The best traffic-free bike rides around Auxant

There are over 50 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Auxant. These routes offer a range of distances and difficulty levels, ensuring options for various cycling preferences.

The no-traffic routes around Auxant primarily feature gentle, mostly flat terrain, especially those along the Burgundy Canal. You'll find well-maintained towpaths and dedicated cycle paths. While the immediate vicinity is relatively flat, venturing towards the Morvan Regional Natural Park (about 35 km away) will introduce more rolling hills and varied landscapes.

Yes, many of the routes, particularly those along the Burgundy Canal, are ideal for families due to their flat profile and absence of vehicle traffic. An excellent easy option is the Ouche Bridge – Burgundy Canal loop from Pont d'Ouche, which is just over 21 km and offers a very gentle ride.

The best seasons for touring cycling around Auxant are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with less heat than summer and beautiful natural scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer temperatures, especially in July and August.

Many routes offer scenic views and pass by historical sites. For example, the Ouche Bridge – Barbirey Castle and Gardens loop from Châteauneuf takes you near the impressive Château de Châteauneuf. The Burgundy Canal itself is a major attraction, featuring numerous locks and charming canalside villages. You might also encounter other highlights like the Vandenesse-en-Auxois — Canal lock and port.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Grand-Pré Lock – Château de Châteauneuf loop from Arnay-le-Duc is a moderate 48 km circular route, offering a comprehensive tour of the local landscape and historical sites.

Many of the starting points for these routes, especially in towns like Arnay-le-Duc, Pont d'Ouche, or Châteauneuf, offer public parking facilities. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival, but generally, you'll find convenient parking near popular access points to the canal paths and dedicated cycle routes.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience around Auxant, with an average score of 4.48 stars. Cyclists frequently praise the tranquility of the no-traffic routes, the picturesque scenery along the Burgundy Canal, and the opportunity to explore charming villages and historical landmarks at a relaxed pace.

Many of the no-traffic routes, particularly the towpaths along the Burgundy Canal, are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and you adhere to local regulations. Always ensure your dog is comfortable with the distance and terrain, and carry enough water for both of you.

The duration varies significantly depending on the route's length and your cycling pace. Easy routes like the Ouche Bridge – Burgundy Canal loop from Pont d'Ouche (21 km) can take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Longer moderate routes, such as the Château d'Arnay le Duc – Saint-Laurent Church of Manlay loop from Arnay-le-Duc (35 km), might take 2.5 to 3.5 hours, allowing for stops and enjoying the scenery.

While Auxant itself is a small commune, you can often use public transport to reach larger towns in the Côte-d'Or department, such as Beaune or Dijon, which then offer closer access points to the wider cycling network, including sections of the Burgundy Canal. From these larger towns, you might need to cycle a short distance or arrange local transport to reach specific route starting points.