Guided Alps to Provence e-MTB Journey

We have selected a range of routes specifically adapted to electric mountain biking for this tour with the aim of getting the most out of your e-bikes, having fun and seeing the best of the scenery and views away from the busier traditional mountain biking tracks.

The biking days are between 30km and 60km long with between 700m and 1500m of ascent, which is perfect for optimal battery power and being able to enjoy the ups and downs!

The technical level of the route is easy with a few challenges for those that want to try, all made much more accessible by your electric bike! If you are used to graded mountain bike routes imagine blue routes with some reds. 

You are guided for the full trip by Manu, who is a fully qualified, very professional and passionate mountain bike guide who specialises in electric mountain biking. He is local to this area and has contributed to mountain biking guide books as well as putting up some of the way marked self guided routes. If you need to change route, he will know where to go and will be adapting the trip continuously without you even realising so that you get the most out of your trip!

You need to get to Gap where you will be based for the first half of this trip. The hotel is walking distance from the train station. If you need any help working out how to get to Gap, please ask us as we have become experts and working out the best ways to get here!

We suggest meeting the rest of your group in the hotel lobby at 18h30 to meet each other and go out into Gap town for the evening for a drink and dinner. We can advise you on good restaurants and can book you a table in advance if you wish.

The hotel has a secure place to put your bikes if you are bringing your own.

Your guide, will come and meet you in the morning ready to bike with your day pack. He will take you to the park to check everyone's bikes and give any hired bikes to people hiring before setting off.

Once all the technical stuff is to everyone's satisfaction, your adventure begins!

The first day is a beautiful climb through fields and forests into the Champsaur valley, the gateway to the Ecrins National Park and the start of the big Alpine summits. The Champsaur is also famous for its 'bocage' (Manu will explain this en route!) and authentic Alpine farming culture. After a lovely gentle descent you will ride alongside the Drac river with a possibility of stopping off at the swimming lake for a dip! After that, there is one more spectacular climb up through the mountains before another fun downhill back to the minibus. 

This is an exceptional day taking you into the limestone massif of the Dévoluy. 

Wild and unspoilt, the Devoluy mountains are a haven for wildlife and Manu will take you off the beaten track to places little used by tourists.

Expect to see dramatic limestone cliffs with multicoloured Alpine pastures teeming with butterflies and hopefully some mountain wildlife: mouflon, chamois, deer and boar. wolves are also permanently established in this area!

The biggest mountain in this range, is the Pic du Bure. The plateau of this magnificent mountain is home to one of three space observatory stations in the world, testament to the pure air and lack of light pollution in this part of the Alps

There are two main uphill sections today, split up by a beautiful descent and downwards traverse around the bowl of the Dévoluy mountains at the end of your day.

Ceuse is a world famous climbing destination and whilst you won't be scaling any cliffs, you will experience the same breathtaking views! The mountain hosts some exceptional mountain biking routes with stunning panoramic views over the surrounding valleys. 

You will traverse through forest trails skirting around the mountain and then climb up to the plateau, a spectacular grassy Alpine pasture teaming with flowers, butterflies and other wildlife; a stunning contrast with the Alpine woods and forests below.

This morning you will check out of your hotel in Gap and take all your baggage with you in the minibus. Today's ride is between the two accommodation bases taking in the famous Gorges de la Méouges. The Gorges de la Méouges is a 'Natura 2000' biological reserve with magnificent clear blue waters cascading through the rocks creating an array of beaches, waterfalls and rapids. 

On today's ride, you will also see vineyards, lavender fields and fruit orchards growing apples, pears, apricots and peaches lining these fertile lands, the change of scenery is quite remarkable!

You will also discover the beautiful medieval village of Serres and have the possibility of a quick dip or even a proper swim and sunbathe at the swimming lake en route.

Sisteron, your next accommodation base is known as the gateway to Provence thanks to its proximity to Provence and its situation: wedged in a narrow gap between two mountain ridges. As a pre-Roman town with 4000 years of recorded history and an impressive citadel built into the rock, Sisteron is an intriguing place to spend a bit of time. We highly recommend visiting the citadel whilst you are here. You can read more about Sisteron on our blog.

A brief return into the Buech valley to attack the ascent of the Col Saint Pierre. A climb up through the calm and peaceful natural Provencal wilderness before going back down to the Jabron valley. This valley owes its name to the river that crosses it and has the charm of rurality, with beekeepers, shepherds, goats and of course lavender ... it is a magnificent natural space away from the main roads - perfect for getting back in touch with what matters.

The objective of the day is to cross the white limestone of the Montagne de Lure (1826m)! By its color, one could believe in eternal snow. And although, you won't see any skiers, look out for paragliders or hang-gliding take-offs. In the footsteps of Giono, a famous French author in love with Provence, you will discover a sumptuous landscape with a view of Mont Ventoux in the distance and an exceptional diversity of fauna and flora.

Today you will make your way back home. There is a train station in Sisteron and we can help you plan your train routes back to any of the main TGV train stations or airports.

We hope you have had an amazing holiday, met some great people and will be going home with lots of wonderful memories!