The best road cycling routes around Saint-Laurent-En-Royans

There are over 150 road cycling routes around Saint-Laurent-En-Royans, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels. The komoot community has explored more than 9,000 routes in the area.

Road cycling in Saint-Laurent-En-Royans is unique due to its dramatic landscapes within the Vercors Regional Natural Park. You'll encounter stunning limestone cliffs, deep gorges, and famous 'balcony roads' like Combe Laval, carved directly into rock faces, offering exhilarating rides and panoramic views.

Yes, the region is renowned for its challenging climbs. A significant ascent is the Col de la Machine, which starts from Saint-Laurent-En-Royans and offers a substantial elevation gain and spectacular panoramic views of the Vercors massif from its summit.

While many routes feature varied gradients, there are options suitable for beginners. For instance, the Saint-Jean-en-Royans – Saint-Jean-en-Royans loop from Saint-Laurent-en-Royans is a moderate path that explores the local area with manageable gradients and scenic views, making it a good choice for those looking for a less strenuous ride.

The Vercors region is full of scenic beauty. Cyclists often praise the breathtaking views from the 'balcony roads' such as Combe Laval and the Gorges de la Bourne, where the road is carved into the rock face. The summit of Col de la Machine also provides awe-inspiring panoramas of the Vercors massif.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, routes like the La Sône Bridge – Isère Cycle Route loop from Auberives-en-Royans offer a substantial distance, covering over 210 km. The Pioneer Pass – Plaine de Lente loop from Saint-Laurent-en-Royans is another excellent option for a longer ride, leading through high plateaus and forested sections.

Beyond the cycling itself, the region offers several natural attractions. You can explore stunning waterfalls like White Waterfall and Pont-en-Royans Waterfalls, or visit impressive caves such as Font d'Urle Ice Cave and Thaïs Cave. The picturesque town of Pont-en-Royans, with its unique houses built into the rock, is also a notable attraction.

The Vercors region is generally best for road cycling during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. Summer offers pleasant conditions for exploring the varied terrain, including the high plateaus and forested sections.

The routes in Saint-Laurent-En-Royans are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the dramatic scenery, the challenge of the climbs like Col de la Machine, and the unique experience of cycling along the famous balcony roads.

Absolutely. The Machine Pass – Cirque of Combe Laval loop from Saint-Laurent-en-Royans is a prime example. This difficult route not only includes the iconic Combe Laval balcony road with its sheer cliffs and dramatic scenery but also features the significant ascent to Col de la Machine, providing both a physical challenge and stunning vistas.

Many routes in the area traverse the Vercors Regional Natural Park, which is known for its rich biodiversity and varied terrain. Routes like the Pioneer Pass – Plaine de Lente loop from Saint-Laurent-en-Royans will take you through high plateaus and forested sections characteristic of the park, offering a true immersion in its natural beauty.