4.3
(285)
4,049
riders
343
rides
Touring cycling around Nantua provides diverse landscapes within the Jura Mountains, featuring the prominent Lac de Nantua set amidst towering cliffs. The region offers varied terrain, from tranquil lake loops to challenging mountain passes and forested valleys. Cyclists can explore numerous lakes, plateaus, and river valleys, providing a range of experiences for different abilities. This area is well-suited for touring cyclists seeking both scenic rides and demanding ascents.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
5.0
(1)
75
riders
108km
07:40
2,140m
2,140m
The Ain à Vélo #10 is a difficult 67.3-mile touring bicycle route with 7037 feet of elevation gain, offering views of Lake Geneva.
3.0
(1)
32
riders
43.8km
02:58
660m
660m
Loop 16: Tour of Lac de Coiselet is a difficult 27.2-mile touring cycling route around Lac de Coiselet with 2153 feet of gain.

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14
riders
54.1km
04:03
1,280m
1,280m
This difficult 33.6-mile touring cycling loop from Oyonnax takes you around Lac de Nantua via the scenic route des sapins.
4.6
(20)
114
riders
44.0km
02:40
400m
400m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(20)
105
riders
48.3km
03:22
890m
890m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(6)
131
riders
39.6km
02:28
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(4)
124
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
41
riders
64.2km
04:18
1,050m
1,050m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(18)
54
riders
35.0km
02:23
580m
580m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.4
(7)
60
riders
66.4km
04:37
1,220m
1,220m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Lac de Nantua is a superb body of water of 141 hectares. In the heart of the Jura, it offers an ideal setting for practicing a multitude of sports. It is even possible to swim in its waters.
1
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In the heart of the Gorges de l'Ain, this 20-hectare island offers a body of water suitable for swimming and water activities in a preserved natural environment.
0
0
Beautiful, simple, easy walk; lots of traffic noise on the "road" section, a bit of a shame, but the color of the water is magical
1
0
Views during this 12% climb make it just that little bit more enjoyable.
0
0
A 10 km climb from the small roundabout in Châtillon, it's more like 14 km from the Nantua road or the center of Bellegarde. The gradient is fairly steady, ranging from 5.5% to 7.2%, with about ten small steep sections at +8.5%. Very quiet, with very few cars. The road is generally in good condition, but nothing more. There are some beautiful views along the way.
1
1
There are over 340 touring cycling routes around Nantua. These include a diverse range of options, with approximately 30 easy routes, over 80 moderate routes, and more than 230 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.
Yes, Nantua offers several easy and family-friendly options. The 'Tour du Lac de Nantua à vélo' is a particularly suitable choice, with approximately 80% of its 7-kilometer loop reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, offering continuous scenic views with minimal elevation gain. While not explicitly listed in the routes data, the region research highlights this as an ideal family-friendly option. For a slightly longer moderate ride, consider Cycle path along Lake Nantua – Camping at Lake Nantua loop from Brion - Montréal-la-Cluse, which also features the lake.
For stunning views, the routes around Lac de Nantua are highly recommended. The Lake Nantua – Lac de Nantua loop from Oyonnax offers continuous vistas of the lake set against towering cliffs. The broader Jura Mountains also provide panoramic scenery, such as the views from the Ain à Vélo #10: Balcony of Lake Geneva, which traverses the region with rewarding landscapes.
Absolutely. The Jura Mountains surrounding Nantua offer numerous challenging routes with significant elevation changes. For instance, the Lakes of Haut-Bugey Loop is a difficult 33.6-mile path with over 1200 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Ain à Vélo #10: Balcony of Lake Geneva, a 67.3-mile trail with over 2100 meters of climbing.
The touring cycling routes around Nantua are rich in natural beauty. You'll encounter the dramatic Lake Nantua, nestled between cliffs, and other picturesque bodies of water like Along Lake Coiselet and Lake Genin. The Jura Mountains also feature various passes such as Cuvéry Pass and Col de Bérentin, offering rewarding climbs and views. The region also includes forests like the 'great forest of Meyriat' and peaceful river valleys.
Yes, many routes around Nantua are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Loop 16: Tour of Lac de Coiselet, a difficult 43.8 km route, and the View of Mont Blanc – Cuvéry Pass loop from Ochiaz, a challenging 24.9 km ride.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil lake loops to challenging mountain passes, and the overall scenic beauty of the Jura Mountains. The variety of terrain and well-maintained paths are frequently highlighted.
Yes, the Nantua region benefits from dedicated cycle paths and greenways. Some of these routes utilize former railway tracks, providing safe and pleasant cycling experiences away from traffic, particularly around Lac de Nantua.
While specific public transport connections to trailheads are not detailed in the provided data, Nantua is a regional hub. It's advisable to check local bus or train schedules for connections to towns near your desired starting points. Many routes, like the Lake Nantua – Lac de Nantua loop from Oyonnax, start from larger towns like Oyonnax, which may have better public transport links.
The region's diverse landscapes, including lakes and mountains, suggest that late spring to early autumn (May to October) would be ideal. During these months, the weather is generally more favorable for cycling, and the natural scenery is at its peak. Mountain passes might be more accessible in summer, while lakeside routes are pleasant throughout the warmer seasons.
Yes, for views of the Rhône river, consider the View over Rhone – View of the Rhône loop from Bellegarde. This difficult 70.5 km route offers scenic perspectives of the river and its surroundings.
While the primary focus is on natural landscapes, some routes may pass near historical points. For example, the Chateau de la Cueille – Serrière Bridge loop from Chamagnat suggests proximity to a chateau, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural interest.


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