The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Auban

There are 9 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Auban featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of experiences, from easy rides to more challenging ascents.

Yes, Saint-Auban offers a couple of easy no-traffic touring routes suitable for families or beginners. The High Plateaus Circuit (Boucle d'Azur #3) is an easy option, covering about 11 km with minimal elevation gain. The region's tranquil nature and low-traffic roads make it generally pleasant for family cycling, especially on designated routes.

The no-traffic touring routes around Saint-Auban traverse diverse and dramatic landscapes. You'll encounter spectacular gorges like the Clue de Saint-Auban, winding roads through high limestone plateaus, dense forests, and picturesque stretches alongside serene lakes such as Lac de Chaudanne. The region is part of the French Prealps, offering a mix of challenging climbs and scenic descents.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops. For example, the Col de Félines (930 m) – View of Entrevaux loop from Briançonnet and the St Auban Gorge – Estéron Valley loop from Saint-Auban are excellent circular options for touring cyclists seeking no-traffic experiences.

The routes offer numerous scenic viewpoints. You can expect stunning vistas of gorges and valleys. Specific attractions include the dramatic Clue de Gréolières Scenic Road and the unique spectacle of Clue d'Aiglun. You might also pass by Lac de Chaudanne, offering tranquil lakeside views. The Col de Pinpinier is another notable mountain pass with views over the Gironde valley.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Saint-Auban, with milder temperatures and less tourist traffic. Summer can be warm, especially in the gorges, but the higher elevations provide some respite. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, as mountain weather can change quickly.

Parking is typically available in or near the villages that serve as starting points for these routes, such as Saint-Auban itself, Briançonnet, or Séranon. Look for designated parking areas within these villages, which are usually well-equipped for visitors accessing outdoor activities.

While the routes prioritize low traffic, they often pass through or near charming Provençal villages where you can find local cafes, bakeries, or small shops for refreshments. It's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially on longer or more remote sections, as services may not be continuously available.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, the tranquility of the low-traffic roads, and the rewarding challenge of the mountain passes and gorges. The unique geological features and picturesque villages are frequently highlighted as memorable aspects of the touring experience.

Yes, the renowned P'tites Routes du Soleil cycling route passes through Saint-Auban. This route connects the Alpes-de-Haute Provence to the Alpes-Maritimes, offering an extended touring experience through the Estéron River valley, vertiginous canyons, and charming villages, all designed for low-traffic cycling.

While the region is known for its dramatic gorges and rivers, a specific highlight you might encounter is the Ray Waterfall. While not directly on every touring route, it's a natural monument in the vicinity that can be explored as a side trip or incorporated into a custom route.