The best cycling routes in Saône-et-Loire

Saône-et-Loire offers an extensive network of over 3,000 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with approximately 670 easy, 1,240 moderate, and 1,100 difficult options to explore.

Saône-et-Loire is renowned as the birthplace of France's 'Greenways' (Voies Vertes) movement, offering a vast network of safe, car-free paths often converted from disused railway lines and canal towpaths. The region's diverse landscapes, including picturesque vineyards, tranquil river valleys along the Saône and Loire, and the rolling hills of the Morvan Regional Park, provide a rich and varied cycling experience.

Yes, Saône-et-Loire is ideal for beginners and families, thanks to its numerous Greenways and flat canal paths. An excellent option is the Villages du nord de Mâcon, par la Voie Bleue et des routes de campagne — boucle, an easy 19.5-mile (31.4 km) route that combines riverside cycling with charming village exploration.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, the region offers routes with more significant elevation changes, particularly in areas bordering the Morvan Regional Park. Consider The hills of Bourgogne from Cluny — Mont de Gremoi — circuit, a difficult 25.3-mile (40.8 km) route that takes you through the scenic hills around Cluny.

Yes, Saône-et-Loire is integrated into major European and national long-distance cycling routes. The EuroVelo 6, also known as the 'Rivers Route,' covers 228 km within the department, following the Saône River and Canal du Centre. Additionally, the La Voie Bleue Moselle-Saône à Vélo (V50) offers a significant portion along the Saône River, connecting charming towns and villages.

Cyclists in Saône-et-Loire will experience a rich tapestry of landscapes. You can pedal through renowned vineyards between the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais, follow the tranquil banks of the Saône River and Canal du Centre, explore the authentic rural scenery of the Bresse countryside, or venture into the wide-open spaces and forests of the Autunois-Morvan region.

Many routes pass through or near significant historical and cultural sites. You can visit the unmissable Abbey of Cluny, explore the City of Art and History of Chalon-sur-Saône, or discover the Gallo-Roman history of Autun. The region also boasts remarkable Romanesque churches in Paray-le-Monial and Tournus, and the unique Digoin Canal Bridge, an aqueduct open to cyclists.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 6,300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained Greenways, the picturesque vineyard scenery, and the tranquil paths along rivers and canals, making for a relaxing and enjoyable cycling experience.

Yes, many routes in Saône-et-Loire are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the La Voie Bleue and Mâconnais-Beaujolais Vineyards Loop, a moderate 27.6-mile (44.4 km) route that combines riverside cycling with vineyard exploration.

Beyond the routes themselves, Saône-et-Loire offers several natural highlights. You can visit impressive geological formations like Roche de Solutré and Vergisson Rock, or enjoy panoramic views from Three Crosses Mountain. The region also features diverse natural environments like the Maillys Ecological Reserve, known for its bird species.

Absolutely. Saône-et-Loire is crisscrossed by vineyards, especially between the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais growing regions. Routes like Meeting the noble Pinot Noir – La Vélœno71 offer a fantastic opportunity to cycle through these iconic wine-producing areas and experience the scenic beauty of the UNESCO-classified vineyards.

Many towns and cities along the major cycling routes, such as Chalon-sur-Saône and Mâcon, are well-connected by train, making it possible to access routes via public transport. The extensive network of Greenways and the Voie Bleue often pass directly through or near these transport hubs.

Yes, the region is famous for its river and canal paths. The Saône River is a prominent feature, with routes like the Voie Bleue running along its banks. The Canal du Centre also provides flat, paved paths, offering a tranquil cycling experience. An example is the Canal du Centre and Fontaines Loop, an easy route perfect for enjoying the waterways.