Cycling

Between Provence and Ecrins, just walking the roads of Champsaur in the footsteps of Ocaña, Merckx, Hinault, Lemond... and its new "Cyclosport" space retracing 11 circuits labeled by the FFC (French Cycling Federation). Routes along the valley between charming landscapes and wilderness, with a wide variety of difficulties...

Celebrated in the history of the Tour de France on several occasions (1971, 1972, 1982 and 1989), the rise of Orcières-Merlette has been just as surprising as decisive in 71, with the breakaway of the Spaniard Luis Ocana in Col du Noyer, who climbs and won alone the stage, with about 9 minutes ahead of the Belgian Eddy Merckx. After a 134km mountain stage between Grenoble and the station, Ocaña fixed the fate of the Tour this July 8, 1971.

But the Belgian did not admit defeat and nibbles his late the next day between Orcières and Marseille (251km). The fall of Ocaña in the neck of Manse will unfortunately end this fantastic duel. In yellow on the Champs Elysees, Merckx admit: "Nevertheless, there remains a doubt, I lost the Tour in Orcieres...".

Orcières belongs to mythical climbs of the Tour's history, and as part of planning policy and development cycle on the Hautes-Alpes, you will find the bike departmental signage giving you guidance on the climb of the Col between Pont du Fosse and Orcières 1850. The climb to Orcières can be fully appreciated during the “Cols Réservés” days organized each summer.

In 2020, Orcières-Merlette welcomed the arrival of the 4th stage of the Tour de France on Tuesday 1 September