The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Paul-Lès-Monestier

Saint-Paul-Lès-Monestier is nestled within the Vercors Regional Natural Park, often called a 'gravel paradise.' The region boasts an extensive network of cycle paths, including the ViaVercors, and former cross-country ski trails that transform into ideal gravel routes. These paths are designed to keep you away from main roads, offering a truly traffic-free experience through diverse terrain, forests, and winding natural paths.

There are several dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Saint-Paul-Lès-Monestier. This guide features four distinct routes, all offering challenging rides through the beautiful Vercors landscape.

Yes, all the routes highlighted in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, you can explore the Collet of Sinard, 900 m – Lac de Monteynard loop from Treffort, which offers stunning views and a rewarding ride.

The trails in Saint-Paul-Lès-Monestier traverse the diverse landscapes of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. You'll encounter high plateaus, dense forests, and impressive mountain peaks, with panoramic views of the Belledonne, Vercors, and Chartreuse ranges. Expect a mix of hard gravel, forest tracks, and soft paths, providing a varied and immersive experience.

Absolutely. All the routes in this guide are rated as 'difficult,' offering significant elevation gains and distances suitable for experienced gravel bikers. Consider the East Balcony of the Vercors – Col des Deux loop from Gresse-en-Vercors, which covers nearly 32 km with over 830 meters of ascent.

The Vercors Regional Natural Park is rich in natural beauty. While riding, you might catch glimpses of iconic peaks like Mont Aiguille. The nearby Monteynard-Avignonet Lake features impressive suspension bridges like the Drac and Ebron Footbridges, which are popular for scenic views. You can also find various mountain passes such as Col des Deux or Col de l'Allimas.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience here, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the stunning mountain scenery, and the challenging yet rewarding ascents that offer incredible views over the Vercors and surrounding ranges.

Yes, several routes provide spectacular vistas. The View of the Vercors – View of the Drac River loop from La Motte-d'Aveillans is specifically designed to showcase these breathtaking natural features. Another option is the Collet of Sinard, 900 m – View of the Vercors Mountains loop from Sinard.

The no-traffic gravel routes in this guide vary in length from approximately 18.5 km to 32 km. You can expect significant elevation gains, ranging from about 500 meters to over 830 meters, making them suitable for riders looking for a good workout and panoramic rewards.

While the routes themselves are focused on the ride, the broader Vercors area has several huts and shelters that can be points of interest or rest stops on longer adventures. Examples include La Soldanelle Refuge or Cabane de Carette, which are part of the extensive network within the park.