The best road cycling routes around Cluny
4.3
(56)
1,240
riders
90
rides
Road cycling routes around Cluny, situated in the heart of Burgundy, France, traverse diverse landscapes characterized by gentle hills, extensive vineyards, and limestone cliffs. The region offers well-developed cycling infrastructure, including dedicated greenways and roads that wind through the Mâconnais area towards the Saône River. Cyclists can experience varied terrain, from routes with significant elevation gains to smoother paths, including passages through historic railway tunnels.
Best road cycling routes around Cluny
- The most popular road cycling route is Col des…
Last updated: July 8, 2026
4.3
(4)
31
riders
35.1km
01:43
470m
470m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
12
riders
56.8km
03:11
1,060m
1,060m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3.8
(6)
217
riders
46.0km
02:08
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.9
(11)
170
riders
98.4km
04:13
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.9
(7)
82
riders
56.0km
02:43
750m
750m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
The Tour des Fromages is a preserved defensive tower from the 11th century, which originally belonged to the ramparts of the powerful Abbey of Cluny. In the Middle Ages, the structure was still called Tour des Fèves (Bean Tower), as supplies were stored there. It got its current, curious name in the 19th century because a merchant used the tower to dry her homemade cheeses. Today, the tower is a popular attraction. Visitors can climb the 120 steps to the top. From up there, you have a beautiful 360-degree panoramic view over the entire medieval monastic city and the surrounding Burgundy landscape. Access to the tower is directly through the local Cluny tourist office.
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The station no longer serves trains. The historic site has been transformed into a vibrant leisure zone (Aire de loisirs de la gare). The building is located directly on the Voie Verte de Bourgogne du Sud, a well-known 77 km cycle path on a former railway line. Travelers will find a bicycle rental service for regular and electric bikes, a tool station for repairs, picnic tables, public restrooms, and a children's playground. It also serves as a starting point for excursions, for example to the nearby Château de Cormatin.
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The Château de Saint-Point (also known as Château de Lamartine) in the Burgundy region originally dates from the 12th and 14th centuries. From 1820, it served as the residence for the famous French poet and politician Alphonse de Lamartine. Lamartine had the castle restored in the Anglo-Gothic style, which gives it its distinctive, romantic appearance with the round corner towers. It is a listed monument and can be visited as a museum.
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The lake is located in the Doubs department in the French region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté at an altitude of around 850 meters. After Lac du Bourget and Lac d'Annecy, it is the third largest natural lake in France. It is a very popular lake for swimming in the summer and offers opportunities for kayaking, windsurfing, and stand-up paddling. There is also a popular hiking trail around the entire lake, approximately 20 kilometers long.
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Mont Grémoi is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is a hilly, rural area that is ideal for hiking.
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The Col du Bois Clair is a 396-meter high French mountain pass in the Massif Central. It is located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in the Saône-et-Loire department and lies within the municipality of Sologny. The pass summit is crossed by the departmental road D17. Beneath the pass runs the Tunnel du Bois Clair, a former railway tunnel. At 1.6 kilometers long, it is the longest tunnel in France accessible to bicycles. Today it serves as part of the Voie Verte cycle path, but is closed from October to April to protect hibernating bats.
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The Col des Enceints is a mountain pass in the French region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (Département Saône-et-Loire) with a summit elevation of 529 meters. The pass is located in the Mâconnais mountains (Monts du Mâconnais) near the municipality of Bourgvilain. It is a popular route, especially among cyclists and hikers: For cyclists: The ascent from Pierreclos extends over approximately 4.3 kilometers with an elevation difference of about 257 meters and an average gradient of just under 6% (up to 12% at its steepest). For hikers: A moderate, approximately 8.5-kilometer circular hiking trail from Bourgvilain leads over the pass, among other routes, passing through forests and past small hamlets.
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Superb Renaissance-era castle with magnificent gardens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Cluny?
There are over 80 road cycling routes around Cluny, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find everything from easy rides to challenging ascents through the region's diverse landscapes.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes near Cluny?
Road cycling around Cluny features a varied landscape of gentle hills, extensive vineyards, and limestone cliffs, particularly in the Mâconnais area. Routes often include well-paved surfaces and dedicated greenways, with options for both moderate rides and more challenging ascents with significant elevation gains.
Are there options for beginner road cyclists in Cluny?
Yes, Cluny offers several routes suitable for beginners. While many routes involve some elevation, there are 8 easier options available. These routes typically feature smoother paths and less demanding climbs, allowing new cyclists to enjoy the scenic Burgundy countryside.
What are some challenging road cycling routes around Cluny?
For experienced road cyclists seeking a challenge, Cluny offers 27 difficult routes. One notable option is La Côte de Château — loop from Cluny, a 56.8 km path with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain, requiring very good fitness.
Are there any traffic-free cycling paths in the Cluny area?
Yes, the Cluny area is known for its 'voies vertes' or greenways, which are often converted railway lines providing smooth, traffic-free paths. A significant feature is the Tunnel du Bois Clair, Europe's longest tunnel open to cyclists, which is part of a popular cycling route from Mâcon to Cluny.
Can I cycle through the Tunnel du Bois Clair year-round?
The Tunnel du Bois Clair is closed seasonally from October 15th to March 31st for bat hibernation. An alternative route is available during this period, so cyclists should plan accordingly if visiting in winter or early spring.
Are there circular road cycling routes available from Cluny?
Many road cycling routes around Cluny are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the moderate Col des Enceints — loop from Cluny and the Col du Bois Clair – Bois Clair tunnel loop from Cluny, which takes you through varied terrain.
What historical sites or landmarks can I see while road cycling near Cluny?
The region around Cluny is rich in history. You can cycle past the remnants of the great medieval Cluny Abbey, or visit the splendid Château de Cormatin with its lavish Louis XIII apartments. Other historical sites include the Medieval fortress of Berzé-le-Châtel and various Romanesque churches like the one in Charnay-lès-Mâcon.
Are there scenic viewpoints or natural features to discover on the routes?
Absolutely. Road cycling routes around Cluny offer stunning natural beauty. You'll encounter the striking landscapes of the Mâconnais area with its limestone cliffs and vineyards, as well as the picturesque rolling hills of Burgundy and Beaujolais. The prominent natural landmark, the Rock of Solutré, is also within cycling distance.
When is the best time of year for road cycling in Cluny?
The best time for road cycling in Cluny is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, ideal for exploring the vineyards and countryside. Be aware that the Tunnel du Bois Clair is closed from mid-October to late March.
Is Cluny connected to any longer-distance cycling networks?
Yes, Cluny is a key point for longer cycling adventures. It is a starting or passing point for stages of the CycloRoute71 and La Boucle de Bourgogne du Sud. Additionally, Cluny is an important historical rallying point for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, integrated into the official European pilgrimage route.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes around Cluny?
The road cycling routes around Cluny are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse terrain, from gentle vineyard-lined paths to challenging climbs, and the well-maintained infrastructure, including the unique experience of the Tunnel du Bois Clair.
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