4.7
(24)
118
riders
18
rides
Gravel biking around Laiz offers routes through a landscape characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and tranquil lakes. The region, situated in the Ain department of eastern France, provides diverse terrain suitable for off-road cycling. Riders can expect a mix of unpaved tracks and quieter rural roads, often following the Saône river or exploring the nearby Dombes region with its numerous small lakes. The area's natural features create varied surfaces and elevation changes for gravel biking.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
5.0
(2)
18
riders
34.9km
01:41
50m
50m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
18
riders
35.0km
01:49
50m
50m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8
(5)
8
riders
37.4km
02:21
180m
180m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
49.5km
03:52
1,050m
1,050m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
33.2km
02:19
150m
150m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Laiz
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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The Berges de la Saône (the riverbank promenade of the Saône River) is a modernized riverbank section in the Burgundy region of France, near the road du Pont Vert. This paved riverside path is a popular section of the well-known La Voie Bleue cycle route (Moselle-Saône cycle route) and serves as a recreational and event area for both pedestrians and cyclists.
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The Esplanade Lamartine forms the green heart of the Mâcon waterfront, directly on the Saône. The area is named after the famous French poet, writer, and politician Alphonse de Lamartine, who was born in Mâcon in 1790. A striking bronze statue in his honor dominates the square. The large, white "MACON" lettering from your photo is a very popular photo motif for tourists. It stands on a green strip directly on the Esplanade and offers the river as well as the rows of houses opposite as a backdrop.
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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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The Voie Verte (Green Way) is a former, paved railway line. At the starting point in Charnay-lès-Mâcon is the Vélo-Gare du Mâconnais - a former train station, which today serves as a tourist office and bicycle rental.
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The Col de Gerbet (612 m) is an idyllic mountain pass in the French wine-growing region of Beaujolais. Depending on the starting point, various roads with little traffic lead up to the pass via the D137. From Juliénas (south-east approach): This route is 7.3 kilometers long. It overcomes 342 meters of altitude with a steady, moderate gradient of 4.7% on average. The road winds through shady forest sections. From La Croix Blanche (west approach): A tougher variant 4.5 kilometers long. Here you conquer 270 meters of altitude with an average gradient of 6% and ramps of up to 11%.
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Great welcome, even just for a coffee, filling up with water and disposing of our waste. Looking at the menu, the dishes seem delicious.
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The region around Laiz, situated in the Ain department, offers a diverse landscape ideal for gravel biking. You'll encounter a mix of rolling hills, lush forests, and tranquil areas near lakes. While specific dedicated gravel trails are not explicitly detailed, the natural environment suggests routes combining paved rural roads with unpaved tracks and paths through natural areas, providing varied surfaces and elevation changes.
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the area offers routes with notable elevation. For instance, the "Col de Gerbet – Col de la Grange du Bois loop from Mâcon-Loché-TGV" is a difficult route covering nearly 50 km with over 1000 meters of elevation gain, providing a demanding experience away from traffic.
While exploring the traffic-free gravel routes, you can discover several interesting points. The "Panoramic View of the Saône loop from Garnerans" offers scenic vistas. You might also encounter highlights like the "View of Mâcon and the Saône from the François Mitterand bridge" or the "Cormoranche Lake Leisure Center" which are popular nearby attractions.
Yes, many of the routes around Laiz, especially those starting from towns like Crêches-sur-Saône or Pont-de-Veyle, typically have accessible parking options nearby. It's always a good idea to check the specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking information.
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, including Laiz, is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through autumn. Spring offers lush greenery and mild temperatures, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Summer can be warm but is excellent for longer days. Winter gravel biking is possible, but conditions may vary, with some paths potentially being muddy or icy.
Yes, there are easier options perfect for families. The "Panoramic View of the Saône loop from Garnerans" is an easy route with minimal elevation, making it suitable for a relaxed family outing on gravel bikes. The tranquil nature of these traffic-free paths ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Many of the natural paths and rural roads suitable for gravel biking around Laiz are dog-friendly, especially if your dog is accustomed to cycling alongside you. However, it's crucial to keep your dog under control, preferably on a leash, to ensure the safety of wildlife and other trail users. Always check local regulations for specific nature parks or protected areas.
Yes, the towns and villages surrounding Laiz, such as Mâcon or Pont-de-Veyle, offer various amenities. You'll find cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options where you can refuel and rest. Planning your route to pass through these locations can enhance your gravel biking experience.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, scenic routes that allow for peaceful exploration away from vehicle traffic. The diverse landscapes, from riverside paths to rolling countryside, are frequently highlighted as major attractions.
For those looking for longer adventures, the "Between Tournus and Mâcon – La Voie Bleue loop from Crêches-sur-Saône" offers a substantial ride. This route spans nearly 150 km, providing an extensive journey along the Saône, much of which follows dedicated cycle paths or very low-traffic roads, perfect for a full day or multi-day gravel biking trip.
Absolutely. Many of the gravel routes in the region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without needing a shuttle. Examples include the "La Saône, great cycle routes 👍 loop from Crêches-sur-Saône" and the "Gravel loop from Pont-de-Veyle", both offering excellent circular options for traffic-free gravel biking.


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