The best road cycling routes around Martigny

There are over 160 road cycling routes around Martigny, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes extensively, with more than 700 road cyclists using komoot to discover the varied terrain.

Martigny's road cycling routes offer diverse landscapes. You can expect to ride through the expansive Rhone Valley with its picturesque vineyards and smooth asphalt paths. As you ascend, the scenery transforms into winding roads through dense forests, lush meadows, and challenging alpine passes, providing panoramic views of the Rhone Valley and surrounding mountains.

Yes, Martigny offers several easy road cycling routes. For instance, the Roadbike loop from Saint-Michel is an easy option, covering about 21.5 miles (34.6 km) with moderate elevation gain. The region also features leisurely rides through vineyards, such as sections of the Chemin du Vignoble, which has relatively little elevation gain.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Martigny is a gateway to iconic alpine passes. The Col de la Forclaz offers a significant climb with panoramic views, while the Great St. Bernard Pass ascends to 2,469 meters with breathtaking alpine vistas. The Col des Planches is known for its steep sections, with gradients exceeding 15%, providing a truly rigorous challenge.

The road cycling routes around Martigny are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 12 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from scenic valley rides through vineyards to demanding climbs on alpine passes, and the well-maintained paths that cater to various ability levels.

Absolutely. Many routes in the region are designed as loops, offering varied terrain and scenic views. A popular choice is the Circuit of the Churches of Aisne, a 44.4-mile (71.4 km) trail that takes about 3 hours to complete. Another favorite is the Chimay Castle – Main Square of Chimay loop from Aubenton, which passes through charming villages and historical sites.

The Martigny region is rich in history. Along your rides, you might encounter historical sites like the Grand Marais East Casemate – Maginot Line or the Bloc de la Limite No. 551 (Maginot Line). The Fortified Church of Saint-Nicolas of Signy-le-Petit is another notable religious building you could pass. Martigny itself also has Roman-era sites and a charming Old Town.

Many routes in the Martigny area traverse the picturesque Rhone Valley and its extensive vineyards. The Chemin du Vignoble (Valais Vineyard Trail) is a prime example, offering a moderate ride through Valais vineyards and Swiss villages. Routes ascending the Col de la Forclaz also provide panoramic views of the Rhone Valley.

The climate in Martigny is often conducive to cycling, with summer months typically offering plenty of sunshine, especially in the valley and vineyard areas. For high-altitude passes, late spring to early autumn is generally best, as snow can persist at higher elevations outside these periods.

While popular passes can attract many cyclists, the extensive network of routes around Martigny means you can often find quieter roads. Exploring some of the less-known loops or routes through smaller villages might offer a more serene experience away from the main thoroughfares. The La Neuville-aux-Joûtes – Pretty village square loop from Beaumé could be an option for a more tranquil ride.

Yes, the Rhone Route is a popular cycling path that allows cyclists to 'flow with the river' on carefully asphalted paths. This route passes through natural reserves near Evionnaz and connects the canton of Valais to the canton of Vaud, offering a scenic point-to-point experience along the river.