It starts mainly on quiet country lanes, first heading towards the woodland of the Combettes valley where a hairpin bend leads up to Le Vernay on the Oyeu plateau. After crossing the road (be careful, despite the traffic island!), a pleasant dirt track takes you to the old Carthusian monastery of Sylve Bénite and the tithe barn set amid beautiful meadowland on the edge of the forest. Cross Chassigneux hamlet and the village of Le Pin, where you’ll find a café and a bakery. Just after the village, take the dirt track to Valencogne via the bucolic valley that follows the Le Pin stream. Once past the lovely Vivier lake, take the time to enjoy the panorama from the heights. The spectacle on the horizon encompasses Mont Blanc and the Bauges, Chartreuse and Belledone mountains, if you please! The following descent takes you quickly back to St-Pierre de Paladru and across the Courbon stream which leads to the lake. You’ll then join the cycle path at Chemin de la Véronnière, and the Véronnière picnic area which you'll find at Montferrat. This safe itinerary follows the banks of the blue lake to Charavines via the Bois d’Amour woodland trail which features an eco-friendly drinks/snack bar, and platforms offering panoramic views over the lake, to really finish your excursion in style!
Tips
From 1st May to late September, the Grange Dîmière opens for contemporary art exhibitions (free admission). At Charavines, make the most of the free municipal beach just 100 metres from the Tourist Office where you’ll find local shops to purchase supplies. The Natura Vélo cycling/mountain-biking school (opposite the Tourist Office) proposes mountain bike rentals and guidance as well as bike sales.
Services for cyclists
At the start of the itinerary, opposite the Tourist Office, you’ll find a bike-washing and tyre-pressure station. Tokens (€1) are on sale at the Natura Vélo rental outlet and at the Tourist Office.
Ouverture
All year round.
Subject to favorable weather.
Tarifs
Free access.
Contact et accès 230, rue des Bains 38850 Charavines Isère (38)
