Biking in the Southern French Alps

Point-to-point mountain biking
Challenging routes in the Queyras
Plenty of fantastic singletrack descents

$Enjoying the views below the Col d\'Izoard$

The Queyras, in the southern part of the French Alps, is well known among mountain bike enthusiasts for the unique terrain it offers. The network of trails is huge and goes high into the mountains, allowing excellent quality riding in the most breathtaking vistas and dramatic landscapes. This week takes us on a thrilling mountain biking experience through a remote and little known corner of the Alps. From one gite to the next, we enjoy steady climbs along forest paths reaching altitudes often above 2500m, where exciting technical singletrack descents await. The amazing 1700m descent from Saint Veran to Ville-Vielle is definitely one of the highlights of the week! Our luggage is transported for us throughout the itinerary, so you can tackle these testing trails without too much extra weight. With a free afternoon during the week, those wanting more adventure can try some optional activities such as white water rafting, via ferrata, or of course more biking!

How is this trip responsible?

On this trip we stay mainly in local family-run gites; tourism is a crucial part of sustaining the economy in these high mountain villages and developments. Where possible the gites use locally sourced food and our groups stop for drinks and snacks in many of the smaller refuges along the route.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: France, Italy

Day 1

Fly to Turin; transfer to Arvieux.

Day 2

Our first ride takes us on a loop from Arvieux to the Col de Furfande at 2500m; the descent from the col is superb.

Day 3

We start with a road climb of the Col d'Izoard, a famous pass of the Tour de France. This spectacular area is known as the Caisse Desert and from here we make our way along a superb panoramic trail followed by a technical descent to Aiguille.

Day 4

Start with the steep ascent to Saint Veran. Our efforts are rewarded by amazing views of Monte Viso in Italy and a memorable singletrack descent.

Day 5

Free to relax and enjoy Saint Veran or try some other outdoor activities. In the morning there will be an optional half-day ride with an exhilarating off-track descent.

Day 6

Perhaps the highlight of trip, today we climb to the Observatory of Chateau Renard at 2989m, for breathtaking views of the Queyras and Italy and then 1700m of fun descending!

Day 7

Cycling up to the Sommet du Bucher, we enjoy views of the majestic Ecrins National Park before heading to the Col du Pres Fromage. Another great descent down the Cristillan Valley takes us to Ceillac.

Day 8

Transfer to Turin; fly to London.

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