World-class climbs
Col de la Bonette (2,802m), Col de Vars, Col d'Allos, Col de la Cayolle — four major cols within 40km.
Southern Alps basecamp
Your Alpine Cycling Basecamp in the Ubaye Valley
Ride Col de la Bonette and the greatest climbs of the Southern Alps — stay in 4-star comfort at Les Gîtes de l'Argile.
Why stay here
Everything riders need, without the usual Alpine hassle
Why Ubaye Valley
High cols, quiet roads, long sunny days
Empty roads
No Tour de France crowds. Low-traffic tarmac. The Southern Alps secret the pros know.
Reliable season
June to September: 300+ days of sunshine per year. Snow-free cols from mid-June.
Routes
Four rides to anchor your week
Start with a warm-up spin, then build toward the big alpine loops across the valley.
Col de la Bonette Loop
- 120 km
- 3,200 m D+
- Bonette 2,802m
Vars & Allos Classic
- 95 km
- 2,600 m D+
- Vars 2,109m · Allos 2,250m
Bachelard Gravel & Cayolle
- 65 km
- 1,400 m D+
- Cayolle access
Valley Warm-Up
- 45 km
- 600 m D+
- Ubaye valley floor
Planning a cycling week in the Alps?
Check availability for your cycling week Bike storage
Secure bike storage
Keep your road or gravel bikes in a secure, locked storage area with step-free access before and after every ride. It is built for multi-day cycling stays, so your bikes and kit stay protected without taking over the apartment.
The Basecamp
Built for cyclists. Not just tolerant of them.
- Secure, locked bike storage
- Powerful showers
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Outdoor BBQ area
- Drying room for kit and shoes
- A warm welcome all year round
- 4-star rated accommodation
Col de la Bonette: 28km · Col de Vars: 28km · Col d'Allos: 35km · Barcelonnette: 8km
Your base camp for the 7 Cols. Secure bike storage, powerful showers, fully equipped kitchen, high-speed WiFi. Sleep well. Ride harder.
Book your cycling stay The Cols
See the major climbs around Barcelonnette
Spot the four classic cols you can ride from your basecamp before planning the rest of your week.
Reviews
What riders say after a week in Ubaye
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A warm and efficient welcome, high-quality amenities, spaciousness, comfort, tranquility, mountain views, cleanliness, and an ideal location in the Ubaye Valley...
— Franck, 🇫🇷 France
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A very spacious apartment with a small terrace offering a superb view of the surrounding mountains. It features 3 beautiful bedrooms and a spacious living room/kitchen.
— Lydia, 🇳🇱 Netherlands
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The perfect spot for cycling enthusiasts. The space is on the ground floor with easy access, and it stays cool inside even on hot days.
— Magdalena, 🇵🇹 Portugal
Book
Plan your cycling week
Choose the pace that suits your group, then book directly online.
Availability
Check our booking agenda
Select your dates — instant availability.
FAQ
Plan the practical side before you arrive
When is the best time to cycle Col de la Bonette?
The col is typically snow-free from mid-June to mid-October. July and August offer the most reliable conditions, though early starts are recommended to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
How hard is Col de la Bonette?
It is a serious climb — 24km at an average gradient of 6.5% from Jausiers, reaching 2,802m. Strong intermediate cyclists complete it comfortably with a proper warm-up day.
Are the roads suitable for road bike tyres (25mm)?
Yes. All main col roads are well-surfaced tarmac suitable for 25mm tyres. Gravel routes require a minimum 35mm tyre.
Can I rent a road bike near Barcelonnette?
Rental options are possible in the valley. We strongly recommend bringing your own bike or arranging rental in advance via a specialist provider. Contact us for current recommendations.
Is there a bike shop in the Ubaye Valley?
There are multiple bike shop in Barcelonnette (8km away) for basic spares and repairs or complex mechanical work.
How do I travel here with a bike?
By car: Barcelonnette is 3.5h from Lyon, 2.5h from Marseille. By train: Nearest station is Gap (SNCF) or Aix en Provence TGV. Car hire or transfer required for the final.
Do you offer luggage or bike transport between stages?
We do not offer luggage transfer directly. Contact us when booking to discuss options.
Are cycling groups and clubs welcome?
Yes. We regularly host groups and can accommodate route planning. Contact us for group rates.