Saint-Barnabé pass

Altitude 1365 m

Massif des Préalpes de Castellane

Département Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Topo west side

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The Col de Saint-Barnabé rises to 1365 m, which suggests that it will take some effort to reach it, but it will soon be rewarded as you set off from the edge of Lac de Castillon. 
Although this is the most difficult section, with a gradient approaching 8%, you'll soon be able to gain height and enjoy a beautiful view of the lake. Then, a series of 8 switchbacks allows you to climb more calmly on a 6% gradient. 
Before tackling a short descent, a superb panorama opens up of both Lac de Castillon and the Retenue de Chaudanne. 
The final section is fairly rolling, but beware of the easterly wind, which is often on your side and can make this final stretch more laborious.

Topo south side

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The ascent of the Col de Saint-Barnabé is fairly short from Soleilhas at just 3.9 km, but the 4 beautiful hairpin bends at an average 7% will perhaps go by like a shot...
At the summit at 1365 m, you'll be alone in the world. Note that a road leads up to the Stade de Neige de Vauplane (alt. 1607 m), a resort that has become ghostly due to a lack of snow in winter.

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Tartonne / Saint-André-les-Alpes

18 Tartonne / Saint-André-les-Alpes

45 km
3 h 05 min
Medium
The P’tites Routes du Soleil® cycle route takes you quietly into the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon with its heady mix of gorges, lakes and deep valleys. So well located where French Alps, Provence and Mediterranean lands meet, the Middle Verdon will delight you with its grand, unspoilt landscapes. Here, you follow the river and its turquoise waters as far as Saint-André-les-Alpes. This exceptionally beautiful stage doesn’t present too many cycling difficulties except for the climb to the Col du Défens (a pass at 1,267m).

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Joris Lesueur

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