Top 10 mountain bike routes in the high alps

Home Top 10 mountain bike routes in the high alps

Want to discover the Hautes-Alpes by mountain bike? Discover the 10 best routes, between mountains, forests and breathtaking panoramas. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, these marked routes will take you to the heart of a wild and preserved territory. To your pedals!

Puy Saint Vincent circuit of narreyroux

3 villages, 3 atmospheres, 3 types of landscapes for this loop starting from Puy Saint Vincent 1400, which starts first towards the small hamlets of Prey d’Aval and Prey d’Amont, before returning by a steep but very pleasant climb to PuySaint VinCent 1600. We cross the heart of the resort from above, before entering the forest, after a last look at the Condamine and Chambran, on a single track towards the paradisiacal hamlet of Narreyroux, secretly hidden in its valley. After admiring the view for a long time, it’s straight ahead, downhill along the stream, to the Saint Vincent chapel.

The perfect circuit for a family walk, or a recovery outing, along the Onde torrent, under the freshness of the larches, with the added bonus of the soothing sound of the torrent that accompanies you throughout the route. Very easy and accessible to all, this route is ideal for discovering part of the Vallouise valley, from the Onde to the Gyronde.

Pelvoux Boiler circuit

Next to or above the Gyr torrent, this trail is perfect for admiring the Pelvoux valley, alternating easy portions on the forest track and some technical but affordable portions, which make it an ideal route for the introduction to mountain biking. The climb to the Chambran valley would almost make you want to continue climbing towards this atypical hamlet, but the desire to contemplate the Pelvoux and the other peaks of theÉcrins on a superb balcony path is too strong, so you continue your journey to Vallouise, before returning to Pelvoux, along the Gyr.

A superb balcony path along the mountains of Puy Saint Vincent, starting from the resort of 1800. The path goes into the forest to come out on the Tournoux clearing where you can stop for a moment to admire the superb chalets. The opening of the view also allows you to observe the Tête d’Amont on the other side of the valley, and the Pelvoux behind you. Once you set off again, there are only a few pedal strokes to arrive on the Pousterle plateau and its flowery meadows and picturesque little streams. We push a little further than the pass to have the view of the Fournel valley which is only revealed at the last moment.

Puy Saint Vincent Big heads

Same start as for the Col de la Pousterle, but this time, we pedal a little more to climb to the top of the Têtes, which dominates the Durance valley and the town of l’Argentière. From the summit, you can see the entire Queyras chain, from Briançon to Vars. The return is through the forest to ensure a peaceful descent, where you can admire Mount Pelvoux and the Cucumelle which can be seen in the distance.

Starting from Argentière-la-Bessée, this route is demanding but the effort is more than worth it. We first climb towards the Fournel valley, along the torrent, before attacking the long climb to the Col de la Pousterle. Very regular, this climb is much faster than you could have imagined, especially thanks to the view that changes with each bend. The Pousterle plateau is a blessing for the eyes, and a little for the legs too, before attacking the descent, steep and technical on a very beautiful single, towards the Argentière.

L’Argentière-La Bessée col d’anon – col des lauzes

A very beautiful loop starting from the Fournel valley, which rises in shady undergrowth towards the Col des Lauzes, from where you can discover the long valley of Freissinières, with the hamlet of Dormillouse at the bottom of the valley. As a pass is not enough for a day, a balcony path quickly leads to the Col d’Anon ; This time, we head north, and we can see the Pelvoux in the distance, as well as the Briançonnais mountains. Then we attack the descent, at first gentle, then a small steep slope in tight hairpin bends completes this superb walk.

Along the Gyronde, under the Montbrison and the Têtes, this very easy loop is a perfect prologue to the atmosphere of the Vallouise valley, alternating between shadow and light, between undergrowth and flowery meadow. The return, on a balcony, takes up the adret , to cross the Rif and see the gorges of the Durance in the distance.

FreissinièresCircuit of the plain

A plain, a stream, sun and flowers, what more could you ask for for a quiet family walk. Sheltered from the noise and hustle and bustle of the Durance, this loop is perfect for a peaceful outing, discovering the unspoilt valley of Freissinières, with the added bonus of a view of the chasm of Gourfouran on one side of the loop, and Dormillouse on the other.

The blue thistle, also known as the Queen of the Alps, is a flower that knows how to make itself desired. Once you reach the Fournel valley, you only want that, so the pedal stroke accelerates along this narrow and wild valley, on a relatively flat route once you have entered the valley. At the end of the route is the Deslioures biological reserve, created in 1993, which is home to one of the largest populations of blue thistles in Europe.