Burgundy-Franche-Comté cycling guides and maps
Burgundy-Franche-Comté by Bike
Burgundy-Franche-Comté is a destination for cycling enthusiasts. From the hills of the Yonne to the peaks of the Jura, via the peaceful rivers of the Saône or the deep forests of the Morvan, cycling in Burgundy is an adventure, with over 3,000 km of marked routes.
A region between nature, heritage and culinary pleasures
Burgundy-Franche-Comté is a land of contrasts. Welcoming in its wine-growing plains, it becomes more rugged and wild in the forests of the Morvan or the Jura plateaus. Each pedal stroke offers a new setting: tranquil lakes, medieval villages, abbeys, castles, and UNESCO-listed sites like Vézelay or the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans.
It’s also a gourmet region, ideal for combining effort and comfort, with tastings in the cellars of Beaune, lunch on a canalside terrace, or a local market along the way: here, the terroir is revealed at every stage. Cycling becomes an excuse to savor the simple pleasures of a generous region.
The great cycling routes in Burgundy-Franche-Comté
- EuroVelo 6 and the Loire by Bike : Crossing the region from west to east, EuroVelo 6 connects Nantes to Basel along the Loire, Saône, and Doubs rivers. A highly accessible route, perfect for exploring Burgundy by bike with the family.
- The Tour of Burgundy by Bike : A true 800-km loop, this route combines the Burgundy Canal by bike, a greenway, heritage, and gastronomy. It connects the most beautiful sites in Burgundy, from Dijon to Nevers.
- The Blue Route – Moselle-Saône by Bike : This river route runs along the southern part of the Saône, with an almost southern charm. Ideal for a gentle stroll along the water.
- Grande Traversée du Jura (GTJ) : Whether by road or mountain bike, the Grande Traversée du Jura offers over 400 km between Montbéliard and Culoz, passing through forests, valleys, lakes, and scenic viewpoints in the Jura. This mountain bike route is a legend among athletes.
- Grande Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC) : Starting from Avallon, the route crosses the Morvan Natural Park and reaches the Mediterranean via the Auvergne volcanoes. A challenging adventure for lovers of the great outdoors.
Our essential maps and guides to prepare your route
Here are 4 essential products for exploring Burgundy-Franche-Comté by bike, recommended by our Cartovelo team:
- Chamina Guide – Burgundy Cycling Tour: The perfect companion for following the loops of the Burgundy Cycling Tour, map in hand, with descriptions, detailed maps, and practical information.
- IGN Top 100 Map – Dijon: To precisely navigate the greenways around Dijon, Beaune, and the Burgundy Canal by bike.
- GTJ Mountain Bike Guide – Grande Traversée du Jura: Stage profiles, variants, accommodation, logistical information: everything you need to make your mountain bike adventure in the Jura a success.
- EuroVelo 6 Map – Basel to Nevers: Itinerary, cycling services, points of interest, and accommodation on the Burgundy-Franche-Comté section of EuroVelo 6.
Learn more about the cycle network
The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region now boasts over 3,000 km of marked cycle routes, a large portion of which are greenways in Burgundy, safe and well-maintained. Since the 1990s, the region has focused on enhancing its canals (Canal du Nivernais, Canal de Bourgogne, Canal du Centre, etc.) to create a cycling network accessible to all. These paths provide ideal conditions for exploring by bike.
The interconnections between greenways, national cycle routes, and European routes now make it possible to organize hub-and-spoke or circular trips, lasting a few days or several weeks. Specific services for cyclists (certified accommodation, luggage transport, one-way rentals, etc.) make it easy to organize a cycling holiday in Burgundy.
So, before you set off, equip yourself with the best guides and maps to set off with peace of mind. Whether you choose a stroll along the canals, a loop through the vineyards, or a long mountain bike ride, the right tools make all the difference.