Champsaur and Valgaudemar Mountain Bike Tour in the Alps

This itinerary is recommended for intermediate mountain bikers who wish to explore this spectacular alpine region by taking on some of the more technical routes that the valley has to offer.

This is an example itinerary to show you the general direction and technical details. However, the actual paths and routes we use may differ depending on accommodation availability for your dates and final route choice.

When you contact us, we will discuss the route with you to make sure it is suitable and once you have booked, we will send you the detailed route with GPX tracks so you can download it onto your navigation tool. We will also provide you with hard copies of maps as well so you have a back-up!

Please note that due to the nature of the terrain it is possible to encounter floods, landslides, rockfall, overgrown paths and other natural hazards along the route. The mountain biking routes are maintained by communal employees locally and whilst they do their best to stay on top of obstacles and put in place diversions in these situations, sometimes this is not possible so a degree of common sense and navigation skills are important.

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

Otherwise you will make your own way to the Auberge where you will start your adventure!!  

If you are hiring GPS or mountain bikes through us, they will be at the Auberge waiting for you.

Distance: 35 km     Ascent: 1400 m      Descent: 1300 m

You will begin your trip in the Champoleon valley, situated on the edge of the Ecrins National Park with a dramatic backdrop of snowcapped mountains and glaciers. You'll follow the route named ‘The Grand Tour of the Champsaur’.

A beautiful yet challenging single track route welcomes you to the Alps where you will spend the day traversing the mountainside with panoramic views of the valley. There is a physically demanding technical ascent up to the Tante Yvonne cabin and then a beautiful long descent down to the village of Ancelle.

Ancelle is a very pretty alpine village situated on a plateau surrounded by mountains.

Distance: 55 km      Ascent: 1300m      Descent: 1700 m

On leaving the village of Ancelle, you start the day by following old canal paths which will lead you to a plateau with superb panoramic views of the Gapençais valley below.

You will then briefly enter the forest on the col Bayard before continuing your journey along the frontier of the Devoluy Massif with panoramic views over the Champsaur valley.

You will finish the day in the picturesque hamlet of Poligny, at the foot of the Col de Noyer.

Distance: 36km      Ascent: 1800m      Descent: 1100m

Today your route will take you out of the Champsaur valley and into the Valgaudemar valley.

You will ride some beautiful single tracks along the GR routes ( 'Grande Randonée' - a network of long distance, alpine walking routes) that criss-cross the valley until you reach St Jacques.

You will notice there is more of a high mountain ambiance in the Valgaudemar valley, with steep valley sides and towering peaks.

Distance: 44 km      Ascent: 1800 m      Descent: 1800 m

The Valgaudemar is reputed for its craggy landscape and imposing summits and is commonly referred to as the Himalayas in the Alps.

You will once again take the 'GR' routes of the Valgaudemar valley. Expect pretty single tracks lining the Severesse river (opportunity for a river dip to cool off??!).

At this point, you also have the chance to extend the day's route to visit the emblematic sites if the Ecrins National Park (les Oules du Diables, Le Voile de la Mariée...) before returning to spend a second night in St. Jacques.

Distance: 44 km      Ascent: 1800 m      Descent: 1800 m

You will leave the Valgaudemar valley behind you to return to the Champsaur valley, taking in the alpine pastures and spectacular mountain scenery along the way.

Your day’s journey ends in the pretty little village of Chabottes.

Distance: 38km      Ascent: 1800m      Descent: 1500m

This is the last leg of your trip!!

Your route will take you winding back up along the Champsaur, this time on the other side of the valley, with fantastic panoramic views.

You then rejoin the single track which will take you along the flanks of the mountain and bring you back to the Auberge where you started from.