Cycling in Saône-et-Loire is always a great way to discover the rivers, plains and hills of this superb département. From Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Here's a selection of the best bike rides, both mountain bike and road bike, to make the most of the Burgundy countryside.
1. The South Burgundy loop
- Distance: 144 km
- Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Itinerary
The South Burgundy loop is undoubtedly the most beautiful bike ride in Saône-et-Loire, as well as one of the best activities in Burgundy-Franche-Comté. It's a beautiful itinerary that forms a loop through Chalon-sur-Saône, Mâcon and Cluny. You'll cross typical landscapes, between castles and vineyards, along an easy-level route, almost exclusively on cycle paths not shared with other vehicles. Most of the route is flat, with the exception of a hill between Mâcon and Cluny. What's more, one of its sections is the first voie verte to be built in France! If you don't have the time to plan a cycling trip lasting several days, you can also choose to do just one section of the route, as illustrated below. In any case, the South Burgundy loop is without doubt one of the most beautiful cycling itineraries in France.
2. The Canal du Centre from St-Léger-sur-Dheune to Montchanin
- Distance: 18 km
- Duration: 1 h 30
- Itinerary
This is directlyone of the stages of EuroVélo 6, the cycle route that stretches between the Atlantic and the Black Sea. On this section, however, there's neither sea nor ocean, but rather rolling Burgundian countryside. Despite the hills, this is one of the easiest bike rides in the Saône-et-Loire region, as it's very short, with only 74 m of ascent in total. It's an ideal way to discover the countryside with your family.
3. Stroll between Cormatin and Cluny
- Distance: 14 km
- Duration: 1 h 20
- Itinerary
This is a stage of the voie verte de Bourgogne du Sud (South Burgundy greenway), the entire route of which is described above. There's no need to pedal here for days on end - just over an hour will do! You'll be able to enjoy the Côte Chalonnaise and the valley at its foot, as well as the castles and churches of Burgundy. The route is particularly easy, provided you take it from south to north, i.e. from Cluny to Cormatin, in which case you'll be on a slight downhill all the way. What's more, the route is exclusively on cycle paths.
4. The Haut du Chaumet circuit
- Distance: 14.5 km
- Duration: 1 h 30
- Itinerary
This superb itinerary is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful bike rides in Saône-et-Loire. It winds its way through the hills of the Morvan massif, in the heart of the regional nature park of the same name. Be warned, however: cycling in the mountains of Burgundy-Franche-Comté inevitably involves some relief, and you'll have to reckon with a certain difference in altitude, making this a medium-level outing. But it's well worth the effort, especially as, in addition to passing through traditional Burgundy villages, this route has the advantage of being rather shady, and therefore ideal in summer.
5. The Canche gorges
- Distance: 16.3 m
- Duration: 2 h
- Itinerary
Warning: this bike ride may be short, but it's no less challenging, with almost 500 m of ascent and descent! You'll need to be an experienced cyclist to attempt it. It's located in the lower mountains, more precisely on Mont Robert, again in the heart of the Morvan Regional Nature Park. It is, however, one of the most beautiful bike rides in the Saône-et-Loire region, as it leads to the Gorges de la Canche, with its beautiful waterfalls in the middle of the forest. Please note: to access the gorges themselves, you'll need to dismount.
6. The Gros Mont crest circuit
- Distance: 8.9 km
- Duration: 1 h
- Itinerary
The circuit des crêtes du Gros Mont is a short, medium-level mountain bike trail and hike, but with a positive difference in altitude of 200m. You start from Hurigny and loop back to the parking lot. You'll pass through woods and fields, so the path is partly shaded, making it a good candidate for a summer outing. It's the perfect walk for those looking for mountain scenery, as you'll be riding on the crests of the Gros Mont and therefore benefiting from beautiful views.
7. The Mont Beuvray ramparts circuit
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Duration: 45 min
- Itinerary
The Mont Beuvray ramparts circuit is one of the most beautiful cycling circuits in France, combining history, nature and panoramic views. Indeed, along this loop, you'll pass through the Gallo-Roman site of Bibracte, an absolutely spectacular place that's also completely free! The rest of the route takes you through low mountain landscapes in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. This is a medium-level outing reserved for mountain bikes. It includes a 240 m vertical drop in the first part, then a descent.
8. The Givry - Les Vaux loop
- Distance: 8.5 km
- Duration: 1 h 30
- Itinerary
In just 1 h 30 of medium-level walking, this loop will introduce you to superb landscapes typical of Burgundy. Vineyards, historic villages and wooded paths await you on this trail reserved for mountain bikes. The route includes several climbs and sometimes fast descents, so it can be difficult for beginners or if you want to cycle with your family.
9. The Germagny - Rimont loop
- Distance: 11.3 km
- Cycletime: 1 h 15
- Itinerary
This 11 km loop is of average level, as although it is short, it includes a 250 m vertical drop that could be difficult for beginners or families. It does, however, offer the advantage of being suitable for road bikes, as it continues on a prepared track, mainly in the forest. Since you'll be crossing wild landscapes, it's advisable to limit your ecological footprint. It passes through some interesting historical sites. It can also be explored on foot, making it one of the most beautiful walks in Burgundy-Franche-Comté.
10. The Sennecé-les-Mâcon Tower Trail
- Distance: 3.2 km
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Itinerary
The sentier de la Tour de Sennecé-les-Mâcon is an ideal outing if you're looking for a bike ride in Saône-et-Loire to do with children. It's particularly short and easy, and entirely in the shade. So you won't be pedaling in the blazing sun, even in midsummer. You can stop off in the forest for a family picnic, and even extend the pleasure by following one of the many forest paths you'll come across. However, this is a trail that requires mountain bikes.
11. Brandon pond
- Distance: 4 km
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Itinerary
Again, this is a particularly short ride, suitable for children, provided you have mountain bikes. Another big advantage with children: this lovely Saône-et-Loire bike ride is mainly in the shade, so you won't have to worry about sunstroke! It takes you around the Etang de Brandon, where you can also enjoy horseback riding and fishing, provided you have the requisite license. You'll circumnavigate this small 40-hectare pond along a dirt track under the trees.
