Looking for a cycling escape weekend ? Join us for two days of complete disconnection in the heart of the Morvan Massif, and experience gravel biking on an exceptional, nature-infused route
Embark on an authentic weekend in the 'French Little Canada' and explore a wild massif, far from the crowds and bustle!
2 days in the heart of Burgundy for a revitalizing first gravel experience amidst preserved landscapes revealing the raw beauty of Morvan.
Our local guide will lead you through carefully selected routes, combining sport and discovery. Between tracks, wooded trails, and discreet roads, the Morvan massif offers a perfect playground for those looking to start gravel biking.
No bike? No problem! We offer gravel bikes for rent from the French brand Origine: muscular or electric versions, it's your choice!
Privatise your group starting from 8 people - contactus for more information.
By booking with us, you also do good for our planet!
A program 100% created by Gravel Up
Located just 2.5 hours from Paris and Lyon, come discover this unique massif where nature thrives in simplicity. An escape dedicated to disconnection.
What to expect on the bike? 50 kilometers per day with a manageable elevation suited for gravel beginners and occasional cyclists on varied terrain without technical sections. No stopwatch, just pure fun and connections: embracing the gravel spirit. A route crafted by the GravelUp team, amidst countless lakes and pine forests, defining the Morvan Massif's reputation. Immerse yourself in nature guaranteed!
Total disconnection : our host and guide, Sébastien, a nature enthusiast, welcomes us to his lodge, a true cocoon nestled in the forest. Completely disconnect for the weekend. And on the menu? Gourmet and local cuisine!
With or without gravel bike : bring your bike or rent one from our range of muscular and electric gravel bikes. There's nothing better for beginners than trying out quality gear. We'll assist you with mechanical aspects so you can relax worry-free.
A sneak peek that stirs your curiosity? For any further inquiries about the program, don't hesitate to contact us here
Date range:
March - Oct
Duration:
2 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
Daily distance:
50 km
Daily elevation:
500 - 800M+
Difficulty:
1 / 10
Gravel Up benefits
This is included
At the camp
All food for the stay
A great welcome pack
A mechanic who will share his secrets with you
Accommodation 2 nights in a double room
On gravel
A professional and local guide
Unique tracks designed by the GravelUp Team
Assistance and transportation van
Beyond gravel
Visits to various historical and cultural sites
An evening of celebration
A community of enthusiasts
This is not included
Transportation from your home
Travel insurance for repatriation and civil liability
Personal drinks and other souvenir purchases
Anything not specified in "What's Included"
Gravel bike rental (supplement available)
Preparation & equipment
Your guide
Your guide is named Sébastien. He grew up walking all over the area and he is the best person to make you discover his region.
Anecdotes, encounters and sharing of experiences, he will make sure that you have an unforgettable stay and above all that you soak up as much as possible of this fabulous territory.
Bike mechanic and state certified for bike guiding (BPJEPS), he will make sure you are safe and will share with you various tips and tricks on how to ride the Morvan trails.
Base Camp & Destination Manager
The accommodation in which your destination manager welcomes you is a wooden cottage built entirely by your guide Sébastien. You'll find sleek double rooms, each with its own private bathroom. This little cocoon will provide the comfort you need after a busy day on the bike, over an aperitif based on carefully selected local products. A friendly atmosphere is guaranteed!
On-site, in addition to your guide, you will be accompanied by our GravelUp destination manager. He will make sure you don't miss a thing, and provide all the logistics and support you need to make your stay the most enjoyable possible.
Our bikes
Ride on the latest gravel or e-gravel bikes from the French brand Origine that combine performance, versatility, and lightness.
At ease on the road as well as on paths, these bikes filter terrain imperfections through suspension tuning. Coupled with a comfortable and secure geometry and generous tire sections, it allows for engaging routes to be undertaken safely.
Rental price : 50 eur/day (or 70 eur/day for e-gravel)
The ESCAPE format is suitable for gravel beginners and occasional cyclists. However, to fully enjoy this expedition, we recommend engaging in an endurance sport such as jogging, swimming, or cycling at least once a week.
Having previously completed 3-hour bike rides will make you feel more comfortable and allow you to better appreciate the breathtaking landscapes you'll be passing through.
How to get there ?
By car : meet us onsite directly at our Base Camp in Saint-Brisson around 6:30pm on the first day (the exact address will be shared after reservation)
By train : shuttle service from Avallon TER station - contact us to confirm times in advance
For those of you who start from Paris, feel free to join us in our van departing around 3pm on Friday from Paris Denfert-Rochereau.
On our last day, we will finish around 4 pm, after a great final lunch together. Expect return in Paris between8pm/9pm.
Yes, our expeditions will go on paths and small roads where neither road bikes nor mountain bikes will be suitable.
You can bring your own gravel bike or hire one from ours. Our well specced bikes with tubeless tires means a much lower risk of punctures and mechanical problems during your trip.
I want to come to the Morvan, but I don't leave from Paris, can I get a discount for my transportation?
Logistic
We offer people leaving from Paris a grouped departure on board the GravelUp van. This service is not included in the price of 490 eur, and is only offered for practical reasons. Therefore, we do not offer any discount on the price for people not using the van and coming by their own means.
I really want to join a trip but I'm not sure I have the level or experience ...
Level
We have 3 levels of expeditions - you can find them on this page HERE by clicking on the "Compare the levels" link. These levels have been designed to enable as many people as possible to join one of our trips. Our expeditions are adventures, not races. We start together and we finish together, it's the GravelUp speed.
If, however, you are still unsure, you can write to us at bonjour@gravelup.earth and we will contact you to help you assess your level. We can also help you prepare for your adventure, just ask us.
How do you choose your guides and are they qualified?
Safety
Our guides are carefully chosen based on their experience and local knowledge of each region to guarantee you an unforgettable adventure. All our guides have French State validated bike qualifications. They are also French levels 1 and 2 first aid trained as you would expect.
What is the cancellation policy?
Logistic
You can cancel at any time before the start of the trip subject to payment of a cancellation fee. If the cancellation occurs:
More than 90 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 75% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 100%
Between 61 and 90 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 50% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 75%
Between 31 and 60 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 25% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 75%
30 days or less prior to Departure => No Refund OR Trip Credit of 50%
Please note that a Trip Credit cannot be converted to a refund at a later date.
To protect yourself against last minute cancellation, we advise you to subscribe to our cancellation insurance through our partner Chapka insurance, with a guarantee which also covers you in case of contracting the Covid-19. Please note that such insurance can only be subscribed within 48 hours following the order of your trip. Subscription link available here.
Important:the realisation of the trip is conditional on the registration of a minimum number of participants to guarantee the departure. We commit ourselves to confirm a trip at the latest 30 days before the departure date. In the event that the trip cannot take place because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you will be reimbursed for any sums paid but will not be entitled to any compensation. You will be informed by email whether or not a trip is confirmed.
Superb adventure and discovery of Gravel in the Morvan! Great organization, top team. Thanks Aurel, Orlane and Seb!
NOÉLIE C. - APRIL 2023
Fantastic opportunity to test Gravel and ride in the beautiful Morvan park with an ever-enthusiastic and motivating GravelUp team. The trip was perfect in every way - bikes, trails, accommodation, food, leaders, and participants. Everyone, from road cyclists to mountain bikers, had a great experience and left with big smiles, new friends, and tired legs. We look forward to participating in another trip in the future.
Freya.M - April 2023
Incredible experience in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. Thanks and bravo to Aurel, Orlane, and Seb for the perfect organization and to all the other participants for the great atmosphere. 🚵♀️🚵♂️
HADRIEN.D- APRIL 2023
Great stay in the Morvan! Great team with Orlane and Aurel. Gravelup is top-notch.
VICTOR B. - APRIL 2023
Superb experience, in terms of sports, discovery of the area, support, as well as on a human level! I highly recommend it.
Clément G. - APRIL 2023
Amazing gravel experience, perfect Organization for a dream weekend to disconnect 100% ! Thank you GravelUp !
Arnaud L. - June 2022
Memorable stay during a weekend in Morvan ! Both Organization and team were on top, amazing gravel tracks and great spirit and conviviality... A perfect getaway and shot of nature giving me the impression of having been gone for a full week when it was only 3 days !
Steve M. - June 2022
In the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan, the van heads straight towards the horizon, with the (future) adventurers on board, eager to give the first pedal strokes of this Up Morvan trip. An air of Indian summer reigns in Saint-Brisson, where we arrive around midday. The autumn colors are already in full evidence, and temperatures are still mild for November 11th...
Sublime experience with GravelUp: equipment, team, instructor. An opportunity to discover France and other continents in a new way. The icing on the cake: the team is always ready to help. Don't hesitate to discover Gravel or use your Gravel with them.
Julie D.
I had a great weekend in the Morvan with Gravel Up, everything was perfect!
Elise B.
Women's gravel weekend organized by the GravelUp team. A simply brilliant excursion with a team that listens, ultra-cool bikes, and a route suited to beginners and more experienced riders alike. I loved it and recommend you try it if you want to try the gravel adventure! An experience I will be repeating!