Le col de la Valette depuis Besse
This rather physical loop from Besse will introduce you to the Ferrand Valley. The downhill singletrack is magical, the scenery stunning, and the atmosphere wild. A day trip you won't soon forget!
Itinerary of the “MTB in Oisans” guide (Oisans Tourisme)
Departure/arrival (loop): Besse 1550 m
Duration: 5 hour
Distance: 30 km
Highest point: 2466 m
Lowest point: 1292 m
Elevation gain: +1336 m
Vertical drop: -1354 m
Technique: 3/4
Endurance: 4/4
Map: Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans and Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET
ROUTE
> From the parking lot of Besse, go back up the track towards Bonnefin and the oratory of St-Sébastien. Arriving at the oratory, we cross to the other side of the mountain towards the Col de la Valette (2291 m) staying on the side for a while. At the Laval bridge, it is possible to continue the route on the other side, which is sunnier in the morning and drier.
> At the end of the Valette stream, go up on the left to the Valette chalets.
> Go up towards the “Col du Fond Ferrand / Échina de Praouat” (2466 m) to enter the Ferrand valley. A portage on a steep and very narrow trail awaits you towards the summit.
> Arrived at the pass, 2 possibilities to descend. Follow the path but it may be too hollow to ride peacefully. Or in freeride mode: we play with the terrain by riding on sight in this large grassy slope. The goal is to reach the bottom of the valley.
> At the ruins of the Quirlies chalets, follow the path at the bottom of the valley to Pont Ferrand. Join the Perron, then Clavans-le-Haut and Clavans-le-Bas.
> Before going back to Besse On the road, a short break for a homemade blueberry tart at the Savel inn will give you strength.
> From Clavans, go down a path to the mill of Besse. Take the paved road again, going uphill for 3 km until you reach Besse.
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THE LITTLE EXTRA: Le Freney by the Follet oratory.
> A little more descent to make the pleasure last? From Clavans, continue the road towards Mizoën. At 600 m, take the small path that climbs on the right. Direction "l'oratoire du Follet / Puy-le-Bas". After the oratory, go down to the left towards Le Freney. Follow the path to the center of the village. On the way down, the path, based on rolling stones, is quite technical and fast.
> Plan to park a car at Freney for this option.
Duration: 0 hour 30 minutes
Distance: 4,2 km
Highest point: 1360 m
Lowest point: 935 m
Elevation gain: +65 m
Vertical drop: -493 m
Technique: 3/4
Endurance: 2/4
Departure/arrival (loop): Besse 1550 m
Duration: 5 hour
Distance: 30 km
Highest point: 2466 m
Lowest point: 1292 m
Elevation gain: +1336 m
Vertical drop: -1354 m
Technique: 3/4
Endurance: 4/4
Map: Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans and Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET
ROUTE
> From the parking lot of Besse, go back up the track towards Bonnefin and the oratory of St-Sébastien. Arriving at the oratory, we cross to the other side of the mountain towards the Col de la Valette (2291 m) staying on the side for a while. At the Laval bridge, it is possible to continue the route on the other side, which is sunnier in the morning and drier.
> At the end of the Valette stream, go up on the left to the Valette chalets.
> Go up towards the “Col du Fond Ferrand / Échina de Praouat” (2466 m) to enter the Ferrand valley. A portage on a steep and very narrow trail awaits you towards the summit.
> Arrived at the pass, 2 possibilities to descend. Follow the path but it may be too hollow to ride peacefully. Or in freeride mode: we play with the terrain by riding on sight in this large grassy slope. The goal is to reach the bottom of the valley.
> At the ruins of the Quirlies chalets, follow the path at the bottom of the valley to Pont Ferrand. Join the Perron, then Clavans-le-Haut and Clavans-le-Bas.
> Before going back to Besse On the road, a short break for a homemade blueberry tart at the Savel inn will give you strength.
> From Clavans, go down a path to the mill of Besse. Take the paved road again, going uphill for 3 km until you reach Besse.
------
THE LITTLE EXTRA: Le Freney by the Follet oratory.
> A little more descent to make the pleasure last? From Clavans, continue the road towards Mizoën. At 600 m, take the small path that climbs on the right. Direction "l'oratoire du Follet / Puy-le-Bas". After the oratory, go down to the left towards Le Freney. Follow the path to the center of the village. On the way down, the path, based on rolling stones, is quite technical and fast.
> Plan to park a car at Freney for this option.
Duration: 0 hour 30 minutes
Distance: 4,2 km
Highest point: 1360 m
Lowest point: 935 m
Elevation gain: +65 m
Vertical drop: -493 m
Technique: 3/4
Endurance: 2/4
