Top 3 gravel routes with a water stop along the way

Halfway between a road bike and a mountain bike, a gravel bike allows you to ride a wide variety of trails without any restrictions. Amidst pastures, mountain passes and alpine lakes, there are over a hundred kilometres of trails offering gravel cyclists an infinitely more immersive experience in the heart of the Alpes Vaudoises. And to ensure you can cool off during your ride, whilst taking a well-deserved break, we’re revealing our three favourite routes – each featuring an unmissable water stop to discover along the way.

The Ormonts Valley, from Aigle to Les Diablerets via Leysin and Col des Mosses

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From Aigle, there are numerous routes leading up the Ormonts Valley. To start the route, take the train from Aigle towards Leysin: the iconic AL line – Aigle-Leysin – takes you on a scenic journey along a 125-year-old railway line. Setting off from the village of Leysenouds, admire the scenery all the way to the Col des Mosses, and skirt round the Chaussy range towards Les Diablerets. You’ll eventually emerge at the Isenau mountain pasture: this former ski area enjoys a unique climate and is blanketed in a sea of pink during the summer months, when the rhododendrons are in bloom. You’re now just a few minutes’ descent from Lake Retaud: this gem of Les Diablerets is a small lake with teal-blue waters, nestled at the foot of the Palette peak. You can swim there, or simply dip your toes in from the jetty by the inn. The inn welcomes you onto its wooden terrace, facing the spectacular Scex-Rouge and Oldenhorn massifs. It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries in a natural, unspoilt setting, halfway along the route, before setting off on the return journey to Aigle via the other side of the valley.

On the way down, take the time to slow down as you pass through the charming village of La Forclaz. Towards the end of the journey, you’ll follow a path through the heart of the forest, which runs along the cliff face in places.

The Col de la Croix, between Villars, Gryon and Les Diablerets

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The Col de la Croix needs no introduction: this iconic pass in the Alpes Vaudoises is also the highest point on a route that is very popular with cyclists. It winds its way along the mountain range, giving the impression that the peaks are watching over the road. From the summit of Les Diablerets to the Miroir d’Argentine, via Le Culan, these geological formations reach altitudes ranging from 2,300 to 3,210 metres. Setting off from Villars, head towards Gryon before passing through Solalex and Taveyanne, charming hamlets typical of the Vaud mountains. After climbing the Col de la Croix, head to the Mazots plateau for an exceptional view of the Diablerets massif. Through forests and mountain pastures, the paths lead you to the Lac des Chavonnes: this spectacular spot is the ideal place for a refreshing and well-deserved break. You can go for a swim there and enjoy the restaurant’s terrace, sometimes in the company of curious goats! Don’t forget to find out about the mysterious legend of the white dragon before setting off again…  

Next, a route of around fifteen kilometres takes you back down to the starting point in Villars. To round off the day on a gentle note, the Bains de Villars are an excellent way to relax and pamper your body after this active outing.

A tour of the Chablais region, through the vineyards from Aigle to Bex in the Rhône Valley

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Set between the Rhône plain and the Chablais vineyards, this route immerses you in a Provençal-style landscape at the foot of the mountains. Setting off from Ollon, head towards Antagnes, cross the Dévens Forest and admire its enormous erratic limestone boulders, then the Chiètres hill and its nature reserve in Bex. Once you reach Lavey-les-Bains, head back towards Lake Geneva and follow the right bank of the Rhône upstream. You’ll pass through Massongex, catch a glimpse of Bex aerodrome on the opposite bank, and then the cliffs of Saint-Triphon. On your left, the Duzillet pond then comes into view amongst the copses. This idyllic spot, well known to locals, offers a relaxing change of scenery: there’s a refreshment kiosk at your disposal, and all that’s left for you to do is enjoy a refreshing swim! After this relaxing break, continue on your way to Aigle, passing close to the UCI World Cycling Centre. Cycling enthusiasts can stop off, grab a bite to eat and explore the premises at their leisure to discover this training centre for young cyclists from all over the world.

After this stage, for an infinitely more exciting experience, you set off again for a few kilometres between Aigle and Ollon, through the forest on the mountainside.

The loop can also be done in the opposite direction. You can also enhance your walk with a wellness break at the Bains de Lavey thermal baths, before completing the loop to Ollon.