The best cycling routes around Briançon

There are over 500 touring cycling routes in the Briançon area, catering to a wide range of abilities. This includes 52 easy routes, 146 moderate routes, and more than 300 difficult routes, offering diverse challenges across the Southern Alps.

Briançon enjoys approximately 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an excellent destination for touring cycling. The peak summer months are ideal, offering the most favorable weather for exploring the high mountain passes and scenic valleys.

Yes, many routes offer access to significant landmarks and natural beauty. You can cycle past the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Briançon's Vauban Fortifications, including the Pont d'Asfeld. Routes also traverse the stunning Clarée Valley, the dramatic Gorges of the Guil, and offer views of iconic mountain passes like Col du Granon (2,413 m).

The terrain around Briançon is highly varied, ranging from challenging ascents over snow-capped peaks and iconic mountain passes to gentler paths through thick forests and expansive valleys. You'll encounter both paved surfaces on famous cols and quieter roads through picturesque regional parks like Écrins and Queyras.

Yes, Briançon offers 52 easy touring cycling routes. A great option for a more relaxed ride is the Mont-Dauphin and hot springs of the plan de Phazy - loop at the gates of the Queyras regional natural park, which is 15.5 km long and takes just under an hour, providing a pleasant experience at the edge of the Queyras Regional Natural Park.

For those seeking a significant challenge, Briançon is home to routes featuring some of the most famous mountain passes. The Col du Lautaret – Col du Galibier loop from La Grave is a difficult 69.1 km route with over 2,200 meters of elevation gain, tackling two iconic cols. Another demanding option is the Col du Galibier – Col du Lautaret loop from Le Casset, covering 69.6 km with over 1,600 meters of ascent.

Briançon serves as an excellent starting point for longer touring adventures. It is a key section of the famous Route des Grandes Alpes, which includes the climb to Col de l'Izoard. Other options include the 'Alps to Provence Along the Durance Cycle Touring Holiday' which follows the Durance valley, and the multi-day 'Briançon to the Med' trip.

Yes, there are many circular routes available. For instance, the Les Vigneaux et Vallouise – loop at the gates of the Écrins National Park is a moderate 15.8 km loop. Another challenging loop is the Refuge Napoléon Col d'Izoard – Briançon loop from La Salle-les-Alpes, covering 54.1 km.

The touring cycling routes in Briançon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 810 reviews. Cyclists often praise the dramatic landscapes, the challenge of the iconic mountain passes, and the diverse environments of the Écrins and Queyras parks.

Absolutely. Many routes are designed to showcase the stunning vistas of the Southern Alps. The Pont Baldy lake viewpoint – Refuge Napoléon Col d'Izoard loop from Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières offers picturesque lake views. Additionally, the Col d'Izoard itself provides unimpeded views over Briançon from its peak and passes through the striking Casse Déserte.

Yes, you can experience the dramatic Gorges du Guil on a touring cycling route. The Guil Gorges – Footbridge over the Guil loop from Montdauphin-Guillestre is a challenging 85.2 km route that takes you through this impressive natural feature, where the torrential river has carved remarkable rock formations.

Yes, Briançon's proximity to the Italian border offers unique cycling experiences. The Montgenèvre – Clarée Valley loop from La Salle-les-Alpes is a difficult 91.9 km route that takes you towards the Montgenèvre Pass, providing a taste of the cross-border cycling opportunities in the region.