Mountain bike trail - The round of the ponds

Cycling sports
Mountain biking itinerary

Image illustrative — © Les Vals du Dauphiné

Parking le long de la D1006 ou devant la gare
38490 Saint-André-le-Gaz

Difficulty: Difficile
Lenght: 25.1Km
Elevation: 260m
Duration: 2H15

GPX - VTT Ponds and marshes

This trail will first lead you to the edge of Lake Saint-Félix. Then, it will lead you near the ponds of Tapon and Refeuille, well-known by fishermen. You will end at Malseroud’s pond, a Sensitive Natural Area.

ROUTE:

From the car park along the RD 1006 or from Saint-André le Gaz station, head towards ‘Bois Chaboud’.

Once past this crossroads, a wide path leads you to Lac Saint-Félix, a designated Sensitive Natural Area (250m round trip to see the view from the lakeside). This natural glacial lake is a great place to spot the agile frog, as well as numerous birds and butterflies.

The rest of the route alternates between small roads and footpaths, with the exception of a 200-metre stretch on the D145 to La Batie Montgascon. Look out for Château de Renodel, built in the 19th century with 3 main buildings, including a high round tower topped by a pepperpot roof. After another 200m on the D145, head towards ‘Château de Donat’, where you can admire its brick tower.

You will then arrive at the Malseroud pond. This sensitive natural area is ideal for birdwatching (wild coot, great crested grebe, grey heron), dragonflies, frogs and more. It is possible to walk around the pond (20min). Dogs must be kept on a lead.

Continue your tour through the village of Fitilieu. You then follow the wide, flat paths of the Fitilieu marshes and pass close to several ponds before returning to Saint-André le Gaz. You will also pass a number of pheasant farms. A tunnel allows you to cross the railway line on the way back.

This route can also start at Fitilieu.

Beware, this route is very pleasant in summer, but the paths through the marshes are often muddy in the wet season (November to April).

SIGNS AND MARKINGS :

Follow the yellow markings and signs:
ST-ANDRÉ LE GAZ > Bois Chaboud > le Bout du Lac > les Vaudrines
> Laye > Avolin > Château de Renodel > Château de Donat > les Bruniaux > Fitilieu > Château de Donat > Étang de Refeuille > Bois Chaboud > ST-ANDRÉ LE GAZ

Route details

2h15

Boucle

25.1km

260m elevation gain

Difficulty

Level red – hard

Direction signs

Follow the yellow marked path and the crossroads:
ST-ANDRÉ LE GAZ > Bois Chaboud > le Bout du Lac > les Vaudrines
> Laye > Avolin > Château de Renodel > Château de Donat > les Bruniaux > Fitilieu > Château de Donat > Étang de Refeuille > Bois Chaboud > ST-ANDRÉ LE GAZ

Ground type

Ground,
Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring),
Grit

Tricky parts

Watch out for the 2 crossings of around 200m on the D145 at Bâtie Montgascon (before the ‘Avolin’ sign and after the ‘Château de Renodel’ sign).

The wild ponds, like Malseroud’s one, are breeding grounds for many aquatic birds. Therefore, our presence can frighten them. Consequently, please, respect the tranquility of these areas, do not approach the edges of the ponds, especially in spring and dogs must be kept on a leash.

Map references

Carte VTT gratuite à l'Office de Tourisme Les Vals du Dauphiné

Guidebook references

Livret pédagogique "Etang de Malseroud"
Disponibles dans les bureaux d'information de l'office de tourisme les Vals du Dauphiné.

Pets welcome

Car park

Opening

All year round daily.

Informations to download

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Latitude : 45.544528

Longitude : 5.524191

Height : 415

Parking le long de la D1006 ou devant la gare
38490 Saint-André-le-Gaz

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Information updated on 14/04/2026
by Office de Tourisme des Vals du Dauphiné

Mountain bike trail - The round of the ponds