The Grand Tour of the Vercors by mountain bike, expert version
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelExpert
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DestinationVercors Massif / Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions61.36 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
The Grand Tour of the Vercors follows the iconic route of the Grande Traversée du Vercors and extends across the entire massif, making it a must-do among hiking and cycling tours in France. The Vercors massif offers an exceptional diversity of landscapes and terrain to explore. You'll traverse paths clinging to limestone cliffs, ridge trails that are both technical and fun, accessible alpine pastures, and breathtakingly beautiful wild high plateaus. Throughout the route, you can test your skills as an experienced athlete or hone your riding abilities. Take the time to admire the spectacular panoramas of the Belledonne and Écrins mountain ranges , and even Mont Blanc . During your stops, indulge in the local cuisine : Royans walnut ravioli, typical cheeses like Bleu du Vercors or Saint-Marcellin... a multitude of flavors await to delight your taste buds!
The highlights
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The complete Grand Tour of the Vercors for experienced mountain bikers
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A loop circuit
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The Vercors High Plateaus variant is included in your itinerary.
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountain biking and e-mountain biking
The expert's opinion
Terrain type:
The Vercors offers a playground perfectly suited to mountain biking, sometimes playful, sometimes technical. While this limestone massif in the Pre-Alps is often referred to as a "plateau," it's anything but! The mountain bike routes (GTV and dedicated trails) that crisscross it offer a mountainous and highly varied landscape. We carefully select the routes and combine the stages in a balanced way to offer trips that match YOUR skill level. Our GTV mountain bike trip options and ratings take into account numerous factors: the choice of routes (singletrack, rolling trails, technical sections, switchbacks, etc.), the type of terrain (roots, stumps, rocks, boulders, ruts, etc.), the area (the terrain varies across the different cantons of the Vercors), and the weather (dry or wet). If you have any questions, contact our local team for advice and to choose the right package.
Electric mountain biking: the routes suggested here can be done on an e-MTB. The physical difficulty will therefore vary depending on the level of assistance chosen. The technical difficulty remains, of course, equivalent.
In figures
MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 56 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1440 m
- Average daily descent: 1436 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Dirt road
Management
After receiving the balance and within 15 days before your stay, we will prepare a complete mountain bike hiking guidebook for you (1 per group).
Your complete file contains: arrival information (reception location, parking), the itinerary (accommodations and services booked, transfers), vouchers if your stay includes internal transfers, a list of supply points and bike repairers, luggage tags, a complete guidebook written by our team to accompany you on the routes, extracts of maps marked with the routes, maps.
In addition to this mountain bike hiking logbook: our dedicated mobile app "Roadbook For Discovery", and/or GPS tracks.
Program
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Méaudre - Corrençon
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 65 km
- Positive elevation gain 1630 m
- Negative elevation 1540 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Welcome to Méaudre , the starting point of your mountain bike tour at 9:00 AM . This first day will reward you with one of the most beautiful views in the Vercors : the Molière alpine pasture with its breathtaking panorama of the Alps. But you'll have to pedal a bit before you can admire this spectacle. Then, from the Croix de Jaume, enjoy a beautiful, rhythmic descent along the ridge. You'll then continue at a leisurely pace through the typical hamlets of the Pays des 4 Montagnes (Land of the Four Mountains), all the way to Corrençon. Two routes are possible.
Day 1 -
Corrençon - Vassieux en Vercors
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 70 km
- Positive elevation gain 1340 m
- Negative elevation 1370 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
It was undoubtedly the "High Plateaus Nature Reserve" that inspired you to come all the way to the edge of the Vercors. Here, then, is the journey through these magnificent landscapes, a truly spectacular experience. Immersed in the vast territory of the wolf, the bearded vulture, and the iconic black grouse, you'll find yourself in a Canadian steppe atmosphere unlike anywhere else in our region. What a feeling of freedom to ride in such a setting! At the very end of the Nature Reserve, literally on the edge of the southern foothills, you'll reach a ridge path offering an enchanting panorama of the Diois and the Drôme Provençale . Just one last climb before reaching the heart of the Vassieux plain. Two routes are possible.
Day 2 -
Vassieux - Pont-en-Royans
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 59 km
- Positive elevation gain 1290 m
- Negative elevation 2140 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today's stage will take you from the Drôme Vercors to the foot of the massif in the Royans: time for the descent. You'll still need to pedal hard at the start of the day to reach another stunning alpine pasture: arrive at Fond d'Urle where semi-free-roaming horses welcome you in a magnificent setting. You'll cycle briskly up the Montagne de l'Echarasson and have the opportunity to cross superb , secluded spots before beginning a rhythmic descent to the eastern foothills of the Vercors. To top off this day, treat yourself to a delicious walnut tart, the region's specialty!
Day 3 -
Pont-en-Royans - Rencurel
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 54 km
- Positive elevation gain 1720 m
- Negative elevation 1110 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After the joys of a day with more downhill than uphill, today will be the opposite. You'll warm up with a few laps around the Vercors fortress. Then you'll ride along trails lined with deciduous trees in a woodland setting. Cycling in this enchanting new landscape is a pure delight! Before starting the descent to the village, a stop is a must in a forgotten old hamlet with views of the highest peaks of the Vercors.
Day 4 -
Rencurel - Méaudre
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 31 km
- Positive elevation gain 1220 m
- Negative elevation 1020 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Like the peddlers of old who sought to reach the villages of the plateau, you'll have to climb mountain passes to complete your "Grand Tour of the Vercors" on your bicycle. The Coulmes , separated from the Pays des 4 Montagnes by winding gorges and folded ridges, will offer you yet more unique scenery. After a final hike-a-bike section and a few last exhilarating moments in the saddle, your mountain biking trip will end in Méaudre in the early afternoon. If you're riding an e-bike, we'll suggest an alternative route without any hike-a-bike sections.
Day 5
Note
TRAIL INFORMATION : We may sometimes need to modify the indicated itinerary, either due to organizational issues (overbooked accommodations, changes in trail conditions – landslides, damaged paths – weather, etc.). Rest assured, these modifications are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort.
ACCOMMODATION : 4 nights in a room for 2 to 4 people. If there is an odd number of people, a single room is mandatory in Rencurel for 1 person (+€20). Sheets and towels are provided each evening. Please bring an extra bath towel for accommodations with a pool or wellness area. Each evening at your stopover, you will store your bicycle in a secure location (garage, dedicated storage area, etc.). The type of accommodation depends on availability at the time of your booking.
MEAL :
Dinners and breakfasts (half-board option) are included in your stay package. Please inform us of any food allergies when booking.
Picnics: Lunch is not included. For added peace of mind, we recommend choosing the picnic option. See options.
If you wish to order your picnic lunches on site : due to supply constraints at some remote accommodations, reservations are required 1 week prior to your stay. It may not always be possible to place an order at the last minute or on arrival.
Supplies available from local shops : possible on certain days.
Accommodation
Access
Day 1 at 9 a.m. at our agency in Méaudre. Your punctuality is necessary for the collection of your luggage and transport to the next stage.
Go to the starting point
Access to the start of the stay : train or TGV to Grenoble then bus to Méaudre .
- Train/TGV to Grenoble: Timetables are available from SNCF at www.sncf-connect.com . Remember to check the conditions for bicycle access on the website www.veloabord.fr.
- Then take the regular Grenoble - Lans - Méaudre bus operated by Compagnie de Cars Région Auvergne Rhône-Alpes . This bus line is T64 followed by T66. It departs from the bus station, which is next to the SNCF train station. Tickets can be purchased on site without reservation (€6.90 per trip). Buses are equipped with bicycle racks during the summer. The meeting point is located 3 km from the Méaudre bus stop.
Return at the end of the stay: same.
From the North - Grenoble : From the A48 towards Grenoble, take exit 14 “St Egrève Sassenage Villard-de-Lans”. In Lans-en-Vercors, follow signs for Autrans. At the bottom of the Col de la Croix Perrin, turn left towards Méaudre and continue for 1 km to the hamlet of Les Gaillardes.
From the South - Valence : From the A49 towards Grenoble, take exit 8 "Aire Royans-Vercors, Villard de Lans". Follow signs for Villard-de-Lans. At the end of the Bourne Gorge, turn left towards Méaudre. The gîte is 3 km past the village. Please note that this route is diverted at certain times of the year (generally spring and autumn). We advise you to then take the A49 to Grenoble and follow the directions "coming from the North".
Price details
The price includes
- The organization and preparation of your stay.
- Accommodation for 4 nights.
- Half board (dinners and breakfasts).
- Bed sheets and towels provided every night.
- Tourist taxes.
- Transporting luggage between stages to travel light.
- The provision of our " Roadbook " app with digital maps, traced routes and real-time geolocation or 1 paper hiking booklet with: guidebook, maps, route sheet, cultural booklet, etc.
- Upon request: GPS tracks (in .gpx format) for your device.
The price does not include
- The equipment (mountain bike, helmet, toolbox and tools) and its transport.
- Drinks, extras and other personal expenses.
- Bath towel for swimming pools (summer only).
- Picnics, snacks.
- Insurance.
- Transportation from the place of residence to the starting point and back.
Options
- 5-step picnic : CHF59.46 / person
- Additional night in Méaudre the day before the first stage : CHF80.50 / person
- Additional night BEFORE the stay : CHF80.50 / person
- Single room supplement for 4 nights : CHF91.48 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Mountain bike rental (not included in the price of your stay) : several rental shops are located near the starting point. Contact them directly; prices vary depending on the length of your stay and the bike category chosen. Advance booking is strongly recommended. Please note the weekly closing days of some shops: in Méaudre : Cycles et Co, tel: +33 4 76 95 20 44 or in Autrans : Olympic Sports, tel: +33 4 76 95 33 41.
Equipment to bring
In your bag for the day:
- 1 small backpack (15 to 20 L).
- 1 or 2 water bottles, the best being backpack water bladders (like Camel Back) which can hold 1.5 to 2 L of water minimum (you will find few or no water points to refill on the routes).
- Picnic essentials: 1 pocket knife, 1 fork and spoon, 1 Tupperware container (some accommodations may ask you to bring your own container)
- Race snacks (because being outdoors can make you a little hungry, don't hesitate to pack some in your suitcases: energy bars, dried fruit or a few squares of chocolate for those with a sweet tooth).
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract received when you registered if you took out this insurance or that of your personal insurance.
- 1 personal first aid kit (see complete kit suggestion below).
- 1 pair of sunglasses, ideally photochromic to manage different light conditions.
- A scarf or a "buff" (neck warmer) provides a solution for all situations to cover the neck and head, whether it is hot or cold.
- Optionally: a rain cover (to protect it from the rain) + 1 sturdy plastic bag (to protect the inside) + 1 headlamp or flashlight.
Mountain biking side:
- 1 mountain bike helmet (mandatory) in good condition, ideally with the Mips safety system.
- 1 suitable mountain biking outfit: cycling shorts, breathable t-shirts (long sleeves, short sleeves depending on the weather and season).
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers and shorts for cycling (depending on the weather and season).
- Flat shoes suitable for cycling.
- 1 fleece jacket or a down jacket.
- 1 Gore-Tex type waterproof windproof jacket.
- Cycling gloves, or even full gloves (depending on the weather and the season).
- 1 derailleur hanger known as the "fuse hanger ".
- 1 telescopic saddle.
- Mudguards can be useful.
- At least 2 inner tubes, tire levers and a repair kit
- Spare spokes, quick link, rags, lubricant, etc.
- 1 set of brake pads: remember to check their condition before the start of your stay.
A full-suspension mountain bike will be the ideal partner for your stay (rental not included).
This trip is suitable for electric mountain bikes.
You are responsible for the overall good condition of your mountain bike.
We recommend a complete check-up of your bike before your trip. You should be able to handle any minor breakdowns that might occur during a ride like this (punctures, repairs, etc.). If you have disc brakes or a more sophisticated mountain bike, be sure to bring the appropriate repair equipment. A list of shops offering repair services will be provided for your stay.
Clothing to bring
Your complete luggage transported (max 10-12kg):
- 1 sleeping bag liner and compact towel for the night in the refuge (J03).
- 1 extra bath towel and 1 swimsuit for accommodations with a swimming pool or wellness area.
- Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).
- Change of clothes for the evening: light trousers, clean t-shirt, light shoes and WARM clothes (fleece jacket or down jacket, it can get chilly in the evening at altitude, even in summer!).
- Earplugs or ear pads (optional).
- If you wear prescription glasses, remember to bring a spare pair.
Suggestions for a personal first aid kit:
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Your usual medications.
- Pain medication: paracetamol preferred.
- Lozenges for sore throats.
- Elastic adhesive strip, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
- Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses.
- Double skin (like Compeed or SOS blisters).
- Vitamin C.
- 1 pair of tweezers.
- 1 tick remover.
- Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
- 1 survival blanket.
