Cimes de Juliénas begins in Juliénas in the Rhône, leading mountain bikers into the Mâconnais-Beaujolais hills in early November. It is a randonnée VTT, meaning it is structured as an organized off-road ride rather than a competitive race. Participants can choose from three routes: 24 km, 37 km, or 46 km. The short route is described locally as “small but tough,” the middle route as a sportier ride, and the long route as the choice for those seeking the complete challenge.
The routes traverse the Mâconnais and Beaujolais wine regions, featuring marked trails, climbs above Juliénas, and sections near landmarks like the Fétraud descent and the Roches de Solutré. Approximately 700 participants have attended recent editions, primarily consisting of regional mountain bikers rather than a specialized elite group. The event is organized by Cyclo de Grièges, also known as Association Sportive Grièges Cyclo, under the FSGT 69 federation, and has been held for about twenty years.