5 gravel routes in Haute Maurienne Vanoise

The bike's frame resembles that of a road bike, but the tires are wider and notched, with flared handlebars for easier steering and disc brakes for greater efficiency. A bike that recaptures the spirit of grandfather's bicycle, which made it possible to go everywhere at a time when not all roads were paved, but with 21st-century technologies.
"Some cyclists think that riding on trails or climbing mountains on tracks is very difficult, but what counts above all is desire," explains Jérôme Furbeyre, "you also need to know how to ride at speed, without getting burnt out on the climb. Gravel also allows you to pedal in a car-free environment, and offers enormous freedom: the freedom to take a path, a grass track, to take a trail... It's an adventure! On the other hand, you need to prepare your routes carefully to avoid getting stuck or having long portages. At Haute Maurienne Vanoise, we are fortunate to have a number of gravel-accessible itineraries, such as the superb " chemin du petit bonheur " at the bottom of the valley, or most of our cross-country mountain bike trails, which are classified as green, blue or red".

Jérome Furbeyre: "If the classics are at the origin of traditional cycling, then all-road adventure trails in the mountains are a good description of what alpine gravel can be in the future. The Haute Maurienne valley has this unique feature: long, rolling, cross-border valleys and emblematic places that bear witness to historic episodes, which are perfect for gravel cycling. This route takes you back to the path of the Carthaginian general Hannibal, who is said to have passed through here over 2200 years ago with his army and elephants. The trail leads to Lac Savine (2443m) and then to Col Clapier (2477m).
A day's riding on a more than original route. We start at the Petit Mont Cenis refuge, then take the track leading to the Savine valley. There's a short portage just before Lac de Savine, but it's easy enough for all levels of fitness. It's also a very varied route, with a lovely grassy plain, the magnificent Lac de Savine, and then rocky terrain at the pass. Rather than descend immediately, you can also extend the adventure and spend the night at the Hannibal bivouac, a designer hut located just over the pass on the Italian side. This border area is quite frequented by French and Italian hikers, and rightly so: it's quite simply magical."

Val Cenis. Departure from Petit Mont Cenis refuge, 2120 m. Arrival Col Clapier 2477 m. Return by the same route.

Jérôme Furbeyre: "A classic itinerary is quite busy at the height of summer. This is understandable: the setting is simply magnificent and the ride is fairly easy. Personally, I really like this gravel outing because it's a fun and varied way to get out and about in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, with a nice reward on arrival at the refuge: superb views, home-made pie and beer brewed by the refuge keeper!
Departure is from the Aussois dam parking lot. The trail skirts the Plan d'Amont lake, then climbs to the Sétéria bridge. Don't follow the path along the stream, but stay on the classic hiking trail, even if there is a slightly more technical section with rocks. You may have to make a short portage, but you'll soon reach the valley that leads quietly to the refuge. We're in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, with lots of marmots and... hikers! As always, you have to be careful to ensure that cyclists and hikers get on well together.

Aussois. Departure parking de la carrière (Aussois dams) 2000 m. Arrival at the Fond d'Aussois refuge 2346 m. Return by the same route.