Tignes loop via Lac du Chevril

Perfect for a short ride day or a recovery day in the mountains

featured in Cycling Routes Updated 7 April 2025

You can expect spectacular views, smooth roads and steady hills

Tignes loop via Lac du Chevril

This short, yet satisfying ride is big on the views, offering the perfect marriage of effort and enjoyment. An ideal route to do in the morning before lunch back in resort.

From Val d'Isère

Distance: 35 to 40km round trip
Elevation gain: 800 to 900m
Gradient: 6 to 7%
Highest point: Tignes Val Claret (2,100m)
Difficulty: moderate - ideal for intermediate cyclists or a lighter day in the saddle

Route description:

Val d'Isère to Lac Chevril: descend along D902 with views over Lac du Chevril
climb to Tignes: after crossing the dam, turn onto D87A that winds up to Tignes Les Brévières, then Tignes 1800, Le Lac and finally Val Claret
as you pass through the ski villages and forests enjoy the views of waterfalls and cliffs - scenic without being too punishing
descent is back to Val d'Isère whenever you decide to turn around and head back the way you came
once back down in Lac du Chevril climb back up to Val, nothing too strenuous with a few steep pitches near the top

Worth knowing

Cycling conditions and tips

ride it clockwise (descent first) to make the steady return to Val d'Isère rather than starting with the huge climb
this is a good ride for acclimatisation if you're working towards the bigger cols of Iseran or Petit Saint Bernard
avoid weekends in August as the road traffic picks up
carry a windproof jacket for the descent - it's chilly even when it's sunny