Col de Saint-Jurs and Col de la Mort de l'Homme Loop

This challenging gravel loop is estimated to take around 1 hour and 56 minutes to complete for touring cyclists. However, actual time may vary based on your fitness level and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

No, this route is categorized as difficult and requires a very good level of fitness. It includes significant elevation gain and a high proportion of unpaved terrain, making it unsuitable for beginners.

The terrain is predominantly unpaved, with approximately 12.9 km of gravel and small sections of asphalt and compacted gravel. The road between Saint-Jurs and the Saint-Jurs Pass is almost exclusively unpaved, making a gravel bike highly recommended. You'll encounter a mix of paths, roads, and some singletrack.

The loop is centered around Saint-Jurs. While specific parking details aren't provided, starting points in villages like Saint-Jurs typically offer public parking options. It's advisable to check local parking availability upon arrival.

You'll be treated to beautiful panoramic views of the landscape and the town of Saint-Jurs from Place Bellevue, Saint-Jurs. The route also passes two notable mountain passes: the Saint-Jurs Pass and Col de la Mort de l'Homme, both offering impressive vistas, especially the latter with views of the valley on the Verdon side.

The Verdon region is known for its stunning natural beauty, and gravel cycling is generally best enjoyed in spring or autumn when temperatures are milder. Summer can be very hot, and some higher sections might be affected by snow in winter. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon generally welcomes dogs, specific rules for this challenging gravel route are not detailed. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash, especially in natural park areas, to protect wildlife and ensure their safety on unpaved, potentially steep sections.

Generally, there are no entrance fees or specific permits required to access the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon for activities like cycling. However, always respect local regulations, especially concerning nature conservation, fire risks, and private property.

Yes, this route incorporates sections of several official trails. You will ride along parts of the Chemin pastoral de Saint-Jurs à Le Chaffaut-Saint-Jurson, De Aix à Saint-Jurs, De Saint-Jurs à Seyne, Rue de la Soumaille, and Chemin de Féogéres.

Given the significant portion of unpaved terrain, including gravel roads and some singletrack, a gravel bike is highly recommended for this loop. A touring bicycle with robust tires would also be suitable, but a gravel bike will offer the best experience and comfort on the varied surfaces.

For this difficult gravel loop, you should bring plenty of water, snacks, a repair kit for your bike (including spare tubes), appropriate clothing for changing weather, sun protection, and a fully charged phone. Due to the challenging nature and remote sections, consider carrying a first-aid kit and informing someone of your route.