The Durance by bike
An itinerary along the river
From Briançon to Sisteron, follow the Durance and let yourself be guided by its landscapes, perched villages and secrets. A cycling journey through mountains, orchards and living heritage.
Your itinerary5key stages
along the Durance River
La Durance à vélo links Briançon to Avignon in 438 km, along the river that flows down from the Montgenèvre pass (2,390 m). From the high valleys of the Alps to the orchards of Provence, the itinerary unfolds its nine stages: perched citadels, balconies overlooking Lake Serre-Ponçon, the gorges of Sisteron, lavender-scented plains. From mountain to plain, the landscape is transformed, blending heritage, biodiversity and the Provencal art of living. And always, echoing the rhythm of the pedal, stations line the route, offering stops and stops-off on this journey between the peaks and the Mediterranean.
Day 1
Le Monêtier-les-Bains → L’Argentière-La Bessée
At the foot of the glaciers, the road winds through a valley of light. Forests open onto impetuous torrents, the peaks keep watch, and already the Durance accompanies the traveler towards the first villages of stone and wood.
Day 2
L’Argentière-La Bessée → Embrun
The river takes on its full dimension. The cycle route meanders between steep cliffs and open plateaus, offering breathtaking views of the Alpine furrow. The fortifications tell the story, while the water punctuates every detour.
Day 3
Embrun → Chorges
The path winds along a balcony above the majestic Lac de Serre-Ponçon. Fragrant pines and peaceful coves accompany the journey. The blue of the sky merges with that of the water. The distant mountains frame this peaceful landscape.
Day 4
Chorges → Tallard
The landscape softens. Orchards, fields and villages clinging to the hills mark the entrance to a more southerly landscape. The light changes, softer, almost Provençal, and each turn reveals a new horizon.
Day 5
Tallard → Sisteron
The Durance widens, fed by canals and fertile plains. Lavender and orchards line the road, before the gorges open onto Sisteron, proudly guarded by its citadel. A stage where the mountains become more discreet and Provence begins.
Discover the Hautes-Alpes along the emblematic Durance river
Brochure La Durance à vélo
Voices from the Durance
I discovered another face of the Hautes-Alpes: slower, truer. The villages, the breaks, the encounters… pure joy on two wheels. I thought I knew the Durance, but on a bike, it told me a completely different story, between wild nature and living heritage.
Practical notebook
- Équipement conseillé
- Profil altimétrique
- Tableau des distances
Équipement conseillé
In the Hautes-Alpes, we’re used to roads that climb like walls, downhills where the brakes become your best friends, and bends that never stop telling stories. Cycling is a bit like our playground… but a shared playground, and that changes everything.
A few useful reminders:
- The helmet: it’s never stopped anyone from having style, but it’s already saved a lot of unnecessary bumps. We’ll let you choose the color, but wear it for protection.
- Visibility: between a flock of sheep, a line of camper vans and a thunderstorm, it’s best to be seen. Wear fluorescent clothing and carry a flashlight to avoid misunderstandings.
- Downhill: no, the D234 is no Mario Kart version of Granon. Stay on the right-hand side, keep an eye out for blind bends, and take it easy on your brake pads (they too are entitled to a long life).
- Other road users: yes, the road is for everyone, even the old 205 which has trouble climbing. A little wave, a thank you, and the mood remains light.
- The mountains: changeable weather, sometimes bumpy roads, and marmots who cross without looking… Be prepared for the unexpected.
- VTC (Vélo Tout Chemin) for greater versatility, especially if you want to take on less smooth paths or tracks.
Profil altimétrique
Tableau des distances
