We invite you to explore the magnificent V862 cycle route, along the Durance valley, between greenways and quiet roads.
Starting from Briançon (Hautes-Alpes), you will drive 438 km to Avignon (Vaucluse), retracing the course of the Durance River from its source to the Rhône.
A way to combine sport and tourism!
Between mountains and scrubland
During your trip, you will travel across different types of routes. To date, only the sections located in the Hautes-Alpes and the “Val de Durance” greenway have been completed.
Let’s explore this route together.
From the Hautes-Alpes to the Luberon
The first 170-kilometer stage begins in the Hautes-Alpes. This fully signposted section runs along the Durance River through high-mountain landscapes. to Embrun via the citadel of Mont-Dauphin, then on a balcony overlooking Lake Serre-Ponçon before moving towards Gap and SisteronThe southern part of the route along the Durance Canal is easily accessible, unlike the mountain roads which are recommended for experienced cyclists.
From Sisteron to Villeneuve (in the Hautes-Alpes), you will come across a section that is not yet marked. Think about the app geovelo for this fifty-kilometer connection! From Villeneuve, you will join Cavaillon in the Luberon, by a portion of around a hundred kilometers passing through the route of the V863 “Around the Luberon by bike”.
If you choose the northern option of the route, you will cross Apt and famous villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste… If the southern option is preferred, you will pass through Manosque and the Pays d'Aigues. This route is difficult because it is marked by steep slopes. We recommend that you cover this stage over at least 2 days.
From Cavaillon to Avignon
This route of around forty kilometers is 80% cycle paths. You can nevertheless use geovelo with the tourist option to discover all the points of interest and do a little sightseeing.
It allows you to borrow the “Val de Durance” greenway, an old railway line, from Plan d'Orgon to Barbentane. It winds through the orchards and crops of the large market gardening and agricultural area of Chateaurenard and crosses magnificent natural areas. It passes through Plan d'Orgon, Saint-Andiol, Cabannes, Noves, Chateaurenard and Rognonas. Then, reach Avignon via the " Cycling to the confluence »
The Durance by bike on the right bank
This part of the route is not yet finalized. In the long term, it will allow you to cycle along the right bank of the Durance between Cavaillon and Avignon, passing through Bompas, the Montfavet district and " the canal path ".
How to get around?
A great way to get around with your bike is by train.
On most TER SUD Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur trains, your bike travels free of charge, suspended or placed in a designated space, subject to availability. However, when TER trains are very busy, the conductor may prohibit access for capacity or safety reasons.
The transport of tandems, tricycles, three-wheeled bicycles, 3-wheeled recumbent bicycles and trailers attached to the rear of a bicycle is not permitted.
To travel with complete peace of mind on the TER SUD Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, remember to consult the section Traveling with your bike |TER SNCF.
EQUIPMENT
Rent a bike
Here are all rental companies labeled “Accueil Vélo” that you may encounter on your way in the Grand Avignon.
To accompany you
Go on an adventure
Great hikes
Want more? Here are some suggestions for multi-day trips, on foot or by bike, to explore this region of Provence in depth.
Here is some suggestions for multi-day trips, on foot or by bike, to discover this region of Provence intensely.
Explore the Durance Valley by bike, following an enchanting route that connects Briançon to Avignon. This unique cycle route will introduce you to the splendors of Provence, the Alps, and the Rhône Valley: a beautiful mountain here, a beautiful river there. Prepare your plan, hop on your bike, and let yourself be guided by the crystal-clear waters of the Durance, passing through the villages of Chorges, l'Argentière, Embrun, Sisteron, Gap, and Saint-Andiol, for an unforgettable adventure on the road to the sun towards the Bouches-du-Rhône department. Each town along this section offers the opportunity to keep in mind the image of a bridge, a valley, a river, a lake, or other body of water… In France, here is a portal to an unforgettable journey, for which we give you the code. The result? A complete guide for your cycling adventure!