The Grand Tour of the Vercors by Mountain Bike - Intermediate Version
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVercors Massif / Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions57.91 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 Great Crossing of the Vercors" and extends across the entire massif, thus becoming an essential reference for tours and crossings in France.
The Vercors Massif offers an exceptional variety of landscapes and terrain, perfect for lovers of wide open spaces. Between paths, technical trails, playful ridges, accessible alpine pastures and wild high plateaus, each route promises breathtaking panoramas.
During your travels, take the time to savor the local cuisine : ravioli, Royans walnuts, or famous cheeses such as Bleu or Saint-Marcellin. A gourmet experience that perfectly complements this unique adventure.
The highlights
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See everything about the Vercors
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The desire to do a sporting raid
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Return transfer arranged to the starting point
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: 4h
- Average distance/day: 33 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 752 m
- Average daily descent: 902 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 route guide: our dedicated mobile app "Roadbook For Discovery", and/or GPS tracks
Program
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Méaudre - Autrans
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 34 km
- Positive elevation gain 740 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Welcome to Méaudre, the starting point for your mountain bike tour at 9 am . A warm-up ride along the bucolic flagstone path of the Autrans plain to Gève , a diverse Nordic area which, on a mountain bike, becomes a fabulous playground! A few pedal strokes will take you up to the ridges at the northern end of the massif, a spectacular first viewpoint that sets the tone for the rest of your stay!
Day 1 -
Autrans - Lans-en-Vercors
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 28 km
- Positive elevation gain 770 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Admittedly, the climb up the Molière ridge will be a challenge first thing in the morning, but you'll be richly rewarded with one of the most beautiful views in the Vercors, offering a superb panorama of the Alps! In the distance, you can see Mont Blanc, La Meije, and the Écrins massif. After a slalom run through the grazing heifers, it's time for a rhythmic and fun descent down to the Lans valley .
Day 2 -
Lans en Vercors - Saint-Martin-en-Vercors
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 3h45
- Distance 33 km
- Positive elevation gain 810 m
- Negative elevation 510 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After a rolling start, the stage winds through forests and verdant valleys, offering a variety of paces, terrains, and landscapes. Enjoy beautiful rural sections through the Allières alpine pasture and past the Pont de l'Amour (Lovers' Bridge). Higher up, an enchanting panorama will offer a new perspective on the southern Vercors and its natural wonders. You'll descend the Herbouilly plain to find your cozy spot in the heart of the forest for the night.
Day 3 -
Saint-Martin-en-Vercors – Vassieux
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 31 km
- Positive elevation gain 670 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You'll begin the day with a descent through the typical hamlets and villages of the Vercors-Drôme region, a completely different atmosphere that will certainly contrast sharply with the first few days! The rural life of yesteryear has shaped this valley nestled in the heart of the Vercors, far from the beaten track, close to the high plateaus. Further on, the fun begins: you'll tackle the challenging "trials" section of the Combe Libouse to reach the Vassieux plain. Here, a unique mosaic of landscapes awaits, perfectly suited to mountain biking adventures!
Day 4 -
Vassieux - Saint-Jean-en-Royans
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 39 km
- Positive elevation gain 770 m
- Negative elevation 1600 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A final stage that's sure to be exhilarating! From the majestic plateaus of the Drôme, you'll traverse stunning, secluded landscapes before embarking on a dynamic descent to the eastern foothills of the Vercors. It's here in the Royans region , at the foot of this limestone giant, that your mountain biking adventure will conclude. Return transfer is available as an option and can be booked when making your reservation.
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 : 3 nights in a private room and 1 night in a dormitory (private rooms available). Bed linen and towels are provided in private rooms but not in dormitories (bed linen and towel rental available). Please bring an extra bath towel for accommodations with a swimming pool or wellness area.
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 in local shops : the stages of this circuit do not allow for daily supplies as you do not always pass through a village, this information will be detailed in your guidebook.
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 your stay:
- Train : St Hilaire-St Nazaire station located 14 km from St Jean-en-Royans.
- Bus : towards Romans/Valence, Line No. D05, see the Region's website for details. Connections with trains and TGVs departing from Valence Ville station.
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".
Return by car to Méaudre, the starting point:
- Book your taxi transfer at the time of registration (see options): return transfer Saint-Jean-en-Royans > Méaudre around 4 pm on the last day. For 2 to 4 people, i.e., 1 vehicle + trailer or bike rack. Duration approximately 1 hour.
- Or if you are coming with several cars, drop one of them off at the arrival point in St Jean-en-Royans on the first day.
Price details
The price includes
- The organization and preparation of your stay.
- Accommodation for 4 nights (3 nights in a room and 1 night in a shared dormitory).
- Half board (dinners and breakfasts).
- 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.
- Sheets and towels on day 3.
- Picnics, snacks.
- Insurance.
- Transportation from the place of residence to the starting point and back.
Options
- Return transfer St Jean - Méaudre (Sundays and public holidays) : CHF146.37 / reservation
- Return transfer St Jean - Méaudre (weekday) : CHF109.78 / reservation
- 5-step picnic : CHF59.46 / person
- Accommodation in a room with linen rental on day 3 : CHF22.87 / person
- Additional night in Méaudre the day before the first stage : CHF80.50 / person
- Additional night in Méaudre at the end of your stay : CHF80.50 / 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.
