Arinthod / Les Piards

Vouglans Lake, France’s third-largest reservoir, is the highlight along this stage between La Petite Montagne and the Pays des Lacs. An artificial lake created along the Ain River and 35km in length, it nestles in a wild, unspoilt corner of Jura countryside. All along this cycling stage between Arinthod and Les Piards, you can admire the lake and its imposing dam (103m high), enjoying many fine views. Also discover the Pays du Jouet area and its little capital, Moirans-en-Montagne, heir to a centuries-old local tradition of producing toys and games in wood or plastic, Made in France.

Cycle route from Arinthod to Les Piards

On this Tour du Jura Vélo Sport stage, cyclists climb to Arinthod (along a stretch tackled by Tour de France cyclists in 2010) before reaching the banks of Vouglans Lake. Take care at the junction between the D3 and D60 roads. Next, follow quiet little roads climbing from Menouilles to Lect (7km at a gradient of 5%) up to the dangerous round-about at Moirans-en-Montagne. Having crossed this town, you rejoin little roads to reach Les Crozets, followed by Les Piards.

Practical information

• All manner of services available at Arinthod and Moirans-en-Montagne
• Accommodation available at Cernon, Moirans-en-Montagne and Prénovel (2km from Les Piards)
• No bike repair facilities along this stretch

Don't miss

• Lac de Vouglans, France’s third-largest reservoir, with many fine viewing points 
  Vouglans Dam
• Moirans-en-Montagne: Musée du Jouet (toy and games museum)
• Belvédère du Regardoir and its Via ferrata (3km)
• Villards-d’Héria Gallo-Roman shrine (3km)