The best road cycling routes around Paladru
4.6
(126)
2,842
riders
22
rides
Road cycling routes around Paladru feature a diverse landscape centered on Lac de Paladru, a glacial lake known for its turquoise waters. The region is characterized by undulating pre-Alpine wooded hills that rise to 800 meters, offering varied topography for cyclists. This area combines flatter routes along the lakeshore with more challenging ascents through ancient moraines, fields, pastures, and forests of chestnut, oak, and beech.
Best road cycling routes around Paladru
- The most popular road cycling route is Col des Mille Martyrs – Lake Paladru loop from Villages du Lac de Paladru, a 31.4 miles (50.5 km) trail that takes 2 hours 28 minutes to complete. This moderate route includes significant elevation gain and offers views of the lake.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Col des Mille Martyrs – Lake Paladru loop from Montferrat, a difficult 39.5 miles (63.5 km) path. This longer loop features over 1,000 meters of elevation gain through varied terrain.
- Local road cyclists also love the Lac de Paladru – Lac de Paladru loop from Montferrat, a 28.3 miles (45.6 km) trail leading through the scenic area around the lake, often completed in about 2 hours 9 minutes.
- Road cycling around Paladru is defined by its glacial lake, undulating pre-Alpine hills, and diverse forests. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy lakeside paths to challenging climbs.
- The routes in Paladru are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 1,100 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Paladru's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
5.0
(1)
33
riders
63.5km
03:12
1,010m
1,010m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.4
(5)
48
riders
49.5km
02:17
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Sign up for free
11
riders
44.2km
02:06
520m
520m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
12
riders
16.1km
00:43
150m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(2)
10
riders
69.6km
03:24
1,010m
1,010m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
A famous praline brioche 😃
0
0
A superb climb which leads us to a magnificent view of the Chartreuse mountains, much more beautiful than at the summit of the Col des Mille Martyrs, and yet much less known!
1
0
Lake Paladru is very popular in the summer, especially on weekends. Swimming is possible; there's a small, well-equipped beach.
0
0
This is a classic bike ride around Grenoble, easy and suitable for the whole family.
0
0
In the immediate vicinity of Lake Paladru, you can rent a bicycle for the day, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding area on the road, or on the paths and trails.
0
0
Located at the northern end of Lake Paladru, this wetland is fed by the Courbon stream. It is a true extension of the lake, rich in biodiversity and very pleasant.
0
0
Not very busy but watch out for oncoming traffic
0
0
During Holy Week, Christians commemorate the Passion of Jesus Christ, beginning with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), the Last Supper (Maundy Thursday), and ending with the arrest, condemnation, and execution (Good Friday), which then culminates in the Easter Vigil with the celebration of the Resurrection, the climax of the church year. The biblical accounts of the New Testament that describe these events paint a very nuanced picture of the Apostle Peter (Saint-Pierre), to whom the church of Charavines is dedicated: on the one hand, he is a determined disciple of Jesus, but also not free from human weakness and fear. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he (like the other disciples) falls asleep when Jesus turns to God the Father after the Last Supper and asks the disciples to pray as well. And after Jesus' arrest, Peter denies three times that he even knows him. But he also weeps over his weakness and, upon encountering the risen Christ, affirms his love and loyalty to him. His real name is Simon, but Jesus gives him the name Peter (which means "rock") on which the church is to be built and gives him—according to the account of the Evangelist Matthew—the "keys to the kingdom of heaven."
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling around Paladru?
The Paladru region offers a diverse landscape for road cyclists. You'll find flatter, scenic routes hugging the shores of Lac de Paladru, as well as more challenging ascents into the surrounding pre-Alpine wooded hills, which rise to 800 meters. The terrain includes ancient moraines, fields, pastures, and forests of chestnut, oak, and beech, providing varied topography.
Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families around Lac de Paladru?
Yes, there are options for easier rides. The dedicated 'Greenway' connecting Charavines to Paladru along the lake offers a safe and peaceful 7 km path (14 km round trip), ideal for families or those seeking a relaxed ride. For a slightly longer, easy road cycling loop, consider the Lac de Paladru – Lac de Paladru loop from Villages du Lac de Paladru, which is about 9 km with minimal elevation gain.
Where can I find challenging road cycling routes with significant climbs?
For more advanced cyclists, the undulating pre-Alpine hills around Paladru offer rewarding climbs. Routes like the Col des Mille Martyrs – Lake Paladru loop from Montferrat are classified as difficult, featuring over 1,000 meters of elevation gain over 63.5 km. These routes provide panoramic views of the lake and the broader Dauphinois landscape.
What are some notable viewpoints or natural features to look out for on road cycling routes?
Many routes, especially those ascending the hills, offer exceptional views of Lac de Paladru. On clear days, you might even catch glimpses of Mont du Chat, the Chartreuse and Vercors peaks, the Belledonne massif, and Mont Blanc. The lake itself, known as the 'Blue Lake' for its turquoise waters, is a constant scenic highlight. You can also visit the Croix des Cochettes View of Lac de Paladru for a specific panoramic spot.
Are there any circular road cycling routes around Lac de Paladru?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Paladru are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Col des Mille Martyrs – Lake Paladru loop from Villages du Lac de Paladru and the Lac de Paladru – Lac de Paladru loop from Montferrat, both offering comprehensive tours of the area's diverse scenery.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Paladru?
The region is generally pleasant for road cycling from spring through autumn. The clear waters of Lac de Paladru, often reaching 25°C, suggest warmer months are ideal for combining cycling with water activities. Spring and early autumn offer comfortable temperatures for longer rides, while summer provides opportunities for refreshing breaks at one of the lake's four supervised beaches.
What attractions or points of interest can I explore near the cycling routes?
Beyond the natural beauty, the Paladru area offers cultural and historical points of interest. You can visit the new Archaeological Museum of Lake Paladru, showcasing findings from submerged prehistoric sites. The charming villages around the lake, such as Charavines, Le Pin, and Montferrat, offer opportunities to discover local heritage, including historical buildings like the 17th-century Grange Dîmière in Le Pin. The Chemin des marais (marsh path) is also a natural feature to explore.
Is there public transport or parking available for cyclists in the Paladru area?
While specific public transport details for cyclists are best checked with local services, the villages surrounding Lac de Paladru, such as Charavines, Le Pin, and Montferrat, serve as common starting points for routes. These villages typically offer parking facilities, making it convenient to access the cycling network around the lake.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Paladru?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 40 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, which caters to various skill levels, from easy lakeside paths to challenging climbs, and the stunning views of the 'Blue Lake' and surrounding pre-Alpine landscape.
Are there any long-distance road cycling routes in the Paladru region?
Yes, for those seeking longer rides, the region offers routes that extend beyond the immediate lake area. The Col des Mille Martyrs – Lake Paladru loop from Montferrat, at 63.5 km, is a good example of a longer, more challenging route. The varied terrain and connections to nearby areas like the Vercors Regional Nature Park also allow for custom long-distance planning.
Can I combine road cycling with other activities in Paladru?
Absolutely. Lac de Paladru is renowned for its clear, warm waters, making it perfect for swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and other water sports. You can easily plan your cycling route to include stops at one of the four supervised beaches in Charavines, Le Pin, Montferrat, or Paladru for a refreshing break or a full day of water activities.
Most popular attractions around Paladru
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.
