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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 is a perfect itinerary for exploring the old pass between l’Oisans and Savoy which threads through the alpine pastures of Vaujany. From this pass you will discover the legendary Col de la Croix de Fer and the Grand Maison barrage. This barrage is the biggest hydropower plant in Europe. The climb remains strenuous on a narrow road winding through the alpine pastures. Many cattle also like to use this road to lie down and sunbathe!
From Bourg-d’Oisans follow the RN91 to Allemont. From Allemont cycle to Lake Verney before climbing up the winding road to Vaujany. Cycle through Vaujany and follow La Villette; then go up to the Col du Sabot. (9 km).
That little bit further
You can still do the climb from the shafts of the barrage as you enter Vaujany (itinerary no. 17).
The Col du Sabot (’Saubaudia’ (Savoy) pass in patois), which is no longer commonly used nowadays, together with the Col du Glandon (1,924 m), was the only way over to Savoy and La Maurienne (and the Col des Prés Nouveaux in the Ferrand valley). These were real trading routes to which the border posts, which were still in use in the 19th century, still bear witness. These wide paved roads were maintained ever since the Middle Ages and were reliable at all times. They would enable horse dealers and their herds to sell at the big markets of La Maurienne. Today, the tarred road ends at the pass at 2,160 m altitude. Only mountain bikes and hikers can go higher than that. From the pass, you can perfectly make out the Col de la Croix de Fer, a smugglers’ path, whose construction began in 1900.
"In each one of us, it is God who pedals, while the devil freewheels." Gilbert Cesbron
