The best traffic-free bike rides around Lac de Roselend

There are 19 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Lac de Roselend, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult. This includes 1 easy route, 3 moderate routes, and 15 difficult routes for those seeking a challenge.

The routes offer unparalleled views of the turquoise waters of Lac de Roselend, set against a backdrop of majestic alpine peaks like Roc du Vent and La Pierra Menta. You'll cycle through lush alpine meadows and dense forests, often encountering the impressive Roselend Dam, an engineering marvel that provides unique perspectives of the lake.

The best time for touring cycling around Lac de Roselend is typically from late spring to early autumn (June to September). During this period, mountain passes like the Cormet de Roselend are generally open, and the weather is most favorable, offering pleasant temperatures and clear views. Always check local road conditions, especially in early season, as higher elevations can still have snow.

While many routes in the area are challenging, there is at least one easy no-traffic touring cycling route available. For a moderate option that still offers stunning scenery without extreme difficulty, consider the Roselend Dam – Roselend Lake Dam loop from Barrage de Roselend, which covers nearly 10 km with manageable elevation.

The terrain varies from paved roads around the lake to more challenging ascents on mountain passes. You can expect significant elevation gains, with many difficult routes featuring over 1000 meters of climbing. For example, the Roselend Lake Dam – Roselend Dam loop from Barrage de Roselend involves over 1000 meters of ascent over 31 km, offering a true alpine cycling experience.

You'll encounter numerous natural and man-made landmarks. Besides the stunning Lac de Roselend itself, you can see the impressive Roselend Dam and the rebuilt Roselend Chapel. Iconic mountain passes like the Ascent of the Cormet de Roselend from Beaufort and the Climb to Col du Pré from Arêches offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps.

Yes, the area is rich with water bodies and impressive engineering. The Roselend Dam is a central feature, and cycling across its wall is a memorable experience. Nearby, you can also explore Lac de Saint-Guérin, known for its Himalayan footbridge, and Lac de la Gittaz, offering additional scenic detours. A route like the Lake of La Gittaz – Climb to Col de la Gittaz loop from Barrage de Roselend will take you past some of these.

Many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Lac de Roselend are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Arêches loop from Barrage de Saint-Guérin, which is a challenging 30 km ride, and the Col du Pré (1703m) loop from Barrage de Saint-Guérin.

Parking is generally available at key starting points around Lac de Roselend, such as near the Barrage de Roselend or Barrage de Saint-Guérin. These locations serve as convenient access points for many of the touring cycling routes, allowing you to park your vehicle and begin your ride directly.

While the Lac de Roselend area is primarily accessed by car, some local bus services might operate to nearby towns like Beaufort. However, direct public transport links to the specific starting points of many high-alpine cycling routes are limited. It's advisable to check regional transport schedules in advance if you plan to rely on public transport.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience around Lac de Roselend, with an average score of 4.77 stars from 75 ratings. Cyclists frequently praise the stunning, uninterrupted alpine scenery, the challenge of iconic climbs like Col du Pré and Cormet de Roselend, and the sheer joy of cycling on roads with minimal traffic, allowing for a truly immersive experience in nature.