The best traffic-free bike rides around Chalaux
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No traffic road cycling routes around Chalaux are situated within the Morvan Regional Natural Park, offering a diverse landscape ideal for road cyclists. The region is characterized by rolling green hills, dense forests, and clear waterways, providing varied terrain with valleys, passes, and wooded areas. Key features include the Chalaux River, the Chaumeçon dam, and picturesque lakes such as Lac du Crescent and Lac de Chaumeçon, which are integrated into many routes. This environment supports a range of cycling experiences, from leisurely rides to challenging climbs.
Best no traffic road cycling routes around Chalaux
- The most popular no traffic road cycling route is Étang du Goulot – Étang Chaumail loop from Chalaux, a 27.3 miles (43.9 km) trail that takes 2 hours 17 minutes to complete. This moderate route navigates through the region's characteristic rolling hills and forests.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Col de Marigny – Marigny-l'Église loop from Marigny-l'Église, a moderate 22.8 miles (36.7 km) path. This route offers varied terrain with scenic sections and some climbs.
- Local road cyclists also love the Château d'Island – Cousin Road loop from Chastellux-sur-Cure, a 39.0 miles (62.8 km) trail leading through dense forests and river valleys, often completed in about 3 hours 18 minutes.
- Road cycling around Chalaux is defined by rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic lake views. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to more difficult routes with significant elevation gain.
- The routes in Chalaux are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 600 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Chalaux's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
29
riders
43.9km
02:17
750m
750m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
19
riders
43.9km
02:22
840m
840m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4
riders
16.9km
01:00
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
39.5km
02:09
730m
730m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3
riders
40.3km
02:05
680m
680m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Chalaux
Tips from the Community
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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Not for regular bikes, only for mountain bikers. Bring wellington boots.
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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 milestone not to be missed
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Located in Lormes, in the region of the Great Lakes of Morvan, this beautiful 10ha body of water, a place for walking (the tour is 2km), swimming, sporting and family activities, has: Fishing pontoons (including 1 accessible for disabled people), play area for children, fitness trail, pétanque courts, arboretum. It is the starting point for hiking, mountain biking and trail trails. Catering area (and campsite) open in season.
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The Crescent Dam was built between 1929 and 1932. A gravity dam, it is 330 meters long and 37 meters high. Its width at the base is 24 meters and at the crest 3.5 meters. It was built on the initiative of SA Compagnie HydroElectrique de la Cure and was owned by the City of Paris until 1946. The dam was built to regulate the waters of the Yonne and Seine rivers and thus prevent flooding in Paris, while also producing electricity. More than 165 hectares of cultivated land, hamlets, mills, and paths were flooded to allow the creation of the reservoir (maximum depth of 40 meters). It occupies four municipalities and two departments, and is fed by the Cure and Chalaux rivers. The structure was partly financed by war reparations owed by Germany to France after the First World War. This is why much of the dam's mechanisms are German-made. The road across it is narrow and only allows passage for one vehicle. Fortunately, there is very little traffic.
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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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This beautiful pond is surrounded by hiking trails, a children's playground and an arboretum.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available around Chalaux?
There are over 40 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Chalaux, offering a wide range of options for cyclists. Most of these routes are rated as moderate, with a good selection of more challenging rides for experienced cyclists.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic road cycling routes in Chalaux?
The Morvan region around Chalaux features diverse terrain, from rolling green hills and dense forests to valleys and passes. You'll find a mix of climbs and descents, offering varied challenges and scenic beauty. Routes like the Lac de Chaumeçon – View of Lac du Crescent loop from Chalaux, for instance, include significant elevation changes.
Are there any circular no-traffic road cycling routes around Chalaux?
Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Chalaux are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Étang du Goulot – Étang Chaumail loop from Chalaux, which offers a scenic circular ride through the local landscape.
What natural features can I see along the no-traffic road cycling routes?
The routes often take you through the picturesque Morvan Regional Natural Park, featuring the Chalaux River, the Chaumeçon Dam, and various lakes. You might cycle past the Crescent Dam or the tranquil Étang Chaumail, enjoying views of pristine waters and wooded landscapes.
Are there any landmarks or points of interest along these quiet cycling routes?
Yes, several routes pass by interesting landmarks. You could encounter the historic La Pierre-qui-Vire Abbey or the impressive Bazoches Castle. Some routes also offer views of natural attractions like the Narvau Waterfall.
What is the best time of year for no-traffic road cycling in Chalaux?
The Morvan region is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. Summer offers warm weather ideal for longer rides, while spring and autumn provide cooler temperatures and beautiful seasonal foliage. The quiet roads are enjoyable throughout these seasons.
Are there any easy no-traffic road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
While most routes are moderate, there is at least one easy route available. For those seeking a less strenuous ride, consider routes with lower elevation gain. The region's quiet roads generally make for a safer and more relaxed cycling experience for all skill levels.
What do other cyclists say about the no-traffic road cycling routes in Chalaux?
The no-traffic road cycling routes around Chalaux are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the serene natural environment, the well-maintained quiet roads, and the diverse scenery of the Morvan Regional Natural Park.
Where can I find parking for these no-traffic road cycling routes?
Parking is generally available in and around the villages that serve as starting points for these routes, such as Chalaux or Chastellux-sur-Cure. Look for designated parking areas in these towns, which are typically well-suited for cyclists accessing the local road network.
Are there any routes that pass by lakes or water features?
Many routes in the Chalaux area are designed to showcase the region's beautiful lakes and rivers. For example, the Lake Crescent – Lake Crescent loop from Chastellux-sur-Cure offers scenic views of the lake. You'll also find routes that pass by the Chalaux River and the Chaumeçon Dam, integrating water features into your ride.
What is the typical length and elevation gain for a no-traffic road cycling route in this area?
The routes vary significantly. You can find shorter, moderate rides like the Col de Marigny – Marigny-l'Église loop from Marigny-l'Église, which is about 36.7 km with 665 m of elevation gain. More challenging routes, such as the Château d'Island – Cousin Road loop from Chastellux-sur-Cure, can be over 60 km with nearly 1000 m of climbing.
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