Why this ride
Out of Beaujeu, one way: 178 km, roughly 3 h 07 in the saddle. The line favours views over speed.
CURVESCOUT / MOTORCYCLE RIDE
Isère Valley and Belledonne · part 2
Plan this ride
- Recorded distance
- 178 km
- Riding-time estimate
- 3 h 07
- Journey
- One way; return travel is separate
Distance and timing basis
Ordered leg totals agree within rounding. Stop distances are approximate sums of rounded legs. Stops, delays, approach and any separate return travel add time. Basis: producer-declared routed record.
Reading history stays on this device. My road watch requires a separate selection; opening it does not subscribe this ride.
Distance and riding time are measured on the routed road. Check local closures and conditions before you ride.
Waypoint introductions and full write-ups
1. Scenic stretch near Beaujeu
Beaujeu gave its name to the Beaujolais. The lords of Beaujeu ruled this land of hills and vineyards in the Middle Ages, and the little town in the valley of the Ardières remained its capital until the role passed to Villefranche. Today it is a quiet place, with a Romanesque church, old houses and a hospice with a fine collection of pharmacy jars, and it takes great pride in its wine. Every November, the release of Beaujolais Nouveau is celebrated here with festivities that draw crowds.
Read the complete Scenic stretch near Beaujeu write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Scenic stretch near Beaujeu is where the day begins. Next is Lyon / Rhône-Alpes rides return.
2. Near Ambierle, on the way back
The Côte Roannaise is a long east-facing slope where the Monts de la Madeleine drop towards the Loire plain, and Ambierle sits high on it, with vineyards falling away below and the forested hills at its back. On a clear morning you can see across the plain to the Monts du Lyonnais and beyond. This stop is down on the edge of that slope, between Ambierle and Renaison, at the point where the vines give way to meadows and hedges.
Read the complete Near Ambierle, on the way back write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Lyon / Rhône-Alpes rides return comes up about 88 km into the recorded legs. Next is Photo stop near Sury-le-Comtal.
3. Photo stop near Sury-le-Comtal
Sury-le-Comtal sits on the flat floor of the Forez plain, the broad basin of the Loire between the Monts du Forez and the Monts du Lyonnais. It is a small town with a big secret: its château, outwardly modest, holds some of the most remarkable seventeenth-century carved wooden interiors in France, with ceilings, panels and fireplaces carved in exuberant detail. Guided visits are possible on certain days.
Read the complete Photo stop near Sury-le-Comtal write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
The route ends here after 178 km.
Leg by leg
Scenic stretch near Beaujeu to Near Ambierle, on the way back
Scenic stretch near Beaujeu → Near Ambierle, on the way back is 88 km of getting across. Ride it tidily and keep the enthusiasm for what comes after.
More motorcycle rides nearby
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- Route Napoléon Weekend · part 3 · 162 km
- Bugey Lakes and Jura Edge · part 1 · 248 km
- Ardèche Gorge Long Day · part 2 · 243 km