Alpine Escape SPCOC 2025
Séjours - Stage
From Wednesday, June 11
to Sunday, June 15, 2025
From Barcelonnette to the most stunning Alpine passes: 5 dream days on the bike.
Your legs will be on fire as you climb 5 legendary cols, each soaring above 2000 meters.
Day 1: 80 km / 1900 m climbing. Heading towards the Col de la Cayolle and its 27 km climb. Starting from Faucon-de-Barcelonnette, the route offers a beautiful stretch of road that runs mostly above the dramatic Bachelard gorges. Impressive waterfalls along the way make the ascent quite enjoyable. The real challenge begins at Bayasse, with the final 9 kilometers featuring gradients of 7–8% up to the summit at 2236 meters. From there, we’ll descend the other side for a short 7 km ride to the beautiful Lac d’Estenc, where we’ll take a pastoral break before heading back the same way—giving us the chance to fully admire the stunning landscapes of this pass, often considered the most beautiful in the Southern Alps.
Day 2: 170 km / 4400 m climbing
After a warm-up day to get the legs going, here comes the Challenge stage of the training camp: 3 major cols between France and Italy — 2802 m for the Cime de la Bonette, 2351 m for the Col de la Lombarde, and finally 1991 m for the Col de Larche (or Colle della Maddalena as our Italian friends call it). We’re missing just 9 meters for a third "2000-meter pass" in a single day!
This will be a day for the tough ones — you’ve been warned. In total, 70 km of climbing await those brave enough to take on the challenge. It’s going to be a long day.
Day 2 (Alternative route): 84 km / 2600 m climbing
For those who prefer to save their strength for the rest of the camp (a polite way of saying those not quite in shape…), this option includes one and a half ascents of La Bonette. We’ll reach the summit, descend to the Bousieyas refuge to recover, then climb back up from the other side.
The stage is cut in half in terms of both distance and elevation gain, but it will still test the legs — especially if it’s hot.
Day 3: 115 km / 1800 m climbing
Day 3 offers a break from our climbing frenzy. We’ll all ride together around the Serre-Ponçon Lake, taking the left-hand side first and climbing Col Lebraut (1107 m) before returning via the right-hand side through Savines-le-Lac.
A more relaxed day, perfect for enjoying the cool lake breeze. Swimmers, bring your gear — the lake’s turquoise waters are hard to resist.
Day 4: 135 km / 2800 m climbing
After the challenge stage on Day 2, here comes the Queen Stage of the trip. The mighty Col d’Izoard, standing at 2362 m, rises before us like a true test of strength. No excuses — everyone must be in the group photo at the summit! Slackers will not be tolerated today.
We’ll start from Embrun after a 1-hour drive, begin our ride in Guillestre, and climb through the stunning Guil Gorges towards the Casse Déserte — a barren and majestic landscape just before the summit.
Then comes the descent into Briançon, the highest city in France at 1326 m, dominated by the impressive Vauban citadel and castle. The return will be on small roads along the Durance River.
Day 5: 60 km / 1000 m climbing
The trip ends, but not before tackling the legendary Col de Vars from the southern side — another 2000-meter pass (2108 m) to add to our list.
From Jausiers, the first 14 km are gentle. But the final 9 km from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye are brutal — an average gradient of 8%, with two kilometers above 10%. The perfect "final dish" to cap off the week!
Fortunately, it’s a short stage, and a good meal and cold beers will be waiting for us back in Saint-Paul.
