The Vercors Natural Park is known among cycle enthusiasts for its spectacular roads. Unique in Europe, the itineraries here are incomparable, with roadways carved out of the limestone mountains at the beginning of the 20th century at the cost of enormous effort and courage. These roads wind through gorges and tunnels carved out of the very rock to bring the traveller onto the plateau of the Vercors. The voyager is then rewarded by the most superb panorama imaginable: limestone corries, forest as far as the eye can see, and cliffs up to 1000 feet! The holiday takes place in what the French modestly call “la moyenne montagne” ("medium-size"), and has the particular interest of being recommended in high summer thanks to relatively moderate temperatures. But perhaps the ideal moment to enjoy this unique experience is in early autumn, when the countryside is full of the most vibrant colours, and the mists down in the valley contrast with frequent blue skies up on the plateau.
Things to see: the foothills of the Vercors mountain range. The banks of the river Isère.
Dinner and overnight in a 3* hotel by the river.
D2
From Pont en Royans to Villard de Lans
25 km stage with total uphill 900 metres. Around 3hrs00 (option grotte de Choranche + 5km and uphill +200 metres).
Today, you leave Pont en Royans and its famous hanging villas behind. Travel up the Bourne river and its winding meanders, carved out by water several thousand years ago and which have shaped these gorges with their spectacular cliffs. The Choranche cave, which you'll pass along the way, is a fascinating example of the wealth of subterranean geology to be found in this part of the Vercors. You will wind your way through an impressive succession of narrow passages and small tunnels that take you to the Vercors plateau.
Night in a 3* hotel and free dinner in the heart of the village.
D3
From Villard de Lans to La Chapelle en Vercors
33 km stage with total uphill 610 metres. About 3hrs.
After leaving Villard de Lans and its plain with a view of the Alps, you will head towards La Chapelle en Vercors along a small road in the undergrowth. Go up to the Col de Bois Barbu to reach the Drôme and its plateau, and enjoy superb views of the Mecca of the Resistance during the Second World War.
Dinner and night at a hostelry in a restored former farmhouse.
D4
From La Chapelle en Vercors to Pont en Royans
57 km stage (or 42km) with total uphill 850 metres. Around 4hrs.
Before heading back down to the plains to join the Drôme des Collines, take one last moment to enjoy the scenery all around you. Today, you'll pass two Cols before setting off for the vertiginous Combe-Laval cirque, which is sure to give you a thrill! Return to Saint Jean en Royans and then Saint Eulalie en Royans to finish your adventure in the Vercors.
1 night in bed and breakfast or a 3 star hotel and 2 nights in half board in Guest houses with 2 or 3 "épis" .
Detailed road-book and maps.
Update GPS tracks.
Logistical and technical support.
Baggage transport.
Optional
Bike rental from :
Bike for adult or junior : 90 €
Trailer bike or bike cart for child : 60 €
Child seat : 8 €
Electric power bike rental for adult or junior: 135 €
What's not included?
Dinner on day 2
Beverage and extra
Round trip transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Place-to-place cycling, without accompaniment.
Daily stages: 30 - 57 km, between 3 and 4hrs cycling daily at your own pace.
Total daily uphill: between 530 and 900 metres.
Altitudes from 150 to 1400 metres.
You need to be in good physical shape to enjoy this holiday.
Routes generally along narrow tarred roads
Suitable for road and trail bikes
Organisation
These outings are more about exploration than athletic performance. We transfer your luggage from lodging to lodging, and a roadbook will guide you from beginning to end. We provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
Accommodation is in either 2 or 3 "épis" guest houses chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural setting. Holiday includes half board accommodation. Picnics are extra and may be ordered at reservation.
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may have to be modified according to availability at the moment when final reservation is confirmed.
Access
By car
Highway A49, exit N°8 Saint Nazaire en Royans then Grenoble (D532) and Pont en Royans (D531 and D518).
By air
Lyon St-Exupéry airport
By train
Romans-Bourg-de-Péage railway station. Then by bus or taxi to the accommodation in Pont en Royans.
Comments
Global note
5.0
I highly recommend Safrantours for the quality of its services and the attention it provides during the entire duration of the trip. The 4-day cycling tour in the Vercors is magnificent and the perfect way to discover this beautiful region. (translated from french)
The Vercors Natural Park is known among cycle enthusiasts for its spectacular roads. Unique in Europe, the itineraries here are incomparable, with roadways carved out of the limestone mountains at the beginning of the 20th century at the cost of…
High above us soars the Mont Ventoux (1909 metres), the “Géant de Provence” that cyclists the world over fear and respect. But there are also innumerable little roads which run hither and thither, weaving their way over the lower…