Coteyssart

This is one of the most accessible routes in the Massif de Belledone. After a gentle climb up by road, the fast-paced descent is thrilling. With a tried and tested technique, there's nothing to fear.

Itinerary from the “MTB in Oisans” guide (Oisans Tourisme)

Departure/Arrival (loop) : Allemond (Lac du Verney) 770 m
Length: 1 1/2 hours
Distance: 13 km
Highest point: 1304 m
Lowest point: 770 m
Total height gain: + 550 m
Total height loss: - 550 m

Technique: 3/4
Endurance: 3/4

Map: Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans and l'Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET

> From the Lac du Verney car park, retrace your steps and take a very small path leading up to the right to the Allemond-le-Haut road. Turn right and follow this road towards the church and then follow signs to La Rivoire, Le Clot and La Traverse. The road is little-used, leading up to the Coteyssart chalets (1304 m) in around an hour. The panoramic view over the Bourg-d’Oisans plain and Les Grandes Rousses will make the time fly by.
> Once at the chalets, the Coteyssart descent starts on the right, signposted «Allemond par la Combe», comprising a pleasant series of switchbacks, with some natural banking. It’s a fun, varied ride.
> At La Combe, cross the road and follow signs to Le Villaret (GR 549) opposite. This short path passes between gardens and houses (watch out for local residents), before leading down to the road (D43).
> On the road, turn left for 150m and go down to the right to join the path back down to the Lac du Verney.
> This path offers a pleasant ride alongside the right side of the lake to the car park.
> This single track is not too high and on the sunny side of the valley. It is therefore one of the first paths to open in Oisans in the spring (and the last to close in the autumn).