The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Brancher
4.5
(125)
881
riders
78
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Brancher are situated within the Morvan Regional Natural Park in Burgundy, France. This area is characterized by diverse landscapes, including extensive forests, numerous lakes, and winding rivers, providing varied terrain for cycling. The region's canals also offer picturesque routes, allowing for leisurely rides through natural settings. Cyclists can expect routes that navigate through wooded areas and past serene bodies of water, with elevations that contribute to a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Best no traffic…
Last updated: July 5, 2026
19
riders
48.2km
04:25
960m
960m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
55.5km
05:03
1,360m
1,360m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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5.0
(3)
7
riders
25.6km
01:51
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
54.7km
05:09
1,280m
1,280m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(2)
6
riders
25.6km
01:45
400m
400m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Saint-Brancher
Tips from the Community
Located in the heart of the Morvan forest, the Abbey of La Pierre-qui-Vire was founded in the 19th century. It owes its name to an imposing granite block "in equilibrium," an emblem of the place. An almost suspended atmosphere reigns here.
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Located in the heart of the Morvan forest, the village of Saint-Léger-Vauban is home to some interesting sights such as its 14th century church, its museum retracing the history of Vauban, and the artisanal jam factory "La Trinquelinette".
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Crescent Lake owes its name to its crescent shape. It is popular with local fishermen and also with swimmers who can visit its beach to cool off. Camping is also permitted. This lake, with its exceptionally bucolic setting, was chosen as the location in 2015 by Michel Gondry for filming his movie Microbe and Gazoil.
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The Abbey of Sainte-Marie-de-la-Pierre-qui-Vire is a Benedictine abbey founded in 1850 by Reverend Father Jean-Baptiste Muard. The community is located in the heart of nature, in a wild, wooded setting, on the banks of the Trinquelin, a small stream that flows between granite rocks. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbaye_Sainte-Marie_de_la_Pierre-qui-Vire
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There is no possibility of touring the lake by mountain bike along the banks, but rather by taking the road. However, check that the road that passes over the dam is open (temporarily closed until June 25, 2025 for us!).
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A pleasant stop near the Crescent, with a slight detour from the GR Telephone 07 49 26 22 70
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The second part of the village's name comes from the large number of empty stone tombs placed in the cemetery surrounding the church. The church is the central location of the village, next to the mayor and not far from a mini-market and a few shops.
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Straddling the departments of Nièvre and Yonne, with an area of 138 ha, Lac du Crescent owes its name to its "crescent" shape. This lake is formed by a hydroelectric dam built in 1930 and financed as German war damage linked to the 1st World War. The dam is 330 m long, 37 m high and the capacity of the lake is 14 million m3. The Crescent reservoir is fed by the most famous trout rivers in the Morvan: the Cure and the Chalaux. It is therefore a good fishing spot, like all the neighboring lakes of the Morvan, but a swimming area has also been set up on the side of the Yonne in the town of Chastellux sur Cure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available around Saint-Brancher?
There are nearly 70 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Brancher. These routes offer a variety of experiences, with 8 easy, 26 moderate, and 34 difficult options to choose from, ensuring something for every skill level.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on these traffic-free touring routes?
The routes around Saint-Brancher, nestled near the Morvan Regional Natural Park, traverse diverse landscapes. You'll cycle through beautiful forests, past serene lakes like Lake Saint-Agnan, and along rivers. The region is known for its picturesque natural sites and wooded areas, providing a scenic and varied terrain for exploration.
Are there any circular no traffic touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Brancher are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. For example, you can explore the challenging Quarré-les-Tombes – Chapelle Saint-Pierre loop from Quarré-les-Tombes, which covers over 48 km with significant elevation gain, or the Lake Crescent – Lac du Crescent loop from Saint-Germain-des-Champs, a 25 km route that takes you around the scenic Lake Crescent.
What are the best seasons for touring cycling in Saint-Brancher to avoid traffic?
The best seasons for touring cycling in Saint-Brancher, especially on traffic-free routes, are typically spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it's advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat.
What attractions can I see along the no traffic touring cycling routes?
Along the routes, you can discover several points of interest. The La Pierre-qui-Vire Abbey is a notable spiritual site, and the scenic Lake Saint-Agnan and Crescent Dam offer beautiful natural views. The nearby town of Avallon is also a point of interest for its historical charm.
Are there any family-friendly no traffic cycling routes in the area?
While many routes around Saint-Brancher are rated moderate to difficult, the broader Burgundy region is known for its 'Voies Vertes et Bleues' (greenways and blueways) which are dedicated cycle paths ideal for leisurely rides and families. These paths often follow canals or old railway lines, providing flat and safe environments away from traffic. Look for routes specifically designated as 'easy' in the komoot guide for the most family-friendly options.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no traffic routes in Saint-Brancher?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 119 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the routes, the stunning natural beauty of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, and the opportunity to explore charming villages and historical sites away from busy roads. The challenging elevation gains on many routes are also appreciated by those seeking a good workout.
Can I find routes that pass by lakes or rivers?
Absolutely. The region is rich in water features. Routes like the La Pierre-qui-Vire Abbey – Saint-Agnan Lake Dam loop from Quarré-les-Tombes will take you past Lake Saint-Agnan and its dam. The Morvan Regional Natural Park, which surrounds Saint-Brancher, is characterized by its numerous lakes and rivers, offering picturesque cycling alongside water.
Are there options for advanced touring cyclists looking for a challenge?
Yes, advanced touring cyclists will find plenty of challenging no traffic routes. Over half of the routes (34 out of 68) are classified as difficult. For instance, the Quarré-les-Tombes – Quarré-les-Tombes loop from Saint-Léger-Vauban is a demanding 55 km route with over 1300 meters of elevation gain, offering a significant test of endurance and skill through the Morvan landscape.
Where can I find parking near the starting points of these routes?
While specific parking details for each route vary, many villages and towns in the Morvan Regional Natural Park, such as Quarré-les-Tombes or Saint-Germain-des-Champs (starting points for some featured routes), offer public parking facilities. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival or consult detailed route information on komoot for specific parking recommendations near your chosen starting point.
Are there any historical or cultural sites accessible by bike on these routes?
Yes, the region is rich in history. The La Pierre-qui-Vire Abbey is directly accessible on some routes. The broader area also boasts significant heritage sites like the Vézelay basilica St Madeleine, a renowned pilgrimage site, and the Basilique de Saint Andoche in Saulieu, which can be incorporated into longer touring plans or visited as side trips from your cycling base.
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