THE GREAT MORVAN CROSSING BY MOUNTAIN BIKE
In summary
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Sports
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Duration9 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationFrance / Burgundy-Franche-Comté
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions93.8 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a unique mountain biking adventure on the Grande Traversée du Morvan , a linear route of over 250 km through one of the wildest regions of central France. From Avallon to Autun , via Saulieu , this route immerses you in the heart of unspoiled nature, between majestic lakes and granite peaks .
Designed for mountain biking enthusiasts, this route alternates between forest trails , technical singletrack , and smooth tracks , traversing a diverse landscape. You'll ride alongside the lakes of Crescent , Saint-Agnan , and Settons , before climbing to the heights of Haut-Folin and discovering Mont Beuvray , a site steeped in history.
Each stage reveals a new facet of the Morvan Regional Natural Park , offering both sporting challenges and moments of contemplation. This journey combines physical challenge , immersion in nature , and rich heritage , for a fast-paced and authentic stay, ideal for mountain bikers seeking escape.
The highlights
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The legendary route.
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Our experience.
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The landscapes along the route.
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountain biking and e-mountain biking
In figures
MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 44 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 881 m
- Average daily descent: 838 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Dirt road
Management
Program
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Avallon
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Check-in at your accommodation.
Day 1 -
Avallon - Quarré les Tombe
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 40 km
- Positive elevation gain 857 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From the very first kilometers, this stage allows you to admire the magnificent landscapes of the Morvan (lakes, rivers, forest, countryside...) Mountain bike wheels love the diverse paths.
Arriving in Quarré les Tombes, located on a granite hill, this small village, situated between the valleys of the Cure and the Trinquelin, is a typical Morvan living space.
Day 2 -
Quarré les Tombes - Saulieu
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 46 km
- Positive elevation gain 1036 m
- Negative elevation 962 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A beautiful stage, passing through the Trinquelin Gorge, then near the Pierre-qui-Vire Abbey, and along the shores of Lake Saint-Agnan. Next, cross the trails of the Breuil State Forest. A stop at the Park Visitor Center is a must. Overnight in Saulieu.
Day 3 -
Saulieu - Ouroux en Morvan
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 48 km
- Positive elevation gain 730 m
- Negative elevation 730 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A fun day following the old railway line: then just before Lake Chamboux, a series of wooden footbridges, a succession of climbs and descents before arriving at Ouroux-en-Morvan.
Day 4 -
Ouroux en Morvan - Anost
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 39 km
- Positive elevation gain 641 m
- Negative elevation 448 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The landscape and vegetation change, with mixed deciduous/coniferous forests, livestock farming, valleys, and paths with fast and sometimes technical descents. Arrival in Anost.
Day 5 -
Anost - The Great Glasshouse
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 51 km
- Positive elevation gain 1494 m
- Negative elevation 1617 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This is the big stage of the GTM. Enjoyable climbs and descents before tackling the summit of Folin. Fabulous scenery during the climb near a stream. Most of the stage follows forest tracks. Reaching the top rewards the effort with a beautiful view.
Day 6 -
The Great Glasshouse - Uchon
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 45 km
- Positive elevation gain 699 m
- Negative elevation 378 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The first part of the stage is fairly flat. There are a few hills along the way, then towards the end, a nice, more technical climb to Uchon, with 300m of elevation gain.
Day 7 -
Uchon - Autun
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 36 km
- Positive elevation gain 710 m
- Negative elevation 1080 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From the start, this final stage features a series of climbs culminating in a spectacular finish through the Planoise forest overlooking Autun. Rolling views of the Morvan region and a technical descent lead to the Gallo-Roman city of Autun.
Day 8 -
Autun
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Our services will end after breakfast.
Day 9
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 8 nights half-board
- The guidebook needed to complete the route (1 for 4 people)
- GPS tracks of the route
- The travel journal.
- Tourist taxes
The price does not include
- Bike rentals
- Luggage transport at each stage.
- Drinks with meals and bar expenses,
- Any visits or activities suggested along the itinerary,
- Optional insurance
Options
- Luggage transfer : CHF242.42 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.