Alps to Provence Mountain Biking

The Alps to Provence mountain bike tour is a fabulous adventure taking you from the snow capped mountains of the Ecrins National Park to the sweet scents of the lavender fields, apricots and peaches of beautiful Provence.

There are a few variations on this route and it is even possible for the same group to have different routes that end up at the same accommodation each night. So if you have mixed abilities or are a family with a MTB mad dad or teenagers (minimum age recommended is age 13) and a mum who wants a more gentle ride or vice versa...it's all possible!

For less experienced riders, the route would be mainly on canal paths, forest trails and tracks and quiet back roads and the distances would be shorter with less ascent and descent. For serious mountain bikers, expect single track and much more technical routes with lots more distance and ascent and descent!

This itinerary is an example to give you an idea. We will fix the exact route at the time of booking subject to accommodation availability and your final route choice.

When you enquire, we will ask you about your mountain biking experience and level and suggest the most suitable variation for you with what accommodation is available. Once we have agreed a general itinerary, we will send you the booking form and then get it organised for you!

Please note that this is a self guided holiday and the trails and routes we use are not always on waymarked routes so you will need to be comfortable reading a map and using GPS tracks.

If you have chosen to take a transfer with us, we will collect you at the train station in Gap and take you to your accommodation.

If not, you will make your way to Ancelle for the start of your adventure!

Easy Route:             Distance: 19km   Ascent: 500m      Descent: 500m 

Technical Route:    Distance: 40km   Ascent: 1559m     Descent: 1507m

The Champoléon Valley is situated just on the edge of the Ecrins National park with a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glaciers.

The area is rich in wildlife, with chamois and ibex frequenting the steep cliffs and mountain sides and marmots scurrying form burrow to burrow all around. There is even a pair of golden eagles who have made this valley their home. For committed mountain bikers following the technical itinerary, there is a beautiful single track route traversing the mountainside with panoramic views of the valley.

There is a physically demanding technical ascent up to the Cabane de Tante Yvonne and then a beautiful long descent down to your accommodation for the night in Ancelle. For a more easy going day, it is the same start but instead of going up to the cabin, there is a pretty and gentle canal path traversing the valley.

At the end of the canal path there is a track taking you up over the col and down into the village of Ancelle. Ancelle is a very pretty alpine village situated on a picturesque plateau surrounded by mountains.

Easy Route:             Distance: 25km   Ascent: 600m      Descent: 750m 

Technical Route:     Distance: 31km    Ascent: 950m    Descent: 1114m

This is a fabulous leg taking you from the Champsaur Valley with its spectacular high mountain backdrop and pretty alpine villages to the almost provençal village of Sigoyer, situated in a very different environment. 

For technical riders, this is a challenging ascent up to the col de Moissière where you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the Champsaur and Gap valleys. After that, there is a fantastic traverse to the col de Manse with panoramic views all the way along on a mixture of single track and canal paths to Sigoyer. For mountain bikers who want a challenge, there is a fantastic variant up to the Col de Gleize with a great single track descent into Rabou, and then Sigoyer.

The easy route starts with a quiet road and then a path to get to the col de Manse where, if you were in a mixed group, you could meet up with the sporty riders and ride together with panoramic views and plenty of photo and picnic opportunities to share along the way. The route then descends to Sigoyer, where you will spend your third night. 

Easy Route:             Distance: 26km   Ascent: 450m      Descent: 450m 

Technical Route:     Distance: 40km   Ascent: 2000m     Descent: 2000m

A spectacular route through the pre-Alps crossing a variety of cols, forest, fields and mountains. For the hard core mountain bikers, this is the most challenging day of the week, with a long leg that includes several very technical passages in the Céüse mountain, rewarded by a magnificent single track descent into Montmaur.

The easy version is mainly on small roads and paths traversing the same countryside but omitting the big ascents and descents! The last climb up to your accommodation is a challenge at the end of your day but allows you to ride through beautiful countryside in peace and quiet!

Easy Route:             Distance: 25km   Ascent: 700m      Descent: 700m 

Technical Route:     Distance: 37km   Ascent: 700m     Descent: 700m

A wonderful route following the river Buech as it winds down the valley. You will pass fields of lavender, apricots and peaches.... mmmmmmmm!

For experienced mountain bikers riding the technical route, this is a relative rest day starting with a nice descent down past Veynes. Afterwards you continue up to the col de la Croix near Savournon where you will be staying for the night.

For the easy mountain bikers, your day starts on a quiet tarmac road and takes you though pretty villages of Aspres St Buech, Aspremont, Sigottier and Serres. Towards the end of your day you end up at a swimming lake where a welcome swim and sunbathe might be in order, before you head to your accommodation.

Easy Route:             Distance: 18km   Ascent: 800m      Descent: 800m 

Technical Route:     Distance: 30km   Ascent: 1300m     Descent: 1300m

Now in the heart of the Alpes Provence you will be riding through orchards, lavender fields and all those lovely 'provencal' scenes you dream about!

For the 'sportif' mountain bikers you start with a climb over the Montagne de St Genis ridge which is the last real barrier before you descend towards the Sisteron valley. After that there is another climb along a pretty path up to the Riou swimming lake where you can stop for a well deserved swim and sunbathe before continuing on to Laragne.

For the easy option, you conto the Montagne de St Genis for a more direct route towards the swimming lake where you have the choice of swimming in the lake or stopping off for a wilder, refreshing bath in the Riou gorges.

Save a bit of energy for your last climb to Vieil-Eyguians and the château d'Arzeliers !

Easy Route:             Distance: 32km   Ascent: 500m      Descent: 500m 

Technical Route:     Distance: 43km   Ascent: 900m     Descent: 900m

The last leg of your Alps to Provence mountain bike trip!

This is a great finale to your trip with a varied route taking in dramatic mountain gorges, peach and apricot orchards and a spectacular finish in the citadel of Sisteron.

The hard core mountain biker route takes you on a circuit around the Mountain of St Cyr overlooking the beautiful Méouge Gorges with very tempting rock pools waiting to be jumped into! The end of the route takes you through the orchards of Sisteron where the sweet scent of peaches and apricots are a welcome distraction! On your arrival you will be rewarded with the dramatic view of the Sisteron citadel - the challenge - will you be able to walk all the way to the top!!?

For families and easy riders your route is almost the same without the mountain of St Cyr ascent but still with a quick visit to the beautiful Méouge Gorges - dramatic canyons carved into the limestone with welcoming rock pools for a quick refresh!

The end of your mountain biking trip!

If you haven't had a chance to explore Sisteron - today is your opportunity - it is an intriguing place!!

If you are using us for your transfer, we will come and collect you from Sisteron.