ViaVercors by bike
The crisp morning air greets cyclists venturing onto the ViaVercors. The sun rises behind the mountain ridges, casting long shadows across the road that stretches as far as the eye can see – perfect for cycling. The journey along this cycle route, winding across the plateau and its distinctive karst landscapes, begins.
From the very first pedal strokes, it’s easy to see why this 55‑kilometre network attracts thousands of visitors each year in search of unspoilt landscapes. Reserved mainly for cyclists and other forms of gentle travel – such as walking or horseback riding – the route offers privileged access to the stunning scenery of the Vercors Regional Nature Park.
Six routes, six different sides of the Vercors
More than just a cycle route, the ViaVercors offers immersion into the very soul of the region, an intimate encounter with nature. Linking six charming villages along its course, it reveals a new way to experience the mountains.
the ascent
Engins to St-Nizier-du-Moucherotte
This first 6.5-kilometre section offers a spectacular start with breathtaking views over the Grenoble valley. The route follows the eastern ridge of the massif at nearly 1,200 metres in altitude, offering panoramic views of the Belledonne and Chartreuse ranges. In spring, the high‑altitude meadows come alive with gentians, colouring the landscape in brilliant blue.
The route then leads to the village of Saint‑Nizier‑du‑Moucherotte, a former Olympic site dominated by the rocky peaks of the Trois Pucelles. The village marks the gateway to the Vercors plateau.
Unique landsscapes
St-Nizier-du-Moucherotte to Lans-en-Vercors
At 8.9 kilometres long and featuring several steep climbs, this is the most challenging section of the ViaVercors. E‑bikes make it accessible to everyone, letting you tackle the ascents with ease and savour the sweeping panoramic views without breaking a sweat.
After one last look at the famous Trois Pucelles, the route unfolds to reveal some of the massif’s most striking sights: the Bruyant valley and the Molière mountain pasture, which opens onto the Alpine range. On a clear day, the view stretches all the way to the Mont Blanc massif – a truly magnificent spectacle.
the Vercors effect
Take your time, savour every moment.
The ViaVercors isn’t a race – it’s a chance to connect with the mountains.
gently sloping
Lans-en-Vercors to Villard-de-Lans
This 7.3-kilometre section offers a gentle introduction to the area. Mostly flat, with just 30 metres of elevation gain, the route runs alongside meadows where cows graze peacefully.
Ideal for families and novice cyclists, it offers views of the mountain ridges overlooking the Val de Lans, rising on the horizon and looking especially majestic in the first light of day.
Travelogue
“Four mad days cycling between Lans-en-Vercors, Villard-de-Lans, Méaudre and Autrans…”
Julien Audigier Content creator
The highlands
The approach to the mountain pastures
Villard-de-Lans to Corrençon-en-Vercors
This 7‑kilometre stretch is slightly more demanding, with a 150‑metre climb. Spruce forests gradually give way to open pastures where the bells of grazing herds ring through the crisp mountain air. Cyclists are rewarded with sweeping views of the cliffs of the Hauts‑Plateaux Nature Reserve – the final limestone barrier before Europe’s largest protected area.
In autumn, larch trees set the slopes aglow with shades of gold.
The panoramic challenge
Villard-de-Lans to Méaudre
Considered the most challenging section, these 10 kilometres are well worth the effort! The route alternates between forest tracks, several footbridges on stilts, a mountain pass to cross and a climb of nearly 300 metres.
The descent towards Méaudre then offers a thrilling ride along the perfectly winding bends of the country road.
In the distance, the Méaudre
Forest immersion
Méaudre to Autrans
This 9.6‑kilometre stretch links two twin villages surrounded by one of the finest beech and fir forests in the Vercors. The relatively flat route winds through a peaceful valley dotted with small hamlets noted for their traditional Vercors architecture, easily recognisable by their thatched gable roofs. These stepped roof shapes protected the thatch from the elements, while the heavy stone on top – called a couve – helped hold and finish that structure.
As the ViaVercors journey draws to a close, you can extend the experience with one last loop – a few extra kilometres to enjoy before ending a ride rich in encounters and discoveries.
Back to basics
As this day of exploration draws to a close, one thing becomes clear: the ViaVercors is not just a destination, it is a philosophy of travel. Here, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you rediscover the joy of slowing down, the richness of human connection and the simple beauty of nature.