The best road cycling routes around Saint-Julien-En-Vercors

There are over 140 road cycling routes in the Saint-Julien-En-Vercors area, catering to a wide range of abilities. This includes 18 easy routes, 66 moderate routes, and 57 difficult routes, ensuring options for every cyclist.

The region offers incredibly diverse terrain, characterized by massive vertical cliffs, deep gorges like the Gorges de la Bourne and Gorges du Nan, expansive grassy plateaus, and dense forests. You'll navigate well-maintained, quiet roads that traverse numerous mountain passes, providing varied elevation profiles and stunning vistas.

Yes, Saint-Julien-En-Vercors offers several routes suitable for beginners. While many routes feature significant climbs, there are 18 routes classified as easy. These typically involve less elevation gain and shorter distances, allowing new cyclists to enjoy the beautiful Vercors landscape at a comfortable pace.

Experienced riders will find plenty of challenges, with 57 routes classified as difficult. Routes often include significant climbs over mountain passes such as Col de Cari, Col de la Machine, and Col de Romeyère. For example, the Col d'Herbouilly – Bourne Gorge loop from Choranche is a difficult 60.7 km route with over 1600m of elevation gain through dramatic gorges.

Absolutely. Many routes in the Vercors are designed as loops, allowing you to experience diverse scenery without retracing your path. The Grands Goulets – La Chapelle-en-Vercors loop from Saint-Julien-en-Vercors is a moderate 31.7 km route that showcases the region's natural beauty. The famous Combe Laval, a spectacular balcony road, is also part of several exhilarating loop options.

The Vercors region is generally best for road cycling from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild, and mountain passes are clear of snow. Summer offers warmer temperatures, while spring and autumn provide vibrant foliage and fewer crowds.

The Vercors is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. Cyclists can enjoy stunning vistas from numerous points, including the spectacular Combe Laval balcony road. Other notable features include the deep Gorges de la Bourne and Gorges du Nan, as well as the iconic Rocher du St Julien, a limestone rock formation offering panoramic views.

Yes, the Vercors region is famous for its unique geological formations, including routes that pass through impressive tunnels. The Pont-en-Royans – Écouges Tunnel loop from Choranche is a challenging 45.2 km route that includes notable tunnels and offers spectacular views of the Vercors landscape.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 400 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's extensive network of well-maintained, quiet roads, the dramatic and varied landscapes, and the abundance of challenging climbs and scenic descents that make for a rewarding cycling experience.

Beyond road cycling, the Vercors Regional Natural Park offers a wide array of outdoor activities. You can explore stunning natural attractions like the Combe Laval Cirque, the Choranche caves, or visit beautiful waterfalls such as the White Waterfall and Cascade des Fauges. The region is also popular for hiking, canyoning, caving, and climbing.

Yes, Saint-Julien-En-Vercors has 66 routes classified as moderate, providing a great balance. These routes often feature manageable climbs and descents while still showcasing the region's stunning scenery. An example is the Écouges Tunnel – Presles loop from Choranche, a 24 km route with over 700m of elevation gain, offering beautiful views without being overly strenuous.