4.4
(67)
688
riders
56
rides
Mountain biking around Saint-Brancher offers diverse terrain within the Morvan Regional Natural Park. The area features rolling hills, dense forests, and numerous lakes, providing varied conditions for riders. Granite soil contributes to excellent riding surfaces, with a succession of climbs and descents. Both technical paths and quieter sections alongside rivers and lakes are available.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
4.6
(16)
143
riders
72.5km
06:21
1,290m
1,290m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.6
(5)
38
riders
54.2km
04:41
940m
940m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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5.0
(1)
22
riders
47.5km
04:32
1,040m
1,040m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.5
(2)
14
riders
38.2km
03:31
820m
820m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.0
(2)
21
riders
47.2km
04:25
970m
970m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Located in the heart of the Morvan forest, the Abbey of La Pierre-qui-Vire was founded in the 19th century. It owes its name to an imposing granite block "in equilibrium," an emblem of the place. An almost suspended atmosphere reigns here.
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Crescent Lake owes its name to its crescent shape. It is popular with local fishermen and also with swimmers who can visit its beach to cool off. Camping is also permitted. This lake, with its exceptionally bucolic setting, was chosen as the location in 2015 by Michel Gondry for filming his movie Microbe and Gazoil.
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This totem is the official starting point of the GTMC. If you want to embark on this beautiful "end-to-end" crossing, as they say (official start and finish points), it is important to start from here. The signs provide official information on the distances and stages of the route.
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Attention, certain passages are committed!
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Beautiful wild spot that can be partly explored by mountain bike on the northern part of the lake.
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The Abbey of Sainte-Marie-de-la-Pierre-qui-Vire is a Benedictine abbey founded in 1850 by Reverend Father Jean-Baptiste Muard. The community is located in the heart of nature, in a wild, wooded setting, on the banks of the Trinquelin, a small stream that flows between granite rocks. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbaye_Sainte-Marie_de_la_Pierre-qui-Vire
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There is no possibility of touring the lake by mountain bike along the banks, but rather by taking the road. However, check that the road that passes over the dam is open (temporarily closed until June 25, 2025 for us!).
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Muddy ground in rainy weather, otherwise a great course to do
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There are over 50 mountain bike trails around Saint-Brancher, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. The area is particularly known for its diverse terrain within the Morvan Regional Natural Park.
The terrain around Saint-Brancher, especially within the Morvan Regional Natural Park, features rolling hills, dense forests, and numerous lakes. You'll find a succession of climbs and descents, with both technical paths and quieter sections alongside rivers and lakes. The granite soil also contributes to excellent riding conditions.
Yes, while many routes offer challenging sections, there are 3 easy mountain bike trails and 36 moderate trails available around Saint-Brancher. These provide gentler options for beginners or those looking for a less strenuous ride, often found alongside rivers or lakes.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 19 difficult routes. Popular options include the Lake Crescent – Quarré-les-Tombes loop from Saint-Germain-des-Champs, a 69.6 km trail, and the Avallon – Lake Crescent loop from Saint-Germain-des-Champs, which covers 54.1 km with a mix of forest sections and open views.
Many of the mountain bike trails around Saint-Brancher are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Lac de Saint-Agnan – Quarré-les-Tombes loop from Quarré-les-Tombes and the Lake Crescent – Quarré-les-Tombes loop from Les Guetes.
The trails often pass through the scenic Morvan Regional Natural Park, featuring dense forests and rolling hills. You can also encounter prominent lakes like Lake Saint-Agnan and areas near the Crescent Dam. Historical sites such as the Abbaye Sainte-Marie de la Pierre-qui-Vire are also nearby.
Yes, the Saint-Brancher area offers routes suitable for families, particularly among the 3 easy and 36 moderate trails. These paths often feature quieter sections alongside rivers and lakes, providing a more relaxed riding experience for all ages.
The mountain biking experience around Saint-Brancher is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Riders often praise the varied landscape, the mix of technical and scenic paths, and the beautiful natural setting of the Morvan Regional Natural Park.
Generally, mountain biking is permitted on marked trails within the Morvan Regional Natural Park. However, it's always advisable to check local signage and the official Morvan Regional Natural Park website for any specific regulations or temporary restrictions that might apply to certain areas or seasons.
The Morvan region is enjoyable for mountain biking across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also popular, though some trails might be busier. Winter riding is possible, but conditions can vary, with some paths potentially being muddy or icy, especially at higher elevations.
Parking is typically available at trailheads and in nearby villages such as Quarré-les-Tombes or Saint-Germain-des-Champs, which serve as common starting points for many routes. It's recommended to check specific route details for designated parking areas.
Saint-Brancher and its surrounding villages, including Quarré-les-Tombes and Avallon, offer various cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. These can be found near popular trail starting points or within a short distance, providing convenient stops for refreshments or meals after your ride.


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