Gravel in the Alps Vaudoises: a fantastic Swiss adventure

Switzerland, known as the cycling paradise par excellence, offers more than just the classic cycling routes. Those who frequent the Cycling Destination website will know that Switzerland’s most beautiful climbs, breathtaking views, and lush alpine meadows often make the headlines. And with an extensive network of excellently marked cycling routes, including nine national routes spread over multiple stages, there is always a new challenge to be found.

Text and photos: Ruth Koops van ’t Jagt

Gravel in the Alps Vaudoises: routes

In my search for the best gravel routes in the Valais Alps, With my journey taking me through parts of the Rhine and Rhone routes to the ultimate destination for gravel biking: Villars-sur-Ollon. In this autumn week of September, loaded with my bikepacking gear, I discover that Villars-sur-Ollon is more than just a beautiful ski resort; it is a vibrant hub for gravel bikers. With its authentic mountain vibe, sporty energy and steep streets, Villars is from roughly mid-May to mid-October the ideal base for adventurous gravel tours in the Alpes Vaudoises.

Sleeping wonderfully in Villars

I sleep in the comfortable Villars Lodge, a perfect match for the gravel enthusiast, and after the tours it is wonderful to enjoy the relaxing facilities of the Les Bains des Villars, where a sauna and an outdoor pool with mountain views form the perfect finish to a day of gravel riding in the Alpes Vaudoises.” I can’t imagine a better place to recover after a tough bike ride. 

Hiking with Heidi (Lillie)

And tough biking, that you can definitely do here. I get to ride with Lillie Rumpf, better known as @cyclingheidi and the wife of Alain Rumpf. She knows this region like the back of her hand and takes me on her favorite ride. The Gravel version of the Col de La Croix. While the mountains shine in the soft morning light, we secretly decide to play a trick for the first part of the ride. We skip the first long climb and take the train to Bretaye. This is where our magnificent gravel tour begins. Along a meadow full of alpine cows we descend towards the Lac des Chavonnes. Here you will find a beautiful restaurant with a mirror-smooth mountain lake. Especially if you have come from Villars by bike, this is a perfect coffee stop. While the mountain goats that belong to the restaurant deftly climb over the rocks, we drink coffee and have good conversations about what cycling can mean for women. 

Great climbing

After that, we continue our journey. Over asphalt and gravel and sometimes navigating through a herd of cows, we steadily climb forward. Some sections are treacherously steep, but it remains easy to get around everywhere. And the views are unparalleled. Around kilometer 25, for example, you look out over the peaks of Les Diablerets, a rugged mountain massif with several high peaks. This is cycling as cycling is meant to be. On various sections of the route, it seems as if we are the only living souls exploring these mountains. The gravel on and around the Col de la Croix brings that magical mountain biking experience. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and green rolling alpine slopes, we feel small and great at the same time. We become aware of the majestic nature that surrounds us everywhere. 

Via Taveyanna to Solalex

After passing the historic hamlet of Taveyanne, we arrive in Solalex, surrounded by the high rock wall Miroir de l’Argentine and the gigantic Diabletrets massif. Here we enjoy a terribly delicious lunch made with local products. Refuge It is a highly recommended activity. Then it’s time to cycle the last few kilometers back to Villars. 

For me, it's a given: I will definitely return to Vaud for more cycling miles. Because this region is truly a magnificent gravel paradise. 

Tips for a fantastic gravel adventure in the Alpes Vaudoises

• As already described in the text, I had a wonderful accommodation in Villars: The Villars Lodge is perfect for a cycling adventure from the Alpes Vaudoises. There are several bars and a restaurant, so that's absolutely great. The rooms are good and have that real Alpine vibe.
• If you want inspiration for multi-day routes, the best place to look is on the website of SchweizMobil. Here you will find the link. Among other things, the Alpine Panorama Route is also included in this. Olivier for Cycling Destination has driven.
• You can find routes everywhere, but if you would like to explore the area under guidance, you are best off relying on Alain and Lillie. Alain is a photographer and perhaps the best guide in the area. Lillie is no slouch either and as a veteran racer is a good companion. You can reach Alain via Instagram.
• Switzerland is a guarantee of quality. If you encounter a ‘berghutje’ along the route, you can almost be sure that there is a good raclette, a local plate of cheese or dried meat, and maybe even a pasta. Refuge at Solalex It might be the best one in the area. Apart from the food, it's also a great location.
• If you have time, go to Aigle too; it's a nice place. CMC from the UCI.

How do I get to Villars sur Ollon?

If you want to go to the Alps Vaudoises, there are roughly three options.

• The train: it is a good idea to take the night train to Basel and then from there to Aigle or Martigny. From there, the bus or a local train is the best option to get to Skidorp Villars.
• The car: about 10 hours drive from Utrecht and you are in the Swiss region of Villars-sur-Ollon. Be sure to buy a vignette though!
• The plane: The airports of Geneva and Zurich both have good connections to Amsterdam. From Geneva you have a direct train to Aigle and from there you are there in no time at all in Villars. In

Gravel route in the Alps Vaudoises