This wonderful bike adventure can be done over one or two days, and takes you through varied landscapes and along bucolic roads. It’s a real treat for the eyes and a great challenge for the legs!

The Tour de la Chartreuse is a great classic for cyclists from Chambéry and Grenoble. While several variants exist, this one takes mainly quiet roads with little traffic. However, the Chartreuse region is never too busy!

For the more experienced, the route can be done in one day, but for the sporty epicureans, I suggest you do it over two days. This allows you to make the most of all the sights and stops along the way. Moreover, a good night's sleep halfway through the route enables you to recharge your batteries before switching to the other side of the mountains via the Col du Coq, which has an incredible view of the snow-covered peaks of the Belledonne massif.

The best time to cycle this route is from May to September. Beware, when the locals tell you that there is still snow at the top of the Col du Coq, they know what they are talking about. Check the conditions before you ride.

You’ll be able to find accommodation and supplies in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse. However, I chose to finish the first day's circuit a few kilometres further, right next to the Grande Chartreuse Monastery Museum, the perfect bivouac spot facing the mountains and the sunset.

To find an accommodation, check out the official website of the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park: chartreuse-tourisme.com/en.

This loop starts and ends in Pontcharra, where you’ll find a train station. You can also choose to start the route from the station in Chambéry. If you begin from Chambéry, you’ll start climbing the first pass almost immediately, whereas starting from Pontcharra will allow you to warm up a little!