Autun / Château-Chinon

Leaving the Autun Plain, at La Celle-en-Morvan, the cycle route leads you into the midst of the Morvan Range. The steep Chaloire Valley marks the start of a new cycling adventure. Riding along the edge of forests, everywhere you look, great piles of neatly cut trunks are lined up. You’ll notice the pleasing woody scent all around. Striking viewpoints open up on the wonderful descents and testing climbs. Along with these delightful scents and sights, you’ll be struck by the deep silence, giving you the joyous impression you’re travelling along the edge of the world, beside an ocean of trees. This stage offers a thoroughly enjoyable journey through Burgundy’s green heart.

The Route

The official route stops at the crossroads at the D978 road, before Arleuf. It continues on minor roads, or, in parts, along a former railway line, La Voie du Tacot. You need to be fit to tackle the steep climbs and precipitous descents along this Morvan stage. Along La Voie du Tacot, the surface is made up of ballast covered with humus, making cycling relatively hard, so your bike should be equipped with wide tyres.

The way up to Château-Chinon is not signposted; this is simply a way we at France Vélo Tourisme propose for seasoned cyclists to be able to ride up to this town standing at a high point in the Morvan Range. Reaching Arleuf, you need to ride along the C2 and C1 roads. These minor parish roads are very steep but provide splendid views of the Morvan hills all around. 

Don't miss

• Autun : St-Lazare cathedral and the fountain; the Musée Rolin; the Roman theatre; the Arroux and St-André Roman gates; the town ramparts and Tour des Ursulines; the Temple to Janus; the Natural History Museum  
• Château-Chinon : the Cité Muséale de Château-Chinon (formerly a museum displaying gifts from around the world presented to President Mitterrand, plus costumes), planned to open in 2022; the Circuit François Mitterrand, recalling the president’s long-lasting connections to the town; the panoramic views