The Departmental Committee of Tourism of the Hautes-Alpes presents:

Hautes-Alpes:A cycling, e-biking, moutain biking & hiking

paradise!

Please visit www.holidays-alps.com for cycling, e-biking, mountain-biking and hiking resources

in the Hautes-Alpes

ContactCycling enquiriesHinatea Perrier+33 (0)4 92 53 00 61hinatea.perrier@hautes-alpes.net

Press/Media enquiriesCaroline Tchepelev

+33 (0)4 92 53 22 05caroline.tchapelev@hautes-alpes.net

The Hautes-Alpes : nature’s territoryThe department of the Hautes-Alpes boasts a treasure trove of natural parks, mountain highlands, mountain refuges, magnificent passes, turbulent rivers and cascading waterfalls, as well as the stunning Serre-Ponçon lake. In addition, its varied and wild terrain provides the perfect setting for a multitude of outdoor activities.

Highlight of the Hautes-Alpes :

By Bike : cycling over legendary passes such as Izoard and Galibier, or on marked bike paths On foot : hiking up to a mountain refuge, visiting one of the many cascades, or picnicking

beside a mountain lake By car : visiting the region’s unmissable sites such as the Pré de Madame Carle, the Abbaye

de Boscodon, Serre-Ponçon, Briançon, the Clarée Valley, or simply meandering along the roads towards Provence

By chair-lift : or cable car at La Grave, to the highest points of the region’s resorts and mountain-biking down again

■ Key information on the Hautes-Alpes Surface area 5 549 km², population 132 000 inhabitants 2 natural parks : the Parc National des Ecrins and the Parc naturel regional du Queyras 2nd most important mountaineering area in France 6 800 km of hiking routes 9 FFC rated mountain-biking sites 2 000 km of rivers, 500km of which are navigable 21 nordic skiing sites (990km of Nordic ski trails Themed routes : Route des Grandes Alpes, Route Napoléon, Lavender Route, Fruit and Wine Route,

Sundial Route Renowned long-distance footpaths : Via Alpina, Chemins du Soleil, Tour du Queyras, Tour du massif

des Ecrins

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1. Hautes-Alpes : a hiking paradise!

1.1. A mecca for hikingWith long-distance paths covering over 1800km, more than 5 000 km of footpaths and 2 natural parks, the Hautes-Alpes is a paradise for walkers !

The Valleys and Mountain ranges of the Hautes-Alpes

The Hautes-Alpes region has an astonishing range of contrasting landscapes, from lavender fields to claciers (there are more than 400 glaciers in the Hautes-Alpes). The varied scenery includes sunny, limestone ranges in the Devoluy ; Himalayan-type mountains in the Valgaudemar (as described by French climber René Desmaison) ; Norman bocage farmland and hedgerows in the Champsaur ; vast fields stretching as far as the eye can see in the Buëch ; the stunning Serre-Ponçon lake in the centre of the Departement ; traditional villages in the Queyras ; the impregnable fortified town of Mont-Dauphin in the Pays du Guillestrois ; the metting point of five valleys in the Briançonnais ; and the magnificent protected site of the Vallée de la Clarée.

In the Pays des Ecrins, the summits of Ailefroide, Dôme de Neige and Barre des Ecrins (at 4 102m the second highest mountain in France), combine with Mont Pelvoux to create the second most important mountaineering area in France. And last, but not least, the wild yet accessible mountain landscapes of La Grave-LA Meije, which have been placed second in the “fascinating panorama” category and third in the “grandiose mountains” category in the “Côte Mondiale des Stations” article.

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1.2. Hiking Events1.2.1. The NUIT DES REFUGES : a night under the stars in a mountain refuge Saturday 28 June

Since 1999, the Regional Council has invested in improving the refuges and has launched a quality charter and rating process. In addition, there is also the spectacular event “Nuit des refuges” (the Mountain Refuge Night Event). The Nuit des Refuges is a summer festival giving participants the opportunity to spend the night in a mountain refuge and a superb chance for hiking in the mountains. All years, the Nuit des Refuges involves 30 refuges and takes place on the last Saturday in June, enabling refuge keepers and visitors to meet for a special night under stars.

Find out more…+ 33 (0)4 92 53 62 00 www.alpesrando.net

1.2.2. La Fête de la Montagne : Mountain Festival in France

The Nuit des Refuges will be held as part of the 2nd edition of the Mountain festival on 28 and 29 June 2014, intended to discover the greatest number of outdoor activities in the mountains (athletic or not, children, adults or seniors ...) during the same week-end. Learn more about the Festival of Mountain www.fetedelamontagne.org

1.2.3. Other summer 2014 hiking events

May 18 Running in Chorges www.otchorges.comSaturday 28 june : Nuit des Refuges www.alpesrando.net28-29 June : Mountain Festival www.fetedelamontagne.org.28 and 29 June 2014 the Grand Raid in Queyras4 to 6 july : Trail Ultra Champsaur www.ultrachampsaur.com11 July FestiFaï , art and song festival in nature www.festifai.org13 and 14 July 2014 " Flower and Nature party in the Queyras 28 and 29 July 2014 : World Cup Young Raid www.junioraventure.com 30 and 31 July 2014 : the Day of the Wolf in the Queyras www.fortqueyras.com25 to 31 august : France Championships Orienteering in the Hautes-Alpes. 30 & 31 August 2014 : Orienteering in the Dévoluy

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1.3. Fresh air and open spaces in our natural parkThe region’s Parc National des Ecrins and the Parc naturel Régional du Queyras cover nearly one third of the Hautes-Alpes, thereby emphasizing the instinctive rapport that the local people enjoy with their environment. The parks are, quite naturally, a great attraction for visitors !

1.3.1. The high mountain park of the PARC NATIONAL DES ECRINS

Linking the North and South Alps, the Parc National des Ecrins is on of Europe’s high mountain parks, second only in size and altitude to that of Mont Blanc. Its high point is the Barre des Ecrins at 4 102m, which is surrounded by more than a hundred peaks of over 3000 m. It is a protected highland of magnificent landscapes and diverse heritage. The park is home to varied fauna, such as eagles, chamois, ibex, marmots, wildfowl, and ermine, which happily co-exist alongside visiting hikers and mountain climbers ; the flora offers visitors to the valleys of Champsaur, Valgaudemar, Vallouise, Embrun and Briançon the chance to see more than 2000 different plant species, including the blue thistle, lilies and gentians. A botanist’s haven !

June: the Ecrins National Park enters the French Competition of flower meadows In the Alps, the natural meadows were mown for a long time the only answer to the need to feed pets during the long snowy winters. Today, mowing meadows remains crucial for farms in the mountains, guaranteeing "humanized" landscapes we love to find and source of astonishing biodiversity. The national competition flower meadows,reward meadows that offer the best balance between forage production and biodiversity in France Trace the ibex in the the Ecrins National ParkA new phone Application allows you to view on your computer screen or smartphone movements of eight goats currently equipped with a transmitter collar in Ecrins. A tool for sharing scientific data, particularly useful for students planning after this operation.

Hiking in the Ecrins with your smartphoneHiking is the best way to discover the Ecrins National Park, its fauna, its flora and its remarkable heritage. But which route to choose to walk with family, with friends ? Get to the web site http://rando.ecrins-parcnational.fr Get also the specific application for smartphone

Monitoring bird migration with a ranger from the Ecrins National Park

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Sunday, May 4, 2014 in Embrun. Observation of the return of migratory birds around the Serre Ponçon lake, with a ranger : the valley of the Durance is a migration corridor that allows to observe migrating birds.

Find out more on the Ecrins National Park www.ecrins-parcnational.fr + 33 (0)4 92 40 20 101.3.2. Varied natural landscapes in the PARC NATUREL REGIONAL DU QUEYRAS

The Parc Naturel Régional du Queyras covers a 650 km² tapestry of colourful landscapes patterned with some of the prettiest cillages in the Alps. Footpaths wind theur way up through larch woodland to landscapes of sheep-speckled blue-green mountain pastures and sky, through land chere Provençal, Arctic and Caucasian flowers flourish, and where the paths cross the tracks of a variety of wild animals. In the summer season, the air is heavy with the smell of cut hay and sculpted wood. Thanks to the care and concern shown by its local inhabitants, the Queyras is welcoming, working region thaht opens its heart to visitors. In order to conserve the region’s unspoilt landscapes, the area was declared a regional natural park in 1977, status that guarantees sustainable development and unspoilt environment for visitors.Find out more… www. pnr-queyras.fr + 33 (0)4 92 45 06 23

1.4. High Mountain :the 150th anniversary of the ascent of the Barre des Ecrins

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2014 will be the year of the 150th anniversary of the first ascent of the Barre des Ecrins : at 4 102m it is the second highest mountain in France. This first ascent 150 years ago was made by a multinational rope : 3 british (Edward Whymper , Horace Walker and Adolphus Warburton Moore) , accompanied by a Swiss guide Christian Almer and a french guide from Chamonix Michel Croz. The first day, climbers left La Grave, crossed the breach of La Meije, and slept at La Berarde in the Oisans. The next day they went to bivouac on the glacier of Bonnepierre . June 25 1864 was “a day full of memorable events " (said Whymper ) : they passed the Col des Ecrins and reached the top of the "Barre des Ecrins " before returning to the valley of Vallouise. This anniversary is a fantastic opportunity to highlight our mountains and the people who inhabit it. It is also an opportunity to enhance the practice of professionals living from the mountains.

In 2014, the “Compagnie des Guides Oisans Ecrins” will launch various actions and events. The objective of the Company is to unite and create synergies between institutional structures, professionals and local inhabitants around several projects around the Ecrins massif.

Find out more… www. guidesdemontagne.com

1.5. All inclusive Hiking HolidaysWildlife and lakes holidaysHike off the beaten track to discover secrets corners with approach wildlife mountain trails. Stay 7 days, 6 nights and 5.5 days of walking. You will be accompanied by a mountain guide and start every day from the “Gite” accommodation. Full board included from 560 € / person. The Tour du Viso with a mountain guideA great classic raid. An original route to go around this mythical summit : the Mount Viso is considered as the “king” of the Southern Alps. Itinerant escorted tour 7 days 6 nights and 6 days walking with gîte accommodation and shelter 3 nights in France and in Italy 3 nights full board from 585 € / person . Tour of the Queyras with your family… and a donkey !Accompanied stay 6 days, 5 nights and 5 days of activities with carrying luggage. Shelter and refuge accommodation, full board with a picnic lunch from 650 € / person . The Tour du Queyras trailDiscover the Queyras browsing trails suitable for the practice of trail and enjoy breathtaking panoramas. Itinerant guided tour 6 days, 5 nights and 5 days of racing with refuge accommodation and lodging , full board from 595 € / person .

Discover the Queyras with a mountain bikeAccompanied stay 7 days, 5 nights and 6 days of mountain biking, with carrying luggage. 3 days and 3 traveling days are planned in this raid. Accommodation in a cottage or double room , full board with a picnic lunch from 650 € / person.

The Queyras with a bicycle or an electric bicycle

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Itinerant circuit 5 days, 4 nights and 5 days of cycling, with carrying luggage. Accommodation in a cottage or hotel, half board from 495 € / person. Possibility to rent an electric bike or road bike.

 

Spend a night in….a bubble or in an authentic wooden caravan Comfortably installed in the countryside in the town of St Léger in the Champsaur & Valgaudemar Valley. Terrace , kitchen , bathroom , toilet, sleeping area with a bed 2 people www.roulottestleger.com +33 (0)6 07 66 09 58

Hiking around the Old Chaillol : an iconic mountain of the Ecrins National ParkPreserved and varied route connecting the high valleys of the Valgaudemar to the bocage landscapes of the Champsaur . At the heart of the Ecrins National Park , you will discover the rich fauna and flora : chamois , marmots , eagles, orange lilies ... From 599 € / person for 7 days walking .

Hiking along the water 8 days / 7 nights. Walk along the rivers and canals of the Champsaur Valley, up to the high mountains of the Valgaudemar Valley, along glaciers and lakes. Declination can be imagined for a short stay or for families. Hotel accommodation and bed and breakfast, full board (packed lunches), roadbook, luggage transfer on all stages. € 639 / person (2 people) 559 € / person (based on 4 people).

Retrouvance: discovering the missing villages of the Buëch Devolyy valleysIndulge yourself by hiking, 6 days / 5 nights organized by the National Forestry OfficeIn the South of the Hautes -Alpes and northern Provence, at the heart of a region with abundant natural resources , the country Buëch and massive Dévoluy offer a wide variety of landscapes which still bear many marks of their history. A guide will accompany you throughout your tour. This hike of 6 days and 5 nights requires a good physical condition as you progress in the uplands. But the formula accompanied prevents portage: apart from the picnic and the business of the day , luggage stage are routed to your next accomodation. You will have every opportunity to enjoy the charm of the place during the day, and relax in the evening in old forest renovated houses in the mountain tradition 545 €/ person

Walking trips 5 days / 6 nights around GAP with hotel accomodation5 days / 6 nights in the Pavillon Carina Hotel in Gap, with 5 days of hiling ideas to discover landscapes around Gap, discovering the Charance French and English gardens, the alpine flora anemones, tulips, orchids of the Guiziere Tower, the famous limestone cliffs of Ceuze mountain and the beautiful forest trail around Chaudun to meet sheeps and an old deserted village. 306€/pers for double room, half board.

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2. Hautes-Alpes : an E-Biking paradise!

2.1. Discover the mountain effortlessly with an E-Bike

The Electric Bikes (or E-Bikes) are composed of a motor powered by a battery that generates a significant pedaling assistance. With an E-Bike, you can pedal at your own pace and better manage your stress. Discover the Hautes -Alpes effortlessly with the electric bike. The mountain is now accessible to anyone ! The advantages of electric bikes :- The E-Bike is fun for all the family- The E-Bike allows you to follow your road cycling partner during a bike ride- With an E-Bike you can discover new landscapes through a new perception

2.2. Accomodation with E-Bike Rentals

Hotel Le Carina** 05000 Gap www.pavillon-hotel.com Hotel Les Peupliers *** 05200 Embrun www.hotel-les-peupliers.com Hotel les Autanes***05260 A ncelle www.hotel-les-autanes.com Hotel LA Ferme d’Izoard 05350 Arvieux www.laferme.fr GITE " Les Fontettes " 05150 Bruis Camping les Rives du Lac 05400 Veynes www.camping-lac.com Terre des Baronnies 05150 Ribeyret www.terredesbaronnies.com Gite Les Eysserennes 05700 Savournon www.buech-gite.com Chambre d’Hote Pic Brigitte www.gites-pic.com Ch d'hôtes Les Planious 05700 L'Épine www.lesplanious.com

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2.3. All inclusive E-Bike HolidaysItinerant E-bike along the Ecrins and Provence Itinerant stay 6 days / 5 nights / 4 days cycling, half board with baggage transfer and travel log . This route takes you from the south of the Ecrins National Park to the Haute Provence with an e-Bike From 399 to 439€/person (base 4 pers).

Electric Bike Tour in Three Star Hotels and gastronomie delights7 days / 6 nights in 3 hotels ***Discover the wide open spaces of the French alps by touring the area with E-bikes. Itineraries are tailored to the wishes and fitness level of participants. The Beauty of nature combined with food tasting, delicious treats, cultural discoveries, a relaxing spa and plenty of fun ! Location : Champsaur, Serre-Ponçon Lake and Queyras valleys. The tour is led by a qualified guide. 1113€/person in a double room.

3. Hautes-Alpes : a cycling paradise!• The French department with the highest average altitude.

• Sunny weather : 300 days of sunshine per year make cycling possible almost all year round.

• Prestigious mountain passes, made famous by the Tour de France, in the Hautes-Alpes since 1922 : Cols Galibier, Izoard, Noyer, Vars, le Granon…

• Local residents traditionally involved with cycling, and high practice of cycling for sport or for fun by training professional cyclists or holidaymakers.

• 11 cycle touring circuits and 22 dedicated pass climbs offer a variety of challenges and attractions. Major cycling events: Tour de France , Dauphiné Criterium, Serre-Che Luc Alphand, Risoul Queyras, Alpigap, Vars 6 Days, Agnel pass Rally, the Noyer and Granon Challenges…

• Cycling tourists attracted to the beauty of the contrasting scenery, from lavender fields to glaciers, as well as sport-cyclists drawn to the steep slopes and undisputed great number of passes.

• Development of cycling amenities long included in the General Council policies: road surfacing, bicycle paths, extra-wide lanes, road cleaning and renovation, bicycle master plan

• A unique annual event in France : mountain passes dedicated to cyclists and closed to motor-traffic by departmental decree.

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3.1. Cycle routes in the Hautes-Alpes

11 loops and 22 pass climbs!Cycle along the Hautes-Alpes roads and discover our 11 selected loops and 22 legendary pass climbs (Cols Izoard, Galibier, Agnel…) specifically designed and maintained for cycling by the General Council of the Hautes-Alpes. In addition to dedicated extra-wide lanes along certain parts, roads are signposted and specific mileposts display the route name, distance, grade percentage, as well as a QR-code for quick access to the route details by users of Smartphones during their ride!

Route details are available at www.holidays-alps.com, on the Bicycle tour Map or on Mobile App Velo05

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3.2. Three Cyclosport areas in the Hautes-Alpes

« Espace Cyclosport » (ECP) is a quality label delivered by the French Cycling Federation to particularly bicycle-friendly tourist areas. 3 out of the 12 « Espace Cyclosport »across France are found in the Hautes-Alpes. To earn this label, each applying community must comply with a number

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of mandatory criteria, such as providing year-round access to a cycling course, displaying a panoramic route map, and offering detailed descriptive route sheets.

The Gapençais Valleys « Espace Cyclosport » This ECP offers 10 road-cycling routes in the Southern Hautes-Alpes covering over 700 km to be explored around Gap. Come and discover the winding, mainly traffic-free little roads offering passes for every ability level, climbed in particular by major classics such as the Tour de France. A range of 10 courses from 42 to 110 km routes covering 700 km For more information call +33 (0)4 92 54 16 66 / www.valleesdugapencais.info

The Buëch Sisteronais « Espace Cyclosport » Medium-height mountains at the heart of Provence Pre-Alps, traffic-free little roads, and Mediterranean climate. The Pays du Buëch Espace Cyclosport is the perfect getaway in any season. There are 18 colour-coded trails to choose from : 3 green ones, 3 blue ones, 7 red ones, and 5 black ones, for you to tackle the patchwork of valleys, and infinite number of passes : Cols Carabès, La Fromagère, Soubeyrand, Perty... A range of 18 courses from 10 to117 km routes covering 1143 km For more information call +33 (0)4 92 67 19 26 / www.buech-rando.com

The Champsaur & Valgaudemar « Espace Cyclosport » Located between Provence and Haut Dauphiné, the Champsaur and Valgaudemar valleys (average height 1200 m), nestle in the foothills of Les Ecrins National Park. Enjoy the variety of breathtaking panoramic views from the Champsaur mountain groves and the masterly Valgaudemar mountain tops. The Champsaur & Valgaudemar « Espace Cyclosport » offers routes covering 550 km across 11 recommended courses, including 4 shared-use paths. A range of 11 courses from 29 to 105 km Routes covering 550 km For more information call +33 (0)4 92 49 09 35 / www.champsaur-valgaudemar.com

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3.3. Free mobile phone app Velo05

An effective sport manager in your pocket !

App Velo05 allows you to find out about your cycling performance by means of one single tool on your Smartphone. Downloading the free app « Velo05 » on App Store or Google Play provides you with the perfect companion for your cycling trips in the Hautes-Alpes.

Version v1.1 features Among its many feaures : automatic geolocalisation, cumulative elevation gain calculator, timing, Google Map tracking, route and pass details… All data can be shared on Facebook page « Mes Hautes-Alpes à vélo » Hop on and pedal away to discover the most fabulous passes and routes in the Hautes-Alpes : climb Cols Izoard, Agnel, Colombis, Galibier, circle Serre-Ponçon lake ... Each roadbook will indicate the elevation gain, route profile, and elevation. Have your route geolocalized on your mobile phone, and time yourself. This app can also be used outside the Hautes-Alpes!

DescriptionPedal away to discover the most fabulous passes and routes in the Hautes-Alpes:

List of legendary climbs (Cols Agnel, Izoard ...) List of cycling routes for all abilities Measure your cycling performance on the road KML export your performance data by mail Send a postcard with your photo when you have reached the top of the pass

An improved, more interactive and user-friendly Version 2 of the app is being evaluated.

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3.4. The Tour de France in the Hautes-Alpes

The Tour 2014 : 2 days in the Hautes-Alpes !

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Hautes-Alpes, the department most visited by the Tour de France !

Between 1922 (Briançon) and 2014, the Hautes-Alpes hosted the Tour de France 74 times (stage city), which makes them the department most visited by the Big Loop.The hundred-year-old story started in 1905 with the climb of Col Bayard in the course of the hellish Grenoble-Toulon 342 km-long stage, and it ended in 2011 at the top of the Col du Galibier, one century after the first climb by the « convicts of the road », on the occasion of an unforgettable anniversary celebration. Throughout the Tour editions, the Tour de France and the Hautes-Alpes have shared a longlasting, both human and sporting adventure at the heart of an environment entirely dedicated to cycling and to all its disciplines (road, mountain, sportive). A privileged environment where cycling legends were written, punctuated by renowned passes and stage cities that honoured the greatest winners.In 1905, the Tour entered the Hautes-Alpes through the Col Bayard and never left. The 2013 hundredth edition, between Gap and Serre-Ponçon was sumptuous in many respects. ■ Key dates

1905 : 1st visit by Tour de France (3rd edition) across the Hautes-Alpes with the Grenoble-Toulon 342 km-long stage via the Col Bayard.

72 stages finished in the Hautes-Alpes from1922 to 2011 including the following : 33 stages in Briançon (from 1922 to 2007). 21 in Gap (from 1931 to 2011). 6 in Serre-Chevalier 4 in Orcieres-Merlette 3 in Embrun etc…

The Tour de France 2014 in the Hautes-Alpes

The 101st edition of the Tour de France will start from England, and more specifically Leeds, July 5. Until the final finish in Paris on the Champs-Elysees on July 27, it is 22 days of racing that will thrill fans of the world, including two days in the Hautes-Alpes:

Saturday, July 19: Stage 14 => Grenoble> Risoul (177 km)Runners will pass through the Col du Lautaret, Briançon, Col d'Izoard (roof of the Tour de France in 2014 with a peak at 3260 m), the Queyras and Guillestre before the unprecedented ascension to Risoul.

Sunday, July 20: Stage 15 => Tallard> Nîmes (222 km)For the second time in its history, the town of Tallard will host the start of a stage of the Tour de France.

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The Tour de France great passes

Izoard, le Galibier, Bayard, le Noyer, Agnel. These are magical and glittering names engraved on the pantheon of cycling. These are the Hautes-Alpes legendary passes that bring a sparkle in the eyes of the Tour de France enthusiasts.

Crossed 59 times between 1911 and 2011, the Galibier still remains today the highest finish point in the Tour history, at an altitude of 2 645 m (before the Granon in 1986), and the most visited by the race in the Alps. It is the warriors summit.

As to the Izoard, the riders tackled the terrible and strange « Casse Déserte » 34 times between 1922 and 2014. This is where Fausto Coppi, Louison Bobet or Gino Bartali built up their legends.

What about the col Agnel, the setting for the first Tour visit in 2011 ? Agnel is the third highest road pass in the French Alps, behind La Bonette and Iseran. Agnel has now joined the very exclusive club of mountain passes hat contibuted to the history of La Grande Boucle.

Other Hautes-Alpes passes climbed by the Tour de France :

Col Bayard (1246 m) : 27 climbs (between 1905 and 2011). Col du Granon (2413 m) : 1 finish (1986) Col du Lautaret (2058 m) : 29 times (between 1911 and 2011) Col du Montgenèvre (1850 m) : 9 times (between 1949 and 2011) Col du Noyer (1664 m) : 4 times (between 1970 and 2010) Col de la Sentinelle (980 m) : 10 times (between 1950 and 2006) Col de Vars (2210 m) : 33 times (between 1922 and 2000) Col de Manse (1268 m) : 3 times (2003, 2010 and 2011)

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Col du Galibier 2645 m The Alps pass most visited by the Tour de France with 57 climbs It is climbed by about 600 to 800 cyclists every day in July and August It offers magnificent views to the Ecrins and Meije mountains At the top of the pass, a monument dedicated to Henri Desgranges (founder of the Tour de France), was

unveiled in 1949.

Col Agnel 2744 m The col Agnel connects the Regional Natural Park of Queyras with Val Varaita in Piemont, Italy. This little known giant is the 3rd highest paved pass in France behind col de la Bonette (2802 m) and col de

l'Iseran (2770 m). The Italian East side of this pass is a traditional climb of the Italian Tour. At its top, magnificent panoramic views to the Barre des Écrins, Mount Pelvoux and the Meije can be

enjoyed. The Tour de France 2008 climbed this pass for the very first time during the Embrun - Prato Nevoso stage. Col de l'Izoard 2361 m Straddling Queyras and Briançonnais, the road to the Izoard is one of the most renowned stages of the

cycling Tour de France. The pass presents an average climb of about 7 % over17 km. The "Casse Déserte" is a scenic site with gullied slopes and piles of fallen rocks. It is the gate to the Regional Natural Park of Queyras which offers stunning panoramic views to the

Briançonnais and Queyras summits. On a rock, at its top, a plate can be seen in memory of Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet, two riders who

built up their achievements over this legendary pass . A small museum, dedicated to the Tour de France, has been set up at the pass.

Col du Granon 2413 m The road to the col du Granon, elevated like a balcony over the Guisane valley and Serre-Chevalier, offer

outstanding views to the highest summits of Les Ecrins National Park : the Meije (3983m), the Écrins (4102 m), the Pelvoux (3946 m)...

This pass presents an average climb of about 10 % over 12 km.

Col Bayard 1248m In 1905, the Tour de France rode through the Hautes-Alpes for the first time and climbed col Bayard during

its longest stage between Grenoble and Toulon. Since then the « road convicts » have climbed it 25 times.

Col du Noyer 1 664 m In 1971, Luis Ocanay makes a solitary breakaway which, by outdoing the great Eddy MERCKX, makes him

enter the Tour de France legend. Col du Noyer, between Champsaur and Dévoluy is reached by a winding little road across alpine pastures.

At the top, open views to the Dévoluy (Pic de Bure) to the West and Oisans to the East can be enjoyed.

Col du Montgenèvre 1 860 m Montgenèvre, is all at once the easiest pass in the mountain range between France and Italy, an ancient

village, a defence site and a great winter sport resort.

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Col du Montgenèvre has been frequented since ancient times and dotted with a carriage way : the « voie Cottienne". Degraded in the Middle Ages, the road was rebuilt only under Napoleon, at the instigation of prefect Ladoucette.

3.5. Cyclo Events

Celebration of the Tour 2014

Saturday 31 may along the stage course around Risoul and Tallard In order to build up upon the 101th Tour de France passing through the Hautes-Alpes in 2014 and capitalize upon the image it conveys to cycling customers and tourists, the Departmental Tourism Committee in the Hautes –Alpes is launching the 2nd edition of a festive-sporting event « Fête du Tour » on Saturday 31 may. The concept – suggested by ASO – is to offer participants (local residents and holiday-makers) the privileged posssibility to discover in advance parts of the Tour stages in the Hautes-Alpes.

Find out more…CDT Hautes-Alpes+ 33 (0)4 92 53 62 00www.velo05.fr

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Dedicated Passes 2014

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Climb the Hautes-Alpes passes safelyCols Réservés (Dedicated Passes) is an event organised since 1997 by the Departmental du Tourism Committee, in partnership with the General Council of Hautes-Alpes, which offers road cyclists to climb Hautes-Alpes passes freely and safely, on roads closed to motor-traffic.

The 2014 dateIn the morning, a pass is closed each day to motor-traffic and dedicated to cyclists from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The road is generally closed at the last intersection, on both sides of the pass. At the bottom and at the top, food supply is offered to participants to gain strength. The event is free, open to all, without registration, rating or start.

2 weeks 2 ambiencesfrom 30 June to 4 July 2014 : join the legend !During this sporting week, come and tackle the great legendary passes in the North of the Hautes-Alpes. Monday 30 june from 9 to 12 : Col AgnelTuesday 1 July from 9 to 12 : Col d’IzoardWednesday 2 July from 9 to 12 : Col de l’EchelleThursday 3 July from 9 to 12 : Col du GalibierFriday 4 July from 9 to 12 : Col du Granon

from 11 to 15 August 2014 : discover our unexpected passesDuring this fun week enjoy the cyclotourist loops in the South of the Hautes-Alpes Department.Monday 11 August from 9 to 12: Col de Pommerol / FromagèreTuesday 12 August from 9 to 12: Climbing of ChabreWednesday 13 August from 9 to 12: Col de FoureyssasseThursday 14 August from 9 to 12: Mount CéüzeFriday 15 August from 9 to 12: Col du Noyer

How to participate ?Access to the Dedicated Pass event is free, open to all, without registration, rating, start or finish. You can go up and down the pass at your own pace. Food supply is organized by the Departmental Tourism Committee, with the support of ASPTT Gap and the CSA Club at the bottom of the pass on both sides and at the top.

5 pass certificateIn the course of the Dedicated Pass event, Validate a Certificate at the tops of the 5 passes of the week and win a cycling jersey with the colours of the Hautes-Alpes. Every day, have your Certificate validated by the organisers at the top of the pass. On the first day the certificate will be available on site, at the top of the pass, just ask the organisers for it. You have not done all 5 passes and would like to have the cycling jersey ? – take part in the daily Lucky draw, and win the jersey ! - the jersey is also on sale at each pass.

To find out more…CDT Hautes-Alpes+33 (0)4 92 53 62 00www.velo05.fr

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Go get the moonExperience the magic of a night cycling climb

The cyclos have a date with the moon…and the stars!On the model of the Izoard 707 event organized in 2009 on the Izoard pass , and the night climb of the Noyer pass in 2011 and 2012, which had gathered each 300 participants, the Departmental Tourism Committee in the Hautes-Alpes organizes no less than 3 night climbs during the summer! This is magical ! Are you ready to take up this challenge ? Registration is mandatory (15€ ahead, 20€ on site). Note : only a limited number of places is

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available !

2014 Date11 july 2014 : Mount Chabre night climb 1rst August : col du Noyer night climb6 August : Risoul night climb

Find out more…CDT Hautes-Alpes+33 (0)4 92 53 62 00www.velo05.fr

3.6. All inclusive cycling holidays in 2014

Experience "Le Tour" in RisoulStopover arrival at Grenoble / Risoul on July 19th 2014! The Great Alps stopover on the Tour de France 2014Spend your summer holidays in the mountains, at the height of the world's second greatest sports event: Le Tour de FranceIncluded: A four-people accomodation for a week (from Sunday to Sunday)Unlimited access to the swimming pool for four people4 tickets for the "Luge Dévale"4 tickets for the ice-rink Find us Station Risoul 1850 +33 (0)4 92 46 02 60 www.risoul.com

A short and friendly cycling holiday for your clubfrom € 72 per person3 days / 2 nights half board in Hotel accommodation, cottages or holiday center.in Champsaur &Valgaudemar near Gap From 15/04/2013 to 31/10/2013Find us +33 (0)4 92 49 08 80 www.champsaur-valgaudemar.com

Edelweiss Cyclo Tour in La GraveFrom 75 € /personEdelweiss is extremley cycling friendly and is a great base for cycling in the area both road and mountainbike.We are in the midst of some of the most famous and mythical cols used in the Tour de France: Col du Galibier, D'Izoard, Alpe D'Huez, Lautaret ...the start of the climb all within a few km's warm-up ride from the hotel.Other famous cols and routes not far from the hotel include Les deuxAlpes, Col de Sarenne, La Bérarde to just name a few. We have information folders available for you to consult, with a large number of cycling itineraries in the area and with profiles of the various mountain passes. We are geared up to host individuals and big groups who participate in well knows races and events such as “La Marmotte”, the “Alpe d'Huzes” and the Tour de France/Etape du Tour. In our well equiped workshop we have all the necessary specialist tools for servicing bicycles before facing the mountains and the bicycles can be safely stored at the end of the day. If any spare part or essential material for your bike is missing, a bicycle specialist store we work with, delivers them over night. We also have bike washing facilities and for the clothes there is a drying area. In the sauna area you can relax your muscles after a long day on the mountains. We also work together with a number of massage

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therapists who come (on request) to the hotel if massages are needed. And for those who don't need all that, cold beer or a chilled glass of white wine is served on the terrace... Each morning we offer a generous and well balanced breakfast buffet with all the cereals, yoghurts, fruit juices, hot drinks, locally made jams, fresh breads, meat, cheese and fruit salad...Enough to keep the hungriest sportsmen going.

Find us Auberge Edelweiss in La Grave +33 (0)4 76 79 90 93 info@hotel-edelweiss.com Period From 31/05/2014 to 30/09/2014

3.7. Summer 2014 cycling calendar

20 april 2014 : Duathlon des Neiges in Risoul - www.risoul.com3 et 4 may 2014 : Buiscyclette et Trans-Baronnies - www.buiscyclette.com31 may 2014 : Celebration of the Tour 2014 in the Hautes-Alpes – Risoul & Tallard – www.velo05.fr7 june 2014 : Cyclo Attitude in Guillestre www.guillestre-tourisme.com15 to 27 june 2014 : The Cyclo de la Route des Grandes Alpes - www.couriretdecouvrir.fr28 to 29 june 2014 : Cyclosportive Serre Che Luc Alphand - www.cyclo-lucalphand.com29 june 2014 : Montée cycliste of St Bonnet/Chaillol - http://skiclubchaillol.files.wordpress.com30 june to 4 july 2014 : Cols réservés ACTE 1 - www.velo05.fr5 to 11 july 2014 : 6 days cycling in cyclo in Vars - www.vars.com19 to 20 july 2014 : Tour de France 2014 in the Hautes-Alpes - www.velo05.fr25, 26 & 27 juillet : Cycling Week-end in the Champsaur Valley- www.ucpg.fr/nos-courses27 july 2014 : cyclosportive Risoul-Queyras - www.risoul.com1rst august 2014 : Go Get The Moon – night climb of the col du Noyer – www.decrochezlalune.net6 august 2014 : Go Get The Moon – night climb of Risoul - www.decrochezlalune.net10 to 15 august 2014 : Triathlon Embrunman in Embrun - www.embrunman.com11 to 15 august 2014 : Cols réservés ACTE 2 - www.velo05.fr15 august 2014 : Défi du Granon - www.cyclo-lucalphand.com/granon16 august 2014 : 1000 metres of the Galibier – www.velo05.fr24 to 30 august 2014 : The Haute Route31 august 2014 : The Défi of Gioberney7 september 2014 : cyclosportive Alpigap - alpigap.free.fr

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4.Hautes-Alpes : a Mountain-Biking paradise!

French Cycling Federation (FFC) Mountain Bike Areas.The Hautes-Alpes are entirely labelled "Mountain Bike Area" by the FFC (French Cycling Federation) except the Ecrins National Park. The "FFC Mountain Bike Area" is a quality label delivered by the French Cycling Federation to particularly Mountain Bike friendly areas. To earn this label, each applying community must comply with a number of mandatory criteria and services, such as a minimum of 100km of marked and maintained trails, categorised according difficulty, welcome points, route maps, bike washing stations and tools for minor repairs. Each site has its own special features. Get to know them!

Bike ParksDiscover this new phenomenon that take over ski resorts in summer. Related to Snow Parks in winter, Bike Parks are freestyle areas accessible by lift, especially dedicated to experienced bikers. The trails are divided according to difficulty (as ski slopes, green, blue, red, and black). Each Bike Park in the Hautes-Alpes has its own features and offer different associations of ramps, difficult turning, whoops, big air jumping, wall rides… Giving thrills to youngest as oldest riders.

Downhill PistesAmongst the numerous itineraries for downhill mountain bike pistes, there are always the famous and inescapable spots that people talk about; the slopes that you have to do at least once in your life.

Ski lifts open in the summer

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Whether you're athletic or contemplative take the altitude with ski lifts open for mountain bikes this summer in the Hautes-Alpes! The ski lifts are in most cases open from late June to early September, but some resorts offer a larger opening period from late May to October.

Mountain Bike itinerariesAll "Mountain Bike Areas" labelled from the French Cycling Federation offer itineraries as well as complete maps for free. Get to know the dedicated site from the Departmental Tourism Committee in the Hautes-Alpes www.alpesrando.net which link series of itinerary and specific information (cartography, stages, photos…).

Itinerant BikingDiscover our landscapes with your mountain bike over several days ! The Hautes-Alpes offers itineraries marked out to be done by stages.

Bike RentalsDiscover bike rental shops in the Hautes-Alpes to find mountain biking and cycling equipment, rentals, sales, repair ...

Guides and certified Mountain Bike SchoolsThe Mountain Bike Schools from the MCF network are dynamic structures in each region. Local bikers can advise you on mountain bike itineraries and required equipment. Interested in touring with a guide? Hire our guides specialised in Mountain Biking activities. From initiation to guided free ride, the experience can be highly improved!  Mountain Biking EventsThe Hautes-Alpes department offers during summer around 20 Mountain Biking Events. Whether you’d like to participate or support an event, in friends or family, get informed about the next event dates entirely dedicated to Mountain bikers and fans of the discipline: the Risoul Dévale, the raid VTT Chemins du soleil, the Choc rando, the Valgaude VTT, the Vauban Raid, Terr'Alpes, the Ultra Raid de la Meije..

All inclusive Mountain-bike holidaysLooking for all inclusive mountain bike holidays, with your family or friends ? Let yourself go, and enjoy your stay : we take care of all the logistics !

Find out more on www.holidays-alps.com

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The great crossing of the Hautes-Alpes with a mountain bike project:« La Grande Traversée des Hautes-Alpes à VTT »

From LA GRAVE to LARAGNEA 7 day trip from the glaciers of La Meije to the lavender fields of Provence304 km - altitude min.570m - Altitude max. 2412m - D+ 10 824m - D- 11 705m 9 French Cycling Federation (FFC) Mountain Bike Areas in one trip : Briançon> Ecrins> Queyras> Guillestrois> Serre-Ponçon> Champsaur Valgaudemar> Gapençais> Devoluy> Büech

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Summer 2014 Mountain-Bike agenda

3 & 4 may 2014 : Buiscyclette et Trans-Baronnies - www.buiscyclette.com29 may to 1rst june 2014 : Raid Mountain Bike Chemins du Soleil 2014 - www.raid-vtt.fr1rst june 2014 : Mountain Bike festival in La Grave - www.ecolevtt-lagrave.com8 june 2014 : Raid Vauban Mountain Bike Guillestre / Risoul - www.raid-vauban.com14-15 june 2014 The Valgaude Mountain Bike event - www.champsaur-valgaudemar.com28 june 2014 : Odanak Trophey in SuperDevoluy 29 june 2014 : L’Eterlou Mountain Bike Event in the Dévoluy - www.ledevoluy.com14 july 2014 : Terr’ des Alpes Mountain Bike in Chorges - www.otchorges.com3 august 2014 : Mountain Bike event in Val de Méouge - randovttvaldemeouge.jimdo.com2 to 3 august 2014 : Mégavalanche 2 RX in Orcières-Merlette www.megavalanche.com17 august 2013 : Emparis Mountain Bike Tour in La Grave21 to 22 september 2014 : Ultra Raid of la Meije www.ultraraidlameije.fr27-28 september 2014 : Raid VTT Vallées du Gapençais

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