The best traffic-free bike rides around Réserve biologique intégrale du Vercors

The Vercors Regional Natural Park, which surrounds the strictly protected Réserve biologique intégrale du Vercors, is a true cycling mecca. You'll find an extensive network of roads, many with very low traffic, offering diverse terrain from challenging mountain passes with panoramic views to more gentle sections through forests and plateaus. The region is known for its spectacular limestone cliffs, deep gorges, and vast plateaus, providing a varied and rewarding experience for road cyclists.

The Vercors is generally best for road cycling from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is more favorable, and mountain passes are typically clear of snow. Summer offers warm temperatures, while spring and autumn provide cooler rides and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Winter brings snow, transforming the area into a hub for winter sports, making road cycling less feasible on many routes.

Yes, the Vercors offers several challenging routes with significant elevation gains. For example, the Route of the Col de Romeyere – Col de Romeyère loop from Saint-Martin-en-Vercors is a difficult 45.6 km route with over 1000 meters of ascent. Another demanding option is the Bourne Gorges – Gorges du Nan loop from Vassieux-en-Vercors, which spans nearly 140 km with over 3400 meters of climbing.

Absolutely. The Vercors also caters to cyclists looking for moderate challenges. A great example is the Gresse-en-Vercors – East Balcony of the Vercors loop from Gresse-en-Vercors, a 32.3 km route with around 694 meters of elevation gain. Another moderate option is the Malaterre Inn – Bourne Gorge loop from Corrençon-en-Vercors, covering 37.2 km with about 825 meters of ascent.

The Vercors massif is renowned for its dramatic landscapes. Along many routes, you'll encounter spectacular limestone cliffs, deep gorges like the Gorges de la Bourne and Gorges du Nan, and vast plateaus offering panoramic vistas. Keep an eye out for iconic natural sites such as Mont Aiguille and the diverse flora and fauna of the region, including dense forests and various wildlife.

While the Réserve biologique intégrale du Vercors itself is a strictly protected zone primarily for scientific study, cycling is generally permitted on designated roads and trails within the larger Vercors Regional Natural Park. Always stick to marked paths and roads, respect wildlife, and follow local signage. For detailed information on the park's regulations, you can visit the official Grenoble Tourism website: Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors.

The Vercors region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.77 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning and varied landscapes, the challenging climbs with rewarding views, and the sense of tranquility found on the low-traffic roads. The dramatic rock formations and the extensive network of routes are frequently highlighted as major draws.

Yes, many of the recommended routes in the Vercors are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. This is ideal for day trips. Examples include the Gresse-en-Vercors – East Balcony of the Vercors loop and the Route of the Col de Romeyere – Col de Romeyère loop.

Many villages and towns within the Vercors Regional Natural Park, which serve as starting points for these routes, offer public parking facilities. For instance, you can typically find parking in Gresse-en-Vercors, Saint-Martin-en-Vercors, Vassieux-en-Vercors, and Corrençon-en-Vercors, which are common access points for the featured routes.

Yes, the Vercors region has several charming villages and small towns that offer amenities like cafes, restaurants, and bakeries. Planning your route to pass through these villages can provide convenient opportunities for refreshment and to experience local culture. It's always a good idea to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially on longer or more remote sections.

While many routes in the Vercors feature significant climbs, there are also sections and specific routes that are more suitable for families or less experienced cyclists, particularly on flatter valley roads or designated greenways (Voies Vertes) if available. When planning a family ride, look for routes with lower elevation gain and shorter distances, and always check the difficulty rating to ensure it matches your family's ability.