The best traffic-free bike rides around Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors

There are over 110 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in the broader Vercors Natural Park area, which encompasses the Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors. These routes offer a range of difficulties, with 18 easy, 39 moderate, and 61 difficult options to explore the stunning landscapes.

The Vercors region, including areas around the Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux, features diverse terrain. While the core reserve is largely unpaved and better suited for mountain biking or hiking, the broader Vercors Natural Park offers exceptional touring cycling on scenic roads and through dramatic gorges. You'll encounter a striking alternation of alpine pastures, dense forests, vast limestone plateaus, and impressive cliffs. Many routes involve significant altitude gains, characteristic of the Pre-Alps.

Yes, there are 18 easy routes designed for a more relaxed experience. An example is the short View of Mont Aiguille – Chichilianne loop from Richardière, which offers beautiful scenery over 5.3 kilometers with minimal elevation gain. These routes are perfect for enjoying the views without extreme physical demands.

The region is rich in natural beauty and iconic landmarks. You can often spot the distinctive silhouette of Mont Aiguille, a significant historical site for alpinism. Other highlights include the majestic Grand Veymont, the highest point in the reserve, and the Baume Rousse Spring. Many routes also offer panoramic views from points like The Pas des Chattons.

The best time for touring cycling in the Vercors region is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally milder, and the mountain passes are clear of snow. Summer offers the warmest temperatures, but spring and autumn provide stunning landscapes with wildflowers or vibrant fall foliage, and often fewer crowds. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as mountain weather can change rapidly.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the Vercors are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Trézanne loop from Chichilianne is a moderate 18.9-kilometer route that brings you back to your starting point. Another option is the View of Mont Aiguille – High valley loop from Chichilianne, offering a more challenging 9.9-kilometer ride.

The touring cycling routes in the Vercors region are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 790 ratings. Reviewers often praise the spectacular, traffic-free roads, the incomparable itineraries winding through dramatic gorges, and the breathtaking panoramas of the Alps and Vercors plateaus. The sense of immersion in wild, protected nature is frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. The Vercors Natural Park is renowned for its demanding cycling routes, with 61 routes classified as difficult. These often involve significant elevation gains and cover longer distances. An example is the Fantastic gravel road loop from Rousset, a challenging 29.2-kilometer ride with nearly 800 meters of ascent. These routes are ideal for experienced touring cyclists seeking a physical challenge amidst stunning scenery.

The Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors is home to exceptional biodiversity. While cycling, especially on quieter routes, you might have opportunities to spot marmots, chamois, and various bird species like golden eagles and black grouse. The region is also part of reintroduction efforts for species like Alpine ibex and bearded vultures. To maximize your chances, cycle quietly and respectfully, especially during dawn and dusk, and maintain a safe distance from any animals you encounter.

For the paved and well-maintained scenic roads within the broader Vercors Natural Park, a light road bike or a trekking bike with panniers is suitable. However, if you plan to venture onto unpaved sections or gravel roads, particularly those closer to the core reserve, a gravel bike or a mountain bike would be more appropriate due to the varied terrain and potential for rougher surfaces. Always ensure your bike is well-maintained and equipped for significant altitude gains.

The core Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors is a strictly protected wilderness area with no permanent habitation or roads, making traditional touring cycling generally not feasible within its deepest parts. Activities like mountain biking are permitted on designated trails, but touring bikes are best suited for the extensive network of scenic roads in the surrounding Vercors Natural Park. Always respect local regulations, especially regarding protected areas, and stay on marked paths.