Description

This 62 km route with a 1571 m elevation gain offers a complete escape to the high plateaus of the massif. It will satisfy both mountain pass hunters and those who are more contemplative, as there are so many discoveries to be made.

Step-by-step itinerary

Starting from Saint-Jean-en-Royans, this first steady climb, 20 km on the north slope, leads to the village of Léoncel and its 12th-century Cistercian abbey. Access to the Col de la Bataille, and its 1313 m altitude, crosses the forest zone to access the very special environment of the Vercors high plateaus, here that of Ambel classified as a sensitive departmental natural area and the first camp of the Vercors resistance. The road wanders through the forest, reaches the Col de la Portette before joining the Lente plain. The route continues towards the Col de la Machine which overlooks the Combe-Laval cirque bordered by the overhanging road, suspended from the cliffs for an experience as dizzying as it is unforgettable. The descent requires a little vigilance before enjoying a plate of Royans ravioles to recover from these emotions and discoveries.

What comes next?