The Tour du Queyras is often considered as a must for mountain biking in the Southern Alps.... Skylines and emblematic summits, postcard-perfect high and medium mountain landscapes, bucolic and fluid trails in larch forests or more technical at altitude, an atmosphere that is both peaceful and wild, and varied itineraries that delight riders of all levels. Add to this well looked after accommodation, a well thought out route adapted to the MTB to avoid the need for portages, a local guide who knows the terrain well and well worked out logistics... and you have a comfortable mountain bike itinerary that smells of adventure...
NB: To fully enjoy this trip and as we will have to cross some passes, it is however advised to have a minimum of technical luggage in order to be at ease in any situation. If not, we strongly recommend a "star" trip for a first experience in the Queyras.
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We prefer to take the shuttle bus up to Ceillac to get straight to the mountain areas. We start the day day with a slightly technical climb, but the electric assistance made much easier by the electric assistance, which will give us a good opportunity to test ourselves and get to know each other on the bike... Arriving at the pass, we obviously take the time to admire the panorama before taking before picking up a very challenging trail between larches, remarkable geological and pastures. A new pass, a new viewpoint of the Queyras Park, the trip is off to a good start. bien.... Descent by the mule track of our choice towards to the village of Saint-Véran. Caviar. Night in a comfortable gîte
As we are on a 5-day package, we have enough time to extend the loop enough time to extend the loop and get close to the 3000, by taking the famous descent of the lakes... 12 kms of wild descent in a high mountain setting, a beautiful adventure adventure that even begins with an ascent of the cirque de la Blanche cirque de la Blanche, which will require a little precision from everyone on the climb... A beautiful mountain day Overnight in a comfortable gîte in the Haut guil
Once we've reached Abries, we're spoilt for choice when it comes to the day. We take advantage of a lift with the resort to enjoy enjoy the scenery and peaks that line the border. Climb a single, descend a mountain trail, technical at the start technical at the start, then deliciously rolling to zip along at mach 12 in the larch trees. A nice warm-up lap before picking up the pace again and and a few less-frequented sectors, still just as good to ride. good to ride. We even finished the day around Chateau Queyras where where a few well-guarded nuggets are hidden and will delight fans of beautiful enduro bikes... Overnight in a gîte in the Vallée du Guil valley
Here we go again for a beautiful morning ascent, mainly on the trail, or on a single for the sturdiest...to reach a magnificent south-facing south-facing balcony path with a view of the southern Alps, the summit of Font Sancte in the distance... it's a fast, rolling ride and just the right amount of technique. ....a treat for the bike and the eyes... Technical ascent or a more relaxed up n down traverse, we have a choice of ways to reach Arvieux and enjoy the afternoon. Overnight in a stopover gîte
Last day of the trip and we're finishing on a high note! Crossing one of the most beautiful alpine pastures in Europe, a single track ascent for those who want it, and on piste for those who prefer it, then then a long section of mountain pasture awaits us, with a well-deserved a well-deserved meal at the refuge for a final meal worthy of the name, with a with a remarkable skyline in the background. The descent is mythical, taking us straight back to our base camp. to our base camp, with beautiful sections under the pine trees and a completely secluded atmosphere with vegetation that changes vegetation that changes with every kilometre Arrival in Mont-Dauphin scheduled for late afternoon around 16h30.
FURTHER TRAINING = Services focused on learning and riding techniques. In a course format with half-day teaching modules or in a stay format with often a half-day of improvement (depending on level) in the morning and hiking in the afternoon to enjoy the mountain. Mainly in the Guillestrois Queyras
DISCOVERY = Easy to moderate level tours that encourage contemplation and explanations of the natural and cultural heritage, where the difference in altitude is moderate, the risk of falling and the technical requirements are low. In star or itinerant form, in France or in the Italian Piedmont
ALL MOUNTAIN = Mountain oriented trips where the pleasure of pedalling and climbing takes on its full dimension. For those who already have a minimum of technical knowledge in both climbing and descending, who obviously like the adrenalin and technicality of single descents but who are more interested in contemplating the high altitude landscapes rather than accumulating descents at all costs
ENDURO = Still in the high mountains on shared or dedicated routes, with a clear focus on descent rather than contemplation. We still pedal but this time we increase the ratio with a morning shuttle to reach between 1200 to 1500m of D+ and 2500m of D-. Protective gear is highly recommended and respect for other mountain users is mandatory.
SHUTTLE ENDURO = Clearly for downhillers who are looking for adrenaline and the technicality of the descent on trails dedicated to this practice as much as possible. The ratio is increased here with logistical support throughout the day to reach 1000m of D+ on the way up and 3000m of D-. Protection is strongly recommended and respect for other mountain users is mandatory.
TECHNICAL LEVELS :
BEGINNER = You do not yet master the basic techniques of mountain biking (balance, gear shifting, braking, maintaining your trajectories on narrow trails...) and going into the mountains scares you but you want to brave your limits.
INTERMEDIATE = You are comfortable on your bike even on narrow single tracks but many mistakes persist. You don't mind riding in the mountains, but getting into tight corners, steep slopes or rocky-rooty trails can make you worry if it goes on too long. Long, intense rides take a lot of energy and concentration and can increase the risk of falling as the day progresses.
CONFIRMED = You are able to control your bike in the mountains whatever the terrain (crossings, hairpins, roots, rocks, steep climbs and descents, singletracks) and you are able to keep all your lucidity even on long days. You still have room to improve your style, performance and riding fluidity...
EXPERT = You have full control of your bike in all situations and you are autonomous in the mountains. You are able to keep up with the pace, even on long days with 2 batteries for example. The guide may find it difficult to keep up with you.... But he knows the paths not to be missed and allows you not to worry about the route, so trust him!
PHYSICAL LEVELS :
COOL = Throughout your stay you will cycle on wide tracks that lend themselves to contemplation, the pace is not very fast, although you will obviously have to pedal to make the bike move on mountain terrain. These are our "beginners" trips and outings, of easy level. Ideal for a first approach to electric mountain biking, for those who want an active holiday but have little opportunity to do sport on a daily basis
MODERATE = You are a more regular daily rider and enjoy challenging yourself, even if it means getting into the red sometimes. The pace of cycling and the trip remains cool and contemplative, but can include many steeper sections and longer climbs that you obviously have to endure physically and mentally to enjoy the cycling experience. Easy itineraries, Discovery mountain star trips or intermediate All Mountain trips are more likely to be found in this category
SPORTSMAN = Sport is your daily routine and sweating profusely is almost a goal of the day for you. Sometimes steep climbs that require good calves and big thighs, varied pedalling rates, relaunching, linking up with descents..., all the while keeping your wits about you of course! Many of our All Mountain Enduro trips take place at this pace
INTENSE = You have "the body" as we say back home, and the muscle tone and concentration capacity to withstand long distances and a series of terrains. So we go riding from morning to night, until we run out of two batteries if necessary. Good luck!
You will ride in small groups (Minimum 3 people - Maximum 8 people, or 7 people for enduro trips with logistical support)
More pleasant, easier to discuss together, less inertia, easier for the guide to give precious advice and to adapt to the level of the group, ... less technical incidents too... In short, all advantages!
Our tours are therefore calculated with the aim of keeping them "insured" with 3 people in the Queyras, 4 people outside and during the itineraries, while keeping the number of people reduced.
Since the beginning we have worked closely with the hosts you will be staying with.
Cycling reception is improving year by year in the Queyras and the Hautes Alpes in general. In Italy, things are often already well in place
Although the "dormitory" or "3* hotel" formulas are possible to better fit the budget and expectations of everyone, we have chosen to build our stays as we would like to experience them.
Most of the time in "Gîte tout confort" formula, rooms to share (3-4 persons max) with sanitary facilities in the rooms.
For the itineraries, it is sometimes a bit more complex and we try to find the right balance between comfort, conviviality, good food without compromising the quality of the itinerary.
In order to develop this activity seriously and to offer a quality service at every stage, we have established a real cycle shop at the gates of the Queyras, in Eygliers.
We have several 9-seater vehicles and approved trailers, suitable for transporting ATVs.
The drivers are often guides or mechanics who are used to working together, which ensures a good flow, a good atmosphere and brings an extra service in the package when the bike needs to be repaired
Picnic buffets, refreshments based on local products, elaborate meals, etc. are also possible during incentive days or itinerant trips
We therefore have complete control over the logistical and material aspects. This makes all the difference in the field and is a real guarantee of quality and reactivity for you
On foot, by bike (with or without batteries) or with the bike on our backs... , All of us have travelled the length and breadth of the Guillestrois Queyras and the Piedmont over the last 15 years.
With an eye for detail, we have taken the time to design unique routes through our various programmes, so that they can be adapted to each type of practice, to each level, to each type of audience. This is a long-term project that is now bearing fruit.
By working with local guides, each in their own way, they are able to adjust the routes in real time in order to offer you theperfect sequence that will match the level and expectations of the group
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