The best gravel rides around Saint-Martin-En-Vercors

The Vercors Regional Natural Park offers a diverse landscape for gravel biking. You'll encounter extensive forest paths, winding secondary roads, gravel tracks, and undergrowth trails. The region is characterized by a mid-mountain range, featuring gorges, plateaus, and dense woodlands, with routes ranging from moderate to difficult.

While many routes in the region are rated difficult, the Vercors Regional Natural Park does offer varied terrain. For easier options, look for routes that stick to the less challenging forest paths and secondary roads. The Via Vercors, a 55 km route connecting villages, offers a blend of paved roads and tracks that can be adapted for different fitness levels, making parts of it suitable for families.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore dramatic features like the Gorges de la Bourne and the fascinating Grottes de Choranche. Keep an eye out for the distinctive Mont Aiguille. Many routes offer stunning vistas, such as those near Pas de la Charmatte, providing views of surrounding villages and valleys. The Carri Pass – View of the Vercors Plateau loop from La Chapelle-en-Vercors specifically offers expansive views across the Vercors Plateau.

Yes, the Vercors region features several beautiful waterfalls. You might encounter the White Waterfall, Pont-en-Royans Waterfalls, Cascade des Fauges, or the Moulin-Marquis Waterfall and Bournillon Cave. These natural attractions can be a refreshing stop during your ride.

The Vercors massif is a mid-mountain range, so the best time for gravel biking is typically from spring through autumn. Once the snow melts, many winter cross-country ski trails transform into perfect gravel biking routes. Summer offers pleasant conditions, but always check local weather and trail conditions, especially at higher elevations.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 40 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, which includes forest paths, winding secondary roads, and high plateaus, offering a true natural playground for gravel cyclists.

The Vercors Regional Natural Park is a protected area. While gravel biking is generally permitted on marked trails, it's crucial to respect park regulations. This includes staying on designated paths, protecting wildlife, and packing out all trash. For specific rules regarding dogs, especially in sensitive areas like the Réserve des Hauts Plateaux, it's best to consult the official Vercors Regional Natural Park website, as regulations can vary and may require dogs to be on a leash or restrict access in certain zones.

Absolutely. The Saint-Martin-en-Vercors area is known for its challenging routes. For instance, the Plateau de Château Julien – Plaine d'Herbouilly loop from Pied des Pistes is a difficult 28.2 km trail exploring the high plateau landscape. Another demanding option is the Bourne Gorge – Bourne Gorge loop from Choranche, which features significant elevation gain.

Many gravel bike routes in the Vercors region start from villages or designated trailheads, where parking is typically available. For example, routes like the Plateau de Château Julien – Plaine d'Herbouilly loop starts from Pied des Pistes, and the Plateau de Château Julien – Col d'Herbouilly loop begins from Corrençon-en-Vercors. Look for parking areas in or near these starting points.

The routes vary significantly in length. You can find shorter loops, but many popular gravel trails are quite substantial. For example, the Meaudre – The Méaudret gorges loop from Corrençon-en-Vercors is about 44 km, and the Carri Pass – View of the Vercors Plateau loop is nearly 46 km. There are 48 routes in total, offering a wide range of distances to suit different preferences.

The Vercors region is dotted with picturesque villages. While specific cafes directly on every trail might be rare, routes often pass through or near villages like Saint-Martin-en-Vercors, La Chapelle-en-Vercors, or Corrençon-en-Vercors, where you can find local establishments for refreshments. Planning your route to include these stops is recommended.