The banks of Serre-Ponçon

Description

A relatively short loop that is nonetheless very varied. You'll enjoy some beautiful views of the mountains and, on the way back, an open panorama of the Durance and its valley. This route includes a number of passages specially designed for safe cycling. So it's suitable for ages 7 to 77! Pleasant paths take you between mountain landscapes and farmland. The return journey to Embrun follows a cycle path along the banks of Lake Serre-Ponçon. - From the car park, take the footbridge over the Durance. Follow the cycle path towards Baratier (short section under the N94) and head towards a roundabout. - Take the second exit towards La Mure (D240), drive 100 m then take another right fork. At the next crow's-foot intersection, take the Chemin du Grand Liou, which continues to the right. - Continue straight on, skirting fields, until you reach the village of Crots. Cross it heading west while admiring the château of Picomtal. - Just before you reach the N94, take a small tarmac road to the right and go through a tunnel to find yourself on the other side of the N94. - Now head towards the lake and then set off along the dyke, with Embrun as a backdrop. Rejoin the footbridge over the Durance to return to the starting point.

Difficulty

Official rating: very easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Parking du plan d'eau, Embrun, Embrun (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/996004-Les-berges-de-Serre-Poncon). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 44 m, Parc national des Écrins