The best cycling routes around Pontis

There are nearly 200 touring cycling routes around Pontis, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored over 8,000 of these routes.

The routes around Pontis cater to various fitness levels. You'll find 18 easy routes, 49 moderate routes, and 131 difficult routes, many of which feature challenging Alpine mountain passes and significant elevation changes.

The touring cycling routes in Pontis are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 400 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the breathtaking views of Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the Durance River, as well as the challenging yet rewarding climbs.

Yes, there are several easy routes. For a relatively flat and scenic ride, consider the Lake Serre-Ponçon – Lake Serre-Ponçon loop from La Presqu’île. This 11.5 km route offers pleasant views of the lake without significant climbs.

Many of the touring cycling routes in Pontis are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Bike loop from Pontis, a moderate 11.5 km ride that offers varied scenery.

The region is rich in scenic viewpoints. Many routes offer continuous, magnificent views of Lac de Serre-Ponçon, especially from the south side of the Col de Pontis. You'll also find expansive views across the Durance River valley and the surrounding mountains.

Beyond the stunning Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the Durance River, you'll encounter numerous Alpine mountain passes like Col de Pontis and Col Saint Jean. The landscape also features dramatic peaks such as Morgon peak and the unique 'moonish landscape' of the nearby Bonnette.

The French Alps, where Pontis is located, are best for touring cycling during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn. This period offers more stable weather conditions and ensures mountain passes are clear of snow, providing optimal riding conditions for both challenging climbs and scenic loops.

While this guide focuses on touring cycling, the area around Lake Serre-Ponçon also offers nearly 150 km of well-signed mountain bike trails. These include singletrack trails with smooth uphill sections and playful downhill runs for those looking for off-road adventures.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the Pontis region boast mostly paved surfaces. This ensures a smooth ride, making them ideal for road cycling and touring bikes, even on the more challenging climbs and scenic loops.

For experienced touring cyclists, the Col de Pontis is a renowned challenge, with an average gradient of 9.6% over 5.3 kilometers. Other demanding routes include loops incorporating the Col de Vars and the extensive Col de Pontis – Cayolle Pass loop from Pontis, which covers 138 km with nearly 2,900 meters of elevation gain.