The best gravel rides around Les Planchettes

Gravel biking around Les Planchettes is primarily suited for experienced riders. The majority of the 39 available routes are classified as difficult, with 31 routes falling into this category. There are also 8 moderate routes, but no easy options are listed, indicating that the terrain often involves significant elevation changes and challenging surfaces.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Les Planchettes are designed as loops. For example, the popular View of the Doubs – Le Gros-Crêt loop from La Chaux-de Fonds Est is a 24.4-mile (39.3 km) circular trail offering panoramic views. Another option is the View of the Doubs – Tunnel near Lac de Moron loop from La Chaux-de-Fonds-Grenier, which is a longer 31.8-mile (51.1 km) loop.

The region offers diverse and scenic landscapes typical of the Jura countryside. You can expect routes winding through rolling hills, dense woodlands, and picturesque river valleys, often featuring expansive views of the Doubs river. Some trails also provide vistas of wider valleys and even Lac de Moron.

Yes, there are several establishments where you can stop for refreshments. Notable options include Auberge du Grand-Sommartel, Buvette La Grande Sagneuse, and Le Maillard, all of which are restaurants or buvettes located in the vicinity and can be found along various routes.

The area boasts several natural highlights. You might encounter the impressive Saut du Doubs Waterfall, explore the dramatic The Ladders of Death gorge, or discover the Bear Cave. There's also a unique Rock Arch on the Doubs Trail, offering a distinctive natural monument.

There are 39 gravel bike trails available around Les Planchettes. These routes cater predominantly to experienced riders, with a mix of moderate and difficult options through the varied Jura landscape.

The gravel bike trails in Les Planchettes are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an impressive average rating of 4.8 stars from over 30 reviews. Riders frequently praise the challenging ascents, rewarding descents, and the stunning views of the Doubs river and classic Jura countryside.

Given that the majority of routes are classified as difficult (31 out of 39) and there are no easy routes, the gravel biking trails around Les Planchettes are generally not recommended for beginners or young families. The terrain often involves significant elevation gain and challenging surfaces.

The best seasons for gravel biking in Les Planchettes are typically spring, summer, and autumn. During these months, the weather is generally more favorable, and the trails are less likely to be affected by snow or ice, allowing for optimal riding conditions through the woodlands and valleys.

Many routes start from locations like La Chaux-de-Fonds, which is a well-connected town. You can often reach these starting points by train or bus, making public transport a viable option for accessing the trailheads. For example, the Typical Jura countryside – Bahnhofplatz La Chaux-de-Fonds loop from Le Crêt-du-Locle starts from an area likely accessible by public transport.

While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, routes often start from towns or villages such as La Chaux-de-Fonds. It is advisable to look for public parking facilities in these starting locations. For instance, routes like the Bahnhofplatz La Chaux-de-Fonds – Le Maillard loop from La Chaux-de-Fonds suggest starting points within or near urban areas where parking is typically available.