Léna Mettraux’ favourite route

Departure is from Echallens, the capital of Gros-de-Vaud, with the first few kilometres flat to enable you to warm up properly. A small climb will then take you uphill, after which you will descend towards Yvonand with a beautiful view of Lake Neuchâtel. Then things will start to get serious: a first climb toward Molondin, which is still in the Vaudois Jura-North region. This first climb is not too steep and regular enough to get into a good cycling rhythm. A lovely, fast descent will then take you back towards Yvonand.
After a few flat hectometres, the time has come to tackle the real ascent of the itinerary. The steep slope of the Granges ascent will make you climb quite quickly. Fortunately, this part of the route is in the shade, which is a true advantage. You will then embark on a hilly stretch to Granges-Marnand, in the Broye region, which offers several small climbs and descents in succession.
Once you reach Granges, you will then tackle another ascent towards Echallens, on a long uphill stretch that is never too steep and leads to Saint-Cierges. And if you look up, you can admire a spectacular view of the Alps. Then you’ll be able to enjoy a flat bit of road to Froideville, after which you will descend to Echallens in a smooth finish. This final part of the route will give you the opportunity to take a shortcut at any time to reach Echallens faster.