The best traffic-free bike rides around Le Lauzet-Ubaye

There are 8 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes around Le Lauzet-Ubaye featured in this guide. These routes are primarily of moderate difficulty, offering a good challenge for most cyclists.

The routes in the Le Lauzet-Ubaye area, nestled in the Ubaye Valley, offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find challenging mountain passes, scenic roads cutting across cliffs, and routes with stunning views of natural features like Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The region is known for its Alpine landscapes, with pristine rivers, forests, and high mountain pastures.

Yes, the Ubaye Valley is renowned for its mountain passes. Notably, the Col d'Allos, a scenic 17 km climb, is exclusively reserved for cyclists every Friday in July and August, providing a unique car-free riding experience. While not all routes are permanently car-free, this offers a fantastic opportunity to tackle a classic climb without traffic.

For stunning lake views, consider routes like the Chorges Village Center – Chanteloube Viaduct loop from Lac de Serre-Ponçon, which offers panoramic vistas of the lake. Another great option is the Lac de Serre-Ponçon – Lake Serre-Ponçon loop from Fort Saint-Vincent, providing a comprehensive tour of the lake's surroundings.

The Le Lauzet-Ubaye area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 360 ratings. Reviewers often praise the breathtaking Alpine scenery, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the overall serene cycling experience due to the region's lower population density and focus on outdoor activities.

Absolutely! The region is rich in natural beauty. You might encounter highlights such as the spectacular Costeplane Waterfalls, the dramatic Gorges de la Blanche, or the serene Lac de Saint-Apollinaire. Many routes also offer views of the vast Lac de Serre-Ponçon and its impressive Serre-Ponçon Dam.

The best time for road cycling in the Ubaye Valley is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally favorable, and the high mountain passes are usually clear of snow. July and August offer the unique car-free experience on Col d'Allos.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Embrun – Alpes2Roues bike workshop loop from Pontis and the Seyne-les-Alpes – Col du Fanget (1,459 m) loop from Seyne. These circular routes are convenient for exploring the area.

Many of the routes start near towns or popular points of interest where parking is available. For instance, routes around Lac de Serre-Ponçon often have parking facilities near the lake. For specific starting points like Savines-le-Lac or Seyne, you can usually find parking within the town centers or designated areas.

While most routes in this guide are rated moderate, the Ubaye Valley offers diverse terrain. For easier sections, look for routes that stick to lower elevations or along the valley floor. The region also has dedicated cycling paths, such as sections of the Transubayenne, which might offer more gentle, traffic-free options, though these may not always be paved for road bikes.

Public transport options in the mountainous Ubaye Valley can be limited, especially for reaching specific trailheads. Barcelonnette serves as a central hub with some bus connections. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for connections to towns near your chosen route's starting point. Bringing your bike on public transport might also have restrictions.

The routes in this guide vary in length and elevation. For example, you'll find routes like the Roadbike loop from Savines-le-Lac covering about 21 km with over 600 meters of elevation gain, while others like the Embrun – Alpes2Roues bike workshop loop from Pontis extend to over 34 km with around 550 meters of ascent. These figures indicate a moderate challenge suitable for experienced road cyclists.