The climb to Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte (1,168m) taking you up from Grenoble to the Vercors Plateau is well known for its splendid views. As you negotiate the hairpin bends up this stage of the P’tites Routes du Soleil® you rise high above sprawling Grenoble, the Belledonne Range in the background. Be aware, though, that this stage is extremely demanding. Even if the climb is very steep, once you reach Saint-Nizier, the Vercors Plateau opens out generously in front of you. Carrying on to Villard-de-Lans proves a piece of cake! Note that bus line 5110 linking Grenoble to Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte is equipped with bicycle racks, so there is a way of avoiding this long climb by bike!

Reaching the Diois area via the P’tites Routes du Soleil® promises a complete change of scenery and a southern feel… but before that, time to ride right across the natural fortress of the Vercors. Hostilities begin as you leave Villard-de-Lans and climb the small Col d’Herbouilly (a pass at 1,370m). Further on, the Col de Proncel (at 1,100m) links the villages of La Chapelle-en-Vercors and Vassieux-en-Vercors. After Vassieux, the Col de St-Alexis (1,222m) allows you to carry on to the Col de Rousset (1,245m). As to the Tunnel du Rousset, 769m in length, note that it requires lights to cycle through it. As you descend off the Vercors Plateau towards Die, the contrast is extraordinary. Before long, you’ll spot your first lavender fields, a foretaste of Provence. For a challenging, interesting alternative to the Col du Rousset as a way down from the Vercors Plateau, opt for the Col de la Bataille (1,313m), then descend towards Die via the Gervanne Valley and the Col de la Croix.