The best road cycling routes around La Boulaye
4.8
(11)
578
riders
63
rides
Road cycling routes around La Boulaye are situated in the Saône-et-Loire department, bordering the Morvan Regional Natural Park. This area features a diverse landscape of rolling countryside, extensive forests, and undulating roads. Cyclists encounter varied elevations, from valleys to higher points, with routes traversing granite hills and offering challenging climbs. The region also includes several artificial lakes, providing additional scenic elements for road cycling.
Best road cycling routes around La Boulaye
- The most popular road cycling route is Mont d'Uchon – Signal d'Uchon loop from Dettey, a 16.2 miles (26.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 28 minutes to complete. This moderate route passes through an area known for distinctive granite rock formations and scenic viewpoints.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Charbonnat Church – Camping des 2 Rives loop from Dettey, a moderate 27.4 miles (44.1 km) path. This route traverses the rolling countryside typical of the Morvan, offering varied terrain.
- Local road cyclists also love the Charbonnat Church – Toulon-sur-Arroux loop from Bost 1, a 28.6 miles (46.0 km) trail leading through forests and undulating valleys, often completed in about 2 hours 12 minutes.
- Road cycling around La Boulaye is defined by rolling hills, extensive forests, and granite hills. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes, catering to different ability levels.
- The routes in La Boulaye are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 400 road cyclists have used komoot to explore La Boulaye's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
5.0
(1)
15
riders
25.9km
01:28
590m
590m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
25
riders
44.1km
02:10
630m
630m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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8
riders
46.0km
02:12
560m
560m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
8
riders
68.7km
03:30
1,090m
1,100m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
26.7km
01:13
170m
170m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Nice climb, tough from Mesvres
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The lordship of Uchon developed from the 11th century onwards thanks to the lords of Chateauvillain, notably with the construction of the Church of Saint Sebastian in the 12th century (now dedicated to Saint Roch), in which Jean de Chateauvillain placed the relics of Saint Sebastian upon his return from the Crusades. He is also responsible for the Calvary of the Cross of Messire Jean, located at the summit of the mountain and restored in 2021 (funded by the BROC and TRAD UCHON associations). Suffering heavy destruction during the Hundred Years' War, the village began a long decline, accentuated by the fragmentation of the barony of Uchon and the dismantling of the castle in the 16th century. However, at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, the site of Uchon experienced significant growth linked to the pilgrimage centered around the relics of Saint Sebastian, invoked to protect against the plague that was raging at the time. Faced with the influx of pilgrims from Autun, the church proved too small to accommodate crowds of up to 5,000 people. It was decided to build an oratory outside the church, housing an altar, to bring the faithful together for celebrations. The pilgrimage continued until the 18th century before disappearing at the turn of the French Revolution. The altar was then replaced by a Calvary, surmounted by a Virgin Mary, in the first half of the 20th century. Since December 9, 1929, the Oratory of Belle-Croix has been listed as a historic monument. The oratory, built on a granite mound like the nave of the neighboring church, is oriented (facing east). Raised in a cantilever on corbels, this monument surprises with its singular silhouette which is not without evoking the unstable balance of the "Pierre-qui-croule" not far from there. In addition, the spire of the oratory, surmounted by a metal cross, gives a beautiful dynamic to the whole. Square in plan, the oratory receives an octagonal base cap resting on squinches. The masonry is made of cut granite blocks, perhaps from the castle which was dismantled at the same time. The masonry details (moldings, chamfers, niches, squinches) demonstrate the care taken in the implementation. Inside, a finely sculpted sandstone Calvary, surmounted by a Virgin and Child, contrasts with the rusticity of the granite. The interior masonry of the oratory does not display any particular decoration apart from a stone running through it, on the west facade, forming a sculpted capital on the interior side and a cross in bas-relief on the exterior, probably a reused stone.
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very friendly, very good establishment, I recommend.
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Very beautiful St Lazare Cathedral
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The herds are often permanently outdoors and appear large and powerful.
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Small pass at an altitude of 676m with a clear summit, offering a beautiful view of the countryside and the surrounding area.
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Small village typical of the region; many people mainly from the Netherlands, Switzerland and some Germans buy second homes there and settle there during the summer.
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Considerably steep climb from Autun to the 595 m pass. The road goes through forests, and there are a few cars, so be careful on the turns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling around La Boulaye?
Road cycling around La Boulaye offers a diverse landscape, primarily characterized by the varied terrain of the Morvan Regional Natural Park. You'll encounter picturesque rolling countryside, extensive forests, and undulating roads. The region features low mountains, steep hills, and granite hills, providing opportunities for both challenging climbs and rewarding descents. Routes often traverse valleys and higher points, ensuring a dynamic cycling experience.
How many road cycling routes are available in the La Boulaye area?
There are over 50 road cycling routes available around La Boulaye, catering to various skill levels. The komoot community has mapped 54 routes in total, ensuring plenty of options for exploration.
Are there routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easier ride?
Yes, while the Morvan region is known for its undulating terrain, there are routes suitable for beginners. For example, the Toulon-sur-Arroux – Charbonnat Church loop from Toulon-sur-Arroux is classified as easy, offering a less strenuous option to enjoy the scenery.
What are some notable landmarks or scenic viewpoints I can see along the road cycling routes?
The routes around La Boulaye offer several scenic viewpoints and natural landmarks. You can cycle past the distinctive granite rock formations at Les Rochers d'Uchon and the Signal d'Uchon – Rochers du Carnaval. The region also features numerous picturesque lakes, such as those in the Morvan Regional Natural Park, which provide tranquil settings and often have roads along their shores.
Are there any challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. The Morvan Regional Natural Park, bordering La Boulaye, is known for its challenging climbs and varied elevations. Routes like the Charbonnat Church – Col de la Porolle loop from Dettey, which includes over 1000 meters of elevation gain, are classified as difficult and will test experienced cyclists.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in La Boulaye?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, including rolling hills, extensive forests, and granite hills, which offer a varied and engaging experience. The network of routes caters to different ability levels, making it appealing to a wide range of riders.
Are there circular road cycling routes available around La Boulaye?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around La Boulaye are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the popular Mont d'Uchon – Signal d'Uchon loop from Dettey and the Charbonnat Church – Camping des 2 Rives loop from Dettey, both offering a complete circular journey.
Is La Boulaye a good destination for family-friendly road cycling?
While the immediate area around La Boulaye and the Morvan Regional Natural Park features undulating terrain, there are easier routes that families might enjoy. For more relaxed, traffic-free options, the broader Burgundy region offers extensive cycling itineraries like portions of 'la Voie Verte' (Greenway) and the Burgundy Canal towpaths, which are generally flatter and more suitable for families.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in La Boulaye?
The best time for road cycling in La Boulaye and the Morvan region is typically during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is generally mild, and the natural scenery, with blooming flowers or vibrant autumn foliage, is particularly beautiful. Summer can also be pleasant, but it's advisable to start earlier in the day to avoid the midday heat.
Are there any unique cultural attractions near the cycling routes?
Yes, directly in La Boulaye, you can visit the unique Paldenshangpa La Boulaye (Temple of a Thousand Buddhas). This Himalayan-style Buddhist temple offers a serene cultural experience amidst green surroundings. Within the Morvan Regional Natural Park, you can also explore historical sites like Mont-Beuvray, which hosts Bibracte, an ancient Celtic town.
Where can I find parking if I'm bringing my bike to La Boulaye?
While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, La Boulaye and surrounding villages typically offer public parking areas. For routes starting from specific towns like Dettey or Toulon-sur-Arroux, you can usually find parking near the village centers or designated areas. It's always a good idea to check local signage upon arrival.
Can I access La Boulaye and the cycling routes using public transport with my bike?
Accessing rural areas like La Boulaye with a bike via public transport can be challenging. While some regional trains in France allow bikes, it often depends on the line, time of day, and available space. It's recommended to check the specific policies of regional transport operators (TER Bourgogne-Franche-Comté) in advance if you plan to use public transport with your bike.
Most popular attractions around La Boulaye
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