The best cycling routes around Réserve biologique intégrale du Vercors

The Vercors Natural Regional Park, which encompasses the Réserve biologique intégrale du Vercors, offers a wide network of touring cycling routes. Komoot currently lists over 80 routes in this area, catering to various skill levels.

The Vercors region provides a diverse range of routes. You'll find options from moderate rides to very challenging climbs. Komoot data shows 8 easy routes, 24 moderate routes, and 49 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist.

While many routes feature significant climbs, the Vercors Natural Regional Park does offer gentler options. The 55 km "ViaVercors" greenway is an excellent choice for families or those seeking a less strenuous ride. For a moderate option, consider the Grands Goulets – La Chapelle-en-Vercors loop from La Chapelle-en-Vercors, which offers beautiful scenery without extreme elevation.

The Vercors is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including high limestone cliffs, deep gorges, vast plateaus, and extensive forests of oak, spruce, and fir. You'll encounter spectacular roads carved into mountainsides, such as the famous Combe Laval, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The region is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including golden eagles and deer.

Absolutely. The Vercors is a paradise for cyclists who enjoy climbs. Iconic passes include the Col de la Machine, known for its hairpin bends and steep gradients, and the Col de Rousset, which has been featured in the Tour de France and offers panoramic vistas from its summit. The Fantastic gravel road – Col de Rousset resort loop from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors is a challenging route that includes a significant climb towards the Col de Rousset resort.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in the Vercors are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Col de Rousset Pass and Tunnel – Col de Rousset loop from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors and the Pré Peyret Hut – Roman Road of Vercors loop from Grotte de la Luire, both offering immersive experiences through the Vercors massif.

The Vercors offers varied cycling experiences throughout the year due to its significant altitude range. Spring and autumn generally provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, though some lower-altitude areas can be warm. Always check local weather forecasts, especially for higher passes, as conditions can change rapidly.

The Vercors region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 180 reviews. More than 2,700 touring cyclists have explored its varied terrain, often praising the dramatic gorge roads, challenging mountain passes, and the stunning natural beauty of the park.

Yes, the Réserve biologique intégrale du Vercors (RBI) is a highly protected area. While the broader Vercors Natural Regional Park is excellent for cycling, access within the core RBI and the Réserve naturelle nationale des Hauts-Plateaux du Vercors is generally restricted. Cycling is typically only permitted on specific marked mountain bike trails, such as designated sections of the Grandes Traversées du Vercors (GTV VTT) and the Col de Papavet. Extensive touring cycling on paved roads is largely excluded from these core integral reserve areas.

The Combe Laval is indeed one of Europe's most incredible roads, known for its dramatic balcony sections and stunning views. While not explicitly listed in the top routes here, many local touring cyclists incorporate this iconic stretch, particularly the section leading to Col de la Machine, into their rides for an unforgettable experience.

The Vercors is famous for its spectacular gorge roads. The Gorges de la Bourne and Gorges du Nan offer picturesque rides through impressive natural formations. These are popular choices for touring cyclists looking for scenic routes, though the Gorges de la Bourne can experience significant traffic at times.

Yes, you can explore the Proncel Pass on a touring cycling route. The La Chapelle-en-Vercors – Proncel Pass loop from Ferme du Pré is a difficult 28.3 km path that takes you through this area, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience.