The best traffic-free bike rides around La Chapelle-En-Vercors

There are over 60 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around La Chapelle-En-Vercors. These routes range in difficulty, offering options for various skill levels.

The Vercors region is characterized by dramatic landscapes, including towering limestone cliffs, deep gorges, and expansive plateaus. Expect routes with significant elevation gains, as many were carved into the mountains, offering challenging climbs and breathtaking panoramic views. The roads in the Drôme section of the Vercors are often less trafficked, providing a tranquil cycling experience.

The routes cater to a range of abilities. You'll find 12 easy routes, 25 moderate routes, and 32 difficult routes. For example, the Valchevrière lookout – Col d'Herbouilly loop is considered difficult, featuring substantial elevation.

The Vercors Regional Natural Park is rich in natural beauty. You can expect to encounter impressive gorges like the Combe Laval Cirque, dramatic mountain passes such as the Machine Pass, and picturesque waterfalls like the White Waterfall on the Vernaison River. The region also boasts dense forests and vast plateaus.

Yes, the Vercors has significant historical depth. You can visit sites related to the French Resistance, such as the Courtyard and Wall of the Executed, which is part of the Courtyard and Wall of the Executed – La Chapelle-en-Vercors loop. The charming village of Pont-en-Royans, known for its houses perched on rocks, is also a notable attraction nearby.

Yes, the landscape is adorned with picturesque waterfalls. The White Waterfall on the Vernaison River is a striking sight, creating a foamy cascade. While not directly on a route listed here, the impressive Chute de la Druise, plunging 72 meters, is also in the wider Vercors area.

Yes, there are 12 easy routes suitable for families looking for a more relaxed cycling experience away from traffic. These routes typically feature less elevation gain and shorter distances, making them enjoyable for all ages.

The Vercors region is best enjoyed for cycling during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (May to October). During these periods, the weather is generally favorable, and the natural beauty of the park is at its peak. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Many of the routes in the region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Valchevrière lookout – Col d'Herbouilly loop and the View of the Vercors Mountains – Col de Rousset Pass and Tunnel loop, perfect for exploring without retracing your steps.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's spectacular and challenging routes, the breathtaking panoramic views, and the tranquility of cycling on less-trafficked roads within the Vercors Regional Natural Park.

While La Chapelle-En-Vercors is well-suited for cycling, direct public transport options that accommodate bicycles to the trailheads can be limited. It's advisable to check regional bus services or consider driving to a starting point with parking, especially for touring bikes.

Parking is generally available in and around the villages such as La Chapelle-En-Vercors, Saint-Martin-en-Vercors, and Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors. Look for designated public parking areas in these towns, which often serve as convenient starting points for many of the touring cycling routes.