Cycling

Galibier, Izoard... the Hautes-Alpes are proud of their legendary mountain passes. There are 25 in all,  the most prestigious of which are along the famous Route des Grandes Alpes (Great Alpine Road) Ideal for cycling, such sites are legend thanks to the Tour de France.

12 circuits and 21 uphill routes called Itinéraires Partagés (Shared Routes) have been specially created for cyclists. In July and August some of the passes are reserved for cyclists during the Cols Réservés (Reserved Passes) operation.

Mountain bike enthusiasts are spoilt for choice: There are mountain biking sites that are classed Fédération Française de Cyclisme (French Cycling Federation), the Grande Traversée des Hautes-Alpes (Great Hautes-Alpes Crossing, 350 kilometres of trails from La Grave to Laragne), numerous Bike Parks that can be accessed using the ski lifts during the summer, and a myriad of major events. 

Synonymous with effort for quite some time, mountain cycling has been revolutionised thanks to electrically assisted bicycles.