally not ideal for dogs to accompany cyclists directly on the road for safety reasons. If you plan to bring a dog, consider if they can be safely transported or if there are specific stops where they can be exercised off-road, always on a leash and respecting local rules.
What is the terrain like for road cycling on this loop?
The terrain is characteristic of the Morvan region, featuring a hilly and undulating profile with significant climbs and descents. While specific inclines aren't detailed, the 'difficult' rating implies you should expect demanding gradients. The route is designated for road cycling, suggesting mostly paved surfaces.
Does this route intersect with any other official cycling trails?
While this loop is a distinct route, it briefly crosses or runs alongside very small sections of other paths, such as the Grande Traversée du Massif Central à VTT - Variante Sud Morvan (Par Luzy) and the Chemin du Reux. However, these intersections are minimal, and the route largely follows its own course.
Is this route suitable for beginner road cyclists?
Given its 'difficult' rating, significant distance (98.3 km), and nearly 1000 meters of elevation gain, this route is not recommended for beginner road cyclists. It requires very good fitness and experience with challenging, hilly terrain.