The best traffic-free bike rides around Villers-Les-Pots

There are over 60 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Villers-Les-Pots. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 22 easy, 23 moderate, and 15 difficult options available for exploration.

The primary car-free cycling path is the Burgundy Canal (Canal de Bourgogne) Velo-Route, which offers 212 kilometers of paved towpath cycling. Additionally, sections of the Canal du Centre provide car-free paths, and local councils have developed numerous circuits along and around these canals, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride away from road traffic.

Yes, the region is excellent for families. The dedicated Velo-Route along the Burgundy Canal is particularly suitable for cyclists of all ages and levels due to its paved, car-free nature and clear signposting. Easy routes like the Auxonne – Auxonne Castle loop from Auxonne (16.9 km) or the River View with Lily Pads – Swan and Boat on the River loop from Auxonne (19.1 km) offer gentle terrain and scenic views, perfect for a family outing.

The routes offer a diverse range of landscapes. You'll cycle along flat plains, gently undulating valleys, and even experience low mountains and steeper hills, with altitudes varying from 200 to 650 meters. Expect picturesque views of the countryside, the tranquil canals, and the edges of the Morvan Forest.

Many routes pass by significant historical sites. Along the Burgundy Canal, you can see the impressive Voûte de Pouilly (a canal tunnel) and the hilltop village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois with its 12th-century chateau. Closer to Villers-Les-Pots, the nearby town of Auxonne, an "Imperial City," features a church, castle, and arsenal. You can explore the Auxonne Castle on routes like the Auxonne – Auxonne Castle loop.

Yes, several circular routes are available. For instance, the Canal du Rhône au Rhin – Canal du Rhône au Rhin loop from Auxonne offers a challenging 140 km circular tour. For an easier option, consider the Auxonne – Auxonne Castle loop from Auxonne, which is a pleasant 16.9 km ride.

The best time for touring cycling in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, including Villers-Les-Pots, is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, ideal for enjoying the car-free paths and scenic countryside.

While specific parking areas for every route are not detailed, towns like Auxonne, which serve as common starting points for many routes, typically offer public parking facilities. Given the rural nature of the area and the focus on canal paths, you'll often find parking options near canal access points or in the villages along the routes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 110 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the car-free canal paths, the picturesque countryside views, and the accessibility of historical sites directly from the cycling routes.

Beyond the canals themselves, you can discover charming natural spots. The Source of the Foulatière in Jouhe, at the foot of Mont Roland, features ponds and the remains of an old mill, offering a tranquil picnic spot. The Diversion into the Saône river is another interesting natural feature to observe.

While Villers-Les-Pots itself is a rural village, larger towns in the region, such as Dijon and Dole, have train stations that connect to regional public transport networks. Cyclists often use these connections to reach towns like Auxonne, which are closer to the main canal routes and offer better access points for starting a tour.

Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a longer challenge, the Canal du Rhône au Rhin – Canal du Rhône au Rhin loop from Auxonne is a difficult 140 km route with over 450 meters of elevation gain. This route provides an extensive touring experience on dedicated paths.