Cycling day trip from Barcelonnette to Castellane

Get ready for an epic ride across the southern French Alps—from the charming mountain town of Barcelonnette down to the historic village of Castellane! This adventure covers about 116 km and serves up a big helping of climbing (and descending), with high points reaching an airy 2,474 meters above sea level. Barcelonnette, sitting pretty in the Ubaye Valley, is known for its annual Mexican festivals and relaxed Alpine vibes—perfect for some pre-ride coffee.

Once you start rolling, expect plenty of variety—there’s everything from sleek asphalt to winding gravel tracks and remote doubletracks. Surfaces can get rough at times (over half the way isn’t paved!), so a gravel or mountain bike is your best bet. Along the way, you’ll wind through dramatic mountain passes before dropping south towards Castellane, a gateway to the Verdon Gorge and famous for its huge limestone cliffs topped by the iconic Notre Dame du Roc chapel.

The big climbs and wild scenery will burn the legs and fill the memory card. Pack snacks, plenty of water, and get ready for an unforgettable ride between two of Provence’s cool hideouts!