Les Trois Rivières

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.
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.
Now take a left fork and follow the Durance EDF canal. Pass Gréoliers until you reach a departmental road.
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%.
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.

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