The best cycling routes around Collonge-En-Charollais

There are over 60 touring cycling routes around Collonge-En-Charollais, offering a wide range of options for exploring the region. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 100 reviews.

The region offers diverse terrain, characterized by preserved natural spaces and significant forest cover. You'll find a mix of landscapes including the Guye valley, limestone hills, and granite zones. Collonge-En-Charollais is situated at the foot of Mont Saint-Vincent, so routes can feature varied elevation changes, alongside extensive forested sections.

Yes, the routes cater to various abilities. There are 6 easy routes and 32 moderate routes available. For a moderate option, consider the Étang de Burzy – Château de Joncy loop from Joncy, which is 13.9 miles (22.3 km) long and winds through varied landscapes near Joncy.

Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists, there are 23 difficult routes. A notable challenging option is the Chalon-sur-Saône – Givry Town Hall Arch loop from Le Puley, a 69.7 miles (112.1 km) trail with over 1000 meters of elevation gain, offering extensive exploration of the Saône-et-Loire department.

Collonge-En-Charollais serves as a gateway to several extensive regional and European cycling networks. You can connect to the 680-kilometer Cycloroute 71, the broader Tour de Bourgogne à vélo network (1700 km), and even the EuroVelo 6 (Atlantic – Black Sea) route, which passes through the Charolais-Brionnais area. These networks often utilize greenways and low-traffic roads.

While cycling, you can explore various points of interest. Nearby attractions include the historic settlement of Saint-Gengoux-le-National, the La Serrée Castle, and the Aire de loisir de la gare de Saint-Gengoux-le-National. The region itself is known for natural features like Mont Saint-Vincent and the unique geological site of La Mer de Pierre.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Bike loop from Mont-Saint-Vincent is a 17.2 miles (27.6 km) trail leading through varied terrain. Another option is the Le Bois Deffendu loop from Joncy, a moderate 31.8 km route.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially when utilizing the extensive forested routes for shade. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.

While specific cafes or pubs are not detailed for every route, the broader cycling networks like the Tour de Bourgogne and EuroVelo 6 are well-equipped with "Accueil Vélo" certified accommodations and services. You'll find towns and villages along these routes, as well as connecting towns like Chalon-sur-Saône, Tournus, and Mâcon, which offer various amenities.

To access the major touring routes like Cycloroute 71, Tour de Bourgogne à vélo, and EuroVelo 6, you would typically connect to nearby towns that directly intersect with the "Voies Vertes" and "Voies Bleues" networks. These larger hubs often have better public transport links, and some regional trains in France allow bikes, though it's always best to check specific train line policies and booking requirements in advance.

For family-friendly touring, look for the easier and moderate routes, particularly those that utilize dedicated greenways ("voies vertes") or low-traffic roads, which are common on sections of the Tour de Bourgogne à vélo and EuroVelo 6. These often have minimal elevation changes, making them suitable for all ages. The 6 easy routes in the area are a good starting point.

While specific parking locations for every route are not listed, you can generally find parking in the towns and villages that serve as starting points for the routes or connections to the larger cycling networks. For instance, towns like Joncy, Le Puley, or Mary, which are starting points for some featured routes, would typically have public parking available.

The region's uniqueness lies in its blend of preserved natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and strategic access to major cycling networks. You can experience the tranquility of extensive forests, the rolling terrain around Mont Saint-Vincent, and the cultural richness of the Charolais, all while being connected to renowned routes like the Cycloroute 71 and Tour de Bourgogne à vélo.