The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-André-La-Côte

There are over 70 no traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-André-La-Côte, offering a wide variety of distances and difficulty levels. This includes 1 easy route, 31 moderate routes, and 39 difficult routes, ensuring options for different cycling preferences.

The routes around Saint-André-La-Côte feature diverse terrain, characteristic of the Monts du Lyonnais. You'll encounter deciduous woodlands, rolling lanes, and rural hamlets. Expect significant elevation changes, including long descents and challenging ascents, with paths ranging from paved roads to unpaved sections. The region is known for its mix of forests, orchards, crops, and livestock farming areas.

Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-André-La-Côte are circular. For example, you can explore the Voie Verte du Tacot – Saint-Martin-en-Haut loop from Saint-Martin-en-Haut, which is a moderate 25.8 km ride. Another option is the more challenging Saint-Martin-en-Haut – Le Signal de Saint André loop from Chaussan, covering 34.6 km with over 675 meters of elevation gain.

The best times to cycle in Saint-André-La-Côte are typically spring and autumn when the weather is milder and the landscapes are particularly vibrant. Summer can also be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer temperatures and plan your rides for earlier mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday heat. Winter cycling is possible but may involve colder conditions and potentially icy patches on higher elevations.

The routes offer stunning natural beauty and panoramic views. You can expect vistas of the Lyonnais basin, the Pilat massif, and the Monts du Lyonnais. Climbing to the Signal antenna or visiting a belvedere (orientation table) can reward you with expansive views stretching as far as the Alps and Mont-Blanc. The region also features forests like the Bois du Niguet and the forest of Plat du Foin, and valleys carved by rivers like the Artilla.

Yes, the area is rich in history. You might pass through the medieval village of Riverie, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Rhône valley. Saint-André-La-Côte itself has a Romanesque church. Another historical feature is the Gier Roman aqueduct, with the Jurieux bridge being a specific point of interest. The medieval village of Rochefort, with its megalithic site, is also found amidst the Monts du Lyonnais.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from 159 ratings. Reviewers often praise the challenging yet rewarding terrain, the picturesque landscapes, and the sense of tranquility offered by the no traffic routes. The diverse scenery, from woodlands to panoramic viewpoints, is frequently highlighted as a major draw.

Yes, several lakes and dams are located near the cycling routes. You can find highlights such as Lac du Ronzey, Thurins Dam, Lac de la Madone, and Plan d'Eau de la Combe Gibert. The Thurins Dam – Saint-Martin-en-Haut loop from Saint-Martin-en-Haut specifically incorporates the Thurins Dam into its route.

For cyclists seeking challenging ascents, routes like the Thurins Dam – Saint-Martin-en-Haut loop from Saint-Martin-en-Haut are ideal, featuring over 1200 meters of elevation gain over 46.5 km. The region is known for its significant elevation changes, with some stages including 5 km ascents with 350-meter positive elevation gains, offering a good test for experienced riders.

Absolutely. Many routes will take you through or near charming rural hamlets and villages. The medieval village of Riverie, situated on a rocky spur, is a notable attraction along some cycling paths. You might also pass through areas like Yzeron, offering a glimpse into the local life and architecture of the Monts du Lyonnais.

Yes, Saint-André-La-Côte is part of larger cycling networks. The Grande Traversée du Rhône by mountain bike (GTR VTT) passes through the area, offering a predominantly downhill profile from Riverie before a final climb. This route also shares sections with the Grand Tour des Monts du Lyonnais, providing opportunities for longer touring adventures. You can find more information about the GTR VTT on France Vélo Tourisme.