Maurienne Gravel Tour: Gravel in the heart of Savoie and the Hautes-Alpes
Departure from the heart of Maurienne, a true cycling destination and future railway junction for the Lyon-Turin line. Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne is a former metallurgical town that offers a striking contrast between its industrial past and its natural environment.
Organization of the Gravel Tour in the Alps:
Focus on the pleasure of riding thanks to the support vehicle:
- Transports your luggage every day from one accommodation to another
- Takes care of lunch and joins the group at noon
Accompanied by a local guide who pedals with the group:
- With years of experience in the region
- Carefully selected the best routes to discover
Possibility to rent a high-quality gravel bike
Day 1: Arrival in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Gravel to Valloire.
🚵🏽♂️ 32 km
⛰️ + 1,800 m
🛣️ 65% trails and paths, 35% paved roads
We'll meet at the Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne train station. We'll have a coffee and meet the guide, the driver of the support vehicle, and the rest of the group. For those who rented bikes, we'll have them adjusted and fitted. Once everyone is ready, the adventure begins!
The climb to the Karellis resort then begins, alternating between paved roads and trails crossing lush mountain pastures, protected by beech and fir forests. The pace of the climb is ideal for enjoying the scenery, discovering small, nestled mountain villages, and getting your legs moving. The panoramic views continue before arriving at the Col de l'Albane, the first challenge of this gravel tour.
After the ascent, the descent to the picturesque village of Saint-Alban-d'Hurtières, located on the mountainside overlooking the Valloirette Valley. The Chemin des Rémus, a technical and demanding descent, then takes us along steep trails where portage will be necessary. But this passage is an integral part of the gravel experience in the Alps. Our adventure continues on the opposite slope, arriving in Valloire, a historic ski resort in the Alps, located at the foot of the famous Col du Galibier. Valloire is rich in fascinating history, from peddlers once roaming the mountains, to Hannibal's troops crossing its passes with their elephants, and during World War II, the region played a major role in the Resistance.
Day 2: From Valloire to Névache
🚵🏽♂️ 32 km
⛰️ + 1,100 m
🛣️ 85% paths and trails, 15% paved roads
Today, the spirit of the great stages of the Tour de France is omnipresent as we take the legendary road leading to the Col du Galibier. This climb, climbed by so many champions, is a unique experience. But at Plan Lachat, after a few kilometers of climbing, the gravel adventure takes another turn. We leave the main road to branch off onto a historic military trail, leading to the Mountain Troops Hardening Camp. This site, used by the French armies to prepare for extreme conditions, offers exceptional panoramas and a total immersion in the wild nature of the Alps. The trail quickly climbs, taking us to the foot of impressive rocky cathedrals, their peaks tearing through the high-altitude sky. Pure air and silence reign here, punctuated only by the sound of our wheels on the pebbles.
We reach the Col des Rochilles, discreet but majestic, where the view of the Alps is worth the effort. A little further on, a break is required at the sources of the Clarée River, a protected natural sanctuary, a source of life for the entire valley. The descent that follows is as technical as it is challenging; stones mark the path, and we have to carry our bikes for some sections. Next, we reach the Drayes refuge where the paths become gentler and we let ourselves be guided by the meanders of the Clarée Valley, famous for its wild beauty and unspoiled landscapes. The stage in the village of Névache, gateway to the Southern Alps, where the Mediterranean air begins to mix with the Alpine atmosphere.
Day 3: From Névache to Briançon
🚵🏽♂️ 31 km
⛰️ + 1,000 m
🛣️ 90% paths and trails, 9% roads, 1% cycle path
Leaving Névache, the route alternates between wide trails and singletrack through meadows and wetlands. Usually used in winter for cross-country skiing, this varied and playful terrain offers pure gravel fun. We approach Val-des-Prés, a charming, typical village with a very Alpine authenticity and tranquility. After the descent... the ascent! The Col du Granon, renowned for its difficulty as much as for its beauty, is gentle for the first few kilometers. Pine trees accompany us before gradually being replaced by larches, which protect us for the last, more challenging kilometers. At the summit, the reward is well-deserved: a breathtaking view of the Durance and Serre Chevalier valleys, where, at the bottom, Briançon can be seen.
The highest city in Europe is our final destination for this stage. Briançon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its fortifications designed by Vauban. This strategic location, designed to block enemy invasions from Italy and northern Europe, is today a vibrant cultural center.
Day 4: From Briançon to Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne
🚵🏽♂️ 71 km
⛰️ + 1,800 m
🛣️ 70% paths and trails, 30% roads
Last day of adventure, and the route still offers some exceptional panoramas. We saved the best for last with the longest stage on this last day. Thrills guaranteed, because the longer it is, the better it is. The first part of the stage takes us between technical and fun riding through typical Alpine landscapes, and it's a good summary of what we've seen the previous days.
At midday, we find ourselves in Valloire, giving us the opportunity for a good break. This time, we leave the resort by a different route that leads to the Col du Télégraphe. At the hamlet of the pass, we turn off to join a farm track that reminds us with every pedal stroke that we're in the mountains. For downhill enthusiasts, the Arc Valley descent is a great reward. Let's stay vigilant and not get carried away by the adrenaline! We arrive in Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne with our heads full of memories and thrills.
Farewell dinner and overnight stay in Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne.
Day 5: Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne
End of the tour after breakfast. Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne has a train station connected to Chambéry and then Lyon.
