The best gravel rides around Joigny

There are 4 gravel bike trails around Joigny, offering a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult options for various skill levels.

The terrain around Joigny is quite varied. You'll find routes that follow the scenic Yonne River and canals, offering low-altitude rides. Other trails lead through forests and fields with rolling landscapes, including both gentle and occasionally steep inclines, especially towards the Othe Forest and vineyards.

Yes, there is an easy gravel bike route available. The Étang de Bonnard – Joigny Bridge loop from Bassou is an excellent option, covering 31.6 km with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for a more relaxed ride.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, two difficult routes stand out: the Gurgy diversion lock – Yonne River at Armeau loop from Laroche - Migennes, which is over 130 km long with significant elevation, and the Cycle Path Along the Yonne – Yonne River at Armeau loop from Dixmont, an 87.6 km route also featuring substantial climbs.

Many routes offer glimpses of the region's rich heritage. You might pass through historic towns like Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, see impressive structures like the Porte de Sens, or historical churches such as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. The area also features the Château du Fey and the L'Enfourchure Priory.

Yes, all the listed gravel bike routes around Joigny are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Yonne River at Armeau – Villevallier Lock loop from Armeau and the Étang de Bonnard – Joigny Bridge loop from Bassou.

The Yonne River and its canals are central to many routes, offering picturesque waterside cycling. You'll also encounter rolling landscapes, dense forests like the Othe Forest, and the renowned vineyards of the Burgundy Côte Saint-Jacques appellation, providing beautiful scenery and panoramic views.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil riverbanks to challenging forest paths, and the opportunity to explore the region's historical charm and vineyards.

While specific viewpoints aren't listed for individual routes, the region is known for its panoramic vistas. The Côte Saint-Jacques viewpoint, for instance, offers a stunning 360° view of Joigny and the Yonne valley, and many routes through the vineyards will provide elevated perspectives of the surrounding countryside.

Many routes in the Joigny area incorporate mostly paved surfaces, making them accessible to a wider range of skill levels and potentially suitable for bikes other than dedicated gravel bikes, though gravel bikes are ideal for the mixed terrain sections.

Yes, the Cycle Path Along the Yonne – Yonne River at Armeau loop from Dixmont is an excellent choice for those wanting to follow the Yonne River. This route extensively utilizes the cycle path along the river, offering scenic, low-altitude riding.