The best road cycling routes around Leyssard
4.5
(103)
2,464
riders
144
rides
Road cycling around Leyssard offers diverse landscapes, including views of Lake Nantua and Lake Sylans, and the Ain Gorges. The region features varied terrain with routes ranging from gentle ascents to more challenging climbs, often on well-paved surfaces. Cyclists can expect a mix of rolling hills and valleys, characteristic of the Ain department.
Best road cycling routes around Leyssard
- The most popular road cycling route is Matafelon-Granges – View of Lake Nantua loop from Ceignes, a 33.8 miles (54.4…
Last updated: July 17, 2026
4.4
(5)
75
riders
54.4km
02:33
640m
640m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.3
(4)
62
riders
36.7km
01:43
440m
440m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.8
(4)
30
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
24
riders
51.6km
02:12
420m
420m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.5
(2)
18
riders
55.3km
02:49
900m
900m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
The Lac de Nantua is a superb body of water of 141 hectares. In the heart of the Jura, it offers an ideal setting for practicing a multitude of sports. It is even possible to swim in its waters.
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An impressive work that has its Wikipedia page https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viaduc_de_Cize-Bolozon
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Nestled in a spectacular natural setting, the viaduct offers superb viewpoints over the Ain gorges. Built at the beginning of the 20th century and then rebuilt after the Second World War in 1950, it illustrates the railway and road heritage of the territory.
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pretty small stone viaduct with 2 superimposed lanes, one for cars with 6 arches and one for the train with 11 arches. Atypical.
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pretty little stone viaduct with 2 superimposed lanes, one for cars with 6 arches and one for the train with 11 arches. Atypical.
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Lavoir de Aromas and its water point with an old communal fire-fighting engine. Church of Saint-André nearby. Aromas and its seven hamlets were part of the fief of the castle of Montdidier, the ruins of which can still be seen today. The village of Aromas is dominated by the hill of Cuquelu, on which stands a beautiful statue of the Virgin dating from the mid-19th century. In front of the church stands a calvary cross protected and classified by decree of November 24, 1906. The villages of Aromas, Villeneuve les Charnod, Faverges, Burigna and Ceffia have a covered washhouse. The commune of Ceffia was attached in 1974. The commune of Burigna was attached in 1823. The commune of l'Hôpital was attached in 1823 with its hamlets of Marsonnas and Marcia. Villeneuve les Charnod and Faverges were attached in 2017. https://www.terredemeraude.fr/aromas/
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Located in the hamlet of Thioles, near this river, the menhir generated the toponym « Pierre fiche », without ambiguity. This name, common throughout France, should be compared to « Pierrefitte » or other phrases such as pierre fichée, pierre plantée, pierre levée, pierre longue… Erected on the edge of a cornfield, the menhir measures 3.80 meters in height, about 0.50 meters in thickness and 1.30 meters at its widest. The stone is said to be sunk several meters into the ground. Nothing allows us to confirm the dating of the Simandre menhir, but its shape brings it closer to Burgundian examples dated to the Middle Neolithic (4200 to 3600 BC). Ancient mentions from the 12th century reveal the existence of two other menhirs, neighbours of Pierre Fiche but which were reportedly removed in the 18th century. It could therefore be not an isolated monument, but part of an alignment or a more complex ensemble. There is also mention of a third menhir near the nearby mill. And also of a dolmen that disappeared long ago, near the village of Chavannes-sur-Suran, and whose tiled roof would have given its name to the hamlet of Thioles… In Simandre, it is told that passing fairies planted three cattails in a field which turned into enormous stones… The menhir has also become a place of popular belief linked to fertility: couples wishing to have a child would rub themselves against the stone and pilgrims would scrape it to swallow the dust. The oldest monument classified as a historical monument in the department (March 6, 1888), the megalith is private property but remains easily visible from a hiking trail. https://patrimoines.ain.fr/n/menhir-de-pierre-fiche-a-simandre-sur-suran/n:320
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A must-see in Ain! It’s a chance to experience some elevation gain!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around Leyssard?
Road cycling around Leyssard offers diverse landscapes, including views of Lake Nantua and Lake Sylans, and the spectacular Ain Gorges. You'll find varied terrain with routes ranging from gentle ascents to more challenging climbs, often on well-paved surfaces. Expect a mix of rolling hills and valleys characteristic of the Ain department.
How many road cycling routes are available in the Leyssard area?
There are over 140 road cycling routes around Leyssard, catering to various fitness levels. This includes 8 easy routes, 61 moderate routes, and 79 difficult routes, ensuring options for everyone from beginners to very fit cyclists.
Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Leyssard?
Yes, Leyssard offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. These routes typically feature around 1,000 feet of elevation gain and can be completed in about two hours on mostly well-paved surfaces.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see while road cycling near Leyssard?
Many routes offer stunning views of natural features like Lake Nantua and Lake Sylans. You might also pass by impressive structures such as the Cize-Bolozon Viaduct, or the dramatic Jarbonnet Rocks overlooking the Ain River. For a cultural stop, the nearby Bugey region features a well-preserved medieval town.
Are there any circular road cycling routes around Leyssard?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Leyssard are designed as loops. For example, the Matafelon-Granges – View of Lake Nantua loop from Ceignes and the Lac de Sylans – View of Lake Nantua loop from Nurieux are popular circular options offering scenic lake views.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Leyssard?
The road cycling routes around Leyssard are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 90 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, well-paved surfaces, and the variety of routes suitable for different skill levels.
Are there challenging road cycling routes for experienced cyclists in Leyssard?
Absolutely. For very fit cyclists, there are routes exceeding five hours or 3,000 feet of elevation gain. These more challenging options, such as the View of the Viaduc de Poncin – Ain Valley loop from Nurieux, will test your endurance and provide rewarding views.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Leyssard?
The region is generally enjoyable for road cycling from spring through autumn. The best conditions typically occur during these seasons, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Winter cycling might be possible, but conditions can be more variable.
Are there any routes that offer views of the Ain Gorges?
Yes, the Ain Gorges are a significant natural feature in the region, and several routes will provide views of this spectacular landscape, including the impressive Jarbonnet rocks and the Ain River. The View of the Viaduc de Poncin – Ain Valley loop from Nurieux is one such route that explores the Ain Valley.
Can I find routes that pass through or near interesting towns?
Yes, some routes offer glimpses of local towns and villages. For instance, the Matafelon-Granges – Montréal loop from Nurieux winds through the landscape with views towards Montréal, allowing you to experience the local charm.
What are the typical durations for road cycling routes in Leyssard?
Route durations vary significantly. You can find shorter excursions lasting around two hours, such as some of the easier loops, or more extensive rides that can take up to five hours or even longer for the most challenging routes.
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