4.2
(71)
307
hikers
52
hikes
Hiking around Nogent-Lès-Montbard offers trails through a landscape characterized by historical sites, such as the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, and surrounding woodlands. The region features a mix of gentle river valleys and rolling terrain, providing varied elevation changes across its routes. Hikers can expect paths that traverse forests and open countryside, often connecting to significant cultural landmarks.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
3.5
(2)
13
hikers
12.2km
03:25
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(4)
17
hikers
9.50km
02:32
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3
hikers
10.9km
02:58
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
8
hikers
8.15km
02:06
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
5.60km
01:36
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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An interestingly designed public space near the bridge over the Brenne River, a prime spot with a view, a bridgehead, and a city terrace. Designed by local architects Atelier B2A, 2019.
2
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The Abbaye de Fontenay is worth a visit, a beautiful old abbey in lovely grounds.
0
0
The Abbey of Fontenay, like all monasteries and places of worship, was, of course, founded or built first and foremost as a place of prayer. Due to its outstanding significance, it has also been honored with the title of "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. The German-language television series "Treasures of the World – Heritage of Humanity" documents these special sites around the world in quarter-hour segments. One episode also deals with this abbey, and the website reads: * "France at the end of the 11th century. Christianity has prevailed. The noble abbots of the Benedictine monasteries live in prosperity. The monastic ideal of poverty and modesty seems to have been forgotten. A new order is founded in Burgundy. It calls its followers to return to early Christian ideals: to work and poverty, to humility and seclusion from the world. The monks establish their first monastery, "Citeaux," after which they later call themselves Cistercians. The order grows rapidly. The monks clear the forests and regulate the rivers. Their religious houses soon spread throughout France, even to Germany. The Fontenay Abbey is also founded under them." The film is available in the ARD media library at the following link =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/fontenay-frankreich-folge-11/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MjQ3MjIw
3
1
The Abbey of Fontenay was, like all monasteries and places of worship, of course founded or built first and foremost as a place of prayer. Due to its outstanding importance, it has also been "ennobled" by UNESCO with the title of "World Cultural Heritage". The German-language television series "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity" documents these special sites all over the world in quarter-hour contributions. One episode also deals with this abbey, on the website you can read: * "France at the end of the 11th century. Christianity has prevailed. The noble abbots of the Benedictine monasteries live in prosperity. The monks' ideal of poverty and modesty seems to have been forgotten. A new order is founded in Burgundy. It calls on its followers to return to original Christian ideals: to work and poverty, to humility and seclusion from the world. The monks found their first monastery "Citeaux", after which they later call themselves Cistercians. The religious order grows quickly. The monks clear the forests and regulate the rivers. Their religious houses soon spread across France and into Germany. The Fontenay monastery was founded under them." The film is available in the ARD media library at the following link: => https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/fontenay-frankreich-folge-11/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MjQ3MjIw
5
0
If you like parks, views and old buildings, you shouldn't miss this park.
1
0
The world heritage monastery is worth a visit. However, there is an entrance fee.
3
0
Magnificent stone bridge which spans the Brenne in the center of Montbard. The bridge is paved, and offers you splendid views of both banks and the river below.
0
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The city lies on Brenne and the Canal de Bourgogne. The area was already populated in ancient times. During the time of the Gauls there was a Druid community here. In the Middle Ages a town developed around the castle. Aleth, the mother of Bernard of Clairvaux, was born at the castle in 1070. The settlement received city rights in 1231. While the castle was a secondary residence of the Dukes of Valois from Burgundy, it was besieged in 1590 by the Count of Tavannes, who fought the Duke of Nemours on behalf of the French King Henri IV. The Canal de Bourgogne opened in 1833. In 1926, Montbard became a sub-prefecture by the decree of Raymond Poincarés.
1
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There are over 50 hiking routes in the Nogent-lès-Montbard area, offering a diverse range of experiences. These trails cover approximately 348.9 kilometers, winding through forests, open countryside, and along the Burgundy Canal.
Yes, Nogent-lès-Montbard offers a good selection of easy trails. For instance, the Fontenay Abbey loop from Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay is an easy 3.4 km route that takes less than an hour to complete, perfect for a relaxed stroll around the historic abbey grounds.
The trails around Nogent-lès-Montbard showcase a rich tapestry of landscapes. You'll hike through dense forests, across open fields, and along the tranquil Burgundy Canal. Many routes also offer panoramic views of the picturesque Auxois landscape, especially from higher points like "La Montagne" above Nogent-lès-Montbard.
Yes, many of the trails in Nogent-lès-Montbard are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular example is The Cistercian abbey of Fontenay — loop, a moderate 12.6 km route that explores the abbey and its natural surroundings.
The region is rich in history. You can incorporate visits to several significant sites into your hikes. The UNESCO World Heritage site, Fontenay Abbey, is a central feature of many routes. Other notable attractions include Buffon's Big Forge, an 18th-century industrial heritage site, and the MuséoParc Alésia, commemorating the Battle of Alesia.
While most routes are easy to moderate, there are options for longer excursions. For example, the Fontenay Abbey – Fontenay Abbey loop from Montbard is a moderate 12.2 km trail with over 200 meters of elevation gain, offering a more extended experience through varied terrain.
Spring and autumn are generally ideal for hiking in Nogent-lès-Montbard, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful natural scenery. Spring brings blooming flora, while autumn offers vibrant fall colors. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially for walks along shaded forest paths or the canal towpaths.
Many trails in the Nogent-lès-Montbard area are dog-friendly, especially those through forests and open countryside. However, it's always advisable to keep your dog on a leash, particularly near livestock or in protected natural areas, and to check specific regulations for any historical sites you plan to visit.
The trails around Nogent-lès-Montbard are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 50 reviews. Hikers often praise the region's blend of historical sites, such as the tranquil Abbey of Fontenay, and the diverse natural beauty of its forests and river valleys. The well-maintained paths and clear signage also receive positive feedback.
Yes, the Burgundy Canal's former towpaths provide excellent, relatively flat walking routes. These paths offer pleasant strolls with views of the canal and surrounding countryside, connecting villages and historical points of interest. They are particularly good for easy, scenic walks.
Parking is generally available in or near the villages that serve as starting points for many trails, such as Nogent-lès-Montbard itself or Montbard. For routes around specific attractions like Fontenay Abbey, dedicated parking facilities are usually provided for visitors.


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