The best road cycling routes around Les Déserts

There are over 230 road cycling routes around Les Déserts. This includes 36 easy routes, 123 moderate routes, and 77 difficult routes, catering to various fitness levels and preferences.

The region offers a wild Pre-Alpine environment with varied terrain and mostly paved surfaces. You'll encounter numerous mountain passes and peaks, ranging from gentle slopes to challenging ascents with significant elevation gains. The landscape also features natural monuments and provides scenic viewpoints throughout the rides.

Yes, Les Déserts offers several options suitable for families. There are 36 easy routes with less elevation gain, perfect for a more relaxed ride. For example, the region research mentions easy rides like the 6.08 km 'La Féclaz loop from Chambéry' with 80 meters of elevation gain, suitable for all skill levels.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can encounter mountain peaks, mountain passes, and natural monuments. Specific attractions include the Waterfalls on the Nant du Pontet, the Camelot Gorge, and the Fairies' Cave. Many routes also offer stunning views, such as those of Lac du Bourget.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,000 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the challenging climbs, and the scenic vistas, especially from viewpoints like the Revard. The wild Pre-Alpine environment and varied routes are frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. Les Déserts is known for its challenging ascents and significant elevation gains. For instance, the Col du Semnoz summit – Leschaux Pass loop from Saint-Jean-d'Arvey is a difficult 121.5 km route with over 3,100 meters of climbing. Another demanding option is the View of Lac du Bourget – Col du Chat loop from Mouxy, a 75.1 km trail with nearly 1,500 meters of elevation gain.

While specific seasonal conditions can vary, the Pre-Alpine environment suggests that late spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most favorable conditions for road cycling. During these months, you can expect more stable weather and accessible mountain passes. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Les Déserts are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Revard Viewpoint – Col de Plainpalais loop from Pugny-Chatenod and the Col de Plainpalais – Plainpalais Pass loop from Saint-Jean-d'Arvey. The region research also mentions the 'La Féclaz – Plainpalais Pass loop from Chambéry' and 'Tourbière des Creusates – La Féclaz loop'.

The region offers various amenities for cyclists. You can find huts and cabins, some of which serve food, such as Creux de Lachat Refuge or Hôtel Le Margériaz. The region research also notes the presence of cafes and pubs, and accommodation options are available in nearby towns like La Féclaz and Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert.

Yes, parking is generally available in and around the starting points of many routes in Les Déserts and surrounding villages. While specific parking locations are not detailed here, areas like La Féclaz and other access points to the Pre-Alpine environment typically offer facilities for visitors.

Public transport options exist to access the general Les Déserts area. For specific route starting points, it's advisable to check local bus services or regional transport links from larger towns like Chambéry. Information on bike transport on buses would need to be verified with local transport providers.

Yes, several routes provide stunning views of Lac du Bourget. A prime example is the View of Lac du Bourget – Col de l'Épine viewpoint loop from Trévignin, a difficult 82.9 km route. The View of Lac du Bourget – Col du Chat loop from Mouxy also features significant views of the lake.