La Berarde Wednesday 24th August

La Berarde is a small village nestled at the head of the Vallee du Veneon. It is surrounded by the massive peaks of the Parc National des Ecrins.

Although not a true climb, it did involve over 1000 metres of climbing, with two steeper sections. The first just after Le Bourg-d’Arud (~3km at 11%) and then another set of switchbacks over a similar distance but slightly less steep  to the village of St-Christophe-en-Oisans.

Looking back down the valley from the steep section just below St-Christophe-en-Oisans.

Church at St-Christophe-en-Oisans

Hotel des Ecrins at St-Christophe-en-Oisans

The road then continues on at an easier gradient, in many places cut into the side of and through the cliff.

Road past St-Christophe-en-Oisans looking back.

Road past St-Christophe-en-Oisans looking towards la Berarde.

Around every bend was another photo opportunity, so it took longer than planned to finally get to the end of the road and the tiny village of La Berarde. It was once just a shepherd’s village, now it caters for the many sightseers, walkers and climbers that come to this beautiful valley.

 With an early start, this was another good itinerary for a hot day due to being in a deep and long valley. And with the spectacular scenery, a great distraction from the fact you were climbing for much of the way!

Side valley above St-Christophe-en-Oisans.

The descent back to Bourg d’Oisans is fast and flowing in places, and just crazy fast in others! The road was quite narrow in many places so you still had to vigilant.

All in all another great days riding in spectacular scenery!

Ride details:
Distance 70.1km
elevation 1852m