4.4
(22)
100
riders
13
rides
Gravel biking around Écrille offers access to the diverse landscapes of the Jura Mountains, known for their extensive network of gravel-friendly terrain. The region features a mosaic of mid-altitude peaks, vast plateaus, and deep valleys, with routes winding through dense coniferous forests and alongside rivers and lakes. Écrille itself is situated at the confluence of the Bief d'Enfer and Valouze rivers, and near Lac de Vouglans, providing scenic natural features for exploration.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
4.0
(4)
7
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
17
riders
40.2km
02:33
580m
580m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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7
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
25.4km
01:56
350m
350m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
3
riders
20.2km
01:28
360m
360m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Écrille
The Saut de la Saisse is a waterfall in France located in the Jura massif, at the point where the Ain river flows into the Vouglans reservoir at Pont-de-Poitte and Patornay, between Lons-le-Saunier and Clairvaux-les-Lacs. A "marmite du diable", "marmite de géant" or "marmite glaciaire" in Switzerland (or simply "marmite" or "chaudron") is a more or less cylindrical natural cavity carved into the rock by ancient, generally torrential watercourses, carrying pebbles or gravel, which promotes swirling erosion (a phenomenon called "marmitage").
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Unfortunately the stones are not always easy to see, today I had a lot of water.
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Great view of the Ain, this is where the Lac de Vouglans begins. When the water level is high, the stones are of course not so easy to see.
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The impressive panorama of the Ain River at one of its widest points. The Ain is a river full of fish where trout are caught. Many birds populate the banks of the river: ducks, egrets, swans, herons, snipes. Beavers are also present, particularly in the lower reaches (Lower Ain valley).
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The Saint-Nithier church in Clairvaux-les-Lacs is a Romanesque style church with a double-decker dome bell tower dedicated to Saint Nithier. It is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Mondays. Masses are not very frequent, if you want to see one, it is better to consult the schedule here: https://theodia.org/fr?place=6327
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There are 12 no-traffic gravel bike trails around Écrille listed in this guide, offering a good starting point to explore the Jura Mountains' extensive network of gravel-friendly routes.
The gravel bike trails near Écrille traverse a diverse landscape typical of the Jura Mountains. You can expect a mix of mid-altitude peaks, vast plateaus, and deep valleys, with routes winding through dense coniferous forests, alongside rolling terrain, and beside scenic river valleys. The region is known for its varied surfaces, perfect for gravel biking.
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes near Écrille are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, you could try the Regardoir Viewpoint loop from Moirans-en-Montagne, which offers stunning vistas, or the View of the Ain at Pont-de-Poitte – Pyle Bridge loop from Maisod for a longer ride.
The trails often lead to beautiful natural features. You can discover highlights such as the Vouglans Dam, enjoy panoramic views from the La Fratte Viewpoint, or cycle past the scenic Pyle Bridge. Many routes also offer glimpses of the vast Lac de Vouglans and its surrounding forests.
While the guide features routes with moderate to difficult ratings, the Jura Mountains offer a wide range of paths. For family-friendly options, look for routes with less elevation gain and shorter distances. The region's extensive network includes many forest trails and dirt roads that are generally suitable for various skill levels, though specific family-friendly routes would need to be chosen carefully based on individual fitness.
The Jura Mountains are generally excellent for gravel biking from spring through autumn. Spring brings lush greenery, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, but it's advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat. Winter can be challenging due to snow and ice, especially at higher elevations, making many trails less accessible for gravel biking.
The routes in this guide vary significantly. Distances range from approximately 20 km, like the La Mercantine Beach loop from Maisod, up to around 45 km, such as the Beautiful view of the Grand Lac – Lac de Clairvaux-les-Lacs loop from Maisod. Elevation gains can range from around 320 meters to over 700 meters, offering a good mix of moderate and more challenging rides.
The komoot community rates the trails around Écrille highly, with an average score of 4.39 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the diverse landscapes including forests and lake views, and the sense of immersion in nature that the Jura Mountains provide.
Yes, given the rural nature of Écrille and the surrounding Jura region, many trailheads and starting points for gravel bike routes offer parking facilities. It's common to find designated parking areas in villages or near popular natural attractions, making it convenient to access the trails by car.
Absolutely. The Jura Mountains are known for their panoramic vistas. Routes like the Beautiful trail with belvedere – Ain Viewpoint loop from Maisod are specifically designed to take you to stunning viewpoints, allowing you to appreciate the region's dramatic landscapes, including deep valleys and expansive lakes.
While some routes in this guide are rated 'difficult' due to distance and elevation, there are also 'moderate' options available. Beginners should look for shorter routes with less elevation gain. The extensive network of forest trails and dirt roads in the Jura Mountains means there are always gentler paths to explore, perfect for those new to gravel biking.


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