4.4
(161)
951
riders
96
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Marigny-L'Église are situated within the Morvan Regional Natural Park, characterized by wooded mountains, unspoiled countryside, and diverse terrain. The region features large lakes such as Lac du Crescent and Lac de Chaumeçon, offering picturesque lakeside routes. The Cure River also flows through the area, providing scenic valleys. This landscape provides varied terrain suitable for different levels of touring cyclists.
Last updated: November 5, 2026
4.0
(1)
14
riders
40.1km
03:55
970m
970m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(1)
8
riders
14.4km
01:03
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

5.0
(2)
8
riders
28.5km
01:59
550m
550m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
7
riders
22.5km
01:40
530m
530m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
7
riders
26.7km
02:18
610m
610m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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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.
1
0
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!).
1
0
Very dedicated owner who is restoring the old mill on a voluntary basis and at the same time uses it as a place to stroll and relax.
0
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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.
1
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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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The field bridge is a particularly interesting place. Depending on the water levels dictated by the lake's dam, this place goes from totally flooded to sandy banks and, if left empty long enough... grass grows.
2
0
There are nearly 100 no-traffic touring cycling routes around Marigny-L'Église listed on komoot. These routes offer a variety of distances and difficulty levels, allowing you to explore the tranquil landscapes of the Morvan Regional Natural Park away from heavy vehicle traffic.
Yes, while many routes are moderate to difficult, there are 6 easy no-traffic touring cycling routes suitable for families or beginners. These routes typically feature gentler inclines and shorter distances, perfect for a relaxed day out. The region's quiet countryside, especially around the lakes, often provides ideal conditions for a peaceful ride.
The terrain around Marigny-L'Église is varied, reflecting its location within the Morvan Regional Natural Park. You can expect a mix of wooded mountains, unspoiled countryside, and small fields. Routes often follow quiet country roads, forest paths, or lakeside tracks, providing a scenic and peaceful cycling experience. While some routes are relatively flat, others involve significant climbs, offering diverse challenges.
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Marigny-L'Église are circular, allowing you to start and end your journey in the same location. For example, the Col de Guitte Longue – Lake Crescent loop from Chastellux-sur-Cure offers a challenging circular ride, while the Lake Crescent – Crescent Dam loop from Chastellux-sur-Cure provides a moderate option around the lake.
The routes often pass by or near several interesting attractions. You might encounter historical sites like the La Pierre-qui-Vire Abbey, which is part of the La Pierre-qui-Vire Abbey – Chapelle Saint-Pierre loop from Marigny-l'Église. Natural highlights include the picturesque Crescent Dam and various lakes such as Étang Chaumail. The Morvan Regional Park Visitor Centre is also a great stop for more information about the area's natural heritage.
Yes, the Morvan Regional Natural Park is known for its natural beauty. You can find the charming Le saut de Gouloux (waterfall and mill ruins), which offers a lovely spot for a break. For panoramic views, consider routes that pass near the View from the Rocher de la Pérouse, providing stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.
The best time for touring cycling in Marigny-L'Église is generally from spring to autumn. During these seasons, the weather is milder, and the natural scenery of the Morvan Regional Natural Park is at its most vibrant. Summer offers longer daylight hours, but spring and early autumn provide comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, making for a more peaceful experience.
While Marigny-L'Église itself is a quiet village, the wider Morvan Regional Natural Park and nearby towns offer various options for refreshments. Many routes pass through or near small villages where you might find local cafes or restaurants. It's always a good idea to check opening hours in advance, especially in rural areas, or pack some snacks and drinks for your ride.
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience around Marigny-L'Église, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the routes, the beautiful natural landscapes of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, and the opportunity to cycle away from traffic. The varied terrain and scenic lake views are frequently highlighted as favorite aspects.
Yes, for many routes, you can find parking in or near the villages that serve as starting points, such as Marigny-L'Église or Chastellux-sur-Cure. As the region is rural, parking is generally less of an issue than in urban areas. Look for designated parking areas in village centers or near popular attractions like the lakes.
Absolutely. The region is rich in history and culture. Beyond the routes, you can explore the medieval town of Avallon or the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vézelay basilica, which are within a reasonable distance. Marigny-L'Église itself has Gallo-Roman origins and a 12th-century church, offering interesting detours for a cultural break during your cycling tour.


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