The Autunoise Greenway and Morvan Roaming

Nature & small heritage

Short trip

78 Km

I cycle often

Santenay (21)

Arleuf (58)

The high forested hills of the Morvan area in central Burgundy remain magnficently unspoilt, but are easy to explore by bike. The Autunoise Greenway (Voie Verte Autunoise) goes from the Côte Chalonnaise’s vine slopes up to Château-Chinon, a town perched in one of the Morvan’s highest spots. A very scenic greenway runs from Santenay to Nolay, then from Epinac to Autun’s gates. After the Autunois Plain comes the wooded Haut-Morvan area, the route here more demanding, alternating between minor roads and La Voie du Tacot, a former railway line. This route proves a joy on a gravel bike, or, for less experienced cyclists, on an electric mountain bike. So, embark on your Morvan adventure!

Elevation of the route

217 m 663 m

Waytypes of the cycle route

Cycle path: 46,68 km By road: 28,34 km

Surface of the cycle route

Smooth: 45,32 km Rough: 29,70 km

Signposting and state of the cycle route

The Autunoise Greenway is fully open, in both directions, between Santenay and the D978 crossroads before Arleuf. It is signposted along all this length, with its own dedicated signage.

Take care on the rough surfaces at the level of La Vesvres, along the D681 road before arriving at Autun and on La Voie du Tacot.

Most of the route is along portions of former railway lines, notably La Voie du Tacot, or minor roads, or then farm tracks. Along La Voie du Tacot you actually have to cycle over the former railway track’s ballast that has been covered with a layer of humus, so a bike with wide tyres works best.

Between the official end of the route (just before Arleuf) and Château-Chinon, we at France Vélo Tourisme propose an extra final stretch using the minor C2 and C1 parish roads. This dramatic portion is very winding, with many climbs and descents. In short, it’ll take your breath away!

Accueil Vélo services and accommodation on the Voie Verte Autunoise

Accueil Vélo accommodation (camp sites, hotels, gîtes, or holiday rentals, and chambres d'hôtes, or B&Bs) is located within 5km of the route and guarantees quality, specially-geared services, such as a lock-up garage to keep your bike safe. The number of addresses offering such services around this particular route is growing little by little.

Trains et transports de son vélo sur la voie verte autunoise

There are four stations serving this cycle route:

Santenay and Autun: with TER regional coaches
Chagny (5.4km away via the EV6 - Canal du Centre): with a regional TER station
Etang-sur-Arroux (c.18km south of Autun): with TER coach services
Cars Mobigo coach services on the Nevers < > Château-Chinon (LR 501) line – passenger luggage takes priority over bicycles, which will be stored in the hold. Ask the coach driver directly for this service.
- Château-Chinon – Chatillon-en-Bazois - Nevers LR501
- Châtillon en Bazois – Decize LR 504
- Château-Chinon – Autun LR 718