The best cycling routes around Le Lauzet-Ubaye

There are nearly 200 touring cycling routes available around Le Lauzet-Ubaye, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.

The routes vary significantly in difficulty. You'll find 18 easy routes, 46 moderate routes, and 129 difficult routes, ensuring options for beginners to experienced cyclists seeking a challenge.

You can expect majestic mountains, deep valleys, and significant water features. Routes often traverse alongside the Ubaye River, known for its natural flow, and glacial lakes like Lac du Lauzet. You'll also find routes near large artificial lakes such as Serre-Ponçon, offering varied terrain from challenging climbs to scenic valley rides.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops. For example, the challenging Serre-Ponçon – The Demoiselles Coiffées loop from Le Sauze-du-Lac offers a scenic ride around the lake, and the Lac de Serre-Ponçon – Col Saint Jean (1332 m) loop from Fort Saint-Vincent provides a longer, more demanding circular option.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle past the emerald green Lac du Lauzet, explore routes near the spectacular Costeplane waterfalls, or enjoy views of the vast Serre-Ponçon lake. Other notable natural highlights include Lake Sainte-Marguerite, Lac de Saint-Apollinaire, and the impressive Serre-Ponçon Dam.

Yes, the region blends natural beauty with historical elements. You might encounter the medieval Roman bridge with its majestic pointed arch crossing the Ubaye River, or pass through isolated hamlets and chapels that dot the landscape, offering glimpses into the area's heritage.

Yes, there are 18 easy touring cycling routes available. While the region is known for its mountainous terrain, these easier options allow beginners to enjoy the scenic beauty without overly strenuous climbs. Look for routes that stick to valley bottoms or follow gentler gradients.

Experienced cyclists will find plenty of challenges. The La Bréole – The Gorges de la Blanche loop from Fort Saint-Vincent is a difficult 47.5 km trail leading through gorges and valleys. Another demanding option is the Category 2 climb towards Pontis – Col de Pontis loop from Le Sauze-du-Lac, which features significant elevation gain and mountainous terrain.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, from challenging mountain passes to scenic valley rides, and the breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic mountains and glacial lakes.

Absolutely. Le Lauzet-Ubaye is an outdoor paradise. After a ride, you can enjoy whitewater sports like rafting or kayaking on the Ubaye River, go swimming or pedal boating in Lac du Lauzet, or explore numerous hiking trails to spots like the Col Bas lakes or Morgon peak.

The summer months are generally ideal for touring cycling in Le Lauzet-Ubaye, as the weather is typically warm and stable, making mountain passes more accessible. Spring and autumn can also be pleasant, with cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, though some higher routes might still have snow or be subject to early closures.

Many routes offer stunning viewpoints. The Col de Pontis – Category 2 climb towards Pontis loop from Le Lauzet-Ubaye, for instance, is known for its panoramic mountain views. Routes around Serre-Ponçon lake also provide spectacular vistas of the water and surrounding peaks, including views overlooking the lake from the Col de Pontis.