4.4
(191)
1,214
riders
114
rides
Mountain biking around Grand Lac de Laffrey offers diverse terrain on the Matheysin Plateau, situated south of Grenoble. The region is characterized by its mountainous landscapes, with hills and forests surrounding the largest of the four "sapphire lakes." Trails often feature natural elements like roots, rocks, and berms, providing varied riding experiences.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.8
(17)
92
riders
35.6km
04:07
1,070m
1,070m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.8
(18)
56
riders
36.7km
03:18
720m
720m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(6)
31
riders
17.8km
01:49
490m
480m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.3
(3)
24
riders
18.8km
01:54
460m
460m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.0
(3)
16
riders
24.5km
02:23
620m
620m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Gravel biking around Grand Lac de Laffrey
The little road that goes down from Cholonge is great and on arrival you have a superb view of Lake Lafrey
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Very beautiful panorama once you arrive at the Pierre Percée!
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I did it on gravel, climbing via the Aveillans hill (west), it was fine. Direct descent to Putteville, very limited at the beginning on gravel, much steeper but it was fine.
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1st part very smooth and very pleasant, 2nd part much more technical with a nice climb on a very greasy muddy path, steep slopes and quite technical descents. The final does not take the greenway recently set up and which allows you to avoid the road.
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beautiful course, technical, D+ beautiful singles
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From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Laffrey and Lake Mort. Both have magnificent turquoise colored water!
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Take the time to stop and enjoy the scenery. This view of the Pierre-Châtel lake is quite rare. From here you have a perfect vantage point to see the alignment of the three lakes.
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There are over 100 mountain bike trails around Grand Lac de Laffrey listed on komoot. The Matheysienne VTT club has developed an extensive network of over 900 km of circuits in the broader Matheysin Plateau, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels.
The trails around Grand Lac de Laffrey cater to various skill levels. While there are 9 easy and 23 moderate routes, the majority (80) are considered difficult. Many routes feature natural terrain with roots, rocks, and berms, often including significant descents.
Yes, there are 9 easy mountain bike trails in the Grand Lac de Laffrey area that are suitable for families and beginners. These routes offer a gentler introduction to mountain biking while still allowing you to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Mountain bike trails around Grand Lac de Laffrey offer diverse landscapes. You can expect stunning panoramic views of the northern Vercors, Grenoble, and its valley. Many routes traverse bucolic landscapes, forests, and alpine areas, often providing glimpses of the sapphire lakes, including Grand Lac de Laffrey itself.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Grand Lac de Laffrey are circular routes. For example, the Bucolic landscape – La Pierre Percée loop from Cholonge is a difficult 36.2 km loop, and the Bucolic landscape – TO DEFINE loop from Saint-Théoffrey is a moderate 36.7 km loop.
The mountain bike trails around Grand Lac de Laffrey are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 200 reviews. Many riders praise the varied terrain, the beautiful views, and the extensive network of trails that cater to different abilities.
The region is generally best for mountain biking during the warmer months, from spring through autumn, when trails are dry and accessible. The lakes provide a cool oasis during summer. Winter mountain biking is possible, but trail conditions may vary due to snow and ice, especially at higher elevations.
Yes, the area has historical significance. The region lies along the Route Napoléon, tracing Napoleon's return from exile. The Prairie de la Rencontre on the shores of Grand Lac de Laffrey marks the historic spot where Napoleon met royal troops in 1815. While there are no specific highlights linked to the routes in our data, you can explore these historical sites independently.
Beyond mountain biking, Grand Lac de Laffrey offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy swimming in the clear waters, or try canoeing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and rowing. There are also nature trails around the lake, including the Pivodière marsh, known for rare dragonflies, perfect for leisurely walks.
Yes, advanced riders will find plenty of challenging options. The majority of trails (80 out of 112) are rated as difficult. For example, the Bucolic landscape – magnificent view !!! loop from Saint-Théoffrey is a difficult 17.8 km route with significant elevation gain, offering rewarding views.
Absolutely. Many routes in the region are designed to showcase the beauty of Grand Lac de Laffrey and the surrounding sapphire lakes. The Lake Laffrey – TO DEFINE loop from Saint-Théoffrey is a difficult 24.5 km route that specifically highlights the lake, offering scenic vistas throughout your ride.
While some popular routes can see more traffic, the extensive network of over 900 km of trails across the Matheysin Plateau means you can often find quieter paths. Exploring some of the less-trafficked forest or alpine routes, particularly during off-peak hours or seasons, can provide a more serene experience.


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