P'tites Routes du Soleil
Salérans / Sisteron
There are two marvels to relish on this stage of the P'tites routes du Soleil®: the descent through the bottom of the Gorges de la Méouge; and the citadel at Sisteron, dramatically guarding the Durance Valley. The way along the Gorges de la Méouge is gentle and delightful, providing a lovely way of exploring this marvel of the Hautes-Alpes. Charms include unspoilt local flora, a three-arched Roman bridge, and the often lively torrent itself. You climb out of these gorges by tackling a low pass to reach Sisteron via the Chemin de la Marquise. At the end of this stage, explore Sisteron’s citadel, dominating its stretch of the Durance Valley.
Gradients and elevation
Ascents: 255m
Descents: 425m
Lowest point: 481m
Highest point: 680m
Slope breakdown
0.55km steep descent (< -5%)
10km gentle descent (-5% to -1%)
14km flat (-1% to 2%)
2km climb (2% to 5%)
1km hard climb (5% to 8%)
Road types
28km (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
28km (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:
- Swimming in the Méouge River: erosion caused by this river has carved out numerous deep pools of turquoise water in which to go swimming. Beside the three-arched bridge or along one of the pebble beaches, seek out an idyllic spot on which to lay out your towel!
- Sisteron: a pretty town occupying a dramatic site near the confluence of Durance and Buëch Rivers, the place has been nicknamed the Porte de la Provence, or Gateway to Provence, for those coming down from the former province of Dauphiné. Sisteron’s famed citadel stands out, but the town boasts a rich wider heritage, notably from medieval times.
- Sisteron Citadel: built on a rocky outcrop, the citadel is the first thing you see arriving at Sisteron. Located on the frontier between the old provinces of Dauphiné and Provence, its fortifications have long been seen as a strategic key dominating the Durance Valley on this major route from the French Alps down to the Mediterranean.
