The best cycling routes around Saint-Paul-Lès-Monestier

There are over 80 touring cycling routes in the Saint-Paul-Lès-Monestier area, offering a wide range of options for exploring the Vercors Regional Natural Park.

The routes around Saint-Paul-Lès-Monestier cater to various skill levels. You'll find 2 easy routes, 18 moderate routes, and 63 difficult routes, many of which feature significant elevation changes through the mountainous Vercors landscape.

While many routes in the Vercors are challenging, there are a couple of easy touring cycling routes available. These are generally shorter and have less elevation gain, making them more suitable for families or those seeking a relaxed ride.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the challenging East Balcony of the Vercors – Col de l'Arzelier loop from Monestier-de-Clermont or the The Burning Spring – Col de l'Arzelier loop from Saint-Paul-lès-Monestier, both offering extensive views and climbs.

The Vercors Regional Natural Park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes. Cyclists can experience massive vertical cliffs, deep gorges, expansive grassy plateaus, and vast forested areas. The region also features mountainous vistas from locations like Montagne de Serpaton and the serene waterside elements of Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can encounter several significant points of interest. The area is home to numerous mountain passes, such as Col de l'Allimas and Col de l'Arzelier, which offer challenging climbs and panoramic views. You might also pass by various huts and shelters like La Soldanelle Refuge or Grand Veymont Shelter.

The Vercors region is generally best for touring cycling from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is more favorable, and the mountain passes are typically clear of snow, allowing access to the full range of routes and stunning scenery.

Absolutely. The Vercors is a 'cyclists' paradise' with many challenging ascents and routes through impressive cliffs and gorges. With 63 difficult routes, including those tackling passes like the Col de la Machine and Pas de l'Essaure, advanced cyclists will find plenty of thrilling and demanding options, such as the Fau Pass – Brion Bridge loop from Monestier-de-Clermont.

The touring cycling routes around Saint-Paul-Lès-Monestier are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 170 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the dramatic vertical cliffs, deep gorges, and high plateaus within the Vercors Regional Natural Park, as well as the variety of terrain and excellent road surfaces.

Yes, the region offers unique structures that provide magnificent views. The Ebron Footbridge, a 180-meter-long Himalayan hiking footbridge over the Ebron Gorge, offers impressive views of the lake and surrounding peaks. The Passerelle du Drac is another imposing suspension bridge worth seeing.

The Vercors is famous for its panoramic roads and passes. Cyclists can challenge themselves on passes like the Col du Rousset, the Col de la Machine (known for hairpin bends and steep gradients), and the Pas de l'Essaure. These passes provide thrilling challenges and offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.