High in the southern Alps, on the border of France and Italy, lie forts, tunnels and ancient military settlements that were meant to keep the area calm hundreds of years ago. The structures kept the enemy at bay for a long time, until in 1940 the Italians invaded the French country through the mountains near Montgenèvre. Due to the pressure exerted by the fascists and especially the German army in other battles in the country, France capitulated and fell into the hands of the occupying forces.

Now that the powder smoke has cleared, the forts have slowly become fused with the Alpine landscape, but the military roads are still on the surface. Miles of unpaved paths stretch across the border area on both the French and Italian sides. Where once troops moved around and cannons were brought into position high in the mountains, today this road network is a source of countless gravel routes through the high mountains of the southern French and Italian Alps.

In this Collection, I present gravel routes through the high and rugged Alpine landscape. Most tours have a military background, such as the passage of the Tunnel du Parpaillon, ascent of the Col du Granon, route along the old forts of Briançon and the kilometre-long Italian military road Strada dell'Assietta. These day trips can be completed entirely by bicycle. For other routes in the Collection, such as the Col de Péas, Col de la Pisse and the Col des Rochilles, the col can only be crossed by bike in hand or on shoulders.

The routes have one thing in common: all traverse an Alpine landscape full of surprises and overwhelming views. Climb up from the river valley along the stream and hear the clatter of the fast-flowing water. Slowly pass the tree line and enter the alpine meadows. Here, the landscape opens up and you can smell the scent of the hundreds of wildflowers around you. The further you get, the steeper and rougher the landscape becomes. In the corner of your eye, marmots shoot away and in the distance you can see the col. You feel the cool breeze along your face and hear the whistling wind between the peaks as you approach the summit. Arriving at the top, you gaze curiously at the new landscape and set off on the deserved descent back to the valley.

Before heading out, I recommend you read the route descriptions carefully. In the mountains, danger is always lurking. For a start, some descents and climbs are very technical and require experience. Some cols can only be crossed with the bike in hand or on the back, which can quickly add up to time. Therefore, always leave early and always check the weather forecast. Inform someone about your route before setting off. If the route is too long for you, divide it into two and book an overnight stay or take camping equipment with you.

A gravel bike with at least 45-millimetre tyres should suffice on all routes. For the hike-a-bike sections and some descents, a mountain bike provides more comfort, but the thick tyres slow you down on the unpaved or tarmac climbs.

Finally, in the summer months, herds of sheep graze in the high mountains. It's not the sheep you need to fear, it's the dogs you need to guard against. As soon as you pass a flock, I advise you to dismount and wait for the sheep to pass Almost always the flock is guarded by several dogs trained to keep wolves at bay or even kill them. Therefore, never get between the flock and the dog and dismount as soon as the animal approaches you. Put your bike between you and the dog and show your presence by talking quietly to him. You will see him calm down and accept you. As soon as the dog ignores you again, walk slowly and get off once the herd has passed.

I have now lived in Puy Saint Vincent on the border of the Parc National des Écrins for three years and have fallen in love with the area and all the opportunities it has to offer. I hope you set out with care and enjoy these routes as much as I do.

Gravelbikes feel at home at the Hotel Saint Roch. We have an adapted three-course menu for cyclists, pasta after your ride and a sunny terrace and swimming pool to recover from your rides. There is also a sauna, jacuzzi and cosy bar with IPA on tap....

View the entire Collection here. 

Bon voyage!