The Vercors by bike, from Valence to Grenoble

Day 1 - Valence - Saint-Jean-en-Royans

Set off towards the Col des Limouches (1,086m). Be sure to admire the panorama at the foot of the cliff that extends to the Cevennes. The valley of Léoncel (914m) is home to an imposing abbey (12th century). The view from the tunnel is breathtaking at the Col de la Bataille (1,313m). As is the view at Col du Pionnier (tunnel – 1,029m) that dominates the Bouvante valley. Next, after Col de la Croix (722m), is the descent to St-Jean-en-Royans: by which time you will have earned some slow-release sugars from its ravioles.

Day 2 - Saint-Jean-en-Royans - La-Chapelle-en-Vercors

A good climb up to Col Gaudissart (889m), before the breathtaking Combe-Laval route: carved into the rock, it overlooks the valley from 600m. At Col de la Machine (1,011m) the valleys follow each other, via Col de Chaud-Clapier (1,431m) to reach Col de la Chau (1,337m). There, the Memorial of the Resistance plunges you into the history of the Maquis of the Vercors. After Col de St-Alexis (1,222m) the detour (3km each way) at the tunnel exit of Col du Rousset will allow you to admire the exceptional panorama of the Diois.

Day 3 - La Chapelle-en-Vercors - Corrençon-en-Vercors

The Cour des Fusillés (‘Court of the Rifles’) in La Chapelle-en-Vercors may offer an opportunity to reflect, but Les Grands Goulets await, even if only part of it remains (a downhill tunnel bypasses the dangerous part). Further down, Les Petits Goulets promise a nice overview. In Pont-en-Royans, famous for its maisons suspendues (‘hanging houses’) along the river, you can head up to the majestically steep Bourne Gorges. From here, you set off for St-Julien-en-Vercors and then the Herbouilly and Chalimont  passes (1,370 and 1,365m respectively).

Day 4 - Grenoble - Corrençon-en-Vercors

Follow the Bourne Gorges for 2.5km as you come away from Villard-de-Lans and you will reach the equally majestic Méaudret Gorges. From Autrans head towards Col de la Croix-Perrin (1,218m). In St-Nizier-du-Moucherotte, dominated by the 3 Pucelles, a cliffside orientation table offers a phenomenal view of the Isère Valley. All that remains is a plunge into Grenoble, with a passing glance towards the Tour Sans Venin, the final remains of the old chateau.

MyTripTailor Tip : If you’re not in any hurry, there’s another cycle experience to enjoy: rent a mountain bike in Villard, take the Côte 2000 cablecar, bike up to Col des 2 Sœurs (2,054m) and head down to Villard. The rolling route (16km, 480m ascents, 1,200m descents) will only take the morning and will linger long in the memory!