The best gravel rides around Riez

There are over 50 gravel bike trails around Riez, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find routes categorized as easy, moderate, and difficult, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Gravel biking around Riez offers incredibly diverse landscapes. You'll ride through the vast lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau, agricultural lands, and quiet forest paths. The region is also defined by its proximity to the dramatic Gorges du Verdon and the clear, turquoise waters of lakes like Lac de Sainte-Croix.

Yes, Riez offers options suitable for families. The local area has established mountain bike circuits, including the 'Tour des plaines de Riez à Puimoisson,' which is a family-friendly 13 km circuit. Many of the routes on the Valensole Plateau also offer gentler introductions to the area's tracks.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle to stunning viewpoints overlooking the Gorges du Verdon, often referred to as Europe's Grand Canyon. The Verdon Gorge to Lake Sainte-Croix offers breathtaking scenery, and you can find coastal viewpoints around Lac de Sainte-Croix. The lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau also provide iconic, panoramic vistas during blooming season.

The best time for gravel biking around Riez is generally from spring to early autumn. During late spring and early summer (June-July), the Valensole Plateau's lavender fields are in full bloom, offering spectacular scenery. The weather is typically pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the diverse terrain.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Saint Jurs – perspectives loop from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie - Arrêt du Col offer significant elevation gains and expansive views. Another demanding option is the Trescaire Haut Viewpoint – Great Verdon canyon loop from Les Salles-sur-Verdon, which leads through the area near the Verdon canyon and involves substantial climbing.

Yes, several routes provide stunning views of Lake Sainte-Croix. For example, the Sainte-Croix bridge – View of Bauduen loop from Les Salles-sur-Verdon specifically highlights views of the lake and its surroundings. Another option is the Lac de Sainte-Croix – Coastal viewpoint loop from Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, which offers beautiful perspectives of the lake's clear waters.

The gravel biking routes in Riez are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 90 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the stunning natural beauty, and the opportunities to explore both the Valensole Plateau and the dramatic Gorges du Verdon.

Riez is an exceptional destination for gravel biking, situated within the Verdon Regional Natural Park and on the Valensole Plateau. The wider Provence Alpes Outdoor area, including Riez, has even been awarded the 'Espace Gravel' label, signifying the quality and abundance of its gravel routes. You'll find a mix of dedicated gravel loops, quiet roads, doubletracks, and forest paths.

Yes, beginners can enjoy gravel biking around Riez. The 'Gravel Bike - Valensole vert' route, for instance, offers a gentler 25 km introduction to the area's tracks, winding through lavender fields. Additionally, the Verdon – View of the Verdon Gorge loop from Les Salles-sur-Verdon is a moderate 27.5 km trail that provides a taste of the region's beauty without extreme difficulty.

The elevation changes around Riez vary significantly depending on the route. On the Valensole Plateau, you'll find moderate rides with gentler slopes. However, routes closer to the Gorges du Verdon and surrounding mountains can feature significant elevation gains, providing challenging climbs and rewarding descents with breathtaking views.