The best road cycling routes around Saint-Martin-Sur-La-Chambre

The road cycling routes in Saint-Martin-Sur-La-Chambre offer a range of difficulties. You'll find approximately 10 easy routes, 15 moderate routes, and 24 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels. The region is particularly known for its challenging alpine climbs and high mountain passes.

Yes, Saint-Martin-Sur-La-Chambre is a prime starting point for formidable climbs. The ascent to Col de la Madeleine from La Chambre is a legendary "hors catégorie" climb, frequently featured in the Tour de France. This route covers 18.8 kilometers, gaining 1,477 meters at an average gradient of 7.9%, known for its consistent steepness. Another challenging option is the Col du Chaussy – Col du Mollard loop from Saint-Avre - La Chambre, an extensive 101.6 km path with significant elevation gain.

While cycling, you'll be treated to stunning alpine scenery. Expect fantastic views of the Belledonne mountains and the Valley des Villards. Notable natural features and viewpoints include the iconic Col de la Madeleine and the scenic Col du Chaussy. The area also features the unique Montvernier Hairpins, a series of switchbacks offering spectacular vistas.

Beyond the mountain passes themselves, you can encounter several interesting landmarks. The Montvernier Hairpins are a famous cycling landmark. You might also pass through the charming village of Montvernier, or experience the Spectacular Cliffside Road Above Montvernier. These offer great points of interest during your ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 480 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging high mountain passes, the stunning alpine valleys, and the panoramic views of the Belledonne mountains. The variety of routes, from demanding climbs to scenic loops, is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, there are several excellent loop routes. For a longer, challenging ride, consider the Col du Chaussy – Col du Mollard loop from Saint-Avre - La Chambre. A shorter, yet still demanding, option is the View of the Maurienne Valley – Col de Chaussy loop from Saint-Avre - La Chambre. Another popular loop is the Montvernier Hairpins – Montvernier loop from Saint-Avre - La Chambre.

The Maurienne valley, where Saint-Martin-Sur-La-Chambre is located, is primarily a summer destination for cycling. The high mountain passes are typically clear of snow and fully accessible during the warmer months, generally from late spring through early autumn. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for tackling the challenging climbs and enjoying the scenic routes.

While the region is known for its challenging climbs, there are approximately 10 easy road cycling routes available around Saint-Martin-Sur-La-Chambre. These routes offer a gentler introduction to the area's beauty, allowing for a more relaxed pace while still enjoying the picturesque surroundings.

Saint-Martin-Sur-La-Chambre and nearby villages like Saint-Avre - La Chambre, which serve as common starting points for many routes, typically offer general parking facilities. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for specific parking areas suitable for longer stays while you're out cycling.

Many routes in the area combine challenging ascents with breathtaking scenery. The Col de la Madeleine – Itinéraires pour vélo de route en Maurienne, while difficult, rewards cyclists with incredible alpine vistas. The Longchamp – La Chambre loop from Saint-Avre - La Chambre also provides a challenging ride with varied landscapes.

The village of Saint-Martin-Sur-La-Chambre itself is situated at an altitude ranging from 560m to 1050m. However, the road cycling routes in the Maurienne valley extend to much higher elevations, with legendary passes like the Col de la Madeleine reaching over 2000 meters, offering significant elevation gains.