The best cycling routes around Saint-Laurent-Du-Cros

There are over 290 touring cycling routes around Saint-Laurent-Du-Cros. These routes cater to various skill levels, offering a wide range of experiences through the diverse landscapes of the Champsaur Valley and the Southern French Alps.

The routes around Saint-Laurent-Du-Cros offer a mix of challenges. You'll find approximately 20 easy routes, around 80 moderate routes, and over 180 difficult routes, ensuring options for cyclists of all abilities looking to explore the region.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can expect to cycle through the varied terrain of the Champsaur Valley, enjoy views of the scenic Valgaudemar Valley, and catch glimpses of the beautiful Alpine Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The area also borders the vast Écrins National Park, known for its high mountain scenery.

Yes, several points of interest are within reach. You can cycle towards the town of Gap for a leisurely stroll, or explore routes that pass by significant mountain passes like Col du Noyer (1664 m) and Col de Moissière (1573 m). The region also offers views of the Col de Manse, a significant climb with expansive vistas.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include The bocage of Champsaur by the road of Manse - loop in the Écrins National Park and Viewpoint – Col de Manse loop from Saint-Laurent-du-Cros.

The region benefits from Mediterranean influences, making spring, summer, and early autumn ideal for touring cycling. These seasons offer pleasant weather for exploring the diverse landscapes, from agricultural areas to high-altitude peaks, and enjoying the changing colors of local forests like Le Bois de Saint-Laurent.

While many routes in the immediate vicinity of Saint-Laurent-Du-Cros are rated as difficult, the broader Champsaur Valley and Hautes-Alpes region offer a range of cycling experiences. Look for routes specifically marked as 'easy' or 'moderate' to find options suitable for families, often found on smaller cycle-touring loops through less challenging terrain.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 230 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain of the Champsaur Valley, the challenging high-altitude passes, and the stunning views, particularly towards Lac de Serre-Ponçon.

Absolutely. The region is known for its challenging ascents and mountain passes. Routes like Viewpoint – Col de Manse loop from Saint-Laurent-du-Cros and Col de Manse – Refuge Napoleon loop from Col de Manse feature significant climbs over passes such as Col de Manse, offering rewarding views for experienced cyclists.

Yes, you can find routes that take you into or alongside the stunning Écrins National Park. For example, The bocage of Champsaur by the road of Manse - loop in the Écrins National Park offers cycling through this renowned natural area.

The Ride Café loop from Saint-Laurent-du-Cros, a 53.1 km trail, leads you through the local countryside. You can expect to see varied landscapes characteristic of the Champsaur Valley, including agricultural areas and picturesque rural scenes, offering a pleasant touring experience.

Yes, the region offers routes of varying lengths. For example, the Viewpoint – Col de Manse loop from Saint-Laurent-du-Cros covers 61.3 km, providing a substantial ride for those looking for a longer touring experience.