P'tites Routes du Soleil
Valdoule / Garde-Colombe
The P’tites Routes du Soleil® leaves behind the Oule Valley to enter the Pays Rosannais area. Although this stage mainly consists of descents, there are still a few little passes to cross. The first in the series, the Col des Tourettes (1,126m), is well worth the effort. The picturesque surroundings and exceptional views are rewarding. You then descend into the Buëch Valley. A bit further on, take on the Col de Serre-Larobe (1,014m), which may be small, but it’s tough! Descending again, you pass via the Col de la Saulce (877m). All told, this stage makes you jump from one valley to the next as you enter the Parc Naturel Régional des Baronnies Provençales.
Gradients and elevation
Ascents: 580m
Descents: 758m
Lowest point: 588m
Highest point: 1133m
Slope breakdown
5km steep descent (< -5%)
17km gentle descent (-5% to -1%)
6km flat (-1% to 2%)
1km climb (2% to 5%)
5km hard climb (5% to 8%)
2km very hard climb (> 8%)
Road types
36km (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
36km (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:
- Le Buëch: take in this area where mountain scenery meets Provençal landscapes, as so well depicted in several works by acclaimed regional writer Jean Giono.
- Parc Naturel Régional des Baronnies Provençales: stretching from the Vercors and Drôme Valley in the north to the Mont Ventoux in the south and the Durance Valley, plus certain southern French Alpine foothills, in the east, this regional natural park extends across two départements, or French counties, the Drôme and Hautes-Alpes. This is an area that really puts slow tourism to the fore.
