Waterfalls and wide views — cycling near Le Bourg-d'Oisans
Bike Touring Collection by Bourg-d'Oisans
8
Tours
15:51 h
123 mi
14,375 ft
France’s diverse region of Oisans is located between the departments of Isère, Hautes-Alpes and Savoie in the French Alps. Lakes, forests, waterfalls, high peaks and picturesque villages lie close together and make the area a wonderful destination for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
You can explore the region especially well by bike. In this Collection, we present eight fantastic rides. From cycle paths along river banks to small passes along steep rock faces, there’s something for all abilities and interests. The Tours are ordered from shortest to longest and be sure to check the altitude profile before you set off, so you know what to expect; this is especially important if you are travelling with children.
The first four routes are good for families. They’re all shorter than 20 kilometres (12 mi) and are relatively flat. These are followed by two routes of medium difficulty, which are suitable for cyclists who already have some experience in mountainous terrain. These are also a good choice if you want to try a mountainous route, as there are opportunities to take breaks at scenic spots from time to time. At the end of the Collection, you’ll find two more difficult routes that challenge you with over 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) in elevation gain.
All routes, with the exception of numbers 4 and 5, start in the village of Le Bourg-d'Oisans. Le Bourg-d'Oisans is connected to Grenoble by bus line T75 and to Briançon by line LER 35. A free bus also runs between Vaujany, Allemond, Le Bourg-d'Oisans and Venosc throughout the summer. The timetables for the regional buses can be found here: itinisere.fr/en.
The best seasons for cycling in this beautiful region are late spring, summer and early autumn. As soon as the first snow falls, you’re better off on skis than on a bike.
On The Map
Tours & Highlights
- 00:558.04 mi8.8 mph450 ft450 ftEasyEasy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
This pretty loop starting from Bourg-d’Oisans is perfect for a half-day family getaway.
From the village, you take the Saint-Claude road to the Pont du Fournol, where it turns into a wide track and then into a cycle path. The arrival at the Pisse waterfall is quite spectacular, the waterfall being embedded…
- 01:1010.7 mi9.2 mph200 ft200 ftEasyEasy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
This walk starts in the center of Bourg-d’Oisans. Between pretty little country roads and the Voie Verte, it is a pleasant and undemanding loop, which is particularly suitable for beginners and families.
At the exit of the village, you fork on a pretty wide gravel track. It allows you to pedal in a superb…
Sign Up To Discover Places Like This
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
- 01:1511.9 mi9.6 mph300 ft300 ftEasyEasy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
This course of just under 20 kilometers is designed for families, or for those who are new to their practice and wish to undertake a nice walk without any elevation gain.
From Bourg-d’Oisans, you take the Voie Verte along the Romanche before branching off towards Petit Vernay. You continue your way on…
- 01:0912.7 mi11.1 mph350 ft1,050 ftEasyEasy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
This route is perfect for a family outing. Departing from Venosc, you go to Rochetaillée essentially taking the Voie Verte. Once in Rochetaillée, take the free shuttle that runs all summer to return to your starting point (more information here: oisans.com/commerce-service/navette-oisans-hydrelec-vaujany…
- 02:1312.2 mi5.5 mph2,350 ft2,350 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
This walk starts in Auris-en-Oisans. With 710 meters of elevation gain for just under 20 kilometres, it is a course reserved for those who already have some mountain biking experience.
You cross the village and come out on a wide dirt track on the edge of the Auris Express chairlift. You climb gradually…
- 02:1119.1 mi8.8 mph1,425 ft1,425 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
This pretty intermediate level course is a great idea for a day out with the family. You can cut the walk in two by planning a lunch break in the village of Allemond, which you pass on the way there and back.
From Bourg-d’Oisans, you take the magnificent Voie Verte along the Romanche. You step over the…
- 02:5918.8 mi6.3 mph4,125 ft4,125 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Between forests, small typical hamlets and views of the high peaks of the Grandes Rousses, this loop is simply magnificent. With 1,250 meters of elevation gain for around thirty kilometres, it is only intended for the most experienced cyclists among you.
Leaving Bourg-d’Oisans, you quickly branch off…
- 04:0129.4 mi7.3 mph5,200 ft5,200 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
This circuit is reserved for the most experienced among you. With 1,590 meters of elevation gain over almost 48 kilometres, it is a good challenge for those who like to see the country while warming up their thighs and calves.
The warm-up is almost non-existent. As soon as you leave Bourg-d'Oisans, you…
Like this Collection?
Collection Stats
- Tours8
- Distance123 mi
- Duration15:51 h
- Elevation14,375 ft
You Might Also Like
Bike Touring Collection by Tobias
Bike Touring Collection by Tobias
Bike Touring Collection by Bayerisch-Schwaben
Mountain Biking Collection by Kitzbüheler Alpen