Cycling trip between Vercors and Chambaran with Julien Audigier
Julien Audigier
What if we took you to discover the region? Saint-Marcellin Vercors Isere otherwise? For 4 days, the blogger Julien Audigier came to test some of our most beautiful cycling routes. Between Isère valley, Chambaran hills and Vercors foothills, he cycled to the rhythm of nature, history and local gastronomy. A look back at this cycling escapade rich in discoveries.
Ranked among the most beautiful cycle routes in France, the Beautiful Way crosses our territory, offering safe and peaceful routes. On the section connecting Saint-Quentin-sur-Isère to Saint-Hilaire-du-Rosier, Julien cycled in a setting typical of the Isère valley: on one side, the majestic cliffs of the Vercors, on the other, the rounded hills of the Chambaran, and all around, walnut groves as far as the eye can see.
Easily accessible by train (Saint-Hilaire / Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Marcellin, Poliénas, Tullins stations), the route allows you to peacefully join the cycle route and follow the river through peaceful villages such as Poliénas, Saint-Gervais and RovonAt the port of Saint-Gervais, Julien turned off towards Cognin-the-Gorges, in the middle of walnut fields, before further on finding the Belle Via on very pleasant little shared roads, particularly around The Sone and along the Bourne Canal.
An ideal outing for a half-day or a full day, even with the family, without any particular difficulty, which combines nature, rural heritage and exceptional panoramas.
The Tramway Route: a gravel gem at the heart of history
Lovers of gravel and natural sensations, this itinerary is for you! Tram track follows the old railway line that once connected the villages of Royans. Julien particularly liked:
· Departure from the charming village of Chevrières,
· The breathtaking view of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, classified among The Most Beautiful Villages of France and elected Favorite village of the French 2025,
· And of course, the single passage in the old tram tunnel.
A sporty loop (39,8 km – 688 m D+) but accessible, which combines heritage, agricultural landscapes and exceptional panoramas.
New cycle route no. 5: around Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye
Among the new marked cycle loops in 2025, this route becomes a must to discover the region. This hilly route, around fifty kilometers long, alternates between quiet roads, farm tracks and small, accessible climbs, making it ideal for intermediate cyclists or to electric bicycle.
Several stops are possible to discover the local heritage, meet local producers or simply enjoy a gourmet break.
The highlight of the show? The arrival from the heights finally allows you to rediscover Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye and its abbey church from a new and spectacular angle.
Because a cycling holiday can also be enjoyed at the table, Julien has tested several of our addresses :
· The Red Ram Tavern in Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, his favorite place for the atmosphere and the market cuisine 🔗 find out more
· The Auberge du Midi in Dionay for its seasonal dishes🔗 find out more
· Bachop's Bar in Cognin-les-Gorges, perfect after a sporting outing. 🔗 find out more
As for accommodation, he put his bags down at Blue Cedar in Saint-Lattier, a charming address labeled Accueil Vélo (Cyclists welcome) with swimming pool and gourmet table d'hôtes. A relaxing break in the middle of the walnut groves! 🔗 find out more
cycling, heritage and gastronomy: the DNA of our region
At the end of his stay, Julien left won over by the diversity of courses : gentle cycle route, gravel loop, intermediate circuits… here, every cyclist will find what they are looking for, whether for a micro-adventure of a few hours or for a multi-day road trip.
And above all, he rediscovered what constitutes the essence of our destination: · varied landscapes, between Vercors and Chambaran, · an exceptional heritage, with Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye as its jewel, · generous gastronomy, where conviviality and good food are never far away.
Whether you're riding a gravel bike, mountain bike, road bike, or electric bike, our region opens its roads and trails to you. Like Julien, come pedal to the rhythm of Saint-MarcellinVercors Isère, and let yourself be surprised by a destination where every detour holds a discovery.
