Joe Bike Logo
BOOK YOUR BIKE

SECOND-HAND BIKES AVAILABLE FROM SEPTEMBER 
IMPORTANT : tout vélo acheté en ligne ne sera expédié qu’en septembre !

DÉCOUVRIR NOS VÉLOS D'OCCASION

Bike hire with Joe Bike
in Barcelonnette

Riding in Barcelonnette offers a striking contrast between the warm atmosphere of a town with Mexican influences and the mineral majesty of the seven giant mountain passes that surround it. To fully savour the beauty of this high-altitude confluence region, having high-performance, meticulously prepared equipment is essential. Whether the day's plan involves strolling along the orchards of the Ubaye valley or tackling the dizzying switchbacks of the highest road in Europe, the reliability of your bike guarantees the pleasure of the journey. Choosing a streamlined road model or a responsive electric-assist bicycle allows you to conquer the terrain of the Southern Alps with your eyes wide open to the landscape.

Our agencies in Barcelonnette

INTERSPORT BARCELONNETTE

The Banks of the Ubaye
Discover
Book
all our branches at Barcelonnette

Cycling in Barcelonnette

Nestled in the heart of the Ubaye Valley, Barcelonnette is a true promised land for cycling enthusiasts. Its geographical location is exceptional: the town is the natural starting point for a range of climbs that are among the most beautiful and wild in the Alps. With a strong cycling culture and the Accueil Vélo label, this sub-prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence offers a peaceful atmosphere, far from busy main roads. Whether you come to take on timed challenges on asphalt, explore forest tracks on a gravel bike, or enjoy facilities for gentle touring, the town has all the necessary infrastructure for day trips.

La Transubayenne and the routes along the river

For cyclists looking for wide-open spaces without the challenge of steep mountain passes, the valley offers superb alternatives. The Transubayenne is an iconic route that partly follows the path of a never-completed old railway line, punctuated by spectacular tunnels. This route allows you to skirt the Ubaye river and connect the various villages in the valley amidst unspoilt nature. It’s an ideal playground for mountain biking, gravel biking, and electric-assist bikes, offering complete immersion between larch forests and torrent-side paths.

Our workshops

A team of professionals at your service

INTERSPORT BARCELONNETTE

The Banks of the Ubaye
04 92 81 07 83
More info

The Ubaye Seven Passes Challenge and Cime de la Bonette

For amateur cyclists, Barcelonnette is the starting point for the «7 Cols» challenge, a sought-after feat for climbers worldwide. From the main square, you can directly access the Col d'Allos, the Col de la Cayolle, and the Col de Vars, regular but long climbs that skirt 2,000 metres in altitude in the heart of the Mercantour National Park. The region's standout monument remains the Cime de la Bonette: a majestic road rising to 2,802 metres, offering a lunar landscape and panoramic views extending to the Mediterranean Sea on a clear day.

The Ubaye balconies by e-MTB and the Pra Loup bike park

The sunny slopes surrounding Barcelonnette are packed with pastoral trails and small, suspended mountain roads. Just a few kilometres from the town, the resorts of Pra Loup and Le Sauze offer groomed areas for mountain biking and electric mountain biking (e-MTB). Summer lift services allow you to effortlessly reach the ridges to ride facing the summits of Haute-Ubaye. Marked forest trails and the downhill runs of the Pra Loup bike park complete the offering for those who enjoy technical riding and thrills.

FAQ

The summit of La Bonette is the highest point in the area (2,802 m). Starting from Barcelonnette, the climb stretches for 32 kilometres, with an impressive elevation gain of nearly 1,700 metres. Although the average gradient is 5.5 %, the final kilometres above 2,500 metres and the final climb at 15 % make it a formidable physical challenge.
This is a permanent and free challenge organised by the valley for cyclists. It involves climbing the seven mountain passes surrounding Barcelonnette: La Bonette, La Cayolle, Allos, Vars, Sainte-Anne, Pontis and Col de la Larche (Italian border). Stamping posts are installed at the summit of each pass to validate a route map and obtain a diploma.
Due to heavy winter snowfalls, these very high-altitude passes generally open between the end of May and the beginning of June, after the departmental snow-clearing machinery has passed. They usually close at the end of October. The valley floor loops and smaller mid-altitude roads can be ridden from the beginning of spring.
Yes, the electric-assist bicycle (road e-bike or e-MTB) has become extremely popular in the Ubaye valley. It allows cyclists of all levels to tackle legendary passes like the Cayolle or Allos at their own pace. However, it is recommended to choose a mid-drive motor with good torque and a large-capacity battery (minimum 625 Wh) to handle the length of the climbs.
Hire your bike in
your favourite agency

Choose your destination