Loop 56 - Col Valbelle

Description

Less challenging than its cousin, the Parpaillon, the ascent of the Col de Valbelle offers pleasant gravel trails in a setting that speaks for itself. A mountainous setting for this ascent to 2382m. This unmissable pass is located on the mountain pastures of the Risoul resort. Some of this route can be used for a round trip, and at the Col de la Cloche there's a lovely descent along an old road overlooking the Risoul stream.( Possibility of adding the loop around the Lac de Siguret) - At the school in Saint-André d'Embrun, at the washhouse turn right and follow the Chemin de Clotinard uphill. At the road, turn right and then left onto the forest road (DFCI track H33). - Just after the fork in the road with route 55 blue, climb the track on the right at the edge of the field and forest, then the more rolling path on the left. At the crossroads of 5 tracks, take the 2nd turning on the left. /!\ Steep, rocky section. - At the carriageway, turn right then ride for 1 km before turning left at the house. - Join the Col de la Coche, staying on the Eaux Pendantes forest road. - At Chalet de la Coche (fountain) turn right onto the uphill track (the least steep and clearest). Reach the Col by passing the 2 mountain restaurants and staying on the main trail. - Returning to Chalet de la Coche, head down the road to the right. /!\ A rapid descent with steep gradients and potholes. - At the exit of the municipal forest, descend the road to the right towards Saint-André then to the left at a hairpin bend on the stony path to reach the finishing point.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Saint-André-d’Embrun, Saint-André-d'Embrun (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/996156-Boucle-56---Le-Col-Valbelle). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 1,512 m, Parc national des Écrins