Cycling route: the Sentier des Bigues and the Grottes de la Balme

Espace Bike, Base de Loisirs de la Vallée Bleue
Rive gauche
38390 Montalieu-Vercieu

Book

Bike ride (25km, average level) in the footsteps of the carriers of Isère! From the historic site of Montalieu to the Caves of La Balme, follow the Sentier des Bigues. Discover the history of stone and the preserved nature of ENS Coteaux de Saint-Roch.

Discover the Nord-Isère through a bike ride of 25 km (average level) that tells you the story of the local stone and those who shaped it.

A journey through time and subject:

The Epic of the Stone: From 1750, the quarries of Montalieu and Villebois made the fame of the region. Did you know that this stone adorns the Antonin Poncet square in Lyon and even the London Opera?

The "Rigues" of the Rhône: Discover the fascinating history of river transport. In the past, stone travelled on special boats, the "rigues" (built in Sault-Brénaz), loaded at the port of Briord or at the Balme.

Why 'The Bigues Trail'? The route takes its name from the bigues, those curious monolithic stone posts once used as stakes to support the vines. Keep your eyes open, they mark out your route at the remarkable places!

Nature Immersion at the Coteaux de Saint-Roch: The walk ends in beauty in the Sensitive Natural Area (ENS). A marked trail of 8 educational panels guides you through three preserved ecosystems:

- The impressive cliffs of the Balme Caves.

- The freshness of the forest.

- The unique biodiversity of dry grasslands.

An outing rich in discoveries for cyclists curious about heritage and nature !

Practical information

Activities proposed

Cycle sports,
Mountain biking,
Electric-assisted bike,
Electric-assisted mountain bike

Equipments

Free car park,
Car park,
Camper van reception area,
Picnic area

Time schedule

From 04/01/26 to 10/31/26

Monday :

Closed
Tuesday :

Closed
Wednesday :

Open
Thursday :

Open
Friday :

Open
Saturday :

Open
Sunday :

Open
Jours fériés :

Open

Booking highly recommended. Thank you for checking our opening days and hours on our website: https://espace-bike.com/location-reparation-velo/fourche-moteur-bosch-frein/.

From 11/01/26 to 11/15/26

Monday :

Closed
Tuesday :

Closed
Wednesday :

Open
Thursday :

Open
Friday :

Open
Saturday :

Open
Sunday :

Open
Jours fériés :

Open

Reservation required. Thank you for checking our opening days and hours on our website: https://espace-bike.com/location-reparation-velo/fourche-moteur-bosch-frein/.

Subject to favorable weather

On demand

Prices

Payment method

Bank/credit card,
Travellers Cheque,
Cash

From 07/02/26 to 15/11/26

Adult Possibility to rent mountain bikes/MTVs with electric assistance for a duration ranging from 1 hour to 2 days (more on quotation).: 9€ to93€
Child Possibility to rent muscle mountain bikes, or electric assisted mountain bikes for a duration ranging from 1 hour to 2 days (more on quote).: 7€ to90€

Muscle or electric-assist bicycles available for hire, from 1 hour to 2 days (or more by quotation and reservation only).
Réservation - Booking recommended. It is advisable to call the service provider beforehand to check opening times.