The best cycling routes around Lac des Sapins
4.7
(23)
861
riders
88
rides
Touring cycling routes around Lac des Sapins traverse the verdant Beaujolais Vert region, located approximately 40 miles (65 km) northwest of Lyon. The area features mid-mountain terrain with wooded hills, dense Douglas fir forests, and open pastures, offering varied landscapes for cycling. Routes often include ascents and descents, providing panoramic views of the Côte Roannaise and the Monts de la Madeleine. The central artificial lake, at 440 meters elevation, serves as a focal point for many routes.
Best touring cycling routes around Lac des Sapins
- The most popular touring cycling route is Lac des Sapins Loop, a difficult 22.8 miles (36.6 km) trail that takes 2 hours 35 minutes to complete. This route features significant elevation gain through the region's varied terrain.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Lac des Sapins – Lac des Sapins loop from Le Bancillon, a difficult 16.3 miles (26.3 km) path. This route offers extensive views and challenging climbs through the Beaujolais Vert landscape.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Lac des Sapins loop from Cublize, a 3.8 miles (6.0 km) trail leading through lakeside scenery, often completed in about 28 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Lac des Sapins is defined by wooded hills, mid-mountain terrain, and picturesque lakeside paths. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to challenging routes with significant elevation changes.
- The routes in Lac des Sapins are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 800 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Lac des Sapins's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 23, 2026
4.5
(2)
20
riders
36.6km
02:35
760m
770m
This difficult 22.8-mile touring cycling loop in the Green Beaujolais offers challenging cols and scenic views around Lac des Sapins.
5.0
(1)
72
riders
8.01km
00:44
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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16
riders
26.3km
02:33
690m
690m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
37.9km
02:30
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
57.0km
04:02
1,110m
1,110m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful medieval castle built in the 14th century
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The pass of the pavilion culminates at 755 meters above sea level. The view of the western slope is quite unobstructed. I recommend a stop at the Le Pavillon hostel-hotel, which offers good food and allows you to take a break after climbing the pass.
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Lac des Sapins offers the largest biological swimming pool in Europe. It is located 440 meters above sea level in the heart of Beaujolais Vert. This environment is special since it has a space dedicated to swimming and a space for aquatic plants that purify, oxygenate and naturally regenerate the quality of the water. This place offers a thousand and one possibilities; hikes, bike rides, horseback riding or water activities you will not be outdone in this green setting.
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This fortified castle was originally a fortified house built in the 14th century on the foundations of a Greco-Roman villa. Rebuilt in the 17th and 19th centuries following fires, the castle retains the remains of each of these eras. Ideally located at the foot of a dense forest, it overlooks the valleys bordering the Azergues and sees the small Lyzeron stream crossing its domain. It is now a very beautiful table d'hôte and reception.
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This is the must-see in the surroundings, a magnificent tour of the lake perfectly laid out, with a dyke side and a beach side, you go from one setting to another on the same tour. Around the lake: 4.4km The largest biological swimming pool in Europe has come to rejuvenate and renew the attraction for this place.
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Small fishing pond near the castle of the same name. Shaded picnic table.
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Col de la Croix des Fourches, in the middle of the forest, on the heights of the village of Saint-Just d'Avray.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when touring cycling around Lac des Sapins?
The Lac des Sapins area, nestled in the Beaujolais Vert region, offers diverse mid-mountain terrain. You'll encounter wooded hills, dense Douglas fir forests, and open pastures. Routes often feature significant ascents and descents, providing panoramic views of the Côte Roannaise and the Monts de la Madeleine. The central artificial lake, at 440 meters elevation, is a frequent focal point.
Are there touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families around Lac des Sapins?
Yes, there are routes suitable for all fitness levels. For an easy and scenic ride, consider the Lac des Sapins loop from Cublize. This 6.0 km (3.8 miles) route leads through picturesque lakeside scenery and is often completed in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a leisurely outing.
Are there challenging touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists in the region?
Absolutely. The region is known for its more demanding routes. For a significant challenge, try the Lake of the Pines via the cols - Loop in the Green Beaujolais, a difficult 36.6 km (22.8 miles) trail with over 760 meters of elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Lac des Sapins loop from Meyré, which covers 46.4 km (28.8 miles) with nearly 900 meters of climbing.
What natural features or viewpoints can I see along the touring cycling routes?
The routes offer stunning natural beauty. You'll cycle through verdant landscapes, past the artificial Lac des Sapins, and through Douglas fir forests. Higher routes provide panoramic views of the Côte Roannaise and the Monts de la Madeleine. For those seeking elevated perspectives, the area includes Mont Saint Rigaud (1012m), known as 'The Roof of the Rhône', which features an orientation table and educational trail.
When is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Lac des Sapins?
The Beaujolais Vert region is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with spring bringing lush greenery and autumn showcasing rich fall colors. Summer is also popular, especially for combining cycling with water activities at the lake. Always check local weather conditions before your ride.
Is there parking available for touring cyclists at Lac des Sapins?
Yes, as a popular outdoor destination and 'Green Station', Lac des Sapins offers various amenities, including designated parking areas for visitors. These are typically well-signposted near the main activity hubs and trailheads around the lake.
How can I reach Lac des Sapins by public transport for cycling?
While Lac des Sapins is somewhat rural, public transport options exist, though they may require transfers. It's advisable to check regional bus services connecting from larger towns like Lyon or Villefranche-sur-Saône to Cublize, the commune where Lac des Sapins is located. Specific routes and schedules should be verified with local transport authorities prior to your trip.
What other activities can I combine with a touring cycling trip to Lac des Sapins?
Lac des Sapins is a multi-activity hub. Beyond cycling, you can enjoy hiking, horse riding, climbing, via ferrata, zip-lining, and tree climbing. The lake itself offers water activities like pedal boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, and sailing. It's also home to Europe's largest natural swimming pool, an ecological bathing area filtered by aquatic plants, perfect for a refreshing dip after a ride.
Are there places to eat or stay near the touring cycling routes?
Yes, the Lac des Sapins area, being a recognized 'Green Station', provides various amenities for visitors. You'll find picnic spots, and there are typically cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options (like hotels, gîtes, or campsites) in and around Cublize and the surrounding villages to cater to tourists.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes around Lac des Sapins?
The touring cycling routes in Lac des Sapins are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from challenging climbs with rewarding views to serene lakeside paths, and the overall natural beauty of the Beaujolais Vert region.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available?
Many of the touring cycling routes around Lac des Sapins are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the easy Lac des Sapins loop from Cublize and the more challenging Lac des Sapins loop from Les Tuilières, which covers 26 km with significant elevation changes.
Can I find less crowded touring cycling routes around Lac des Sapins?
While Lac des Sapins is a popular destination, the extensive network of routes in the Beaujolais Vert region means you can often find quieter paths, especially away from the immediate lakeside area. Exploring routes that venture deeper into the wooded hills and towards peaks like Mont Saint Rigaud can offer a more secluded cycling experience.
Most popular routes around Lac des Sapins
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