The best gravel rides around Cenves
4.7
(19)
111
riders
27
rides
Gravel biking around Cenves offers diverse terrain at the intersection of the Beaujolais and Southern Burgundy regions. The area features a medium mountain environment with a mix of pastures, dense forests, and vineyards. This landscape provides varied surfaces, from smoother paths to rugged, off-road stretches, ideal for gravel cyclists. Numerous cols contribute to elevation changes, making for engaging rides.
Best gravel bike trails around Cenves
- The most popular gravel bike trail is La Voie Bleue – Beauregard loop from Crêches-sur-Saône…
Last updated: November 2, 2026
4.0
(3)
46
riders
171km
08:22
250m
250m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.8
(6)
32
riders
108km
05:31
170m
170m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.8
(6)
10
riders
37.7km
02:22
180m
180m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
49.4km
03:52
1,050m
1,050m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.5
(2)
5
riders
30.9km
02:32
600m
600m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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The Rock of Solutré is a world-famous, 493-meter-high limestone rock in the south of the Burgundy region. It is located amidst the picturesque vineyards of the municipality of Solutré-Pouilly. The region is officially designated as a Grand Site de France. The hike to the summit is easy to moderate and very doable for families. It takes about 1 hour for the entire loop (approx. 4 kilometers round trip). The elevation gain is around 100 to 140 meters from the official parking lot on well-maintained paths with information panels, although there are many steps.
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Although the pass is located in France and is not extremely high, its name translates to "Siberia Pass". The name goes back to the often very cold, snow-rich winds and the harsh weather conditions in winter.
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An idyllic, paved cycle path directly on the riverbank. It is a section of the well-known French long-distance cycle route „La Voie Bleue - Moselle-Saône Radweg" (Route V50) along the Saône. The entire long-distance cycle route covers around 700 kilometers from the Luxembourg border town of Apach (near the tripoint) to Lyon. The Saône section follows the natural meanders of the Saône, passing meadows, historic villages, and well-known wine-growing regions such as Mâcon. The route is mostly flat on former towpaths.
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An idyllic, asphalted cycle path right on the riverbank. This is a section of the well-known French long-distance cycle route "La Voie Bleue - Moselle-Saône Radweg" (Route V50) along the Saône. The entire long-distance cycle route runs for around 700 kilometers from the French border town of Apach (near the tripoint) to Lyon. The Saône section follows the natural meanders of the Saône, passing meadows, historic villages, and well-known wine-growing regions such as Mâcon. The route runs mostly flat on former towpaths.
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The historic old town of Tournus, a French town in the Burgundy region (Saône-et-Loire department). Main attractions: Saint-Philibert Abbey Church: One of the most important Romanesque buildings in France from the 11th and 12th centuries. Picturesque alleys: The old town is characterized by narrow, right-angled streets, colorful facades, and flat roofs with round tiles that have a Mediterranean feel. Hôtel-Dieu: A historic hospital with a well-preserved, ornate 17th-century pharmacy. Greuze Monument: A statue in honor of the famous painter Jean-Baptiste Greuze, born in Tournus in 1725.
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The Saint-Laurent Bridge (Pont Saint-Laurent) is a historic stone bridge that spans the Saône River. It connects the town of Mâcon in the Saône-et-Loire department with the municipality of Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône in the Ain department. Initial wooden structures were already built by the Romans. The current stone bridge dates back to the 11th century in its core and is considered the oldest bridge over the Saône. The structure consists of twelve stone arches. On one of the pillars, there is a statue of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of boatmen. It is one of the few historic structures in the region that survived the demolitions of World War II unscathed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Cenves?
There are over 20 gravel bike trails to explore around Cenves, offering a diverse range of experiences for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails in Cenves?
Cenves offers a varied terrain, characteristic of a 'medium mountain' environment. You'll encounter a mix of pastures, dense forests, and vineyard tracks. The routes feature diverse surfaces, from smoother paths to more rugged, off-road stretches, and numerous cols (mountain passes) that provide engaging elevation changes.
Are there any easy gravel bike routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are a few easier options. For a relatively flat and shorter ride, consider the Camping de Thoissey – La Saône, great cycle routes 👍 loop from Crêches-sur-Saône, which is 20.5 km long and takes about 1 hour 34 minutes. This route offers a gentle introduction to gravel biking in the area.
What are some challenging gravel bike routes in the Cenves region?
For a more challenging experience, you can tackle routes with significant elevation gain. The Col de Gerbet – Col de la Grange du Bois loop from Mâcon-Loché-TGV is a difficult 49.5 km trail with over 1000 meters of elevation gain, typically completed in about 3 hours 52 minutes. Another demanding option is the La Voie Bleue – Beauregard loop from Crêches-sur-Saône, a much longer 148.8 km route that takes around 10 hours 15 minutes.
Are there any gravel routes that pass through vineyards?
While specific gravel tracks directly through vineyards in Cenves aren't explicitly detailed, the region is situated in the heart of the Beaujolais and borders the Mâconnais vineyards. Many routes will take you through or alongside these picturesque wine regions, offering charming, undulating paths characteristic of wine country. For more information on cycling through French vineyards, you can visit France Vélo Tourisme.
What scenic viewpoints or landmarks can I see along the gravel trails?
Several elevated points in and around Cenves offer breathtaking vistas. You can find spectacular panoramas from the Roche de Solutré and the Vergisson Rock over the Mâconnais vineyards. The Rochefort Cross also provides superb views of the Beaujolais mountains and even the Alps on clear days. Many routes incorporate these scenic overlooks.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes in Cenves?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Cenves are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the La Saône, great cycle routes 👍 loop from Crêches-sur-Saône and the Col de Gerbet – Col de la Grange du Bois loop from Sologny.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Cenves?
The diverse landscape of Cenves, with its forests, pastures, and vineyards, makes it enjoyable across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with autumn providing vibrant fall colors in the forests and vineyards. Summer can also be great, but be prepared for warmer weather, especially on longer routes.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about riding in Cenves?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from 6 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain that transitions seamlessly from smoother paths to rugged off-road stretches, the engaging elevation changes provided by the numerous cols, and the tranquil, scenic surroundings of forests, pastures, and vineyards.
Are there any specific mountain passes (cols) that are popular for gravel biking in the area?
Yes, the region around Cenves is known for its cols, which add both challenge and scenic beauty to rides. Notable passes include the Col de la Grange du Bois, Col de Crie, and Col du Fût d'Avenas. These passes are often incorporated into routes to provide rewarding climbs and exhilarating descents.
Are there options for shorter, moderate gravel rides?
Absolutely. For a moderate ride that offers a good mix of surfaces without being overly strenuous, consider the La Saône, great cycle routes 👍 loop from Crêches-sur-Saône. This 37.4 km path takes approximately 2 hours 50 minutes and follows the Saône river, providing a pleasant experience.
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