Elevation of the route
A mountain-biking journey between high mountains and Provençal plains
Some key facts about the Grande Traversée VTT L'Alpes - Provence:
- Distance: 305 km
- Positive shift in altitude: 8,500 m
- Maximum altitude: 2340 m
- Signposting: route 100% signposted
Level of difficulty of the route
The route runs through several mountainous zones, presenting cyclists with some technically challenging stretches, in parts requiring a high level of skill, as well as steep shifts in altitude. It is geared to seasoned mountain bikers used to tackling such terrain.
Practical information
What type of equipment do you need?
As its name indicates, this route is all-terrain and demanding, requiring a good level of experience, so it necessitates a mountain bike!
Luggage and equipment: bear in mind that you will have to push, or even carry, your bike at times, and that very significant shifts in altitude are involved. Light, suitably adapted equipment is necessary.
When to go?
The two ideal times to tackle the route are before or after summer, avoiding the worst of the heat, so in spring, from March-April up to June, or then as autumn begins, from September through October.
How to reach the starting point?
- Bus Marseille / Barcelonnette - line LER 28: the number of bikes the buses on this line can carry is limited / price per bike at time of writing – €6. Consult the timetables
- Bus Barcelonnette / Larche - line L5: there is no guarantee there will be space for bikes on this line, and you have to dismantle your bike for it to be accepted. See details
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Cruis / Forcalquier
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Forcalquier / Manosque
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Travellers’ reviews