Gravel : Des chalets au cœur de la montagne

Playing on both the bright, cheerful side of the Midi and the grandeur of a high-altitude massif, Queyras has an atmosphere rarely found elsewhere in the Alps. And what a pleasure it is to return to the magnificent Furfande chalets in the off-season!

1 - Arvieux
From Arvieux, I rushed to discover the mountain of light in autumn. At the end of September, the earth exalts its last scents of summer. Despite its high altitude, the Queyras mountain has the charm of the pastoral mountain and its accessibility. An itinerary that's best recommended outside the summer grazing season: in summer, the presence of herds indicates respect for the environment and the need to take the right precautions.

2 - Torrent de l'Izoard
I reach the "Torrent de l'Izoard" (1546 m), which offers a view of the Val d'Azur. From September onwards, Arvieux regains its calm: golden larches and emerald pines flood the sleepy valley. These colors magnify the Queyras mountains: undoubtedly one of the best seasons to appreciate the full beauty of the massif.

3 - Cabane du Plan du Vallon
I take the carriage road leading to the Col de Furfande. Passing the "Cabane du Plan du Vallon" (2050 m), the ascent is sustained: I'm on a pass road that is unknown to cyclists, but oh so formidable!

4 - Col de Furfande
At the summit, I can see the mountain pastures that have been emptied of the sheep and cows that used to grace the summer pastures. The animals have come down and are already huddling together, like the men waiting for winter to come... During the summer, respect for the herds means getting off my steed.

5- Chalets de Furfande
From the ridge, I can see the mountain peppered with a myriad of stone and wooden chalets, all of which follow the gentle undulations of the alpine pasture, "les chalets de Furfande" (2293 m), which I won't be reaching by bike. I enjoy the scenery, admiring the limestone walls of the Béal Traversier and Chalanches peaks.

6 - Arvieux
At an altitude of 2,500 m, in early autumn, the easterly wind has picked up and is already heralding the first snows: I don't linger long and start the return journey by the same route. A day later, the mountain was covered in its immaculate mantle...

With a pass at 2500 m, remember to bring warm clothing. In summer, the more courageous can descend to the Furfande refuge, where they can quench their thirst and sample a local dish (route reserved for mountain bikes and E-Bikes).
In season, be aware of the danger of thunderstorms, which usually break out at the end of the summer day. Leave early enough.

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