This itinerary connects two of Haute-Provence’s most iconic mountain biking regions into one seamless journey: the rugged high alpine at the origins of the Verdon river and the striking, eroded badlands of the Terres Noires surrounding Digne-les-Bains.Built from over a decade of local knowledge in the Val d’Allos and the Digne sector, this trip is a true local favorite — a logical, flowing progression of trails designed purposely for All-Mountain and Enduro riding. Starting high at the Col d’Allos (the gateway to the legendary TransVerdon), the route descends gradually southward into Provence. Along the way, the scenery transforms constantly:Larch forests give way to pine woods, alpine pastures turn into grey marl formations, and mountain torrents become Provençal streams.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Settle in, assemble your bike, meet your guide, and review the route. Dinner is included — rest well before the adventure begins.
DAY 2 - TransVerdon & Beyond
We transfer to the Col d’Allos in the morning to start the trip strong.The first descent drops nearly 1,000 m, beginning in vast alpine pastures before plunging into dense larch forest—an immediate immersion in the Southern Alps atmosphere.In the afternoon, we climb under our own power on the opposite side of the valley to unlock a second descent of the same caliber. The final section can be chosen to suit the group’s mood: smooth and flowing or tight and technical, with switchbacks above Colmars.Overnight: comfortable hotel
DAY 3 - Alpine Meadows & Lake Lignin(Wednesday) :
Experience a challenging mountain-focused day.A short morning transfer brings us above the village, keeping battery usage efficient. From there, the mood changes completely: a 5-star singletrack climb leads us to the Lignin Lakes, nestled in one of the most beautiful alpine pasture zones in the region.From the high cols, we head toward the Annot valley. We ride long, scenic trails that funnel toward La Colle Saint-Michel.Overnight: mountain lodge
DAY 4 - Thorame & Tartonne: Into the Grey Lands
A linking day through classic Haute-Provence landscapes.We ascend forest tracks above Thorame to access one of the sector’s essential descents. From there, we move toward Tartonne, entering the first grey marl zones—often bypassed, yet highly rewarding to ride.Secluded, tranquil, and rarely traveled, these trails unveil an unfiltered, surprising side of Provence.Overnight: mountain lodge
DAY 5 - The Terres Noires Classics (Digne)
Today, we venture into the core of the Terres Noires.Approaching via a “back-door” col — sometimes even a summit rideable on a bike — we arrive directly in the core riding zone. With two full days in the Digne area, we can take our time exploring:• the iconic exposed ridgelines that made the Terres Noires famous• flowing yet technical marl-based trails• lesser-known itinerariesDay 4 is precision riding in a unique landscape.Overnight: comfortable lodge
DAY 6 - Beyond the Terres Noires
To finish the trip on a high note, we explore a less-frequented sector of the Digne massif — just as fun, just as scenic, and far quieter than the classic zones.On All-Mountain singletrack or Enduro-style lines, this final day captures the essence of Pre-Alps mountain biking: balance, flow, terrain reading, and pure pleasure.Lunch in a local restaurantEnd of trip after lunch.
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