The best road cycling routes around Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors

There are over 160 road cycling routes available in the broader Vercors Regional Nature Park, which encompasses the Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from challenging mountain passes to scenic rides through plateaus and gorges.

The Vercors region is characterized by dramatic limestone cliffs, deep gorges, and expansive plateaus. You'll encounter numerous mountain passes and breathtaking cliff roads, many carved into the mountainsides. The terrain includes diverse ecosystems, from alpine grasslands to extensive forests, providing varied and often challenging conditions for road cycling.

Yes, the Vercors offers routes catering to various abilities. You can find options ranging from moderate rides to very difficult ascents. For instance, there are 25 easy routes, 74 moderate routes, and 67 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for every road cyclist.

Experienced cyclists will find plenty of challenges. The region is famous for passes like the Col de Rousset, the Col de la Machine, and the Pas de l'Essaure. The Wonderful Col de Rousset – Panoramic View of the Diois loop from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors is a popular choice, featuring the iconic Col de Rousset. Another challenging option is the Machine Pass – Cirque of Combe Laval loop from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors, which includes the dramatic Combe Laval cliff road.

The Vercors Regional Nature Park is an excellent destination for road cycling from spring through autumn. Summer offers cooler temperatures at higher elevations, while autumn provides vibrant colors, enhancing the scenic beauty of the rides. The well-surfaced roads and relatively low traffic make it enjoyable during these seasons.

Yes, many routes in the Vercors are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Les Nonières – Col de Menée Tunnel loop from Châtillon-en-Diois offers a challenging circular ride through mountain terrain. Another option is the Die – Col de Pennes loop from Châtillon-en-Diois, which takes you through picturesque mountain passes.

The Vercors offers spectacular natural features. You'll encounter massive vertical cliffs, deep gorges like the Gorges du Nan and Gorges de la Bourne, and expansive plateaus. Notable viewpoints include those from the Col de Rousset and the dramatic Combe Laval. You can also find specific highlights such as Grand Veymont and The Pas des Chattons, offering impressive vistas.

The Vercors region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 600 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning scenery, the variety of challenging mountain passes, the well-maintained roads, and the relatively low traffic, which combine to create an exceptional cycling experience.

The Vercors Regional Nature Park is a refuge for diverse animal species. While cycling, you might spot marmots, chamois, or ibex. The area is also home to various bird species, including golden eagles, bearded vultures, and griffon vultures, especially in the more remote sections.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can explore several landmarks. The Grand Veymont is the highest point in the reserve, offering impressive views. Other points of interest include Pié Ferré (Le Dôme) and the Pré Peyret Hut. The region's geological formations, like the lapiaz (limestone pavements), also serve as unique natural attractions.

While the Vercors is known for its challenging climbs, there are also easier and moderate routes available, particularly in the 'Low Vercors' areas. These routes often feature rolling hills and winding roads, providing scenic rides without extreme elevation gains. For example, the Die – City of Die loop from Châtillon-en-Diois is a moderate option.