The best road cycling routes around Lochieu

There are over 100 road cycling routes around Lochieu, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored more than 5,000 of these routes.

Road cycling in Lochieu is known for its challenging terrain, particularly due to the Grand Colombier massif. While there are 14 easy routes and 50 moderate routes, a significant portion, 41 routes, are classified as difficult, featuring substantial ascents and descents.

While many routes in Lochieu are challenging, there are 14 routes classified as easy, which may be suitable for families or those looking for a less strenuous ride. These routes typically feature gentler gradients and shorter distances.

Routes vary significantly. For instance, the challenging Grand Colombier par Anglefort – Grand Colombier Pass loop from Anglefort covers 31.4 km with over 1200 meters of elevation gain. A moderate option like the Savière Canal – Chanaz loop from Vieu is 58.4 km with around 440 meters of elevation. Shorter, more intense climbs like the Col du Grand Colombier loop from Lavanche are 18.1 km with over 630 meters of climbing.

Many routes offer views of the Rhône River and Lac du Bourget from higher elevations. The summit of the Grand Colombier provides incomparable views. You can also find natural highlights such as the Thurignin Gorges and the Cerveyrieu Waterfall. The Grand Colombier Cross and orientation table is a notable viewpoint.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Lochieu are designed as loops. Examples include the Grand Colombier par Anglefort – Grand Colombier Pass loop from Anglefort, the Savière Canal – Chanaz loop from Vieu, and the Col du Grand Colombier loop from Lavanche.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 180 reviews. Reviewers often praise the challenging ascents of the Grand Colombier, the winding roads through forests and meadows, and the panoramic views of the Rhône River and Lac du Bourget.

The summer months are particularly popular, especially when specific 'cycling days' are organized, closing the Grand Colombier to cars for cyclists to enjoy unimpeded. Spring and early autumn also offer pleasant conditions, though it's always advisable to check local weather forecasts.

Beyond cycling, you can explore the characteristic Valromey architecture in Lochieu itself. The ruins of the Chartreuse d'Arvières, a 12th-century Carthusian monastery classified as a Historic Monument, are also accessible within the national forest. More information can be found on the Bugey Sud Tourism website: Heritage of Arvière-en-Valromey.

Yes, the broader Bugey-Sud area offers a variety of other outdoor pursuits. These include hiking, water-based activities, and orienteering courses. The region's diverse landscapes, from forests to meadows, provide a scenic backdrop for all activities.

The Col du Grand Colombier is a legendary climb often featured in the Tour de France. For more details on cycling this iconic pass, including specific routes and events, you can visit the Bugey Sud Tourism website: Cycling on Grand Colombier.