The Chemins du Soleil, a name that fills with meaning since in a north-south direction, this route actually leads you towards the Mediterranean sun. Labeled by the French Cycling Federation, this course extends over more than 1000 km. And even more than 1,200 km from Thonon-les-Bains. It crosses the French Pre-Alps and offers two routes which meet at Digne; Valence-Gap-Digne-Nice and Thonon-Chambery-Grenoble-Sisteron-Digne-Nice.<\/p>\n
In this article, we have chosen to focus more particularly on the section that crosses the department of Alpes de Haute Provence, 04. That is 270 km from Sisteron to Castellane for a positive elevation of 6740 m and a negative elevation of 5480 m. A journey that allows you to discover typical landscapes but also protected areas. A portion dotted with “trail” trails and very well marked.<\/p>\n
The Chemins du Soleil still remains a route aimed at experienced cyclists in possession of high-performance and well-revised bikes.<\/p>\n
You will easily find suitable accommodation that will allow you to make stopovers \u00e0 la carte.<\/p>\n
Finally, be aware that there are organized stays with luggage transport, return shuttle … Between Digne and Nice but also Sisteron and Fr\u00e9jus.<\/p>\n
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No less than 12 stages to allow you to cross the Alpes de Haute Provence. Stages of 2h-2h30 maximum that the bravest can easily group together.<\/p>\n
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Departure from Ribiers in the Hautes Alpes (05). Attached to Val-Bu\u00ebch-M\u00e9ouge since 2016, Ribiers and the Ribiers will celebrate your departure for the Chemins du Soleil. The arrival of this first stage is in Sisteron after a course of 11 km which can be done in 1h30. The elevation gain is 200 m and the negative elevation is 215 m. Once the citadel of Sisteron is in sight, the Alpes de Haute Provence will welcome you in turn for this exceptional journey that will take you to the Mediterranean.<\/p>\n
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Departing from Sisteron, you reach Aubignosc on a 12 km long course. 500 m positive and negative elevation.
\nA fairly easy and very varied route that takes you into the Val de Durance. The mountain influence is still there, but the Proven\u00e7al climate is also beginning to be felt.<\/p>\n
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Allow around 2h30 to cover the 23 km separating Aubignosc from the Col des Penitents. This course has a positive elevation of 550 m and a negative elevation of 310 m. From the Val de Durance, you cross different landscapes and several villages in the Alpes de Haute Provence. Do not miss the reed bed of Lac de l’Escale. As well as the Pourch\u00e8res belvedere near the Cole des P\u00e9nitents.<\/p>\n
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A very rolling route since it presents 170 m of positive elevation for 390 m of negative elevation. We start by crossing pastures downhill to find the Bl\u00e9one valley. After Malmoisson and Le Chaffaut, we are gradually entering the Dignois.<\/p>\n
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About 11 km for this route which takes you from the Bl\u00e9one valley to Digne-les-Bains. A very easy route of 45-50 minutes with a positive elevation of 110 m for 50 m of negative elevation.<\/p>\n
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A slightly more sporty course which will occupy you a good half day. Allow around 3h30 for this 24 km route. 970 m of positive elevation for 500 m of negative elevation, it goes up! After Digne, it’s a sporty climb that awaits you until the Pas d\u00b4Entrages. Then begins a very beautiful rather technical descent which crosses an exceptional landscape.<\/p>\n
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We lower the intensity a little with this more leisurely 12 km course which is normally done in 1h30. About 380 m of positive elevation and 550 m of negative elevation. After having crossed the national forest of Haute Bl\u00e9one, you will reach Draix by a nice descent once again.<\/p>\n
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Departing from Draix, count 1h30 to connect the 15 km that separate you from Tartonne’s village. A positive drop of 650 m for a negative drop of 550 m. Well, it will be a 650m climb to reach the Col de la Cine (1.505m). The will begin a rather technical descent on very pretty “trails”. We arrive in the Clue of the Penalty. An arch that was carved into the cliff.<\/p>\n
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On leaving Tartonne, you encounter a series of climbs and descents. 19 km to reach Thorame Basse or about 2 hours by bike. 740 m of positive elevation and 500 m of negative elevation. Two passes are on the program, the S\u00e9oune pass and the D\u00e9fens pass. Finally, you will enjoy the descent on the Batie.<\/p>\n
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Departing from Thorame Basse, you set off for 16 km during which you will have to climb 870 m. Only 240 m of descent. You are gradually entering the Verdon Regional Natural Park, allow about an hour and a half for this section.<\/p>\n
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It is left for the descent! Indeed, it is not less than 950 m of negative elevation that you will offer yourself on this course. 16 km long in 2 short hours. Nevertheless, it will still be necessary to climb a little over 600 m. After this superb descent to Saint-Andr\u00e9 les Alpes, we go back to the shores of Lake Castillon to finish in Courchons. A hamlet today abandoned, don’t expect to find a cold beer there.<\/p>\n
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13 km of descent (190 m of positive elevation for 840 of negative elevation!). The Couchons-Castellane section is common to the fabulous Transverdon<\/a><\/strong> route and is easily done in 1h30. From La Baume, the route becomes quite busy. Particularly from the pass in this 100% pebble balcony single!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n12 The Chemins du Soleil; Castellane -Vauplane<\/h3>\n