4.5
(130)
979
riders
87
rides
Mountain biking around Villes is defined by its diverse and challenging terrain, featuring notable passes and expansive plateaus. The region offers routes that traverse through varied landscapes, including the dramatic Valserine Gorges and forested areas. Riders can expect a mix of elevations, from steady climbs to exhilarating descents, making it suitable for experienced mountain bikers.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
4.6
(31)
163
riders
29.8km
02:55
640m
640m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
40
riders
84.5km
07:47
2,110m
2,110m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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4.0
(4)
22
riders
36.3km
03:10
680m
680m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(3)
22
riders
25.1km
02:37
650m
650m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(1)
17
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Nestled in pastures at an altitude of 1,000 meters, Giron is the highest (and sunniest!) village in the Ain. Welcoming, with breathtaking views, it is ideal for an overnight stop.
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A 10 km climb from the small roundabout in Châtillon, it's more like 14 km from the Nantua road or the center of Bellegarde. The gradient is fairly steady, ranging from 5.5% to 7.2%, with about ten small steep sections at +8.5%. Very quiet, with very few cars. The road is generally in good condition, but nothing more. There are some beautiful views along the way.
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Extraordinary panorama, ideal place for a break on the GTJ route, a picnic or even a stopover in a gîte (booking: https://refugelaconay.clubalpinbourgenbresse.fr/reservation/)
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This human-sized resort offers many activities available all year round. It is the starting point for VTT, Gravel and hiking circuits. It also has a biathlon stadium usable in summer and winter, unique in the Ain. Ideal for exploring the Jura massif.
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Stele paying tribute to the Resistance fighters who took to the Maquis on the Plateau de Retord during the Second World War. Several information panels on the history of the Resistance fighters near the various farms occupied at the time.
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Small pass at the crossroads of the Crêt du Nu, summit of the Plateau de Retord, the Mont Blanc de Beauregard panorama, the hamlet of Bergonnes and the resort of Plans d'Hotonnes.
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Open panorama of the Alps facing Mont Blanc. View of the Grand Colombier, legendary pass of the Ain, the Belledonne massif and the Chartreuse to the south. This panorama is easier to access and more open than the one located in the extension of the summit.
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About 10km of path between Plans d'Hotones and the Col de Cuvéry, along the GTJ VTT, it goes on gravel and it's beautiful. Please respect the places!
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There are over 80 mountain bike trails around Villes, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. This includes 10 easy routes, 44 moderate routes, and 26 difficult routes.
Mountain biking around Villes features diverse and challenging terrain, characterized by notable passes and expansive plateaus. You'll find routes traversing varied landscapes, including dramatic gorges like the Valserine Gorges and extensive forested areas. Riders can expect a mix of elevations, from steady climbs to exhilarating descents.
Yes, Villes offers 10 easy mountain bike routes suitable for beginners. An excellent option is the Cuvéry Pass – Plateau de Retord loop from Ochiaz, which is 4.9 miles (7.9 km) long and takes about 43 minutes to complete, leading through the Cuvéry Pass and towards the Plateau de Retord.
For experienced mountain bikers, Villes offers 26 difficult routes. The Cuvéry Pass – Cuvery Pass loop from Ochiaz is a challenging 21.9 miles (35.2 km) trail that takes over 3 hours, offering a demanding journey through mountainous landscapes. Another extensive option is the Terments Cross – Plateau de Retord loop from La Chapelle, a 57.7 miles (92.8 km) path exploring the vast Plateau de Retord with significant elevation changes.
Many of the mountain bike trails in Villes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Cuvéry Pass – Cuvery Pass loop from Ochiaz and the Terments Cross – Plateau de Retord loop from La Chapelle, both offering extensive circular experiences.
While mountain biking around Villes, you can explore several natural attractions. The Valserine Gorges – Stone Bridge loop from Bellegarde-sur-Valserine takes you through the stunning Valserine Gorges. Other notable natural features in the region include the Valserine Valley, Crêt de la Goutte, and La Tine de Parrant.
Yes, the region offers numerous scenic viewpoints, particularly from its passes and plateaus. Routes like the Le Jay – Catray viewpoint loop from Vouvray are specifically designed to highlight panoramic vistas. The vast Plateau de Retord also provides expansive views of the surrounding mountainous landscapes.
The mountain bike trails in Villes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from around 70 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse and challenging terrain, the mix of forested paths and open plateaus, and the rewarding panoramic views from the passes.
The diverse terrain of Villes, with its passes and plateaus, suggests that late spring through early autumn typically offers the best conditions for mountain biking. During these months, trails are generally clear of snow, and the weather is more favorable for exploring the varied landscapes, from lush forests to open meadows.
Villes is known for its mountain passes, which are integral to many of its mountain biking routes. You can explore passes such as Col de Bérentin, Cuvéry Pass, Belleroche Pass, Col de Richemond (1060 m), and Col de Colliard pass, all offering unique riding experiences and scenic views.
The duration of mountain bike trails in Villes varies significantly depending on their length and difficulty. Easy routes, like the 4.9-mile Cuvéry Pass – Plateau de Retord loop from Ochiaz, can be completed in under an hour. More challenging and extensive routes, such as the 57.7-mile Terments Cross – Plateau de Retord loop from La Chapelle, can take over 8 hours to complete.


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