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Alps Divide planned a mountain bike ride
March 19, 2026
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Alps Divide went mountain biking
March 17, 2026
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March 18, 2026
Once over the Cormet d’Arêche, a fast descent into the Beaufortain region awaits.
From the Col du Pré, the views over Lac de Roselend and Mont Blanc are picture-postcard, and cycling across the dam wall is always a thrill. We then head down to Lac de la Gittaz, a much less frequented spot. Gravel switchbacks
Alps Divide went mountain biking
March 17, 2026
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March 18, 2026
This option avoids the very steep hike-a-bike section up to the Col du Jorat. Instead, enjoy the 37 hairpins on the Route des Diligence gravel descent. An old stagecoach road, which was the original route from Valais in Switzerland to Chamonix in France. This option must be taken during or after very
Alps Divide went mountain biking
March 17, 2026
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March 18, 2026
For anyone who doesn’t want to ride the out and back of the Colle del Sommeiller (which we wouldn’t recommend missing, because it’s a spectacular climb), then you can use this route file, Variant-E, to stay in France and travel up the Vallée de la Clarée on a mix of tracks and trails.
Alps Divide went mountain biking
March 17, 2026
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March 18, 2026
If the Tunnel du Parpaillon is closed, then please use this route file from Barcelonnette.
You will still get your fix of long tunnels on this variant, as we'll pass through some very long tunnels that used to be part of an old railway line. (You will need lights.) You will also get some stunning views
Alps Divide went mountain biking
March 17, 2026
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March 18, 2026
The Col de Turini is probably the most famous mountain pass in the Southern Maritime Alps, with lush dense vegetation and iconic hairpins. If you want to swap a long 4x4 descent for some smooth tarmac, then this is the descent to do it on in Section 2.
Alps Divide went mountain biking
March 17, 2026
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March 18, 2026
For anyone longing for a smoother descent, after many kilometres of gravel on Section 1, Variant-A will drop you down into the hamlet of Castérino, from where you can take a tarmac descent down a stunning valley before rejoining the main route in the Tende Valley.
Alps Divide went mountain biking
March 15, 2026
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peacemaker_fx🕊️ likes this.
March 18, 2026
We start with an out and back up the Colle del Sommeiller, which peaks at 2,993 meters above sea level, making it one the highest roads in Europe. It’s a long gravel climb of 26 km, a little rough in places, especially near the top, but it’s always rideable and worth every bead of sweat. The pass sits
Alps Divide went mountain biking
March 15, 2026
Distance
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Descent
March 17, 2026
We start by descending through the Gorge du Bachalard, following the beautiful river on a quiet narrow road. At the bottom of the gorge, the charming French town of Barcelonnette awaits, providing all the amenities and services you might need.
Next up, a whopper of a 22km gravel climb, to the Tunnel du
March 18, 2026
For anyone who doesn’t want to hike-a-bike over the Col des Ayes, then please use this route file to take you over the last part of the Col d’Izoard and a long tarmac descent into Briançon.