The best traffic-free bike rides around Vallouise

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Vallouise featured in this guide, offering a range of distances and elevations to explore the beautiful Écrins National Park.

Yes, for those seeking an easier ride, the Balcon de Puy Richard loop from Puy-Saint-Pierre is an excellent choice. It's classified as easy, covering 7.7 km with an elevation gain of 265 meters, making it suitable for a more relaxed cycling experience.

The no-traffic routes in Vallouise offer varied terrain, from well-paved mountain roads to picturesque valley paths. You'll experience significant elevation gains as you cycle through the heart of the Southern French Alps, with routes like the Vallouise – Vallouise loop from Vallouise climbing nearly 700 meters.

Yes, the region is home to several beautiful waterfalls. You can cycle the Bridal Veil Waterfall loop from Le Bourg, which takes you near the stunning Bridal Veil Waterfall. Other notable waterfalls in the area include Narreyroux Waterfall and Pissette Falls.

Vallouise is set against a backdrop of majestic 3000-meter-plus peaks like Mont Pelvoux and the Barre des Écrins. While cycling, you'll encounter dramatic alpine scenery. The La Gyronde River – La Gyronde loop from Puy-Saint-Vincent offers serene rides with views of surrounding alpine peaks along the river valley.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in Vallouise, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 440 ratings. Cyclists often praise the stunning alpine scenery, the challenge of the climbs, and the opportunity to explore the Écrins National Park on quiet roads.

Yes, all the no-traffic road cycling routes listed in this guide are circular. For example, you can enjoy the La Gyronde loop from Les Vigneaux, which offers a moderate 7.9 km ride with beautiful views along the La Gyronde River Valley.

The best time to visit Vallouise for road cycling is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the mountain passes are clear of snow and the weather is most favorable. This allows for optimal conditions to enjoy the high-altitude routes and stunning vistas.

While the routes themselves are designed for cycling, the broader Vallouise area within Écrins National Park has several huts and refuges. Notable ones include the Gioberney Refuge and the Glacier Blanc Hut, which are popular stops for hikers and mountaineers, and can be points of interest for cyclists exploring the wider region.

The moderate no-traffic routes in Vallouise vary in length and elevation. For instance, the La Gyronde River – La Gyronde loop from Puy-Saint-Vincent is about 12.3 km long with 439 meters of elevation gain, while the Vallouise – Vallouise loop from Vallouise extends to 21 km with 696 meters of climbing, offering a good challenge for intermediate cyclists.