The best gravel rides around Vauxrenard
4.5
(21)
139
riders
17
rides
Gravel biking around Vauxrenard offers a network of routes traversing varied terrain within the Beaujolais region. The landscape is characterized by rolling vineyards, extensive forested hills, and river valleys, particularly along the Saône. These routes combine paved sections with unpaved tracks, offering diverse experiences for gravel cyclists. The area features significant elevation changes, with altitudes ranging up to 844 meters, providing both challenging ascents and scenic descents.
Best gravel bike trails around Vauxrenard
- The most popular gravel bike trail is…
Last updated: October 19, 2026
4.0
(3)
46
riders
171km
08:22
250m
250m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
32
riders
108km
05:31
170m
170m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
10
riders
37.7km
02:22
180m
180m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
37
riders
85.5km
04:24
100m
100m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
7
riders
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Other adventures around Vauxrenard
Tips from the Community
The Moulin à Vent near Les Thorins stands visibly amidst the vineyards of Romanèche-Thorins in the Beaujolais region. The stone windmill was likely built towards the end of the 15th century and originally served for grinding grain. It gave the surrounding wine-growing area its current name Moulin-à-Vent; previously, the wines were primarily known as "Vins des Thorins". Already in the 18th and 19th centuries, these wines enjoyed an excellent reputation. In 1924, Moulin-à-Vent was designated as its own Cru, followed by recognition as an AOC in 1936. The mill has been restored several times and has been a listed historical monument (Monument historique) since 1930. Today, it is considered the landmark of one of the most famous Crus of Beaujolais.
1
0
was wonderful to ride!
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An idyllic, paved cycle path directly on the riverbank. It is a section of the well-known French long-distance cycle route „La Voie Bleue - Moselle-Saône Radweg" (Route V50) along the Saône. The entire long-distance cycle route covers around 700 kilometers from the Luxembourg border town of Apach (near the tripoint) to Lyon. The Saône section follows the natural meanders of the Saône, passing meadows, historic villages, and well-known wine-growing regions such as Mâcon. The route is mostly flat on former towpaths.
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An idyllic, asphalted cycle path right on the riverbank. This is a section of the well-known French long-distance cycle route "La Voie Bleue - Moselle-Saône Radweg" (Route V50) along the Saône. The entire long-distance cycle route runs for around 700 kilometers from the French border town of Apach (near the tripoint) to Lyon. The Saône section follows the natural meanders of the Saône, passing meadows, historic villages, and well-known wine-growing regions such as Mâcon. The route runs mostly flat on former towpaths.
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The historic old town of Tournus, a French town in the Burgundy region (Saône-et-Loire department). Main attractions: Saint-Philibert Abbey Church: One of the most important Romanesque buildings in France from the 11th and 12th centuries. Picturesque alleys: The old town is characterized by narrow, right-angled streets, colorful facades, and flat roofs with round tiles that have a Mediterranean feel. Hôtel-Dieu: A historic hospital with a well-preserved, ornate 17th-century pharmacy. Greuze Monument: A statue in honor of the famous painter Jean-Baptiste Greuze, born in Tournus in 1725.
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The Saint-Laurent Bridge (Pont Saint-Laurent) is a historic stone bridge that spans the Saône River. It connects the town of Mâcon in the Saône-et-Loire department with the municipality of Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône in the Ain department. Initial wooden structures were already built by the Romans. The current stone bridge dates back to the 11th century in its core and is considered the oldest bridge over the Saône. The structure consists of twelve stone arches. On one of the pillars, there is a statue of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of boatmen. It is one of the few historic structures in the region that survived the demolitions of World War II unscathed.
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Picturesque mill, which nestles idyllically into the landscape.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Vauxrenard?
There are over a dozen gravel biking routes in the Vauxrenard area, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes nearly 100 times, providing valuable insights.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails in Vauxrenard?
The terrain around Vauxrenard is quite varied, characterized by picturesque river valleys, particularly along the Saône, combined with rolling hills and elevated sections. You'll encounter both open areas and more challenging climbs, including cols and routes passing by chapels, providing a diverse gravel biking experience.
Are there any beginner-friendly gravel bike routes in Vauxrenard?
While many routes in Vauxrenard are considered difficult, there are a few moderate options suitable for those looking for a less strenuous ride. For instance, the La Saône, great cycle routes 👍 loop from Crêches-sur-Saône is a moderate 23.2-mile (37.4 km) trail that follows the Saône river valley.
What are some challenging gravel bike routes for experienced riders?
Experienced gravel bikers will find plenty of challenges. The La Voie Bleue – Beauregard loop from Crêches-sur-Saône is a difficult 92.5-mile (148.8 km) route along the river. For significant climbs, consider the Madonna Chapel – Col de Durbize loop from Marquisat, which features a substantial 1,936 feet (590 meters) of elevation gain over 22.5 miles (36.2 km).
Are there any loop gravel bike trails in the Vauxrenard area?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Vauxrenard are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the La Voie Bleue – Beauregard loop from Romanèche-Thorins and the Madonna Chapel – Col de Durbize loop from Fleurie.
What are some notable natural attractions or viewpoints along the gravel bike routes?
The region offers several impressive natural monuments and viewpoints. You might encounter sights like the iconic Roche de Solutré, the Vergisson Rock, or the panoramic views from Mont Brouilly. These are often accessible from or visible along various routes.
Are there any historical landmarks or castles to explore near the gravel trails?
Yes, the area around Vauxrenard is rich in history and features several castles. You could pass by or visit highlights such as Château de Varennes, Château de La Palud, or Château de Chasselas, adding a cultural dimension to your ride.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Vauxrenard?
Given the varied terrain with river valleys and elevated sections, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Vauxrenard. The temperatures are milder, and the natural scenery is particularly vibrant. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather, especially on exposed sections.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the routes in Vauxrenard?
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking in Vauxrenard, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 14 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, which combines scenic river paths with challenging climbs, and the well-maintained network of routes that cater to different abilities.
Is parking available near the starting points of the gravel bike trails?
Many of the routes around Vauxrenard start from towns like Crêches-sur-Saône, Romanèche-Thorins, Marquisat, or Fleurie. These towns typically offer public parking facilities, often near the town centers or trailheads, making it convenient to access the routes.
Are there options for longer, multi-hour gravel bike tours?
Absolutely. For those seeking a longer adventure, routes like the La Voie Bleue – Beauregard loop from Crêches-sur-Saône span over 90 miles (148 km) and can take more than 10 hours to complete, offering an immersive experience through the region's diverse landscapes.
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