The Durance by Motorcycle

Take the road to Gap, a gateway to ski resorts, the far reaches of the Alpine massif, and Italy. Rest assured, in summer, the region is bathed in sunshine, so it feels good to be out on your motorbike! After slipping your swimwear in your bag, leave town on the N94, heading for Briançon. Already eager to cool off? Take a break in Chorges and take a dip in the Lac de Serre-Ponçon. Or follow the road to cross the bridge of Savines, which looks over the azure waters of the lake. A fan of Roman architecture? Allow yourself an escape to the Abbaye de Boscodon. To get there, cross Savines-le-Lac then turn off onto the D568 on the right a few kilometres further on. You will glimpse the abbey after a few bends.

Return to Savines and turn left towards the D954. We’re off for a moment of pure happiness. This winding road dominates the magical expanse of Serre-Ponçon, which can be glimpsed between the trees. Ease off the throttle carefully for the camper vans, cyclists and cars. Admire the meadows in bloom. In summer, the brilliant red of the poppies illuminates the landscape. In autumn, the forest of fir trees and birch is dressed in fine shades of yellow and green. It’s time to stop to admire the rocks of the Demoiselles Coiffées at Théus. Then, soak up the dizzying view of the lake from the village viewpoint of Sauze-du-Lac. After Sauze, you’ll take in a series of teasing hairpins. Keep your eye out for a little creek accessible by a side-road: it’s time for a swim (again)!

The landscape, bordered by sharp, grey shale hillsides, becomes mysterious. The lake encloses itself in a mountain setting. Here you are at the mouth of the Ubaye, prized by white-water sports enthusiasts. Leave the D954 to take the D900 to the village of Le Lauzet. Here, the road is as much fun as the river. After a stop in the village, head back towards Saint-Vincent-les-Forts by the D900b. The road climbs to the heart of a forest of beeches and larches, goes along the Lac de Serre-Ponçon then undulates towards the Vallée de la Durance. It crosses the river and looks down on the hydroelectric complex of Serre-Ponçon. Advice for bikers looking for good bends: climb towards Chorges on the right by the D3. After the village, re-join the route by the D942, a bit further on the left on the N84.

Heading towards Tallard, the departmental road runs along the fruit and wine-growing farms in the Durance valley. In spring, it’s a real mosaic of colours. The rocks become pinker as you approach Tallard. Then the National 85 (now D1085), plays hide and seek with the Durance Canal. Follow it to Sisteron. At the entrance to the town, take a right towards the Vallée du Buëch by the D948. In summer, lavender perfumes the air. Make a detour via the Gorges de la Méouge, on the D942. Here, the smell of boxwood mixes with rosemary. Park up along the rocky peaks to take a dip in a river with invigorating waterfalls. Then head off towards Laragne-Montéglin, on the D1075.

This route is fast until Serres. After the village, turn onto the D994 towards Gap, via Veynes. At Pont-la-Barque, the road is closed in along the narrow gorge of the Buëch. Then it widens and passes through a cultivated valley with the scents of wild clematis. Curious bikers will make a detour to the Domaine de Charance, in the heights above Gap. The terraced landscaped garden, dedicated to roses, offers a magnificent view of the town. The bolder ones will then treat themselves to an extra turn around the Lac de Serre-Ponçon. One can never get enough!