The Trans Alpes-Provence

Starting at Col de Larche on the French-Italian border this endurance itinerary leads you over the Southern Alps and into the Haute-Provence region.

Ending in the large walled town Manosque in the heart of the Haute Provence region after six days of fantastic riding and amazing scenery this is an endurance ride that any mountain biking enthusiast should not miss. After crossing Alpine meadows at over 2,000m in altitude, the route follows the Ubaye river, coming close to the famous Serre-Poncon lake, before a climb up to Col Bas at 2,113m. With the high altitude lakes around the Seyne area the scenery does not disappoint as it leads through Europe's largest geological reserve and on to the dark landscapes of the Terres Noires. Moving on to the spa town of Digne-les-Bains and the Durance rivers the natural Provence singletrack that makes this area such a favourite with mountain bikers, continues into the Lure mountains and Forcalquier and the Luberon.

Fully checked and way marked this 'grande traverse' really has it all - challenging but fun paths, mountains, cols, lakes, rivers, rural villages and unspoilt valleys, fields of lavender and a great climate to boot.

• Distance : 300km
• Time : 6 days
• Vertical Ascent : 9,250m
• Vertical Descent : 1,0820m