Claviere, a picturesque Italian town near the French border, serves as the starting point for the thrilling MTB Granon Tour. This 6.5-hour cycling adventure takes riders through the breathtaking landscapes of Piedmont, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Participants will explore 19th-century fortifications and renowned Tour de France roads, all while marveling at the stunning views of the Massif des Écrins glaciers. The tour promises an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts and cycling connoisseurs alike. What awaits those who embark on this journey through Claviere and the MTB Granon Tour?
Key Points
- MTB Granon Tour offers a full-day cycling experience in Claviere, Italy, priced from €1,126 per person for a 6.5-hour tour.
- The tour includes a 2.5-hour guided ride at Col du Granon and transportation, with options for the return route.
- Highlights of the tour include traversing nature and historical sites, visiting 19th-century fortifications, and enjoying breathtaking glacier views.
- Participants should arrive prepared with necessary cycling gear and accessories, such as a helmet, gloves, and a camera.
- The tour starts and ends in the picturesque alpine town of Claviere, located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, near the French border.
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Tour Overview
The MTB Granon Tour, based in Claviere, Italy, offers a full-day cycling experience for up to 6 participants.
Priced from €1,126 per person, the 6.5-hour tour includes transportation to and from the starting point, a guided 2.5-hour ride at Col du Granon, and the chance to explore historical sites and take in breathtaking glacier views.
Participants can choose between an 8km single track or the iconic Tour de France road for the return route.
The tour is available in Italian, English, and French, and features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Itinerary Details
Starting in Claviere, participants bus or coach for 30 minutes to the Vallée de la Clarée, the tour’s starting point.
The guided tour then lasts 2.5 hours at the historic Col du Granon. The itinerary includes:
- Visiting 19th-century fortifications at the Col du Granon.
- Riding on roads used in the Tour de France.
- Enjoying breathtaking views of the Massif des Écrins glaciers.
- Exploring the alpine architecture of the Granon hamlet.
After the guided tour, participants take the bus or coach back to Claviere, a 30-minute journey.
Please note the itinerary is subject to change.
Tour Highlights
Cycling enthusiasts can revel in the experience of traversing between nature and historical sites on this tour.
They’ll visit the 19th-century fortifications of Col Du Granon, ride on renowned Tour de France roads, and enjoy breathtaking views of the glaciers of the Massif des Écrins.
Exploring the hamlet of Granon and its Alpine architecture adds to the immersive experience.
The tour features a descent of 700 meters followed by a non-technical ascent, culminating at the 2,413-meter Col Du Granon.
Riders can choose an 8 km single track or the Tour de France road for the return route, passing through the UNESCO heritage site of Briançon’s medieval village.
Tour Description
What does the tour feature? The tour features a descent of 700 meters to the Nevache valley, followed by a non-technical ascent flanked by larches and pines.
Participants will:
- Visit the forts of l’Olive and du Lenlon at 2,000 meters, which are well-preserved historical sites.
- Ascend to the Col Du Granon at 2,413 meters, with options for the return route: an 8 km single track or the Tour de France road.
- Pass through Briançon, a UNESCO heritage site with a medieval village.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the glaciers of the Massif des Écrins along the way.
What to Bring
To prepare for the Claviere (TO): MTB Granon Tour, you will need a variety of essentials.
They’ll need sunglasses to shield their eyes, snacks to fuel their ride, sunscreen to protect their skin, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Cyclists should also wear appropriate cycling clothing, including a helmet. Recommended items include an MTB helmet, gloves, padded shorts, and a windproof jacket to combat the mountain elements.
A camera device is also suggested to capture the tour’s breathtaking views.
The meeting point is the wooden cabin with the Chaberton Outdoor sign in front of the Claviere church.
Meeting Point
Prior to the start of the Claviere (TO): MTB Granon Tour, you will meet at the wooden cabin with the Chaberton Outdoor sign in front of the Claviere church, located at Piazza Europa, 1, 10050 Claviere, TO.
This meeting point serves as the central gathering spot, where the tour will commence. Participants should arrive on time and be prepared with the following items:
- Cycling gear, including a helmet, gloves, and padded shorts.
- Water and snacks for the duration of the tour.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against the elements.
- A camera or other device to capture the breathtaking scenery along the way.
Claviere (TO)
Located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, near the French border, Claviere is a picturesque alpine town that serves as the starting point for the Claviere (TO): MTB Granon Tour. Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Claviere offers stunning mountain vistas and a charming, historic atmosphere. The meeting point for this tour is the wooden cabin with the Chaberton Outdoor sign in front of the Claviere church (Piazza Europa, 1, 10050 Claviere, TO).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Piedmont, Italy |
| Elevation | Alpine |
| Meeting Point | Wooden cabin, Chaberton Outdoor sign, Claviere church |
| Accessibility | Near French border |
MTB Granon Tour
The MTB Granon Tour is a 6.5-hour cycling adventure that takes participants on a journey through the stunning natural landscapes and historical sites of the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy.
Visitors can expect to:
- Experience the thrill of cycling on Tour de France roads.
- Explore the well-preserved 19th-century fortifications of Col Du Granon.
- Admire the breathtaking views of the glaciers of the Massif des Écrins.
- Discover the charming hamlet of Granon and its unique Alpine architecture.
The tour features a descent of 700 meters, followed by a non-technical ascent, culminating at the Col Du Granon at an elevation of 2,413 meters.
Participants will have the option to return via an 8 km single track or the Tour de France road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Skill Level Requirements for This Tour?
The tour does not have any specific skill level requirements. It’s suitable for riders of varying abilities, from beginners to experienced mountain bikers, as the itinerary offers options to accommodate different skill levels.
What Kind of Terrain Can I Expect During the Ride?
The tour features a mix of terrain, including a 700-meter descent to the Nevache valley followed by a non-technical ascent flanked by trees. The ride culminates at the Col du Granon, with options for the return route.
Are There Any Opportunities for More Experienced Riders?
The tour offers options for more experienced riders, including an 8 km single track descent and the ability to tackle the Tour de France road at the Col du Granon’s 2,413-meter peak.
Can I Bring My Own Mountain Bike or Is One Provided?
You can bring your own mountain bike for the tour. The tour provider doesn’t provide bikes, so you’ll need to bring your own suitable MTB to fully participate in the cycling activities.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
There are no explicit age restrictions mentioned for the tour. Participants of all ages are welcome, though the physically demanding nature of the cycling may make it more suitable for older children and adults in good health.
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Recap
The MTB Granon Tour offers a thrilling cycling adventure through the stunning landscapes of Piedmont, Italy. Claviere serves as the picturesque starting point, providing easy access to 19th-century fortifications and iconic Tour de France roads. Participants can expect to be captivated by the breathtaking views of the Massif des Écrins glaciers throughout the 6.5-hour journey.