The best traffic-free bike rides around Lake della Rovina
4.0
(55)
2,551
riders
5
rides
Road cycling around Lake della Rovina offers challenging routes within the Maritime Alps Regional Park in Piedmont, Italy. The region is characterized by mountainous terrain, river valleys, and artificial alpine lakes, providing a diverse landscape for cyclists. Roads leading to and around Lake della Rovina, while sometimes narrow, are frequented by cyclists seeking ascents and scenic views. This area provides a setting for no traffic road cycling routes, allowing for focused rides through varied elevations.
Best no traffic road cycling…
Last updated: May 17, 2026
4.0
(1)
64
riders
36.2km
02:21
1,030m
1,030m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
16
riders
21.5km
01:12
440m
440m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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11
riders
22.5km
01:36
750m
750m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
6
riders
37.4km
02:52
1,250m
1,250m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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You can get there starting from Valdieri or Entracque
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Photo taken from the equipped area of the lake of the Rovine. Paid in summer for motorcycles, cars and campers. You also pay to use the wooden tables and umbrellas. Affordable prices, I would say there is no need to complain.
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From the dam of the plate to the Chistafort square and the lake of the ruin
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We stopped here to fill our water bottles after the descent from the Santuario della Madonna del Colletto. It is a tree-lined square where you can enjoy the shade on hot days... and our day was really hot. The water... I don't know if it's drinkable or not... but it was delicious and very cool!
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From the Santuario della Madonna del Colletto there are good views of Monte Gelas, a solitary peak of over 3,000 metres and reminiscent of the highest peaks of the Alps.
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I was really looking forward to going up to the Santuario della Madonna del Colletto. I had been to this area several times and had not had the opportunity to go up here. So on the trip through Piedmont in July 2022 I made sure that the planned route passed through here. We went up the western slope, the one used by the Giro d'Italia when it first went up here in 1999, on the famous stage where the Fauniera was climbed, with the spectacle of Pantani climbing and the stratospheric descent of Paolo Savoldelli. I have to admit that the climb itself is not very attractive. Once you leave the village of Festiona behind, you enter a forest and there are hardly any views over the valley. You can only focus on the road, its curves, straights (which there are) and difficult slopes. The asphalt is old, with a lot of gravel and very uneven, which obviously adds difficulty to the climb. The climb up the western side is 7.1 km, 576 metres of elevation and an average gradient of 8.1%. Therefore, it is very hard!! And there are several sections above 12%, especially in the first kilometres, where the gradient is irregular, with very hard sections and small rest areas. The views of the Valdieri valley from the Sanctuary are very beautiful, and also of all the mountains covered with forests and vegetation in the surroundings. We took advantage of the porch at the entrance to the Sanctuary to take shelter from the sun and the heat, and to stock up on food and eat some spectacular sandwiches. I remember it fondly. Below is the altimetry of the climb published by @cyclingcols, the best in these matters --> http://www.cyclingcols.com/col/Colletto
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Mount Gelas is clearly visible from Entracque. I recommend the climbs towards the lake of the Ruins and towards San Giacomo, where the road ends and the trekking towards refuges and beautiful valleys begins. Excellent starting point for MTB tours but you have to take Portage into account.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic road cycling routes around Lake della Rovina?
The routes around Lake della Rovina are primarily paved, offering a challenging ascent to the lake's shores within the Maritime Alps Regional Park. You'll encounter significant elevation gains, characteristic of mountainous terrain, with some segments potentially being unpaved. The broader Piedmont region is known for its varied cycling tourism, including mountains, valleys, and hills.
Are there routes suitable for different fitness levels?
Yes, the area offers routes varying in difficulty. While many routes involve significant climbing, there are options for moderate to difficult riders. For example, the Lake Piastra – Lake della Piastra loop from San Giacomo is rated as moderate, covering 21.5 km with 439 meters of elevation gain. More challenging options like the Lago della Rovina – Lake Piastra loop from San Giacomo involve over 1000 meters of climbing.
What natural features and landmarks can I see along these routes?
You'll be cycling through the stunning Maritime Alps Regional Park, offering dramatic mountain backdrops and diverse ecosystems. Key features include the artificial Lake della Rovina itself, river valleys like the Gesso and Busset, and views of peaks such as Argentera Mountain. Some routes might pass by impressive engineering like the Chiotas Dam.
Are there any circular no-traffic road cycling routes available?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Lago della Rovina – Lake della Piastra loop from Entracque, which is a moderate 23.7 km ride, and the more challenging Lago della Rovina – Lake Piastra loop from San Giacomo.
What is the best time of year to cycle around Lake della Rovina without traffic?
The region is generally best enjoyed for cycling during the warmer months when mountain roads are clear of snow and weather conditions are more stable. While the guide focuses on no-traffic routes, the narrow road leading directly to Lake della Rovina requires caution, especially during peak seasons. Summer offers an enchanting place to relax and enjoy nature.
Can I find parking near the starting points of these routes?
The municipality of Entracque, where Lake della Rovina is located, serves as a hub for many routes. Parking availability can vary, but it's generally advisable to check local information for specific starting points like Entracque or San Giacomo. Some routes, such as the Entracque Dam – Lake Piastra loop from Entracque, start directly from Entracque.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes around Lake della Rovina?
The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience around Lake della Rovina, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging ascents, the breathtaking alpine scenery, and the opportunity to cycle in a serene, natural environment away from heavy traffic.
Are there any amenities like cafes or accommodation along the no-traffic routes?
While the routes themselves focus on natural landscapes, the nearby municipality of Entracque offers amenities. For those wishing to extend their stay, an unequipped campsite is available near Lake della Rovina, requiring reservations. For broader options, the Piedmont region offers varied cycling tourism, including services in towns and villages.
How long do these no-traffic road cycling routes typically take to complete?
The duration varies significantly based on the route's length and elevation gain. For example, a moderate route like the Lake Piastra – Lake della Piastra loop from San Giacomo (21.5 km) takes approximately 1 hour and 11 minutes. A more difficult route such as the Monte Gelas – Valdieri Town Square Fountain loop from Entracque (23 km) can take around 1 hour and 38 minutes, depending on your pace.
Are there opportunities for wildlife viewing while cycling?
Yes, the Maritime Alps Regional Park is known for its diverse wildlife. Cyclists have the opportunity to observe local animals, with ibex and chamois frequently seen in the area, especially in quieter sections of the routes.
What is the total number of no-traffic road cycling routes featured in this guide?
This guide features 6 distinct no-traffic road cycling routes around Lake della Rovina, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult.
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