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MTB and Cycling in Oisans |
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Season's events
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MTB and Cycling in Oisans |
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Season's events
Climbing
This varied itinerary presents no major difficulty. The long flat bit after Bourg-d’Oisans and the climb up to the Chambon barrage are good for strengthening your legs before making the climb up to Besse-en-Oisans. On this quiet little road lined with larches and hardly any traffic you will forget that you are tired!
In Besse-en-Oisans you can try some bread from the local bakery which is known for its bread baked in a wood-fire oven.
From Bourg-d’Oisans follow the RN91 in the direction of Briançon, then through the gorges of Infernet until you reach the Chambon barrage. Then turn towards Mizoen and then to Besse-en-Oisans - Clavans in upper Oisans.
Continue on the D25 until you reach Besse-en-Oisans.
Mizoen
We would not recommend that you go out into the streets of Mizoen on the night of 6th January, Epiphany, since a bogey man is said to go round on that night. He rides a big horse decorated with little spherical bells and picks up all the naughty children or those who are still hanging around. Hence, in order to force the children of the area to be quiet, all the people would go out on the evening of 6th January, armed with bells etc. to make loud noises to frighten the young children of Mizoen.
Besse-en-Oisans
This name means ’Bes’ (silver birch) in French patois. There used to be a forest above the present village which was destroyed by fire in 1540. As a result, its inhabitants then went to settle on its untouched peripheries among the silver birches. With its slate houses, which have been beautifully refurbished, Besse is now one of the most beautiful villages in France. Besse-en-Oisans used to be a border post between France and Italy.
"Not only do I hold my bicycle in high esteem, I cherish it with a deep feeling of fond gratitude." - André Billy
