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France
Auvergne Rhône Alpes
Saint-Étienne

La Grand-Croix

The best MTB trails around La Grand-Croix

4.3

(602)

2,634

riders

197

rides

Mountain biking around La Grand-Croix offers access to the diverse landscapes of the Pilat Regional Park, a mid-mountain massif characterized by varied elevations ranging from 140 to over 1,400 meters. The region features a mix of fir and beech forests, open pastures, and vine-covered hillsides, shaped by a convergence of different climates. This terrain provides a wide array of natural features, including significant peaks like Crêt de la Perdrix and Crêt de l'Oeillon, alongside the scenic Couzon Dam.

Best mountain bike trails around La Grand-Croix

  • The most popular mountain bike trail is Wide track on the heights – Circuit de la Barollière loop from Saint-Paul-en-Jarez, a 28.3 miles (45.5 km) trail that takes about 4 hours 8 minutes to complete, offering challenging climbs and descents through varied forest terrain.
  • Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Couzon Dam – Jump loop from La Grand-Croix, a moderate 13.7 miles (22.1 km) path. This route features scenic views around the Couzon Dam and through surrounding woodlands.
  • Local mountain bikers also love the Grenouze Pass – Pavezin Pass loop from La Grand-Croix, a 28.0 miles (45.0 km) trail leading through the challenging terrain of Grenouze Pass and Pavezin Pass, often completed in about 4 hours 32 minutes.
  • Mountain biking around La Grand-Croix is defined by dense forests, varied mountain passes, and open pastures. The extensive network of routes offers options for different ability levels, from family-friendly paths to technical enduro descents.
  • The routes in La Grand-Croix are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 500 reviews. More than 2,000 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore La Grand-Croix's varied terrain.

Last updated: October 18, 2026

4.7

(23)

69

riders

#1.

Wide track on the heights – Chemin du Châtelard loop from Saint-Paul-en-Jarez

45.8km

04:10

1,110m

1,110m

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

4.4

(22)

44

riders

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Hard

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Popular around La Grand-Croix

Road Cycling Routes around La Grand-Croix

Cycling around La Grand-Croix

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Running Trails around La Grand-Croix

Tips from the Community

Jürgen
September 3, 2026, Chapel of the Virgin at Mont Monnet

For the strenuous climb to Mont Monnet (782 m), you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Phonetal valley. In addition, on the summit, you will find an information board, a small chapel, and a beautiful sculpture of the Madonna and Child.

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The Col de Pavezin is certainly not the highest, but it is no less mythical. The inventor of the derailleur, Paul de Vivié, who settled here, made it an unmissable rendezvous. The pass is located between the Rhône valley and the Gier valley, and opens up a grandiose panorama of the Alps and the Rhône furrow.

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3V
September 1, 2025, Col de la Gachet

on the watershed between the ocean and the Mediterranean

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Celle
July 13, 2025, Col de Pavezin

A classic must-do in the region.

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Very rocky, it hits your legs hard and for a long time Half sunny - half shaded A bit steep, you'll have to pedal to pick up speed In conclusion, very pleasant, but very physical when you want to set a time trial

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nice viewpoint above Valfleury

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To climb to the Crêt de Baronnette, the track is fairly smooth and then there are lots of stones making the climb technical. If you want to avoid it, go through the mid-Crêt de Baronnette to climb.

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Too bad, forestry work destroyed the track, it is completely impassable

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are available around La Grand-Croix?

There are over 190 mountain bike trails around La Grand-Croix, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.3 stars.

What types of mountain biking can I do in the Pilat Regional Park?

The Pilat Regional Park, accessible from La Grand-Croix, offers diverse mountain biking experiences. You can find trails for Cross-Country, ideal for sporty riders; Family-friendly circuits with gentle distances; E-biking routes with less technical difficulty; and Enduro trails with downhill profiles for advanced riders seeking thrills.

When is the best time of year to go mountain biking near La Grand-Croix?

The region benefits from a convergence of Mediterranean, continental, and oceanic climates, making spring and autumn particularly pleasant for mountain biking. Summers are generally warm, and while winter riding is possible, conditions can vary, especially at higher altitudes within the Pilat Regional Park.

Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the Pilat Regional Park offers family-friendly circuits designed for a more relaxed experience with gentle distances and elevation gains. While specific easy routes aren't highlighted in the top routes, you can find 13 easy-rated tours on komoot, suitable for those new to mountain biking or riding with family.

What are some challenging mountain bike trails for experienced riders?

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, trails like the Wide track on the heights – Circuit de la Barollière loop from Saint-Paul-en-Jarez offer challenging climbs and descents over 45 km. Another demanding option is the Grenouze Pass – Pavezin Pass loop from La Grand-Croix, which covers 45 km through challenging mountain passes.

Can I find trails with good viewpoints around La Grand-Croix?

Absolutely. The Pilat Regional Park is known for its stunning vistas. Routes often pass through elevated points like the Crêt de l'Oeillon, which offers superb panoramic views of the Rhône Valley and the Alps. Many trails, especially those in the Massif de la Madeleine and Col de Pavezin, feature scenic overlooks.

Are there any circular mountain bike routes available?

Yes, many mountain bike routes around La Grand-Croix are designed as loops. For example, the Couzon Dam – Jump loop from La Grand-Croix is a moderate 22.1 km circular path, and the Dorlay – Le dorlay loop from La Grand-Croix is a 32.2 km moderate loop.

What natural attractions or landmarks can I see along the mountain bike trails?

While mountain biking, you can encounter several natural and historical points of interest. The Pavezin Pass is a notable feature on some routes. The scenic Couzon Dam is also a highlight on a popular loop trail. The region's diverse landscapes include fir and beech forests, pastures, and vine-covered hillsides.

What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about mountain biking in La Grand-Croix?

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, ranging from dense forests to varied mountain passes and open pastures, as well as the extensive network of routes that cater to different ability levels.

Is it possible to access mountain bike trails using public transport?

While specific public transport links directly to trailheads are not detailed, La Grand-Croix is situated in the Rhône-Alpes region, which generally has public transport options. For detailed information on accessing specific trailheads via public transport, it's advisable to check local transport schedules for the Pilat Regional Park area.

Are dogs allowed on the mountain bike trails?

The Pilat Regional Park is a natural area, and generally, dogs are permitted on trails, often requiring them to be on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other users. It's always recommended to check specific park regulations or signage at trailheads for any restrictions.

Where can I find parking for mountain biking in La Grand-Croix?

Many trailheads within the Pilat Regional Park and around La Grand-Croix offer designated parking areas. For example, routes starting directly from La Grand-Croix, such as the Couzon Dam – Jump loop, typically have accessible parking nearby. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for specific parking information.

Most popular routes around La Grand-Croix

Road Cycling Routes around La Grand-Croix

Most popular attractions around La Grand-Croix

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