Les Trois Rivières
Savines-le-Lac

Les Trois Rivières

Lake and glacier
Panorama
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Sport is on the cards! A real "Best Of", this loop is everything that fans of physical and sporting challenges are looking for in a nutshell.
The Avance, Durance and Ubaye are the three iconic rivers of the valleys crossed on this route. Whether on the plains or tucked away between the mountains, the roads you take will leave nobody indifferent. But be prepared for a few challenges, as the mountain passes on this route will require some serious physical effort. But you’ll be handsomely rewarded!

Description

  1. From Savines-le-Lac, head towards the bridge over the Durance. Once on the other side of the river, follow the signs for Saint-Apollinaire, the destination of this first 7km climb. This route has its own unmistakable ambience. Take a short break at the lookout before heading back towards Chorges. Enjoy the descent and, finally, in the centre of Chorges, opposite a "no-entry" sign, turn right towards Gap (Chemin du Moulin). Pass two roundabouts in quick succession and a car park, then turn left and follow this small road for 5 km until you reach the hamlet of Les Carles. Continue straight ahead until you come to a crossroads, then turn left onto the "Route des Borels". Descend to the village of La Bâtie-Neuve and skirt the police station to head towards La Bâtie-Vieille. Cross a railway line and then cross the N94 very carefully.
  2. Continue on the D11 then head towards Tallard. It descends as far as the D942. Turn right, still towards Tallard, following the Avance for 4 km. Then take a right fork towards Notre-Dame-du-Laus and continue towards the Col du Tourrond. Take a series of bends before reaching the summit, then descend to Jarjayes. Continue for a short distance and join the D942, opposite a tennis court. Turn right and this time reach the D900b at a carpenters’ workshop. Go left for 300 m, then right down towards Piégut. Cross the Durance and, at the next crossroads, turn left towards Piégut. Stay on this pleasant road (D704) before leaving it and taking the one heading towards Rochebrune. Cross the plain while travelling alongside the Durance (and a leisure centre). Go past Rochebrune and, at the crossroads, turn right for 200 m.
  3. Now take a left fork and follow the Durance EDF canal. Pass Gréoliers until you reach a departmental road.
  4. Then turn right and follow the signs for Barcelonnette (D900b) for almost 20 km. This road climbs upwards and at certain points offers great views over the Durance. Further on, the landscape becomes even more open, with panoramic views of Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Ubaye and its mountainous terrain. After a lookout point, you have just 5 km to go before turning left towards Savines (D954). Continue down to the valley and cross the Ubaye river. Continue along a pleasant lakeside road, go through a tunnel and then, shortly after a church and its cemetery, turn right and climb towards Pontis (D7). A fine 5.3 km climb awaits you, with an average gradient of 9%.
  5. At the pass, enjoy a well-deserved break and a beautiful panorama of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the surrounding mountains. Then head back down towards Pontis, through a beautiful forest and rejoin the D954. Finally, return to Savines-le-Lac and take in all the beautiful views.
  • Departure : Town Hall car park, Savines-le-Lac
  • Arrival : Town Hall car park, Savines-le-Lac
  • Towns crossed : Savines-le-Lac, Saint-Apollinaire, Prunières, Chorges, Montgardin, La Bâtie-Neuve, Le Lauzet-Ubaye, and Pontis

Altimetric profile

Information desks

Tourist office Savines-le-Lac

9 Avenue de la Combe d'Or, 05160 Savines-le-Lac

https://www.serreponcon-tourisme.com/savineslelac@serreponcon-tourisme.com0492443100

October to march : Monday to Saturday, 9.00 - 12.30 & 13.30 - 17.00. 
April, may, june & september : Monday to Saturday, 9.00 - 12.30 & 14.30 - 18.00
July and August : Monday to Saturday, 9.00 - 13.00 & 15.00 - 19.00. Sundays, 10.00 - 13.00 & 15.00 - 18.00

Closed on French national holidays, except 14th of July, and 15th of August
Closed on Thursdays outside French holidays’ periods

Find out more

Transport

From Gap or Embrun:
  • Zou! Network : Line 69 / Frequency : Every 4 hours
More information: https://zou.maregionsud.fr

Access and parking

Follow the N94 from Gap or Embrun to Savines-le-Lac.

There is ample parking near the town hall.

Parking :

Town Hall car park, Savines-le-Lac

More information

Weather Savines-le-Lac

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