The best cycling routes around Les Thuiles

There are over 80 touring cycling routes around Les Thuiles, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find everything from easy valley rides to challenging mountain passes.

Touring cycling routes around Les Thuiles traverse the varied terrain of the French Alps. You can expect significant elevation changes, scenic mountain passes, dense forests, open valleys, and winding roads connecting charming alpine villages. The landscape provides diverse options for both demanding ascents and more moderate journeys.

Yes, while many routes are challenging, there are 9 easy touring cycling routes available. One accessible option is the Barcelonnette Old Town – Barcelonnette loop from Méolans-Revel, which is 20.9 km long with a moderate elevation gain, making it suitable for those seeking a less strenuous ride.

Les Thuiles is known for its challenging routes. For experienced cyclists, the Barcelonnette – Refuge du col d’Allos loop from Les Thuiles is a demanding 94 km path with over 2,300 meters of elevation gain. Another difficult option is the Barcelonnette – Bachelard Gorges loop from Les Thuiles, which is 43.6 km long and navigates through the Bachelard Gorges with significant elevation.

Many of the touring cycling routes in Les Thuiles are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Barcelonnette Old Town – Barcelonnette loop from Les Thuiles and the Pra-Loup Ski Resort – Les Chapeliers loop from Méolans-Revel.

The region around Les Thuiles offers stunning natural beauty. You can encounter impressive summits like Tête de la Sestrière and Grande Séolane, as well as picturesque waterfalls such as Jerusalem Spring and Piche Waterfall. The routes also pass by charming settlements like Barcelonnette and natural attractions like Lake Sainte-Marguerite.

The touring cycling routes in Les Thuiles are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 160 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging mountain passes, the rewarding expansive mountain vistas, and the diverse terrain that offers both demanding climbs and scenic valley rides.

Given its location in the French Alps, the best time for touring cycling in Les Thuiles is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (roughly May to October). During this period, mountain passes are generally clear of snow, and the weather is more favorable for long rides, offering pleasant temperatures and clear views.

While specific cafes or restaurants directly on every route are not detailed, the routes often connect charming alpine villages and towns like Barcelonnette. These settlements typically offer various options for refreshments, meals, and accommodation. For longer routes, you might also find mountain huts like Refuge du col d’Allos.

Public transport options to access specific trailheads in mountainous regions like Les Thuiles can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or regional train services that might connect to larger towns near Les Thuiles, such as Barcelonnette, from where you can start your cycling tour. Planning your route with a starting point accessible by public transport is recommended.

Parking is generally available in the main villages and towns around Les Thuiles, such as Barcelonnette or Méolans-Revel, which serve as common starting points for many routes. Look for designated parking areas within these settlements, often near town centers or trail access points. Always check local signage for any parking restrictions or fees.