P'tites Routes du Soleil
Garde-Colombe / Salérans
Partly covering the Route des Princes d’Orange linking the town of Orange (by the Rhône in the département, or French county, of Vaucluse) to Orpierre, this nicely varied stage of the P’tites Routes du Soleil® takes you along the Céans Valley. A halt in the medieval village of Orpierre is well worth it. The place has gained an international reputation for its cliffs and rock climbing, hence its French nickname of ‘‘le village qui grimpe’’ (‘‘the climbing village’’). Next, you need to tackle the Col Saint-Jean (a pass at 1,158m), leading you into the heart of the Gorges de la Méouge. If it’s a hot day, enjoy a dip in this river, an idyllic place for a swim.
Gradients and elevation
Ascents: 630m
Descents: 569m
Lowest point: 589m
Highest point: 1162m
Slope breakdown
5km steep descent (< -5%)
3km gentle descent (-5% to -1%)
20km flat (-1% to 2%)
4km climb (2% to 5%)
4km hard climb (5% to 8%)
1km very hard climb (> 8%)
Road types
37km (100%) of shared roads
- Cycle path
- Routes reserved for cyclists and pedestrians (greenways, cycle tracks, towpaths), separated from cars for maximum safety.
- Shared road
- Quiet minor roads with little traffic (unless otherwise stated in the stage details). Shared with cars (stay alert).
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
- Provisional
- Section on a road or cycle path awaiting better-quality facilities (see stage details).
Surface
37km (100%) of smooth surface
- Smooth
- Asphalt, tarmac or smooth concrete. Optimal comfort.
- Rough
- Fine gravel, compacted stabilised surface or worn tarmac. Less comfortable, vibrations possible.
- Natural
- Dirt, grass, roots or stones. Under 5%: short sections with little impact. Higher percentage: route suited to mountain or gravel bikes only.
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
Don't miss:
- Orpierre: an enchanting village in the Céans Valley in the Baronnies Provençales, near Laragne-Montéglin in the south of the county of Hautes-Alpes. Built against a mountainside, Orpierre is internationally renowned for the rock climbing up its cliffs. Special mention should be made of the reputed west face of the iconic Quiquillon Mountain.
- Ferme d’Orpierre: located 3km from the village, this farm has specialized since 1997 in producing spirulina, often termed a ‘‘super food’’, recommended in helping recuperate after intense physical activity!
- Méouge Gorges: in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Baronnies Provençales, the Gorges de la Méouge link the Drôme Provençale to the Hautes-Alpes. Referred to as one of the marvels of the département, or French county, of Hautes-Alpes, the Gorges de la Méouge have been listed as a biological reserve and are popular not just for hiking but also for wild swimming.
