The best cycling routes around Saint-Laurent-Du-Verdon

There are over 10 touring cycling routes around Saint-Laurent-Du-Verdon, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 30 reviews.

The region offers a diverse landscape for touring cyclists. You'll find dramatic limestone cliffs, extensive woodlands, and the open Valensole Plateau. Routes often follow the emerald-green Verdon River and encircle beautiful lakes like Lac de Sainte-Croix, providing varied elevations from leisurely lakeside paths to more challenging climbs along the Gorges du Verdon.

Yes, Saint-Laurent-Du-Verdon has routes suitable for beginners and families. While some routes involve significant climbs, many lake tours, particularly around Lac de Sainte-Croix, offer more leisurely rides with scenic views. These routes often start from villages like Les Salles-sur-Verdon and pass through charming areas like Bauduen and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Saint-Laurent-Du-Verdon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the View over the Verdon – View of the Verdon loop from Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon is a moderate 9.0-mile (14.5 km) trail that offers varied terrain and views of the Verdon.

The region is rich in scenic viewpoints. The Gorges du Verdon, often called Europe's Grand Canyon, offers awe-inspiring vistas, especially along the famous Route des Crêtes with its 14 different lookouts. You can also find beautiful views of the lakes, such as the View of Lake Esparron or the Coastal viewpoint near Lac de Sainte-Croix.

Absolutely! The region's numerous lakes, including Lac de Sainte-Croix, Lac de Quinson, Lac d'Esparron, and Lac de Montpezat, provide excellent opportunities for refreshing breaks and water sports. You can find quiet bathing spots with beautiful lake views, perfect for a dip after a ride.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can explore charming traditional Provençal villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Trigance, and Riez. The area also features historical points of interest such as ancient Roman vestiges, medieval architecture, and chapels like Sainte-Maxime. You might also encounter castles, including the Esparron-de-Verdon Castle or the Château de Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon.

Yes, experienced touring cyclists will find challenging routes, particularly those that venture into the Gorges du Verdon. The Sainte-Croix bridge – Bridge over the Verdon loop from Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon is a difficult 16.5-mile (26.5 km) route with significant elevation gain, offering views of the Verdon River and Sainte-Croix bridge. Another challenging option is the Quinson Old Town – View of Quinson loop from Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be beautiful, especially with the lavender fields blooming on the Valensole Plateau, but it can also be quite warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended.

Yes, Lac de Sainte-Croix is a central feature of the region, and many touring cycling routes offer stunning views or even encircle parts of the lake. These routes often provide a mix of distances and difficulty levels, with some sections being particularly well-suited for families looking for scenic, less arduous rides.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, particularly the dramatic Gorges du Verdon and the serene lakes. The diverse terrain, from challenging climbs to picturesque lakeside paths, and the opportunity to explore charming Provençal villages are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, if you cycle north towards the Valensole Plateau, especially during the summer months, you'll be treated to extensive lavender fields in full bloom. Routes in this area offer a fragrant and visually stunning experience on generally less arduous terrain, making for a memorable ride.

While Saint-Laurent-Du-Verdon is best explored by car for flexibility, some regional bus services might connect to larger towns in the Verdon Natural Regional Park. However, direct public transport access to specific trailheads can be limited. It's advisable to check local transport schedules in advance if you plan to rely on public transport for trail access.