Tour of Mont Colombis

Description

A rollercoaster ride! Although never very long, the relatively numerous ascents will put you to the test. From Col Lebraut, enjoy the panoramic views before heading back down to Chorges. The ascent of Mount Colombis, with its extraordinary gradients, is a major challenge for many cyclists. But this itinerary is more of a tour. A number of difficulties nevertheless await you - you’ll need to draw on all your strength and push your body to the limit. Making success all the sweeter! - Head towards Chorges town centre and, at a fountain and restaurant, turn left for 300 m. At the crossroads, go left and follow this small road faithfully for 5 km to reach the hamlet of Les Carles. Continue straight ahead until you come to a crossroads, then turn left onto the "Route des Borels". Descend to the village of La Bâtie-Neuve and, at a roundabout, turn right towards the Col de Manse (D14). - Gain altitude as you progress, while enjoying the view. After 5 km, you will reach a fork in the road; turn left towards Gap (D314). Drive for 2 km until you reach a crossroads where two "No Entry" signs face each other. At this point, turn left (bikes are allowed) and descend as far as the N94. - Head right for 100 m and turn left (with caution) towards "Grand Larra"(D206). The road rises gradually. Cross the hamlet and continue towards La Bâtie-Vieille. When you reach the D6, turn right towards Gap. Go past La Moutouse and, after 1 km, come to an intersection with a wooden cross. Make a turn of almost 180° and head towards Rambaud (D106). Continue the ascent towards Jarjayes and enjoy the panoramic views between the mountains and the agricultural plains. - Finally, opposite a chapel and its cemetery, go left towards Notre-Dame-du-Laus. Climb up to the Col de Tourrond then enjoy a beautiful descent with several winding bends. Pass through Notre-Dame-du-Laus as far as the Avance valley and the D942. Turn right towards Sisteron for 200 m and, just after a bus stop, turn left onto a small country road that leads to Saint-Etienne-le-Laus. Join the D942 to head towards Valserres. Go through this village and skirt a mountain on the D942a. Then turn left onto the D900b towards Gap. Drive for 2 km before turning left towards Piégut. - Cross Durance and, at the next crossroads, turn left towards Piégut. Stay on this pleasant road (D704) before leaving it and taking the one heading towards Rochebrune. Cross the plain while travelling alongside the Durance (and a leisure centre). Go past Rochebrune and, at the crossroads, turn left and cross over the Durance once more. - At the STOP sign, take the D900b towards Espinasses and, on leaving the village, go left towards Lac de Serre-Ponçon (D3). On the ascent to the Col Lebraut, you can see just how much work went into building the dam. There is also a beautiful view of the turquoise waters of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Once over the pass, prepare for a beautiful 8 km descent back to Chorges. Then pass under the N94 and, 200 m further on, turn left to return to the station car park.

Difficulty

Official rating: difficult, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Parking de la gare, Chorges, Chorges (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/996013-Le-tour-du-Mont-Colombis). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 2,010 m, Parc national des Écrins