The best MTB trails around Roussillon

Roussillon offers a wide selection of mountain bike trails, with over 200 routes available. These range from easy to difficult, catering to various skill levels.

Yes, Roussillon has 29 easy mountain bike trails. An excellent option for beginners is the St. Prim Downhill – Path - A Charavillère loop from Clonas-sur-Varèze, which is 14.2 miles (22.9 km) long with moderate elevation changes, making it a good introduction to the region's terrain.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Roussillon features 42 difficult mountain bike trails. Consider the Grenouze Pass – Pavezin Pass loop from Saint-Maurice-l'Exil, a demanding 29.6 miles (47.6 km) route with significant elevation gain, offering a rigorous workout and rewarding views.

The mountain bike trails in Roussillon vary greatly in length. Many popular routes, such as the Condrieu – Butter Island loop from Péage-de-Roussillon, are around 25-30 miles (40-50 km) long, providing a substantial ride. Shorter and longer options are also available.

Roussillon's mountain bike trails feature a diverse landscape, including rolling hills, river valleys, and agricultural plains. You'll encounter a mix of paved and unpaved paths, with terrain ranging from gentle inclines to more challenging ascents, often passing through forested sections and open countryside.

The komoot community highly rates mountain biking in Roussillon, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. Riders frequently praise the varied terrain, the extensive network of routes, and the scenic views, particularly along routes that offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding area.

Yes, several trails provide excellent viewpoints. The Tour de Bressieux – La Madone loop from Péage-de-Roussillon, for instance, includes significant elevation gain that rewards riders with panoramic views of the region. Similarly, the Tour de Bressieux – Orientation table loop from Péage-de-Roussillon leads through varied terrain with notable climbs, often offering scenic outlooks.

Many trails pass by interesting landmarks. For example, the Condrieu – Butter Island loop from Péage-de-Roussillon takes you near Butter Island and the Condrieu Suspension Bridge. Other notable attractions in the region include the Calvary Chapel, Chavanay and La Salette Chapel.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Roussillon, with milder temperatures and less rainfall. Summer can be warm, especially in the open plains, so early morning or late afternoon rides are advisable during this season.

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Roussillon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Condrieu – Butter Island loop from Péage-de-Roussillon and the Tour de Bressieux – La Madone loop from Péage-de-Roussillon, which are popular choices for their circular routes.

While specific parking details vary by trailhead, many routes in Roussillon, particularly those starting from towns like Péage-de-Roussillon or Clonas-sur-Varèze, typically have public parking options nearby. It's always a good idea to check local signage upon arrival.