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Cycling route : Glandieu Waterfall and the ‘Cités de Caractère’

Cycling route : Glandieu Waterfall and the ‘Cités de Caractère’

Description

Bike Challenge (76km): link the Blue Valley to the spectacular Glandieu Waterfall (60m high)! Cross the largest river forest reserve in France and discover Morestel, the city of painters. A sport and nature itinerary.
Embark on a great cycling adventure of 76 km (difficult level) from the Blue Valley, crossing spectacular landscapes shaped by the Rhone and history.

A rich and varied itinerary:

From Quirieu to the Haut-Rhône: Start with a stop at the medieval city of Quirieu for its unique panorama. Then continue towards the Réserve Naturelle du Haut-Rhône français. For 25 km, travel through the largest river forest reserve in France, a labyrinth of "lônes" (ancient arms of the river) born from the melting of glaciers.

The Glandieu Waterfall: Once you arrive in Glandieu, let yourself be surprised by the power of this waterfall over 60 meters high. Very easy to access, you can admire it directly from the road or comfortably installed on the terrace of a café.

Note: To preserve the beauty of the site, swimming and picnics are prohibited.

Artistic stop in Morestel: The return takes place through the famous City of Painters. Take the time to stroll through the alleys of Morestel, dominated by its 11th century dungeon. This vestige of the fortified castle now hosts contemporary art exhibitions.

The return by the ViaRhôna: Finish your loop enjoying the fluidity of the famous greenway along the Rhône.

Did you know? The outbound takes dirt roads and the old tram track, offering an authentic driving experience before returning to the asphalt of the ViaRhôna for a more rolling return.

Technical Information

Lat, Lng
45.8244335.420299
Coordinates copied
Point of Interest updated on 25/10/2026

Altimetric profile

Date and time

  • From 01/04/2026 to 31/10/2026
  • From 01/11/2026 to 15/11/2026

Additional information

Updated by

Office du Tourisme Les Balcons du Dauphiné - 24/10/2026
www.balconsdudauphine-tourisme.com/
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Price(s)

Adult: 9 to 93 € (Possibility to rent mountain bikes/MTVs with electric assistance for a duration ranging from 1 hour to 2 days (more on quotation).)
Child: 7 to 90 € (Possibility to rent muscle mountain bikes, or electric assisted mountain bikes for a duration ranging from 1 hour to 2 days (more on quote).).


Muscle or electric-assist bicycles available for hire, from 1 hour to 2 days (or more by quotation and reservation only).

Proposed by

Espace Bike - bicycle rentals

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

This loop heads towards the medieval town of Quirieu.
You can make an initial stop to discover the sleepy town and the panoramic view over the Balcons du Dauphiné.

Continue on to the French Haut-Rhône Nature Reserve, which is the largest fluvial forest reserve in France.

Arrive at the Glandieu waterfall. Easy to reach, you can admire it from the roadside, or from the terrace of the Bistrot de la cascade opposite. Please note: swimming and picnics are not permitted!

Return via Morestel, the city of painters. Overlooking the rooftops of the old town, the 11th-century keep, a vestige of the old fortified castle, now houses a contemporary art gallery.

Reception complements

Departure and return from the leisure center of the Blue Valley.
Plan, depending on your schedule and the weather: picnic/snack, sunglasses, bottle of water, and sunscreen.
The bikes are equipped with an anti-theft device, a repair kit and a roadbook. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended and mandatory for children under 12 years old.

Animals

No

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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾