The best traffic-free bike rides around Bazarnes
4.3
(453)
2,641
riders
101
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Bazarnes are predominantly found along the tranquil waterways of the Yonne River and the Nivernais Canal, offering extensive greenways. The landscape features rolling countryside, picturesque forests, and gentle hills, providing a varied yet accessible terrain for cyclists. This region, part of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, is characterized by its river valleys and canal paths, ensuring a largely traffic-free cycling experience.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Bazarnes
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is The Yonne and the Canal du Nivernais – Paul Bert Bridge loop from Cravant - Bazarnes, a 24.6 miles (39.6 km) trail that takes 2 hours 18 minutes to complete. This route follows the scenic banks of the Yonne River and the Nivernais Canal.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Vincelles Lock – Belombre Castle loop from Cravant - Bazarnes, an easy 11.2 miles (18.1 km) path. This trail offers a gentle ride through the waterside landscape, passing by historical points of interest.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Vincelles Lock – Pont sur Yonne loop from Cravant - Bazarnes, a 17.9 miles (28.9 km) trail leading through the Yonne River valley, often completed in about 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Bazarnes is defined by canal paths, river valleys, and rolling countryside. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.
- The routes in Bazarnes are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.38 stars from over 280 reviews. More than 1700 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Bazarnes's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
4.3
(6)
21
riders
20.5km
01:10
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(53)
344
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.7
(12)
84
riders
31.9km
01:48
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(6)
44
riders
18.2km
01:01
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.1
(11)
52
riders
20.7km
01:11
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Bazarnes
Tips from the Community
Beautiful sculpture by the water.
1
0
A simply stunning view of Auxerre and its magnificent cathedral, as well as the Vonne River with its many boats, and Auxerre with everything your heart desires. Plenty of places to rest and, of course, all sorts of restaurants.
1
0
An old and massive stone bridge over the Yonne. It is cycleable and sees a lot of car and truck use, so be careful.
0
0
A magnificent view of Auxerre (especially the cathedral) on the Yonne river. Auxerre is the capital of the Yonne department, and there you will find many cafes, restaurants, shops and beautiful places along the river.
1
0
Flat, smooth cycle path along the Yonne. From there if you look back you will see a railway bridge. A nice place for a break or a picnic.
0
0
The stronghold of Belombre was the seat of part of the lordship of Escolives held, in 1507, by the lieutenant general of Auxerre, Blanchet David. Marie David brought it to Jacques de Meung dit de La Ferté, who died on June 4, 1589, massacred by the Leaguers of Auxerre. Madeleine de La Ferté Meung, her granddaughter, transmitted Bellombre to the La Bussière family and Catherine de La Bussière brought it to the Girard d'Azy family. The children of Paul de Girard sold it, around 1656, to François de Chastellux, who ceded this first half of Escolives in 1670, to Robert Chaponnel, Receiver General of Finances. He died on October 28, 1678 without issue, while he was undertaking the reconstruction of the castle. Anne Robineau, receiver general of Finances in Provence, who carried out the project developed by Chaponnel and built a new castle on the land surrounded by a moat on the site of the medieval manor. In 1709, Louis Gayot, buyer, united the two shares of the land of Escolives before selling the Château de Bélombre in November 1726, to Joseph Le Muet, King's attorney in the bailiwick of Auxerre. Rosalie Le Muet married in 1804, Jean Jacques Claude Baudenet d'Annoux. Their son, Louis-Hugues, who feared the dangerous invasions of the waters of the Yonne, decided to demolish the castle which he rebuilt on vast basements around 1870. The estate is located on the left bank of the canal. It is a large single-story building. Corner chains and harped stone legs support the entablature and an attic floor in the overhang of the broken roof. The moat and the stone bridge decorated with elegant 18th century ironwork have been preserved. (1) MH protected elements: facades and roofs; water pit ; the pillars of the entrance gate; the vestibule and the interior staircase with its wrought iron banister: registration by decree of December 6, 1977. The facades and roofs of the outbuildings; the terrace located to the southwest of the castle and the sleeping bridge; the bridge thrown over the moat, in front of the northeast facade of the castle; the gardens surrounding the castle; the perspective alley and the double water alley: registration by decree of June 7, 1993 The Chateau de Belombre 89290 Escolives-Sainte-Camille, private property, cannot be visited.
0
0
At the statue of the namesake Paul Bert you will find a small balcony from which you can enjoy the view of the old town in peace.
1
1
The building is listed as a historical monument by order of January 11, 1941.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Bazarnes?
The routes around Bazarnes primarily follow the tranquil paths alongside the Canal du Nivernais, which is part of the larger "Tour de Bourgogne à Vélo". This means you'll find predominantly flat, greenway-style paths, ideal for a relaxed, traffic-free touring experience. Some routes may venture slightly into the rolling countryside with gentle ascents, especially those exploring vineyards or the edges of the Morvan Regional Park.
Are there many circular no-traffic touring routes available near Bazarnes?
Yes, Bazarnes is well-suited for circular touring routes, particularly those utilizing the Canal du Nivernais and the Yonne River. For example, the The Yonne and the Canal du Nivernais – Paul Bert Bridge loop from Cravant - Bazarnes offers a scenic loop, allowing you to start and finish in the same location without retracing your path.
What attractions can I see along the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes offer a blend of natural beauty and historical sites. You can cycle past unique natural features like The Saussois Rocks, or discover architectural heritage such as Belombre Castle and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Cravant. Many charming villages like Vaux, Irancy, and Mailly-le-Château are also easily accessible along the canal paths.
Are there easy no-traffic touring routes suitable for beginners or families?
Absolutely. The region offers 26 easy touring cycling routes that are predominantly flat and traffic-free, making them perfect for beginners or families. A great example is the Vincelles Lock – Belombre Castle loop from Cravant - Bazarnes, which is relatively short and has minimal elevation gain.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling around Bazarnes?
The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for touring cycling in Bazarnes. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and the natural landscapes, from blooming vineyards to colorful foliage, are at their most picturesque. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially along the shaded canal paths, but be prepared for warmer temperatures.
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are there in Bazarnes?
There are nearly 100 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Bazarnes, offering a wide variety of distances and difficulty levels to suit every cyclist.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the routes in Bazarnes?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Bazarnes, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the Canal du Nivernais paths, the beautiful waterside scenery, and the charming villages encountered along the way.
Are there any more challenging no-traffic touring routes for experienced cyclists?
Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, there are 25 difficult routes available. These often involve longer distances and more varied terrain, sometimes venturing away from the immediate canal paths into the more undulating countryside. An example is the Merry-sur-Yonne – The Saussois Rocks loop from Cravant - Bazarnes, which covers a significant distance with more elevation changes.
Can I access these no-traffic cycling routes by public transport?
While specific public transport links directly to every trailhead might be limited, the region's main towns like Auxerre, which is a significant hub, are accessible by train. From there, you can often connect to local bus services or cycle directly to the Canal du Nivernais paths. Many French trains allow bicycles, making it feasible to combine train travel with your cycling tour.
Where can I find parking for these car-free cycling routes?
Many of the villages and towns along the Canal du Nivernais, such as Cravant, Mailly-le-Château, and Auxerre, offer public parking facilities. These are often conveniently located near the canal paths, providing easy access to the start of your no-traffic cycling adventure.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or meals along the routes?
Yes, the routes along the Canal du Nivernais pass through numerous charming villages and small towns. You'll find opportunities to stop at local cafes, bakeries, and restaurants, especially in places like Cravant, Accolay, and Mailly-le-Château, allowing you to refuel and experience local Burgundy cuisine.
Most popular attractions around Bazarnes
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
