Top 5 Mountain Passes around Saint-André-En-Royans

The Combe Laval Cirque is renowned for its spectacular road carved directly into the cliffside, often described as a "cornice carved into the rock." It offers continuous panoramic views as it winds between 253 and 1015 meters above sea level. This route leads to the Col de la Machine, providing a breathtaking vista of the Vercors massif's natural environment. It's a must-do for cyclists and those seeking dramatic scenery.

The region offers numerous challenging cycling routes. For instance, the ascent to the Col de la Machine involves an 11.6-kilometer climb with 736 meters of altitude gain, featuring a raised balcony road under limestone overhangs and tunnels. Another significant challenge is the Col de Mont Noir, which peaks at 1431 meters and offers multiple very difficult access routes, each with over 1200 meters of elevation gain.

Several passes provide stunning vistas. The Combe Laval Cirque and Col de la Machine offer an overall impression of the Vercors massif. The Col d'Ey, though lower at 718 meters, boasts a remarkable view of the north face of Mont Ventoux. Additionally, the Col de Perty (1302 meters) provides a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains and Mont Ventoux.

Yes, the road through the Combe Laval Cirque, leading to the Col de la Machine, has historical significance. It was constructed in 1896 to connect the Royans region to the Vercors plateau, originally for transporting wood, and soon became a tourist attraction due to its impressive engineering and location.

The Descent between Presles et la Bournière is known for its quiet road and spectacular views. Starting from Presles and heading towards Choranche, this descent takes you to the La Bourne river below dramatic cliffs. The route offers a continuous panorama with alternating cliffside roads, switchbacks, and passages under natural arches, making for a memorable experience.

The Col de l'Echarasson, culminating at 1146 meters, is accessible from Saint-Jean-en-Royans. A hike from the scenic Combe Laval road allows visitors to explore the Montagne de l'Echarasson, featuring a mix of undergrowth and clearings. The route descending from the Col de l'Echarasson towards Saint-Jean-en-Royans is particularly enjoyable for its beautiful descents.

Beyond exploring the passes themselves, the area around Saint-André-En-Royans is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'The Green waterfall – White Waterfall loop from Pont-en-Royans', and challenging MTB routes like the 'Grande Goulandière loop from Presles'. For road cycling, routes like 'Choranche – Phänomenaler Fotostopp loop from Saint-André-en-Royans' are popular. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails, MTB Trails, and Cycling guides for the region.

The best time to visit is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is most favorable for cycling, hiking, and scenic drives. During these months, the passes are typically clear of snow, and the natural landscapes are vibrant. Winter can offer unique snowy vistas, but some roads may be closed or require special equipment.

While many passes in the Vercors are known for challenging climbs, the Col de la Croix Rouge (507 meters) offers a very quiet paved road suitable for cycling in either direction, with magnificent views of small valleys and vineyards. This pass could be a more relaxed option for families or those seeking a less strenuous experience, allowing enjoyment of the scenery without extreme difficulty.

The Vercors Regional Natural Park is characterized by its dramatic karst landscapes, including deep gorges, impressive cliffs, and unique rock formations. You'll encounter 'roads in seemingly impossible places,' grandiose panoramas, and a rich natural environment. The region is also known for its underground cave and river systems, adding to its geological interest.

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking landscapes and the unique experience of roads carved into rock faces. The continuous panoramic views, especially along routes like the Combe Laval Cirque, are frequently highlighted. Cyclists particularly appreciate the challenging yet rewarding climbs and descents, while all visitors value the sense of adventure and the natural beauty of the Vercors massif.

The Col de Perty reaches an elevation of 1302 meters and offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains and Mont Ventoux. For cyclists, approaching from the east provides an average ascent angle of 5.59% over 8.5 kilometers, with a maximum of 7.7%. This challenging climb is rewarded with a pleasant descent of over 20 kilometers towards Buis-les-Baronnies.

The Col d'Ey, at 718 meters, is notable for offering a panorama that rivals much higher passes, featuring a stunning view of the north face of Mont Ventoux. The switchbacks leading to the pass are said to create a sense of anticipation, and the subsequent descent towards Buis-les-Baronnies is highly recommended for its scenic beauty.