The best gravel rides around Escolives-Sainte-Camille
3.0
(2)
39
riders
20
rides
Gravel biking around Escolives-Sainte-Camille offers varied terrain across limestone plateaus and the alluvial plain of the Yonne River. The region features greenways along the Canal du Nivernais, providing relatively flat paths suitable for gravel rides. Routes traverse vineyards, agricultural lands, and forests, showcasing the rural character of the Yonne department. This diverse landscape provides options for different gravel biking experiences.
Best gravel bike trails around Escolives-Sainte-Camille
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Paul Bert Bridge – Island of Pleasures,…
Last updated: July 3, 2026
3.0
(1)
8
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
riders
52.0km
03:22
540m
540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
5
riders
43.1km
02:47
480m
480m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
105km
06:36
1,110m
1,110m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
An unmissable viewpoint of our region!
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Vaux was given to the Abbey of St-Julien d’Auxerre from its foundation in the 7th century. From the bridge you have a beautiful view of the village.
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An old and massive stone bridge over the Yonne. It is cycleable and sees a lot of car and truck use, so be careful.
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This wash house in Chevannes once served as a place to rinse washed laundry (several hundred years ago). The whole town used it at the time. It is now more of a historical monument and is no longer in use.
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Flat, smooth cycle path along the Yonne. From there if you look back you will see a railway bridge. A nice place for a break or a picnic.
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The Sainte-Reine chapel seems to have been started with the apse towards the end of the 15th century. and built in several stages until the beginning of the 17th century. On either side of the entrance arch to the apse and on the south wall of the nave, commemorative plaques recall the role of the d'Avigneau family, notably Maurice Marie d'Avigneau who restored the chapel and returned it to worship in 1952.
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The stronghold of Belombre was the seat of part of the lordship of Escolives held, in 1507, by the lieutenant general of Auxerre, Blanchet David. Marie David brought it to Jacques de Meung dit de La Ferté, who died on June 4, 1589, massacred by the Leaguers of Auxerre. Madeleine de La Ferté Meung, her granddaughter, transmitted Bellombre to the La Bussière family and Catherine de La Bussière brought it to the Girard d'Azy family. The children of Paul de Girard sold it, around 1656, to François de Chastellux, who ceded this first half of Escolives in 1670, to Robert Chaponnel, Receiver General of Finances. He died on October 28, 1678 without issue, while he was undertaking the reconstruction of the castle. Anne Robineau, receiver general of Finances in Provence, who carried out the project developed by Chaponnel and built a new castle on the land surrounded by a moat on the site of the medieval manor. In 1709, Louis Gayot, buyer, united the two shares of the land of Escolives before selling the Château de Bélombre in November 1726, to Joseph Le Muet, King's attorney in the bailiwick of Auxerre. Rosalie Le Muet married in 1804, Jean Jacques Claude Baudenet d'Annoux. Their son, Louis-Hugues, who feared the dangerous invasions of the waters of the Yonne, decided to demolish the castle which he rebuilt on vast basements around 1870. The estate is located on the left bank of the canal. It is a large single-story building. Corner chains and harped stone legs support the entablature and an attic floor in the overhang of the broken roof. The moat and the stone bridge decorated with elegant 18th century ironwork have been preserved. (1) MH protected elements: facades and roofs; water pit ; the pillars of the entrance gate; the vestibule and the interior staircase with its wrought iron banister: registration by decree of December 6, 1977. The facades and roofs of the outbuildings; the terrace located to the southwest of the castle and the sleeping bridge; the bridge thrown over the moat, in front of the northeast facade of the castle; the gardens surrounding the castle; the perspective alley and the double water alley: registration by decree of June 7, 1993 The Chateau de Belombre 89290 Escolives-Sainte-Camille, private property, cannot be visited.
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At the statue of the namesake Paul Bert you will find a small balcony from which you can enjoy the view of the old town in peace.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Escolives-Sainte-Camille?
There are over 20 gravel bike trails in the Escolives-Sainte-Camille area, offering a diverse range of experiences across limestone plateaus, the Yonne river valley, and canal-side greenways. You'll find options for various ability levels, from moderate rides to more challenging excursions.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike routes in this region?
The terrain around Escolives-Sainte-Camille is quite varied. You can expect routes that traverse challenging limestone plateaus with elevation changes, as well as more gentle, scenic rides through the fertile Yonne valley. Many routes also wind through vineyards, agricultural lands, and tranquil forests, offering a true taste of the rural Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. The The Yonne and the Park Rocks – The Saussois Rocks loop from Val-de-Mercy, for instance, explores the river valley and notable rock formations.
Are there any easy or moderate gravel biking options for beginners or families?
While many routes in the area are rated as difficult, the region's greenways along the Canal du Nivernais offer excellent, relatively flat, and well-maintained paths that are ideal for leisurely gravel rides. These sections are perfect for beginners or families looking for a more relaxed experience, providing picturesque views without significant elevation challenges. There are 12 moderate routes available, though specific 'easy' routes are not listed in the data.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see while gravel biking?
Several routes allow you to integrate cultural stops into your ride. You might pass by historical sites such as the Gallo-Roman archaeological site of Escolives-Sainte-Camille or the Romanesque Church of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul. Near Auxerre, routes like the Paul Bert Bridge – Island of Pleasures, Auxerre loop from Auxerre Saint-Gervais can bring you close to attractions like the Paul Bert Bridge, Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre, or Abbaye Saint-Germain.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes in the area?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Escolives-Sainte-Camille are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. Examples include The Yonne and the Park Rocks – The Saussois Rocks loop from Val-de-Mercy, Paul Bert Bridge – Island of Pleasures, Auxerre loop from Auxerre Saint-Gervais, and Paul Bert Bridge – View of Vaux Village loop from Auxerre Saint-Gervais.
What do other gravel bikers say about the routes in Escolives-Sainte-Camille?
The gravel biking routes in Escolives-Sainte-Camille are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars from over 5 reviews. More than 70 gravel bikers have already used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes that combine challenging climbs with scenic trails through vineyards and along the Yonne River.
Can I find long-distance gravel routes for extended rides?
Absolutely. The region offers several longer routes for those seeking an extended gravel biking adventure. For example, the Paul Bert Bridge – Pont sur Yonne loop from Auxerre Saint-Gervais covers over 100 kilometers, providing a significant challenge with substantial elevation gain. Another option is the Paul Bert Bridge – Paul Bert Bridge loop from Auxerre Saint-Gervais, which is approximately 73.7 kilometers long.
Are there opportunities to cycle through vineyards or agricultural areas?
Yes, the region around Escolives-Sainte-Camille is rich in viticulture and agriculture. Many gravel routes are designed to wind through these picturesque vineyards and fertile farmlands, allowing you to experience the rural charm of the Yonne department. This offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the scenery and perhaps even discover local producers along your ride.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Escolives-Sainte-Camille?
The diverse landscapes of Escolives-Sainte-Camille make it suitable for gravel biking across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with blooming nature or vibrant fall colors. Summer is also enjoyable, especially on routes that pass through shaded forests or along the Canal du Nivernais. While specific winter conditions aren't detailed, the varied terrain suggests year-round potential, weather permitting.
Are there any routes that follow the Canal du Nivernais?
Yes, the Canal du Nivernais passes directly through Escolives-Sainte-Camille and features a dedicated greenway along its banks. This greenway provides excellent, relatively flat, and well-maintained paths that are perfect for gravel biking. These routes offer picturesque views of the canal and the surrounding countryside, making them a popular choice for a scenic and less strenuous ride.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints on the gravel trails?
The region's limestone plateaus and the Yonne river valley naturally offer numerous scenic viewpoints. Routes like the Paul Bert Bridge – View of Vaux Village loop from Auxerre Saint-Gervais are specifically highlighted for leading through scenic viewpoints and past charming villages like Vaux, providing riders with beautiful vistas of the landscape.
Most popular routes around Escolives-Sainte-Camille
Most popular attractions around Escolives-Sainte-Camille
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