The Italian Connection

A road cycling route starting from Villar-Saint-Pancrace

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A magnificent journey through the heart of the French Alps, crossing iconic mountain passes and reaching the border of Italy.

Map

Map miniature of "The Italian Connection" cycling inspiration in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. Generated by Tarmacs.app cycling route planner

This round-trip cycling route near Villar-Saint-Pancrace takes you on an epic adventure through the stunning countryside of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The route covers a total distance of 170 kilometers and includes a challenging ascent of 5,097 meters. It is best suited for highly trained amateurs looking for a thrilling and physically demanding experience. Along the way, you will encounter breathtaking highlights including Saint-Chaffrey, Belvédère, Col du Lautaret, Col du Galibier, Valloire, Col du Télégraphe, Saint-Martin-d'Arc, the ancient entrance to the Monumental Tunnel Ferroviaire du Mont Cenis, Col du Fréjus / Passo del Frejus, Chateaux, Signols, Rocca Clarì, Claviere, and finally, Villar-Saint-Pancrace.

road

170 km

5097 m

Savage

Route profile

Highlights on the route

0 km

Start: Villar-Saint-Pancrace Village center

Villar-Saint-Pancrace: Home to the legendary Col du Galibier climb

Villar-Saint-Pancrace is a charming locality located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France. As a road and gravel cyclist, you'll have access to a variety of scenic routes in the area. The picturesque countryside, dotted with vineyards and olive groves, provides a delightful backdrop for your rides. Nearby, you'll find the renowned Col du Galibier, an iconic climb that has been featured in several professional cycling races. Villar-Saint-Pancrace ranks at a 5 out of 5 for its exceptional cycling-related attractions.

7 km

Saint-ChaffreyVillage

Located in Saint-Chaffrey, this charming village offers several historical sites and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

14 km

BelvédèreViewpoint

Belvédère is a picturesque village that offers a stunning viewpoint overlooking the surrounding valleys and provides a great resting spot for cyclists.

30 km

Col du Lautaret2058 mHamlet

Col du Lautaret is one of the highest paved mountain passes in France. As you cycle through this legendary route, you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable memories.

38 km

Col du Galibier2642 mMountain Pass

Col du Galibier is a legendary climb that has been featured in numerous Tour de France races. This iconic pass offers breathtaking views and represents a true challenge for any cyclist.

55 km

ValloireVillage

Valloire is a charming alpine town that provides a perfect base for exploring the surrounding mountains. Its cobbled streets, quaint shops, and beautiful architecture make it a must-visit destination.

60 km

Col du Télégraphe1566 mMountain Pass

Col du Télégraphe is a historic mountain pass that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range. Its challenging ascent is popular among cyclists seeking an exhilarating adventure.

71 km

Saint-Martin-d'ArcVillage

Saint-Martin-d'Arc is a small village known for its rich history and traditional architecture. Take a break here and explore the local heritage before continuing your journey.

92 km

Ancienne entrée Monumentale du Tunnel Ferroviaire du Mont CenisAttraction

The ancient entrance to the Monumental Tunnel Ferroviaire du Mont Cenis is a fascinating historical site that showcases the engineering marvels of the past. Stop by and admire the impressive entrance before continuing your cycling adventure.

109 km

Col du Fréjus / Passo del Frejus2542 mMountain Pass

Col du Fréjus / Passo del Frejus is a formidable mountain pass that connects France and Italy. As you cross this border, you will be immersed in stunning natural beauty and experience a unique fusion of cultures.

121 km

Chateaux1419 mPeak

Chateaux is a charming village known for its well-preserved medieval castle. Take a moment to explore the castle grounds and immerse yourself in the rich history of the region.

129 km

SignolsHamlet

Signols is a small hamlet surrounded by scenic beauty. While there may not be any specific attractions, the peaceful atmosphere and stunning landscapes make it a worthwhile stop for contemplation.

152 km

Rocca Clarì2051 mPeak

Rocca Clarì is a quaint Italian town located near the border. Experience a taste of Italian culture and gastronomy as you take a break and enjoy some local delicacies.

153 km

ClaviereVillage

Claviere is a charming alpine resort town nestled in the mountains. Stop by and soak in the picturesque beauty of the surroundings before heading back on your cycling expedition.

170 km

Villar-Saint-PancraceVillage

Villar-Saint-Pancrace is the starting point of this thrilling round-trip cycling route. Located in scenic Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, this charming village serves as the gateway to a remarkable adventure through the French Alps.