Glaciers, rivers and meadows in the Ecrins

This gravel ride extends over gravel paths and some singletrack along and through Parc National des Ecrins. This is one of the most beautiful and most elevated natural parks in France. During this ride you have peaks around you that reach up to 4000 meters. Get your chest wet, because that means the necessary altimeters.

After a coffee on the sunny terrace at mountain hotel Saint Roch you start a climb to the Narreyroux valley. In this valley you cross a small bridge over a fast-flowing river and cycle on a narrow single track towards Puy Saint Vincent 1600. You traverse the slopes on gravel paths and cross flowering Alpine meadows towards the Col de La Pousterle. Note the imposing rock formations of Tournoux and views around you.

Arriving at the Col de Pousterle at 1800 meters, an unpaved descent of 5 kilometers awaits and then climb to a great height again via another side. If you want, you can skip this loop, because if you drive straight on here you will rejoin the route later on. However, the views of this 10-kilometer climb make it well worth it. In the distance you look out on cities such as Briançon and Guillestre and if you look closely, you can see the Glacier Blanc. This glacier is located on the flanks of the Barre des Ecrins, with 4102 meters the highest mountain of the Ecrins massif.

You tap the 2,000 meters when you have arrived at the highest point: Les Têtes. Via this high plateau you start the descent to the flat gravel roads on top of the Col de Pousterle. You cross the col to the other side. Every time I arrive here, I am filled with the view over the Fournel valley. Get off, plop down on the grass and let the beauty of the surroundings take effect.

A long gravel descent follows towards the Fournel river. You follow this upstream and later downstream towards Argentière. Before you drive into the center, pick up a (steep) single track and blast into the woods. You cross the river and cross the meadows in the valley of the Gyronde on a double track. From here you follow the river to Vallouise.

At the fountain in the center, fill your water bottle again with fresh mountain water before you climb back to Puy Saint Vincent. Join Hotel Saint Roch for a snack or drink, or ask for one of the pastas that are specially made for cyclists.