부르 생 피에르 최고의 사이클링 경로

Passing under the imposing covered viaduct that leads to the tunnel marks the beginning of the toughest part of the climb: the gradients become more demanding (though never prohibitive), the fatigue accumulated over the previous 20 km takes its toll, and the winds from Switzerland begin to lash you... you're officially in the high mountains, after all, that's why you came here. If the day is one of the worst, with strong winds from the pass, these last 10 km will be a nightmare, but the beauty and majesty of the landscape will more than make up for even the most intense of efforts.

The highest road pass in the Aosta Valley and a place that has always fascinated the writer for its thousand-year history, the austere Mauritian hospice and the profound beauty of the landscape.

This climb is incredible: it doesn't have any difficult gradients, but it's long, incredibly long, endless. You reach a point where you almost hate it: you've been pedaling for well over an hour and the summit is still out of sight, you're running out of energy and the wind keeps whipping you in the face, you want to throw your bike away and say, "Enough! I'll stop here!"... but it's only a moment, because you're the one who chose to tackle it and you knew exactly what you were getting into; you set off again with more determination than before and attack those last few kilometers of road with all your remaining strength. And then you enter the tunnel, there you begin to realize you've made it, you exit, follow the road that bends slightly to the left, and, as if in a dream, the lake appears. You reach the top and think about how many people have traveled this road over the centuries: Salassi, Romans, monks, migrants, Napoleonic soldiers... you realize you're in a place steeped in history and stunning nature, and there you can't help but love this hill.

If you're coming from the top, you'll now enter a long tunnel/gallery. Turn on the lights and look forward to the next descent.

Hotel Italia is highly recommended

Lots of gravel routes starting from Orsières, for example up to Champex-Lac or even to La Fouly

The climb from Orsières to Ferret is highly recommended. You need around 18km to overcome a good 800 metres in altitude. There are always flatter sections where you can relax. The further you drive into the valley, the smaller the road becomes and the more breathtaking the nature. A trip up to the Val Ferret is particularly worthwhile in autumn. That's when the larches shine wonderfully golden. Together with the snow-covered peaks and the blue sky, this creates an incredible natural spectacle. The road leads through La Fouly and Ferret to a car park below the Alpage Les Ars Dessous. From there, two hiking trails lead further up towards the peak, which marks the border with Italy.

Cozy little hut with wood stove for cooking, seating and dining area and SOS function