Cycling day trip from Briançon to Barcelonnette

Get ready for an epic mountain adventure! This challenging ride kicks off in Briançon, a fortified alpine town packed with history, and heads south toward Barcelonnette. You’ll cover roughly 118 km of pure high-alpine beauty (and a lot of altitude!), tackling almost 6,000 meters of climbing and even more descending—so, it’s a leg-burner and a test for your brakes.

The route is wild, with a good chunk (over 70%) of variable surfaces—expect mixes of gravel, dirt, and only some smoother asphalt. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself riding on quiet mountain roads, bumpy tracks, and dreamy paths with more marmots than cars. You’ll top out at a breathtaking 2,863 meters—definitely bring an extra layer.

Your finish line is Barcelonnette, a laid-back, sun-kissed town at the entrance to the stunning Ubaye valley, famous for its Mexican-influenced architecture and chilled-out vibe. This isn’t a ride for the faint-hearted, but if you’re up for remote adventure and alpine grandeur, it’s a total classic!