The best gravel rides around Villard-De-Lans
4.6
(72)
628
riders
66
rides
Gravel biking around Villard-De-Lans offers a diverse landscape within the Vercors Regional Natural Park. The region features an extensive network of trails that blend paved sections with forest paths, gravel tracks, and undergrowth trails. This area is characterized by mountainous terrain, open plains, and dense forests, providing varied experiences for gravel bikers. The local commitment to cycling is evident with 95 km of specially designed routes across green, blue, and red difficulty levels.
Best gravel bike trails around Villard-De-Lans
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Plaine d'Herbouilly – Col d'Herbouilly loop from Villard-de-Lans, a 30.2 miles (48.5 km) trail that takes 4 hours 0 minutes to complete. This difficult route features significant elevation gain through varied Vercors landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Valchevrière lookout – Col d'Herbouilly loop from Villard-de-Lans, a difficult 25.4 miles (40.9 km) path. This route offers panoramic views and traverses challenging terrain.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Plateau de Château Julien – Plaine d'Herbouilly loop from Pied des Pistes, a 17.5 miles (28.2 km) trail leading through plateaus and plains, often completed in about 2 hours 40 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Villard-De-Lans is defined by mountainous areas, dense forests, and impressive gorges, all within the Vercors Regional Natural Park. The network offers options for various ability levels, from moderate to difficult.
- The routes in Villard-De-Lans are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 300 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Villard-De-Lans's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 26, 2026
5.0
(1)
25
riders
27.8km
02:15
580m
580m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
23
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.9
(8)
29
riders
42.5km
02:32
600m
600m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
25
riders
31.4km
01:53
480m
480m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
18
riders
26.9km
01:53
530m
540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Villard-De-Lans
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Tips from the Community
Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors is a new commune, born from the fusion of the villages of Autrans and Méaudre on January 1, 2016.
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Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors is a new commune, born from the fusion of the villages of Autrans and Méaudre on January 1, 2016.
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The trail runs for 3.2 km between the two municipalities, with a section on stilts to preserve the wetland; the second part is a forest track in the middle of the woods. The river is crossed by secure footbridges.
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The trail covers 3.2 km between the two towns, with a section on stilts to preserve the wetland; the second part is a forest track in the middle of the woods. The river is crossed by secure footbridges.
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The path runs for 3.2 km between the two municipalities, with a part on stilts to preserve the wetland; the second part is a forest track in the middle of the woods. The river is crossed thanks to secure footbridges.
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A 20% gradient corresponds to a very steep incline of about 11.3 degrees, where you gain 20 vertical meters for every 100 meters traveled horizontally.
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Valchevrière, a place of silence and contemplation, is one of the most moving and evocative sites of the Resistance in Vercors. This hamlet, deep in the forest, served as a camp for the maquisards before becoming the scene of a severe confrontation on July 22 and 23, 1944. On the belvedere overlooking the village, men sacrificed themselves to slow the advance of the Nazi armies and died with weapons in hand. The houses were then set on fire, only the chapel was spared. The hamlet has remained as it was, with its bare stones blackened by fire. A Stations of the Cross, each station of which is an original structure, connects Villard de Lans to Valchevrière.
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Valchevrière, a place of silence and contemplation, is one of the most moving and evocative sites of the Resistance in Vercors. This hamlet, deep in the forest, served as a camp for the maquisards before being the scene of a severe confrontation on July 22 and 23, 1944. On the belvedere overlooking the village, men sacrificed themselves to delay the advance of the Nazi armies and died with weapons in hand. The houses were then set on fire, only the chapel was spared. The hamlet has remained as it was, with its bare stones blackened by fire. A Stations of the Cross, each station being an original edifice, connects Villard de Lans to Valchevrière.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Villard-de-Lans?
The gravel biking routes in Villard-de-Lans offer a diverse experience, blending paved sections with forest paths, gravel tracks, and undergrowth trails. You'll traverse mountainous areas, open plains, dense forests, and impressive gorges, all within the stunning Vercors Regional Natural Park.
How many gravel bike routes are available in the Villard-de-Lans area?
There are over 20 gravel bike routes available around Villard-de-Lans, catering to various skill levels. The region is known for its extensive network of trails, with 95 km of specially designed routes across green, blue, and red difficulty levels.
Are there any easy or moderate gravel bike trails for beginners or families?
Yes, while many routes are challenging, there are options for less experienced riders. For a moderate experience, consider the Lans-en-Vercors – ViaVercors via Lans-en-Vercors loop from Villard-de-Lans, which is about 20 km long. The 55 km 'Via Vercors' is also dedicated to gentle travel, connecting villages and offering a relaxed way to explore the local landscape.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks I might see on a gravel bike ride?
Riding in Villard-de-Lans means you'll be surrounded by the Vercors Regional Natural Park, with dramatic mountainous landscapes, lush forests, and striking cliffs. You might encounter views of the Grande Moucherolle and Les Grandes Rousses mountains. For specific natural highlights, consider exploring the Moulin-Marquis Waterfall or the Corrençon Natural Icehouse.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Villard-de-Lans?
The gravel biking routes in Villard-de-Lans are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 40 reviews. Over 300 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes and engaging experiences.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes in the area?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Villard-de-Lans are designed as loops. Examples include the challenging Valchevrière lookout – Col d'Herbouilly loop from Villard-de-Lans, which offers panoramic views, or the Plateau de Château Julien – Plaine d'Herbouilly loop from Pied des Pistes, which takes you through plateaus and plains.
Can I find routes that offer significant elevation gain for a challenging ride?
Absolutely. Villard-de-Lans is situated in a mountainous region, and many routes feature significant elevation changes. For instance, the Plaine d'Herbouilly – Col d'Herbouilly loop from Villard-de-Lans is a difficult 48.5 km trail with over 1200 meters of elevation gain, offering a substantial challenge through varied Vercors landscapes.
Are there any attractions or villages to explore near the gravel bike trails?
Beyond the trails, Villard-de-Lans itself is a charming village with local markets and cafés. The 'Via Vercors' route connects various villages, allowing riders to explore the local economy and farms. You can also find interesting places like Pont-en-Royans or the settlement of Lans-en-Vercors nearby.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Villard-de-Lans?
The warmer months are ideal for gravel biking in Villard-de-Lans, allowing full access to the diverse network of trails. While the area transforms into a winter sports hub, spring, summer, and autumn offer the best conditions for exploring the gravel routes and enjoying the natural beauty of the Vercors Regional Natural Park.
Are there any routes that pass by caves or waterfalls?
Yes, the Vercors region is known for its geological features. You can find highlights such as the Moulin-Marquis Waterfall and Bournillon Cave, or the Gournier Cave. While not directly on every gravel route, these are accessible points of interest in the wider area that can be incorporated into your trip.
What other outdoor activities are available in Villard-de-Lans besides gravel biking?
Villard-de-Lans is a hub for outdoor sports. In warmer months, you can enjoy hiking, paragliding, climbing, canyoning, and tennis. There's also the Acrobranch treetop adventure park and an aquatic center. During winter, the area is popular for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
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