The best traffic-free bike rides around Les Combes

Around Les Combes, you'll discover a variety of no-traffic road cycling routes, ranging from moderate to difficult. The region, particularly in the French Vercors Massif area, is known for its stunning "balcony roads" carved into cliff faces and quiet, impressive routes, often at elevations above 1000 meters. You can expect routes with steady gradients, long descents, and breathtaking views.

This guide features 24 no-traffic road cycling routes around Les Combes. The majority are moderate, with 20 routes, while 3 are considered difficult, and 1 is easy, offering options for various skill levels.

The routes vary in length and elevation. For example, a moderate route like the Col du Tounet (965 m) – Chemin du Train near Doubs loop from Gilley covers about 53.7 km with an elevation gain of 368 meters. A more challenging option, such as the Pontarlier – Chemin du Train near Doubs loop from Les Gras, extends to nearly 70 km with almost 980 meters of elevation gain.

While many routes in the Les Combes area feature significant climbs and descents, there is at least one easy route available in this guide. For families, look for routes with lower elevation gains and shorter distances, often found on dedicated cycle paths or quiet country lanes. Always check the route details for specific difficulty and terrain to ensure it suits your family's experience level.

The region offers several points of interest. You might encounter natural beauty like Lake Taillères or enjoy views from View of Lake Tallières. Other notable spots include the Col sur le Mont and the Mont Vouillot Viewpoint, offering scenic breaks during your ride.

The Vercors region, where Les Combes is located, is best enjoyed for road cycling during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn. This period offers more stable weather, open mountain passes, and the most pleasant conditions for tackling the climbs and enjoying the scenic views. Winter cycling might be possible on lower-elevation routes but can be challenging due to snow and ice, especially on higher cols.

Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Les Combes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Papy Gaby's smokehouse – Col du Tounet (965 m) loop from Gilley, which offers a circular journey through the landscape.

The no-traffic road cycling routes around Les Combes are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.43 out of 5 stars from 89 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet roads, stunning natural scenery, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs that characterize the region.

Yes, several routes incorporate sections of the 'Chemin du Train', which is known for its scenic beauty and quiet stretches. For instance, the Chemin du Train – Chemin du Train near Doubs loop from Pays-de-Montbenoît offers a great way to experience this unique path.

While specific parking information for each route start is not detailed here, areas like Gilley, Pays-de-Montbenoît, and Les Gras, which serve as common starting points for these routes, typically offer parking facilities suitable for cyclists. It's always advisable to check local parking options before your trip.

Absolutely. For advanced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Chemin du Train near Doubs – Source of the Loue loop from Pays-de-Montbenoît provide substantial elevation gains, reaching over 800 meters. The Vercors region is renowned for its challenging mountain passes and continuous climbs, offering a rewarding experience for experienced riders.