The best traffic-free bike rides around Cluny

There are 13 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Cluny listed in this guide. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from scenic vineyard paths to more challenging climbs through the Bourgogne hills.

The gravel bike trails around Cluny offer a diverse mix of terrain. You'll find everything from mostly paved sections, ideal for relaxed rides, to unpaved segments that provide the true mixed-terrain gravel experience. Expect scenic views of the Mâconnais vineyards, limestone cliffs, and the rolling hills of Bourgogne. Some routes may include challenging ascents and descents.

While many routes in this guide are rated as difficult, the region does offer sections suitable for families. The Voie Verte de Bourgogne du Sud, which connects Cluny to Mâcon, features flat and often shaded sections, perfect for a relaxed family ride. You can incorporate parts of this greenway into longer routes, such as the beginning of the Cluny – Voie verte of Southern Burgundy loop from Mâcon.

Many routes pass by or near significant historical and natural attractions. You can cycle past the impressive Medieval fortress of Berzé-le-Châtel, or experience the unique Tunnel du bois clair, France's longest cycling tunnel. The route Bois Clair tunnel – Château de Berzé loop from Azé is a great option to combine both.

Yes, all the routes listed in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Chapelle Saint-Criat – Mount Saint-Romain loop from Azé offers a substantial circular ride through varied landscapes.

The region is generally pleasant for gravel biking from spring through autumn. While the Tunnel du Bois Clair is a highlight, note that it is closed from October to April due to bat hibernation, with an alternative route provided during these months. Spring and early autumn offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery.

The komoot community rates the trails around Cluny highly, with an average score of 3.4 stars. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, and the opportunity to combine cycling with exploring historical sites like castles and abbeys.

Yes, for experienced riders looking for a significant challenge, the Cluny – Voie verte of Southern Burgundy loop from Mâcon is a demanding route covering nearly 100 km with over 2000 meters of elevation gain. It requires excellent physical condition.

Absolutely. The region's varied topography, including the Mâconnais vineyards and the Hills of Bourgogne, provides numerous opportunities for panoramic views. Routes like the Mont Rouge – Forest Path Around Chevagny loop from Saint-Maurice-de-Satonnay will take you through elevated sections where you can enjoy expansive vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Many of the gravel routes around Cluny incorporate sections through woodlands, offering welcome shade, especially during warmer months. The Mont Rouge – Forest Path Around Chevagny loop from Saint-Maurice-de-Satonnay, as its name suggests, features significant forest paths. The Voie Verte also has many shaded sections.

The trails around Cluny can be quite challenging in terms of elevation. You can expect significant climbs, with some routes featuring over 1,500 feet of elevation gain. For instance, the Pistole Pass – Bressard loop from Igé includes over 680 meters of ascent, requiring a good fitness level.