Claviere’s MTB Granon Tour is the perfect expedition for the thrill-seeking cyclist. Winding through the dramatic landscapes of the Vallée de la Clarée, this 6.5-hour journey challenges riders to conquer the storied Col du Granon. Navigating historic 19th-century fortifications, cyclists will feast their eyes on the breathtaking Écrins glaciers as they descend into the Névache valley. With options to return via singletrack or legendary Tour de France roads, this multi-lingual tour promises an unforgettable experience for those bold enough to embark on the adventure.
Good To Know
- A 6.5-hour guided MTB tour exploring the Vallée de la Clarée and the iconic Col du Granon in Claviere, Italy.
- Highlights include cycling through picturesque landscapes, visiting 19th-century fortifications, and taking in stunning views of the Massif des Écrins glaciers.
- The tour offers a choice between an 8km singletrack descent or the legendary Tour de France road descent to Briançon.
- Shuttle service, refreshments, and an experienced MTB guide are included, catering to groups of up to 6 participants.
- The tour is available in Italian, English, and French, providing a culturally immersive experience for international visitors.
Tour Overview
The MTB Granon Tour in Claviere, Italy promises an unforgettable adventure through the captivating landscapes of the Vallée de la Clarée and the legendary Col du Granon.
Offered at a price from £37.86 per person, this 6.5-hour guided tour welcomes groups limited to just 6 participants, exploring the region in Italian, English, and French.
Travelers can expect free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, as well as transportation to and from the starting point in Claviere.
With an experienced guide by their side, adventurers will cycle through history, conquer the iconic Tour de France climbs, and witness the breathtaking glaciers of the Massif des Écrins.
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Itinerary
Starting from Claviere, you will enjoy a 30-minute bus or coach transfer to the beginning of their cycling adventure.
They’ll then embark on a guided tour through the picturesque Vallée de la Clarée, seeing the region’s natural beauty for 2.5 hours.
The next leg of the journey takes them to the iconic Col du Granon, famous for its challenging Tour de France climbs, where they’ll explore the 19th-century fortifications for another 2.5 hours.
Highlights
Participants can expect an unforgettable experience cycling between nature and history on this tour.
They’ll explore the 19th-century fortifications of the Col du Granon, a renowned Tour de France climb, offering thrilling off-road challenges.
Along the way, riders will enjoy breathtaking views of the Massif des Écrins glaciers, a stunning backdrop to their adventure.
The route includes a scenic descent into the peaceful Nevache valley and an ascent through lush larch and pine forests, culminating in a visit to the well-preserved l’Olive and du Lenlon forts.
The return journey offers a choice between a splendid 8km singletrack or the legendary Tour de France road, leading to the medieval UNESCO-listed town of Briançon.
Tour Description
An unforgettable journey awaits as this tour takes participants among Europe’s highest forts, showcasing spectacular landscapes and glacier views.
Starting from Claviere, adventurers descend 700 meters into the peaceful Nevache valley before climbing through lush larch and pine forests.
The route includes a visit to the well-preserved l’Olive and du Lenlon forts at 2,000 meters, offering a thrilling off-road challenge.
The return can be via an 8 km single track or the legendary Tour de France road, concluding with a visit to the medieval town of Briançon, a UNESCO heritage site.
This tour combines nature, history, and cycling excitement for an unforgettable experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyInclusions and What to Bring
The tour includes an MTB guide to lead the way, as well as shuttle service for the group of at least five people.
Drinks and snacks are provided to keep everyone energized throughout the day. Participants should bring essential items like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle to stay comfortable.
Cycling gear like a helmet, gloves, and padded shorts are also recommended for the rugged terrain. A windproof jacket can come in handy for the changing mountain weather.
Don’t forget to pack a camera to capture the breathtaking glacier views and historic fortifications along the way.
With all the essentials covered, riders can fully enjoy the thrilling MTB adventure.
Meeting Point
Travelers will find the meeting point for the MTB Granon Tour at the wooden cabin adorned with the Chaberton Outdoor Activities sign, standing tall before Claviere’s charming church in Piazza Europa, 1.
This cozy gathering spot sets the tone for the exciting off-road adventure to come. Here, participants can:
- Check in with the friendly staff and receive any final instructions.
- Prepare their gear and review the day’s itinerary in anticipation.
- Soak in the picturesque alpine surroundings that will soon give way to thrilling descents and climbs.
From this centralized launch point, the group will embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Vallée de la Clarée and up to the historic Col du Granon.
Transportation
After gathering at the meeting point in Claviere, participants board a comfortable bus or coach for the 30-minute transfer into the heart of the Vallée de la Clarée.
As the vehicle winds through the picturesque alpine scenery, riders catch glimpses of the majestic Massif des Écrins glaciers in the distance.
Excitement builds as the group approaches the starting point of their cycling adventure.
The shuttle service ensures a seamless transition from the town to the trailhead, allowing riders to fully enjoy the stunning natural surroundings that lay ahead.
With the journey now underway, the group is set to embark on an exhilarating exploration of the region’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes.
Group Size and Languages
Participant caps ensure an intimate, personalized experience on the MTB Granon Tour. The group size is limited to just 6 participants, allowing the guide to provide attentive support and ensure everyone’s safety.
The multilingual capabilities of the tour further enhance the experience, with guides fluent in Italian, English, and French. This diversity enables:
- Seamless communication for international visitors.
- Deeper culture and understanding.
- Tailored explanations and recommendations.
Whether a seasoned cyclist or a first-timer, the MTB Granon Tour caters to all abilities, creating a memorable and inclusive adventure in the stunning Claviere landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difficulty Level of the Tour?
The tour offers an exhilarating challenge, with a demanding off-road climb to the historic Col du Granon. Experienced riders will relish the thrilling ascents and descents through awe-inspiring alpine landscapes dotted with 19th-century fortifications.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate?
The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement, allowing adventurous riders of all ages to explore the challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery. Participants should be comfortable on a mountain bike and prepared for an exhilarating high-altitude journey.
Are There Any Restrictions on Bike Type or Size?
The tour welcomes riders of all bike types, from mountain bikes to e-bikes. There’s no size restriction, so adventurers can bring their preferred ride and explore the stunning terrain alongside an experienced guide.
Can Participants Bring Their Own Bikes?
Participants can indeed bring their own mountain bikes. The experienced guides welcome riders’ personal equipment, ensuring an exhilarating journey through the stunning landscapes of the region. Just be sure your bike is trail-ready for the off-road challenges ahead.
Is There an Option to Book Private Tours?
Yes, private tours can be arranged for the MTB Granon Tour. The experienced guides are happy to customize the adventure for smaller groups or individuals seeking a more personalized journey through the stunning landscapes and historic sites.
The Sum Up
The Claviere (TO): MTB Granon Tour promises an exhilarating journey through the dramatic landscapes of the French Alps. Cyclists will conquer the challenging Col du Granon, explore historic fortifications, and bask in the breathtaking views of the Massif des Écrins glaciers. With options for a scenic descent or singletrack return, this multi-lingual tour offers an unforgettable cycling adventure for the intrepid explorer.
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