The best cycling routes around Lournand

There are over 220 touring cycling routes around Lournand, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels. You'll find approximately 20 easy routes, over 100 moderate routes, and more than 100 difficult routes to explore.

The routes around Lournand are characterized by a beautiful rolling hillside and forest landscape. You'll encounter varied terrain, from gentle slopes to more challenging ascents, often alongside the Grosne river. The region also features unique historical elements like dry stone walls and cadoles, adding to the scenic charm.

Yes, Lournand offers several routes suitable for families, particularly those utilizing the 'Voies Vertes' (Greenways). These are old railway lines converted into mostly paved cycle paths, ideal for gentle cycling. The region has around 20 easy routes that are generally well-suited for family outings.

Many routes pass by significant historical and natural sites. You can cycle to the renowned Cluny, home to its famous Abbey, or visit the impressive Cormatin Castle. A unique experience is cycling through the Tunnel du Bois Clair, a former railway tunnel now part of a greenway, though it's closed during bat hibernation season (October to April). You might also encounter charming churches like Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Church or Chapaize Church.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the moderate Cluny – Greenway of Southern Burgundy loop from Grangelot offers a pleasant ride, or the Route to Taizé – Landscapes of the Clunisois loop from Lournand provides a scenic moderate option.

The region is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. While the 'Tunnel du Bois Clair' is closed from October to April due to bat hibernation, the greenways and other routes are accessible. The rolling hills and forests offer beautiful scenery in all seasons, but spring and early autumn provide comfortable temperatures and vibrant landscapes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from gentle greenways to challenging climbs, and the blend of natural beauty with historical sites like Cluny Abbey and charming villages.

Absolutely. Lournand and its surroundings offer over 100 difficult routes for experienced touring cyclists. Examples include The hills of Bourgogne from Cluny — Mont de Gremoi — circuit, which features significant climbs, and the Sportif loop from Cluny — Berzé le Châtel and Mont de Mandé, known for its demanding ascents and scenic views.

Yes, many routes in the region cleverly combine the flat, accessible greenways with the more undulating terrain of the rolling hills. The Hilly circuit starting from Masilly — greenway, Donzy, Château de Cormatin is a great example, offering a mix of greenway riding and climbs past historical châteaux.

Beyond the natural beauty of the forests and river, keep an eye out for the region's unique historical features. You'll frequently see an exceptional number of dry stone walls and 'cadoles' – small stone shelters once used by farmers or shepherds – which are remnants of the area's rich agrarian past.

While Lournand itself is a small village, its proximity to larger towns like Cluny (just 3 km away) means better access. Cluny offers parking options, and the region's greenways often connect various towns, making it feasible to start your ride from different points. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules for connections to Cluny or other starting points.