Les Déserts: Mountain Biking, Views and Hiking

The options vary considerably: a moderately difficult mountain biking route with a stated riding time, paths to two viewpoints, a paved circuit at the biathlon stadium, and hiking options ranging from short to multi-day trips. The specific details on route, elevation gain and format can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Mountain biking route with clear details

The VTT Plan Goy mountain biking route is rated moderately difficult. It is 8.5 kilometres long and takes about 45 minutes. It also involves 106 metres of ascent and 102 metres of descent. These figures complement one another: the duration gives you an approximate timeframe, while the elevation figures describe the route’s ups and downs. The route starts and ends at the Parking de la Forêt in La Féclaz and passes through Les Déserts. Having the same start and finish point makes planning easier. The duration is explicitly approximate; weather and trail conditions may affect your ride, so take both into account on the day of your trip.

Paths to viewpoints

The sequence of waypoints on the Sentier de la Gornaz is described in detail: after 600 metres, the path reaches a junction by the Gouffre du Pertuiset. From there, a short out-and-back detour takes you to the Col du Pertuiset viewpoint above Lac du Bourget. The 600 metres marks the point at the Gouffre and the junction; the viewpoint lies beyond on the subsequent detour. This makes it possible to break the route into separate sections.

At the Belvédère du Sire, access is the main consideration: the viewpoint can only be reached on foot from the parking area du Sire, and the ascent takes 20 minutes. From there, you can see the Croix du Nivolet and part of Lac du Bourget. Unlike the Sentier de la Gornaz, which is described by waypoints and a short detour, this route specifies the starting point and ascent time. The two viewpoints therefore also differ in which planning details are emphasized.

Biathlon and hiking options

The Stade de biathlon Alexis Bœuf has an international-standard shooting range with 30 targets and a 4.5-kilometre paved circuit. The number of targets refers to the shooting range, while the distance refers to the circuit. Here, the focus is on specific features of a biathlon facility, whereas the viewpoints are described in terms of access and sights.

Florent Armand’s offerings can be distinguished by whether they include a guide and by their duration. With donkeys, the options include a short bivouac hike, a two-day bivouac hike, and hikes through the massif lasting three to four days. This means a short option is available alongside trips lasting several days; the two bivouac options also differ in duration. Without donkeys, the offerings include chamois-watching evenings and hikes to sinkholes and caves. The evenings focus on observing chamois, while the hikes list sinkholes and caves as their destinations. This makes it possible to compare the activities by format, duration and theme.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Pierre-De-Genebroz, Montaimont, Saint-Martin-De-Belleville, La Bâthie, Montgellafrey, La Lechere, Termignon, Aigueblanche

For the wider travel overview: Savoie.