The Grand Tour on Gravel
Route Information
Description
This is the ultimate gravel course for adventurers; an XXL tour with technical sections and some great climbs.
There are several major climbs on this loop. The first takes you to the summit of the Col de la Croix via Barboleuse and Taveyanne. You then take a rough tarmac road to Les Diablerets and climb to the Col d'Isenau through pastures, with magnificent views. You have to walk for the last few metres of the ascent and the first two kilometres of the descent. Once you reach a farm, you can get back on the bike and take a steep descent to L'Etivaz. This is where the next climb begins, taking you to Pra Cornet, well known to cross-country and touring skiers. You'll probably have to walk about 800 metres to the summit. You then reach the Col des Mosses and briefly take the main road, which you leave at La Comballaz. The next section takes you back across the pastures to Leysin, at the foot of the imposing Tour de Famelon. You'll have to walk briefly on a few paths. You then have to take the main road down to Le SĂ©pey before heading for La Forclaz. After 2km, you take a steep downhill road that takes you along the Aigle-SĂ©pey-Les Diablerets railway line. Once you reach the Plambuit stopover, there is a steep climb up to Salins. Shortly afterwards, you arrive in Panex and embark on the forest road that takes you back to Les Ecovets and finally to Villars.
Practical Information
OUR ADVICE - After the summit of the Isenau pass, you have to walk downhill for 2km before finding a road suitable for cycling. Your reward: a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks. - Several of the climbs are steep, so you'll need to plan ahead. You'll also be more comfortable with 40-45mm tyres. - A stop at L'Etivaz (km 45) is a must. Not only because you're halfway there, but also to sample the eponymous cheese at the Maison de L'Etivaz. SIGNPOSTING - This route is not signposted, but can be seen on the link provided.
This is the ultimate gravel course for adventurers; an XXL tour with technical sections and some great climbs.
There are several major climbs on this loop. The first takes you to the summit of the Col de la Croix via Barboleuse and Taveyanne. You then take a rough tarmac road to Les Diablerets and climb to the Col d'Isenau through pastures, with magnificent views. You have to walk for the last few metres of the ascent and the first two kilometres of the descent. Once you reach a farm, you can get back on the bike and take a steep descent to L'Etivaz. This is where the next climb begins, taking you to Pra Cornet, well known to cross-country and touring skiers. You'll probably have to walk about 800 metres to the summit. You then reach the Col des Mosses and briefly take the main road, which you leave at La Comballaz. The next section takes you back across the pastures to Leysin, at the foot of the imposing Tour de Famelon. You'll have to walk briefly on a few paths. You then have to take the main road down to Le SĂ©pey before heading for La Forclaz. After 2km, you take a steep downhill road that takes you along the Aigle-SĂ©pey-Les Diablerets railway line. Once you reach the Plambuit stopover, there is a steep climb up to Salins. Shortly afterwards, you arrive in Panex and embark on the forest road that takes you back to Les Ecovets and finally to Villars.
Practical Information
OUR ADVICE - After the summit of the Isenau pass, you have to walk downhill for 2km before finding a road suitable for cycling. Your reward: a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks. - Several of the climbs are steep, so you'll need to plan ahead. You'll also be more comfortable with 40-45mm tyres. - A stop at L'Etivaz (km 45) is a must. Not only because you're halfway there, but also to sample the eponymous cheese at the Maison de L'Etivaz. SIGNPOSTING - This route is not signposted, but can be seen on the link provided.