The best road cycling routes around Modane

Modane, nestled in the Maurienne Valley, offers a diverse range of road cycling routes characterized by dramatic mountainous terrain and high-altitude passes. You'll find everything from moderate loops with scenic views to challenging climbs that test your endurance, many of which are featured in the Tour de France. The region is known for its pure Alpine cycling experience.

While Modane is renowned for its challenging climbs, there are moderate routes suitable for those looking for a less strenuous experience. For instance, the Barrière de L'Esseillon — loop from Modane is a moderate 33.6 km (20.9 miles) route that offers views of historic fortifications and the surrounding valley without extreme difficulty.

Modane is a gateway to some of the most iconic and challenging mountain passes in the Alps. For a significant challenge, consider the Pyramid Chapel of Mont Cenis – Arch of Augustus in Susa loop from Modane, a difficult 165.8 km (102.5 miles) path with substantial elevation gain, leading towards the Col du Mont Cenis and its lake. Another demanding option is the Montée Lac de Plan d'Aval – Itinéraires pour vélo de route en Maurienne, a difficult 14.6 km (9.1 miles) climb towards Lac de Plan d'Aval.

The best time for road cycling in Modane is typically during the summer months, from late spring to early autumn (June to September). During this period, the high-altitude passes are generally clear of snow, and the weather conditions are more favorable for cycling, allowing access to the full range of routes and iconic climbs like the Col de l'Iseran and Col du Mont Cenis.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Modane are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the moderate Barrière de L'Esseillon — loop from Modane and the Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne loop from Modane, which offers a longer moderate ride.

The Modane region is rich in spectacular vistas. Cyclists can enjoy views of snow-capped summits, glistening glaciers, and the Arc River flowing through the Maurienne Valley. High-altitude passes like the Col de l'Iseran and Col du Mont Cenis offer panoramic views. You might also encounter specific viewpoints such as Three Crosses Hill, providing stunning perspectives of the Alpine landscape.

Yes, the region around Modane features several historical attractions. The Barrière de L'Esseillon — loop from Modane route offers views of historic fortifications. Further afield, you can find sites like Fort Jafferau, a late 19th-century fortification, offering insights into the region's past.

Beyond the cycling, Modane is close to the Vanoise National Park, offering immense natural beauty with high mountain peaks and pristine landscapes. The region is dotted with beautiful lakes, such as the artificial Lake of Rochemolle near Bardonecchia, and features canyons and waterfalls. You can find specific waterfalls like Waterfalls Behind Rifugio Scarfiotti and Waterfalls in Vanoise National Park.

The duration of road cycling routes around Modane varies significantly based on distance and difficulty. Shorter, moderate loops like the Barrière de L'Esseillon — loop from Modane can take around 2 hours. More challenging and extensive routes, such as the Pyramid Chapel of Mont Cenis – Arch of Augustus in Susa loop from Modane, can be full-day endeavors, requiring over 9 hours to complete.

The road cycling routes in Modane are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, the breathtaking Alpine scenery, and the well-maintained paths that make for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Maurienne Valley.

Absolutely. Modane is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. While cycling, you'll have views of snow-capped summits and glaciers. Some routes might offer glimpses or access points to areas near peaks like Mount Thabor, or you might pass by mountain huts such as Rifugio Re Magi, which are gateways to higher elevations.