Les 2 Alpes to La Bérarde
Enjoyable and quiet route through the Écrins National Park
Great for a recovery ride or an alternative to the big passes
Les 2 Alpes to La Bérarde
Go from high mountain down into the Romanche Valley and Veneon Valley ending up right in the heart of the Écrins National Forest.
From Les Deux Alpes
Distance: 85km return
Elevation gain: ~1,600m
Highest point: 1,718 (La Bérarde)
Difficulty: moderate to challenging
Route description:
- head to Barrage du Chambon via a fast, switchback descent on the D213 with views over Lac du Chambon
- from the dam head west along the D1091 to Le Clapier and onto Bourg d'Oisans - a nice 15km flat alongside the river Romanche
- at Bourg join the D530 for Venosc and La Bérarde and a gentle climb begins across bridges and through villages with epic views
- the final 10 to 12km is narrow and wilder with short hills of 8-10%, passing waterfalls, granite spires before reaching La Bérarde (1,718m)
To head home, turn around and retrace your steps all the back.
