Les P'tites Routes du Soleil®, what is it?
It's a bicycle route, using asphalt roads, that crosses the mountain ranges of the French Pre-Alps from north to south, or south to north. The starting and/or finishing points are Thonon-les-Bains, in Haute-Savoie, and Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes.
How many kilometers, how many stages?
A little over 900 kilometers for more than 17,000 meters of positive elevation gain, divided into 21 sections, ranging in distance from 27 to 73 kilometers. On this basis, each cyclist can define his or her stages, depending on physical condition, mood, weather...
Where do the P'tites Routes du Soleil® go?
While using as much as possible a network of little-traveled small roads, Les P'tites Routes du Soleil® cross 2 regions, 7 départements, 9 pre-Alpine massifs and pass in, or near, several major towns.
. 2 regions : Auvergne Rhône-Alpes (AURA) and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA).
. 7 départements: Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère, Drôme, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes.
. 9 pre-alpine massifs: Chablais, Chartreuse, Vercors, Diois, Baronnies, Buëch, Préalpes de Digne, Verdon, Préalpes d'Azur.
. Towns crossed or nearby: Thonon-les-Bains, Annemasse, Genève, Rumilly (74), Aix-les-Bains, Chambéry (73), Grenoble (38), Die (26), Sisteron, Digne-les-Bains (04), Vence, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Nice (06).
Why Les P'tites Routes du Soleil®?
To offer a more affordable alternative to the mythical Route des Grandes Alpes ®, which strings together the great cols of the Tour de France. The P'tites Routes du Soleil® run in a circular arc west of the Alps, through the foothills of the Alps. They offer deep forests, wild plateaus, lavender fields, hilltop villages... The limestone here has sculpted breathtaking landscapes. In fact, the first UNESCO-listed Geopark was created in Haute-Provence, around Digne-les-Bains.
What level of fitness is required to take part in the P'tites Routes du Soleil®?
Most sections of the itinerary are rated "blue" (= Medium), no pass exceeds 1400 meters, and you have the option of cutting the route into 21 stages if you wish. What's more, if you set off on an electric bike, the route becomes very accessible. So you don't need to be a champion to try this adventure. But be warned: over 17,000 m of ascent is no mean feat! So set off in good physical shape, well equipped and well trained!
How many passes?
Thirty or so, none of which exceed 1400 meters. Nothing scary, but you'll still find passages at 9, 10, even 11%, although they never last very long. To find out more, check out the rubric dedicated to the passes on the route.
With what equipment?
While you shouldn't underestimate the P'tites Routes du Soleil®, there's no reason to shy away from the challenge if you're well trained and well equipped! Choice of bike, rider's gear, repair equipment, food, the few items that make life more comfortable, everything is here!
To choose your electrically assisted bicycle (VAE), go here!
Where to sleep?
Accommodation of all types is available along the route: hotels, B&Bs, shared accommodation, gîtes, campsites. To find your accommodation, go to the itinerary page.
Establishments with the Accueil Vélo label meet specific specifications and make life and rest easier for touring cyclists.
Which travel agencies offer this itinerary?
Our partner LaRébenne offers the crossing the "Grande Traversée des Alpes de l'Ouest":
https://www.routedesgrandesalpes.com/la-rebenne/la-grande-traversee-des-alpes-de-l-ouest
Vélorizons, our other partner offers a Gravel alternative:
https://www.velorizons.com/voyage-velo-route-cyclo/france/alpes/CR1A-gravel-alpes.html
https://www.velorizons.com/voyage-velo-route-cyclo/france/alpes/CR2A-gravel-provence-itineraire.html
When can you start cycling the P'tites Routes du Soleil®?
With a few exceptions (Salève, Herbouilly and Col de Fontbelle) - all of which can be bypassed, the P'tites Routes du Soleil® do not depend on the opening of the passes. So, if the weather's good and you're well equipped, you can take the plunge in early spring or late in the season. Seasonal wings are even recommended to avoid the summer heat, as well as heavier vehicular traffic (whereas it remains very reasonable throughout the year).
And Gravel?
Soon, we promise! A specific P'tites Routes du Soleil® Gravel route is currently being scouted.
