For a while, looking at IGN maps had me thinking about taking a short cycling trip along the quiet country roads of the Drôme and Dévoluy, so a lovely long spring weekend seemed like the perfect time to set off.
Day 1: From Villard-de-Lans to Crest
For this first stage, the aim was to reach Crest after crossing part of the Vercors. Setting off from Villard-de-Lans, the day begins with the descent to Pont-en-Royans through the Bourne gorges, which are as impressive as ever and a pleasure to cycle through. I then continue along the edge of the Vercors before climbing to the Col des Limouches.
Climbing to the Col des Limouches © Adrien Ozanon
Next comes the Col Jérôme Cavalli, where I once again get that feeling of being alone in the world on the Vercors' little roads, with wide, uninterrupted views stretching out over the Drôme.
Col Jérôme Cavalli © Adrien Ozanon
Finally, the long, beautiful descent to Crest rounds off this 1st day.
Descending to Crest © Adrien Ozanon
The Drôme river at Crest © Adrien Ozanon
Day 2: From Crest to La Motte-Chalancon, in the heart of the Drôme provençale
The day begins by heading up the valley as far as Saillans. Then comes the day’s toughest challenge, the Col de la Chaudière: a 800m climb at 7%.
Climbing to the Col de la Chaudière, with views of Les 3 Becs © Adrien Ozanon
Just before reaching the top of the pass, I stop at La Chaudière, a little hamlet that feels like the end of the world, with its small gravel village square and not a soul in sight.
The hamlet of La Chaudière © Adrien Ozanon
Col de la Chaudière © Adrien Ozanon
After the pass comes a well-earned descent to Bourdeaux, where we enter the heart of the Drôme provençale. It’s time for a leisurely lunch break at a small brasserie in the village centre.
Narrow streets in Bourdeaux © Adrien Ozanon
The day continues through a succession of charming little villages along wonderfully rolling roads.
A tunnel through the rock
Panoramic views from the Col de Lescur © Adrien Ozanon
Then comes the day’s final descent, and its most beautiful, through stunning gorges leading to my overnight stop, La Motte-Chalancon. It’s one of the larger villages in the area, with several bars and restaurants, all lively and bustling!
Descending through the gorges © Adrien Ozanon
Day 3: From La Motte-Chalancon to Saint-Disdier, exploring the Dévoluy
This lovely sunny day begins with a good breakfast at one of the village cafés, setting me up nicely for the beautiful stage ahead.
A delicious breakfast in La Motte-Chalancon © Adrien Ozanon
The beautiful little roads of the Drôme continue to delight me throughout the morning. But the day’s first highlight is this geological curiosity (listed as part of the world’s geological heritage!), whose different layers reveal successive geological periods.
Geological curiosities © Adrien Ozanon
This memorable part of the trip through the Drôme ends at the Col des Tourettes, at 1126m, having passed only a handful of cars along the way!
Typical narrow streets in the villages of the Drôme
Col des Tourettes © Adrien Ozanon
I make the most of the descent, picking up some impressive speed along the way, before finding a lovely restaurant where a delicious meal revives my taste buds and fills my stomach after this wonderful morning. The wind, which has been at my back from the start, is now blowing straight at me. I could have done without that… By mid-afternoon, I am at the foot of the biggest mountain pass of this trip: the Col du Festre, at 1440m. The climb takes me into the heart of the Dévoluy, surrounded by rugged, rocky peaks rising above 2000m.
On the climb to the Col du Festre © Adrien Ozanon
Arriving at the Col du Festre © Adrien Ozanon
The climb is long, which makes the descent to Saint Disdier en Dévoluy all the more enjoyable. This quiet little village in the Dévoluy is where I end my day.
Panoramic view of the Dévoluy on the descent from the Col du Festre © Adrien Ozanon
Day 4: Saint Disdier en Dévoluy – Grenoble
I am back in the saddle for this final day. I soon leave the Dévoluy behind and find myself in the Trièves.
Final descent in the Dévoluy © Adrien Ozanon
I stop in Mens, a charming little town and the main town of the Trièves, before continuing along the region’s rolling country roads, with frequent glimpses of the Dévoluy and the foothills of the Vercors in the distance.
Village of Mens © Adrien Ozanon
On the roads of the Trièves with the Grande Tête de l’Obiou in the background © Adrien Ozanon
Charming village in the Trièves © Adrien Ozanon
This final stage draws to a close with one last long descent overlooking Lake Monteynard, before I finish in Grenoble, where I take the bus back up into the Vercors to Villard de Lans.
Pont Ebron – Lake Monteynard © Adrien Ozanon
Trièves and Lake Monteynard © Adrien Ozanon
Arriving in Pont de Claix in the Grenoble urban area © Adrien Ozanon
This wonderful journey comes to an end, having lived up to all my expectations, with magnificent landscapes dotted with traditional villages that won me over time and again… I cannot wait for the next one!
A word of caution before you set off on a similar tour: it requires a good level of cycling fitness, with each stage covering 80 to 90km and almost 1500m of ascent every day. You can find the route here on komoot.
Fancy getting away for a cycling holiday on the roads of the Vercors, the Trièves or the Drôme provençale?
For another journey through Provence told stage by stage, read the account of the cycling tour around Mont Ventoux.
If you are looking for a less physically demanding holiday, without the bulky panniers, Grand Angle can offer you several options in the region:
- If the country roads of the Drôme provençale and the Baronnies appeal to you, choose our #one-week cycling holiday.
- If you prefer the Vercors and the Trièves, choose the 8-day Grand Tour of the Vercors, which takes you along some of the finest roads in the massif.
In 2 cases, you will have the option to hire an electric bike if you wish
