3 days from 495 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 5 people
- Uncrowded mountain bike routes with breathtaking views (tour conceived for E-bike but possible to join with a MTB, on requests)
- Supervised by a qualified mountain bike instructor who knows the terrain and will take you to the best spots
- Improve your mountain biking techniques in a high mountain setting
- A cosy gîte in the heart of the mountains where you'll feel right at home
- Easy access via Grenoble or by train to Briançon station, then roundtrip transfer with our minibus
Looking for a long weekend getaway in a mountain biking hotspot? Do you want to do a bunch of big runs with exceptionnal scenery without being too tired at the end of the day? Are you looking for an unusual destination with a breathtaking natural setting and a high mountain atmosphere?
Then you've come to the right place! We've designed this E-bike holiday for those of you who ride a lot and are at ease on technical trails that are sometimes a little exposed. You'll discover uncrowded routes with incredible views of the Ecrins massif and the Meije glaciers! Just 1h30 drive from Grenoble city centre, a charming gîte located nearby La Grave will be your base camp for this riding holiday in the land of the Meije! So, are you ready? Join us for a weekend and you'll be back for more!
The guide will meet you either at Briançon train station at 9am or directly at La Grave, in front of the gîte. You'll be wearing your best mountain bike gear for the meeting! We'll be off riding just afterwards... in the direction of the Plateau d'Emparis. As you head up the track beyond the hamlet of Le Chazelet, you soon get the impression that you're at the end of the world. Magnificent scenery all along the way, with breathtaking views of the Meije! We'll reach an altitude of about 2,400m on this route but, don't worry, apart from a few short steep sections, the ascent is gradual until we reach the lakes high up on the plateau. The ride ends with a long descent of around ten kilometres all the way back to our gîte. A great warm-up for this first day. Aperitif on the terrace. Dinner at the gîte.
Depth: +1100m/ -1200m
Distance: +/- 30 km
Meals included this day : dinner
Accommodation included this day : gîte
On the programme: around forty kilometres with almost 2,000 metres of ascent. This is THE big day of the trip. We'll start by climbing the Col du Lautaret on a beautiful track before heading into the Vallée de Serre Chevalier towards Briançon. Here we follow a famous balcony path: the Chemin du Roy. This panoramic trail offers unrivalled views of the glaciers and the highest peaks in the Ecrins National Park. A beautiful single then awaits us as we descend to the bottom of the valley, where we'll take a short break before continuing on a bucolic path along the Guisane towards the pass. If you still haven't had enough, you can continue for another extra loop. Otherwise, let's go back to the gîte where a hot meal awaits us!
Depth: +1700m/-1700m, possibility of more according to the group's wishes
Distance: 42km
Meals included this day: breakfast - dinner
Accommodation included this day : gîte
Last day on the bike: we're going to get another series of great views! To warm up, we head for the col and, this time, there's no break until we stop at the Lautaret! We then set off on a technical path that takes us into the Vallon d'Arsine: a true immersion in the high mountains. After a superb descent along the Romanche, we head for Lac du Pontet. One of the region's natural gems! After a short break to soak up the beauty of the surroundings, we tackle a final climb reaching over 2,000m again before starting the final descent to the gîte. Optionnal transfer back to Briançon train station and end of the tour.
Depth: +1300m / -1300m
Distance: 35km
Meals included this day: breakfast
The program of this E-bike course around La Meije is indicative. The weather conditions, the mountain and the participants may lead the guide to modify it. We ask you to respect his choices.
In case of change of the 'Uses and Customs' defined by the local mountain bike companies, who estimate the reasonable number of clients per instructor, so that the latter can supervise you safely, Azimut respects these changes even if it happens after the sale of the trips. These cases are rare and often linked to exceptional mountain conditions, and compensation may be requested in case of a decrease in the number of participants per instructor.
We always do our best, but can't guarantee the exact time of arrival at the train station (due to traffic or weather conditions). Therefore we strongly recommend you to buy train tickets that can easily be modified. If you're travelling by car, we'll meet you at one of the indicated meeting points, or at one of the drop off points where you'll be able to leave your car for the entire trip.
Make sure the train you plan to catch welcomes mountain bikes.
Car park
Public parking free of charge can be found in Briançon (unattended).
For mountain bikers who are already good downhillers and confident in their technique. You'll be able to take hairpin bends, ride a sloping path without fear, control your braking, pass over small obstacles (such as roots, rocks, steps). The descents are long and sustained (but progressive over the week), sometimes steep, often technical, sometimes exposed but rarely dangerous. You'll emerge as an experienced rider, or even a crack rider!
For mountain bikers who already ride regularly, or who are regular sportsmen and women. We'll be riding on progressive 4x4 trails, with occasional steep sections. Expect to climb between 600m and 1400m per day, which is very affordable on an electric mountain bike.
Good to know: if you don't have the skills and stamina required, the guide may ask you to leave the group for the well-being of the rest of the group. If any doubt, please do not hesitate to ask us !
5 to 8 participants
Group only for E-bike riders
Azimut qualified mountain bike instructor & guide.
All our mountain bike guides are certified instructors. We choose them for their sympathy, their teaching and organisational skills. We stay tuned in, work hands in hands, and make sure their working conditions are the best.
Bring a small day pack large enough (for more detailed advice see gear section) to carry your personal belongings for the day such as (extra) layers, a few snacks, your picnic and a repair kit. All other personal gear not needed for the day will be transferred to our accommodation.
None on this trip.
Trip logistics upon arrival
Your transportation to/from the meeting point
A 30% deposit, as well as the insurance cost if you choose to subscribe the latter, is required to secure your booking. You will receive a reminder email 35 days prior to departure for the outstanding balance that is due latest 30 days prior to departure.
We strongly recommend you to be properly insured for the chosen activity. You should be covered for medical expenses, personal accident & liabilité, third party risks and rescue (helicopter), as well as trip cancellation or curtailment.
Repatriation and research insurance are mandatory when booking a trip with Azimut. We have a full range of insurances with our partner, on offer to suit the trip you select and the risks that it may incur (beware, such insurance only covers European citizens).
Tipping is no obligation. However participants usually hand round an envelope for those who wish to tip the guide.
Azimut's minibuses are used throughout the trip. Not only does this make the trip easier, but it also makes it more pleasant and less binding: we can chat, take a nap and listen to our own music. If luggage transfers are necessary, you have the possibility to use the transfer if you're tired and for any other reason.
Accommodation & meals during the trip
This trip takes place in the comfortable Gîte on the heights of La Grave. A warm welcome, friendly atmosphere and quality meals! Our favourite feature: the view from the terrace of the Meije glacier just opposite!
Depending on the composition of the group, you may be with someone of the opposite sex.
- Single gîte with half board, in a double room to share, shared toilet and shower on the landing, bed linen provided, towels supplied! Depending on the configuration of the group and availability, we may use a triple room.
- Single supplement (with en-suite facilities): €144/person (to be chosen when registering; availability will be confirmed as soon as possible).
- Breakfasts and dinners are taken in the gîte restaurant.
- Lunches are free, leaving the group free to choose between different formulas or locations.
- Snacks: Details are important, especially during the effort. We have chosen to provide tasty, high-quality cereal bars.
Accommodation before and after the mountain bike trip.
As soon as you register, we'll send you the names and contact details of accommodation where you can spend a night before or after your trip. This accommodation is close to the meeting points and you will often benefit from a preferential rate.
In case of emergency or delay, you can either contact your guide (a phone number will be provided before departure) or contact Azimut on: (+ 33) 04 92 23 07 24.
Please inform your friends and family with these details before departure.
Free Wifi is available in most places.
Mobile & 4G coverage can be unreliable.
Make sure to wear bright colours, it's good for the soul and give photos a funky edge !
Technical gear
If you don't have the adequate gear for this trip, don’t worry and travel light: we rent out the required gear and hand it over at the start of the trip ! Our equipment is relatively new, if not brand new, of good quality and adapted to your choice of activity.
Prices of rental gear during the entire trip (competitive prices as we only charge you for the number of days of use on the trip):
Enduro Bike pack including repair kit and helmet - 3 days |
200€ |
Important: all our bikes are thoroughly checked before each trip. You are liable for any damage to the bike.
Prices and bike brands may vary according to availabilities and trip levels.
Clothes
This list of clothes is designed to give you an idea of clothes that it may be a good to have with you. By no means do you need to have the latest brands or the latest gear, but if you need to renew your wardrobe, this guide would be a good start. Prefer lightweight warm and comfortable clothing. This is not just a detail, it makes a hell of a difference !
Headwear
Bodywear
Footwear
Odds & ends
Toiletries and first aid kit
Our guides use the following brands for their gear and you'll have the opportunity to test them during the trip:
We are members of APST.
Don't forget to