Embrun - Les Orres Climb Loop

This route is primarily designed for racebikes for the ascent from Embrun to Les Orres. However, it's crucial to understand that the Massif du Parpaillon section, particularly the Col du Parpaillon, is largely unpaved and extremely rugged. For that part, a mountain bike or gravel bike would be necessary, as it's unsuitable for typical road bikes.

The climb from Embrun to Les Orres is considered a challenging ascent, often recommended for experienced cyclists. It involves a sustained climb to 1,650 meters, with sections that can be quite steep. Expect an average gradient of around 6.5% over 13.5 km, starting with a 7% incline.

The climb to Les Orres offers pleasant views, including panoramas of Embrun and Mont Guillaume, and passes through forested areas. You'll also pass over the Pont Neuf over the Durance. The destination is the Les Orres ski resort. If you venture onto the Massif du Parpaillon with an appropriate bike, you'll experience stunning, wild, high-altitude landscapes, often above the tree-line, with remote and expansive views.

No, the Col du Parpaillon is generally not recommended for typical road bikes. Its upper sections are largely unpaved, extremely rugged, and feature rough, stone-filled roads, gravel, deep ruts, and even boulders. It's best tackled with a mountain bike or a robust gravel bike.

The Tunnel du Parpaillon, located at 2,643 meters, is a notable feature. It's 520 meters long, unlit, unsurfaced, and can be very cold with ice and deep puddles, even in summer. If you plan to pass through, a headlamp and warm clothing are highly recommended.

The best time to cycle the Embrun to Les Orres section is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is most favorable. For the higher, unpaved sections of the Massif du Parpaillon, summer (July and August) is usually best, as snow can persist at altitude well into early summer, and the tunnel can be impassable outside of these months.

You can typically find parking in Embrun to begin your ride towards Les Orres. Specific parking areas can vary, but public parking is available in the town center or near the Durance river.

This route is primarily a road cycling tour, so bringing dogs along on the bike itself would depend on your specific setup (e.g., a bike trailer). If you're considering walking sections, local regulations for dogs in the Massif du Parpaillon area should be checked, especially concerning protected wildlife zones.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the road from Embrun to Les Orres or to access the Massif du Parpaillon. However, always be aware of any local regulations or temporary closures, especially for the Col du Parpaillon due to weather or maintenance.

Yes, while primarily a distinct route, sections of this tour overlap with or are in proximity to other trails. For instance, parts of the route cover sections of the "Boucle de la Plaine sous le Roc" and "Le grand vallon," and it's near the "Durance à Vélo, Le Monêtier-les-Bains - Sisteron" route.

A circular road bike route that includes the Massif du Parpaillon is not feasible for road bikes due to the unpaved and rugged nature of the Col du Parpaillon. While you can cycle to Les Orres and back on a road bike, to complete a loop over the Col du Parpaillon, you would need a mountain or gravel bike for that specific high-mountain pass section.