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Cycling route: the Sentier des Bigues and the Grottes de la Balme
Description
Bike ride (25km, average level) in the footsteps of the carriers of Isère! From the historic site of Montalieu to the Caves of La Balme, follow the Sentier des Bigues. Discover the history of stone and the preserved nature of ENS Coteaux de Saint-Roch.
Discover the Nord-Isère through a bike ride of 25 km (average level) that tells you the story of the local stone and those who shaped it.
A journey through time and subject:
The Epic of the Stone: From 1750, the quarries of Montalieu and Villebois made the fame of the region. Did you know that this stone adorns the Antonin Poncet square in Lyon and even the London Opera?
The "Rigues" of the Rhône: Discover the fascinating history of river transport. In the past, stone travelled on special boats, the "rigues" (built in Sault-Brénaz), loaded at the port of Briord or at the Balme.
Why 'The Bigues Trail'? The route takes its name from the bigues, those curious monolithic stone posts once used as stakes to support the vines. Keep your eyes open, they mark out your route at the remarkable places!
Nature Immersion at the Coteaux de Saint-Roch: The walk ends in beauty in the Sensitive Natural Area (ENS). A marked trail of 8 educational panels guides you through three preserved ecosystems:
- The impressive cliffs of the Balme Caves.
- The freshness of the forest.
- The unique biodiversity of dry grasslands.
An outing rich in discoveries for cyclists curious about heritage and nature !
Technical Information
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 - 25/10/2026
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).
Contact
Phone : 06 71 70 11 12
Email : contact@espace-bike.com
Website :
https://espace-bike.com/
https://espace-bike.com/location-reparation-velo/itineraires/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/p/Espace-Bike-Montalieu-61573050161713/
Google+ : https://share.google/GuycYVT5DLFcaHjmH
Proposed by
Espace Bike - bicycle rentals
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Go past the quarries and follow the ‘chemin des bigues’.
Then head for the ‘Coteaux de Saint-Roch’ sensitive natural area. You'll discover three natural environments: the caves of La Balme and its cliffs, the forest and the dry grasslands, along a signposted path with 8 educational panels.
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.
Data author
