The Trans Verdon
Technical 260km endurance route, from Col d'Allos to Manosque
The Trans Verdon is a fantastic way to see the varied scenery of the Provence region as well as enjoying some of the best mountain biking that the South of France has to offer.
Beginning at the source of the Verdon river the initial sections of the route are probably some of the most demanding and technical, although not entirely aimed at expert riders, this is not a route to take on as beginner to mountain biking. You need to be comfortable with long ascents as well as steep, rocky and technical descents. At 260km this is an endurance route so a certain level of fitness and training is required. The route is way marked and has been graded by the F.F.C. (Federaton Francaise de Cyclisme), detailed guides and maps, plus suggested itineraries are available.
Significant parts of the route are at high altitude, which give the rider a chance to experience the beautiful lakes that are situated at over 2,400m. This altitude does also mean that the route is impassable during the winter, with snow often above 1,000m, and it is not advisable to take on the route during the summer months with temperatures reaching over 25 degrees Celsius. Spring and Autumn are the best times to ride and enjoy the Trans Verdon, but it is always advisable to check with local tourist offices regarding the snow cover in early Spring.
In contrast to the technical and high altitude start of the route in the Alps of the Haute Provence region, the latter sections from Sainte-Croix to the spa town of Greoux-les-Bains are easier and filled with gentle rolling paths, lake sides paths, forest tracks and lots of beautiful villages for those much needed ice cream and coffee stops!
- Distance : 260km
- Time : 6 days
- Vertical Ascent : 8,380m
- Vertical Descent : 1,0455m
