Gravel : Au plus près des étoiles

In the Alps, it's rare to be able to climb by bike to an altitude of almost 3,000 metres! And a magnificent trail, winding its way through alpine meadows and gravel, leads to the observatory in the heart of the high mountains. On this autumn day, the view is grandiose.

1 - La Chalp
From the start at La Chalp, the ascent begins on a path in the pastures and then becomes steeper.

2 - Pont du Moulin
At "Pont du Moulin" (1849 m), I've gained almost 100 m of ascent, and above me I can see the roofs of Saint-Véran standing out against the pure blue high-altitude sky.

3 - The Raux- St Véran district
Two more hairpin bends and I'm in the historic center: I'll be passing through the "quartier du Raux" (1920 m). On leaving Saint-Véran, the gravel road is easy and rolling.

4 - The Pic Château Renard trail
Further on, another path leads off to the left: I take it to reach the "piste" (2232 m) of the Château Renard peak. As I passed, the autumn rains modified the track. They formed ruts and mud stuck to my tires. In summer, thunderstorms could punctuate this high-perched itinerary with unforeseen events.

5 - Junction to Col du Longet
Shortly after the "junction towards the Col du Longet" (2640 m), the path is gradually covered with snow: winter has already settled in at altitude. In late October, at an altitude of almost 3,000 metres, the weather conditions are tormented where the white domes of the observatory stand out. At any time of year, the ballet of clouds is a magnificent sight for mountaineers, but I'm just a cyclist who's come to rub shoulders with this austere, mineral world. I feel so far away from civilization, yet so close, as I look down on the tiny houses of Saint-Véran.

6- return to Saint Véran
The day is already well under way: the road back must begin. The gravel bike needs more attention on the descent. The tires don't grip well, and the rigid forks don't forgive trajectory errors. On the way back to the village, the narrow road takes me right into the heart of Saint-Véran or Blanche-Froide, named after the French Revolution, a name more in keeping with the place I've just left...

Smooth path overlooking the Aigue Blanche, more gullied for the rest of the way. Remember to bring warm clothing.
To be explored more specifically in summer, when the trail should be drier. Bear in mind the danger of thunderstorms, which generally break out at the end of the summer day. Leave early enough.

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