The best cycling routes around Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne

The Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne area offers a vast network of over 370 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to a wide range of abilities, from moderate loops to highly challenging mountain climbs through the iconic alpine passes.

Yes, while the region is famous for its challenging alpine passes, there are also routes suitable for beginners and families. You can find around 40 easy and 96 moderate touring cycling routes that offer a less strenuous experience, often following river routes or lower valley sections. These routes allow you to enjoy the stunning scenery without the intense climbs.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a significant challenge, the Maurienne Valley is home to numerous difficult routes. One such route is the demanding Tour of Lac du Mont-Cenis, which covers over 63 km with substantial elevation gain. Another option is the Col du Télégraphe – Col du Galibier loop from Le Col, offering over 93 km and more than 3000 meters of ascent.

Touring cycling in Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne offers incredibly diverse landscapes. You'll traverse the deep Maurienne Valley carved by the Arc River, encounter majestic alpine passes like the Col du Galibier and Col de la Croix de Fer, and ride through areas bordered by the Lauzière and Vanoise massifs. Expect dramatic mountain scenery, lush forests (especially larch forests turning golden in autumn), and panoramic views of the French Alps.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in the region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. A notable circular route is the Lacets de Montvernier Loop, famous for its iconic hairpin bends and offering a moderate challenge over 26.6 km.

The region is rich in natural and historical landmarks. Many routes will take you past legendary mountain passes such as Col du Galibier and Col du Télégraphe, offering breathtaking views. You might also encounter the unique Montvernier Hairpins. For those interested in local history, the Opinel Museum is also located in the area, and some routes, like the Opinel Museum – Glandon Pass loop, incorporate it into the journey.

The touring cycling routes around Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 600 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the challenging alpine passes, the stunning panoramic views, and the well-maintained routes that allow them to retrace the paths of professional riders from the Tour de France.

The best time for touring cycling in Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the alpine passes are generally clear of snow, and the weather is most favorable for cycling. Summer offers warmer temperatures, while autumn brings beautiful golden larch forests, especially higher up the valley.

Yes, the region offers routes with stunning views of the Aiguilles d'Arves. The Col de la Croix de Fer, for instance, provides breathtaking vistas of these iconic peaks from its summit. Routes that incorporate this pass, such as the Col du Glandon and Col de la Croix de Fer from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, will offer these spectacular sights.

Absolutely. Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne is a key point on the famous "Route des Grandes Alpes," which offers extensive long-distance touring opportunities through the French Alps. Many of the challenging routes in the area, such as those crossing multiple high passes, can be integrated into longer multi-day tours.

Yes, some routes in the broader Maurienne Valley region feature beautiful lakes. The Tour of Lac du Mont-Cenis is a prime example, offering a challenging ride around the stunning Lac du Mont-Cenis, providing both a physical test and picturesque scenery.