4.5
(195)
1,653
riders
216
rides
Touring cycling around Lac De Moulin Papon offers a transition between urban and rural environments, featuring varied surroundings including flat and wooded banks. The area is centered around an artificial lake, Lac de Moulin Papon, which spans 90 to 108 hectares and serves as a drinking water reservoir. The landscape includes the Yon Valley with its sunken lanes and hedgerows, as well as wooded areas like Bois des Girondins and Parc de Beaupuy. This region provides diverse terrain suitable for…
Last updated: July 8, 2026
4.5
(6)
44
riders
26.9km
02:02
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
15
riders
30.3km
01:58
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(2)
7
riders
17.9km
01:09
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
riders
13.3km
00:50
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
37.6km
02:18
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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19th-century neo-Gothic church. Bakery and restrooms nearby.
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Neoclassical style church, commissioned by Napoleon, whose construction lasted from 1813 to 1829.
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After the hike, enjoy this picnic area and the view of the surroundings.
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The Moulin Papon reservoir, near La Roche-sur-Yon, is a peaceful and green place. This vast artificial body of water is surrounded by paths suitable for cycling, offering clear views of the lake and the surrounding forest.
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It’s a shame that the lake tour is not maintained, brambles and thorns sometimes require passage through the water, very narrow paths due to lack of maintenance
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Super course with small wild coves, clean and well maintained path. Be careful with some slightly technical passages. Needed to get off the bike twice on short rocky bars.
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I regularly go around the Papon mill lake, a marvel of hiking...I recommend...
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There are over 200 touring cycling routes available around Lac De Moulin Papon, catering to various skill levels and preferences. You'll find a diverse network of paths to explore.
The terrain around Lac De Moulin Papon offers a smooth transition between urban and rural environments. You can expect varied surroundings, including flat and wooded banks, as well as pleasant sunken lanes and hedgerows in the Yon Valley. Routes range from easy, mostly paved surfaces to more challenging paths that may include unpaved segments.
Yes, many routes around Lac De Moulin Papon are suitable for families. The area features easy, mostly paved surfaces, and the lake itself has amenities like picnic and play areas. Routes like the Moulin Papon Dam loop from Sainte-Anne or the Moulin Papon Lake – Moulin Papon Dam loop from Moulin Papon are generally easy and offer scenic, manageable distances.
Absolutely. Many popular touring cycling routes around Lac De Moulin Papon are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Moulin Papon Dam loop from Sainte-Anne and the Moulin Papon Lake – Moulin Papon Dam loop from Moulin Papon, which both offer scenic loops around the lake and dam.
While cycling around Lac De Moulin Papon, you can enjoy views of the artificial lake itself and the significant Moulin Papon Dam. Routes often pass through the refreshing Bois des Girondins wooded area and offer glimpses of the tranquil Yon Valley with its hedgerows. Parc de Beaupuy is another natural feature that can be incorporated into longer rides.
Yes, while many routes are easy or moderate, the region does offer more challenging options. Some paths may include unpaved and difficult segments, with longer routes extending up to five hours and featuring up to 1500 feet of elevation gain. For example, the Moulin Papon Dam – Saint-Louis Church loop from Dompierre-sur-Yon is a moderate route that covers a greater distance and elevation.
The touring cycling routes around Lac De Moulin Papon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 170 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the scenic views of the lake and dam, and the pleasant transitions between wooded areas and rural landscapes.
Absolutely. Lac De Moulin Papon is an excellent destination for cyclists seeking easier rides. There are 71 easy routes available, many of which feature mostly paved surfaces and gentle elevation changes. The 19km perimeter of the lake itself is suitable for cycling, and routes like the Bois des Girondins – Grimpette land loop from Dompierre-sur-Yon offer a pleasant, manageable experience.
The duration of touring cycling routes around Lac De Moulin Papon varies widely. You can find shorter rides that take less than an hour, such as the Moulin Papon Dam loop from Sainte-Anne (around 49 minutes). Longer routes can extend up to five hours, depending on your chosen path and pace.
While specific public transport links directly to trailheads are not detailed, Lac de Moulin Papon is located north of La Roche-sur-Yon, which is a regional hub. It's advisable to check local bus services or regional train connections to La Roche-sur-Yon for potential access points, though a car is often the most convenient way to reach various starting points around the lake.
The region around Lac De Moulin Papon is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. These seasons offer mild temperatures and lush scenery. Summer can be warm, but the wooded areas like Bois des Girondins provide welcome shade. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Many routes are designed to showcase the beauty of Lac De Moulin Papon. The Moulin Papon Lake – Moulin Papon Dam loop from Moulin Papon specifically circles the lake and crosses the dam, providing expansive and scenic perspectives. The 19km perimeter of the lake itself is also a great option for continuous lake views.
The Lac De Moulin Papon area is generally welcoming to outdoor activities, including walking and mountain biking, and features natural spaces like Parc de Beaupuy and Les Terres Noires. While specific regulations for dogs on cycling routes are not always explicit, it's common for well-behaved dogs on a leash to be permitted in natural areas. Always ensure your dog is under control and check for any local signage regarding pet restrictions on specific trails.
The Lac De Moulin Papon area is equipped with general amenities, including picnic areas and shaded spots, which are perfect for a break. While specific cafes directly on every route are not detailed, the proximity to La Roche-sur-Yon and charming hamlets along some routes suggests that refreshment options would be accessible within a reasonable distance.


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