French Alps (RDGA) POI?

47Steve

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I am planning a trip / route for several of myself and colleagues travelling from Morzine down to Barclonette. We have 5 days to get down to Barcelonette from Mozine and back up. I am looking for places of interest (must see / do) en the route. Does anyone have any suggestions for this trip / route? We do like a Suspension Bridge or Alpine Coaster etc etc should they be available? 🤣 🤣 🤣

I have pencilled in quite a few of the "Col's" en route but open to detour should need be.

TA Steve
 
The Route des Grandes Alpes is a legendary 710km journey from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, featuring 18+ high mountain passes and iconic landscapes.

Key highlights include the high-altitude Col de l'Iseran (), the panoramic Cime de la Bonette, the rocky lunar landscape of Col d'Izoard's Casse Déserte, and the dramatic Col du Galibier


Iconic Mountain Passes (Cols)
  • Col de l'Iseran (): The highest road pass in the Alps, connecting Val-d'Isère and Bonneval-sur-Arc.
  • Col du Galibier (): A Tour de France giant offering stunning views of glaciers and rocky peaks.
  • Cime de la Bonette ( - highest point):Known for spectacular panoramic views, located between Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée and Jausiers.
  • Col d'Izoard (): Famous for the lunar landscape of the Casse Déserte.
  • Col de la Cayolle: Known for its wild, scenic beauty in the Mercantour National Park.
  • Col de la Colombière: A scenic, popular pass often used in the Tour de France.
  • Col du Turini: Famous for the Monte Carlo Rally hairpin turns.
Places and Activities
  • Thonon-les-Bains: The starting point on the shores of Lake Geneva.
  • Menton: The final destination on the Côte d'Azur, known for its beauty.
  • Annecy: Known as the "Venice of the Alps," featuring a stunning lake and old town.
  • Valloire: A charming village surrounded by nature, near the Galibier.
  • Briançon: A historic fortified city, the highest in France, near the Italian border.
  • Barcelonnette: A town with unique Mexican-influenced architecture, near the Mercantour Park.
  • Mercantour National Park: Wild natural beauty, perfect for hiking and exploring the southern Alps.
  • Casse Déserte: A striking, rocky landscape near the Col d'Izoard.
  • Cheesemaking Traditions: Visit local producers, such as in Saint-Martin-Vésubie, or sample Reblochon near La Clusaz.
    MountainPassions

It’s a bicycle website, but so what. It has some pretty good suggestions:


PS You are verging towards “I am planning for my (several) mates, our holiday. Can UKGSer save me / them / us the effort”


:D :beerjug:
 
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Knock yourself out;

All pretty good, mid section is the best (IMHO) with Galibier, Izoard and l'Iseran being amazingly good.


Loads of stuff around Barcelonnette area, this is a nice run, the Gorge du Daluis is really nice, not a pass, relatively flat (being a gorge) but great scenery, good surface (last time I was there) and excellent twists make it a real gem (not much traffic either). Allos is also very pretty, and La Bonnette for it's claim of the "Highest pass in the Alps" - and stunning views and the old miltary remains dotted around.


Bit more of a challenge, long day, and the rough in parts (but spectacular in places) Sampeyre;


I think you could do part of the loop around Mont Blanc on your first day, get to Barcelonnette folliwng RDGA on day two, pick one of the looping route around the area of day 3, and have two days to get back taking in some of the better passes you missed on the way down.

It is also possible to do the Gorge du Verdon from a base in Barcelonnette...
You really are spoiled for choice and could easily make this a an 8 day trip and not run out of new routes to try, just piss around with MRA (Other route planners are available) and see what looks to work best for you.....

...Or send me £500 via paypal and will work out an itinary for each day starting and ending at a tried and tested Hotel, with scheduled coffee and lunch stops along the way, as well as tyre recomendations and what oil to use.
 
Im now experimenting with taking a screenshot of my route and asking chat bollox AI of any points to not miss on the trip or any alternative better scenic or twisty routes etc.
Can even ask what photo places opportunities are along the way and co ordinates
The only negative I can see is that it doesnt leave any surprises on the actual trip so torn about using it.
 


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