Tour of Champsaur by mountain bike - 5 days

Description

Split into five stages, this route offers a refreshing change of scenery on a loop of approximately 150 kilometres and introduces you gently to a Hautes-Alpes area that is full of character. This long loop introduces you to the essential features of Champsaur, a protected sector in the south of Les Écrins. Five days of immersion in this mountain valley of Mediterranean influence, with varied - and in particular sunny - landscapes awaiting the mountain biker. On this journey, you might come across the orange lily as well as true lavender! Grandiose panoramas over the valley and Les Écrins are guaranteed, an utter pleasure! The entire circuit, in particular its initial section, is quite fast with no really difficult stretches. The routes along the valley bottoms run gently along farm tracks and quiet little roads. Fortunately, the ascents through forested areas - some of them long - are shaded and lead up to the alpine pastures of each slope. The balcony paths you then use (especially on the very beautiful second stage), run along or drop down via technical and fun singles treks. The day is spent well, with mind and body tested! The beautiful panoramic stopping points encountered all along the physical stretches will be welcomed as an opportunity to eat, contemplate… or have a siesta!

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• A trail to be undertaken in autumn (ambiance and colours) rather than spring as the technical stretches are more cyclable after the summer season.
• Be sure to train thoroughly before embarking on five days of alpine mountain biking!

Getting there

Start: Ancelle, Ancelle (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/943325-Tour-du-Champsaur-en-VTT---5-jours). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 4,667 m, Parc national des Écrins