Race Across France: Destination Mandelieu
The Race Across France is much more than just a bike race; it's an epic adventure that celebrates the natural and cultural wealth of France. It invites participants to immerse themselves in the heart of France's heritage, crossing a variety of regions, from the wild coastlines of Brittany to the majestic peaks of the Alps. This unique challenge brings together cyclists from all horizons, whether they're looking for thrills or an immersive experience through emblematic roads and breathtaking landscapes.
The 2500km route: A major challenge
The Race Across France takes you from the wilds of Brittany to the legendary peaks of the Alps, for an unforgettable adventure. Each kilometer reveals exceptional panoramas and thrilling challenges, culminating in the majestic Cime de la Bonette, which rises to 2802 meters above sea level.
Key passes and highlights:
DINAN: The start is in the beautiful town of Dinan, in Côtes d'Armor, a region known for its wild landscapes and rugged coastlines. It's here that riders begin their adventure, taking in roads lined with forests and mountains.
Côtes d'Armor: Discover the wild landscapes of Brittany, with mountain passes like Mont d'Arrée.
CAP FREHEL: One of the most beautiful views in Brittany. Overlooking an emerald sea, battered by the winds, Cap Fréhel enchants with its beauty and shimmering colors. Its sheer, wall-like cliffs are home to hundreds of nesting birds.
The MONTS d'ARREE and the Abbaye du RELEC: An almost unreal landscape, where heather, gorse and rocky ridges mingle as far as the eye can see. Le Relec Abbey features a large Romanesque church, remains of a cloister, ponds, a tree-lined causeway, a monumental fountain and moated meadows.
Le Mur de Bretagne (or Côte de Mené Heiez): A real challenge for riders, this climb offers impressive panoramic views of the green hills and deep valleys of inland Brittany. The route winds through picturesque landscapes, lined with hedges and forests, before climbing to open ridges offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Lac de Vassivière: Located at the entrance to the Plateau des Millevaches on the Creuse side, this is the largest lake in the Limousin region and one of the largest man-made lakes in France.
PUY d'ISSANDON in CORREZE: a medieval vestige in Yssandon, Corrèze, is an ancient fortification now in ruins. From the summit, an exceptional panorama extends over the Brive Basin, the Monédières, the Monts d'Auvergne, the Causses and the Périgord plateaux, all visible from the orientation table.
The Cézallier: A genuine link between the Monts du Cantal and the Monts Dore, this volcanic massif with its rounded relief offers spectacular panoramic views. The Signal du Luguet, the highest peak in the Cézallier, rises to 1551 meters.
The Parc Régional des Causses du Quercy: The next stage takes you through this natural park, with its succession of surprising landscapes and roads. The descent of the Lot, followed by that of the Aveyron, holds surprises at every turn.
MONTASTRUC LA CONSEILLERE : This point marks the entrance to the more imposing mountains of the Ardèche and Puy-de-Dôme. You'll cross the Col de Gerbier de Jonc (1415 m), a landmark in the Massif Central.
Col de Chamaroux and Col de Volpilière: these two passes offer a unique experience with stunning panoramas of the surrounding mountains.
CLERMONT-FERRAND : A high point on the route where mountainous landscapes and challenges continue to amaze.
DIGNES LES BAINS : Get ready for a memorable challenge with the ascent of the Montagne de Lure, offering intense effort and thrills.
The climb to the Cime de la Bonette is one of the most memorable moments of the route, offering spectacular views of the surrounding ridges. The Cime de la Bonette is the highest point in Europe and a true test of endurance.
MANDELIEU-LA-NAPOULE After crossing this last pass, you can savor the victory of having completed this epic challenge.
1000 KM Course: Endurance in the heart of the summits
Departure : Clermont-Ferrand:nestled in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Clermont-Ferrand is an emblematic city of the Massif Central. Renowned for its volcanoes, notably the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Crossing the Livradois-Forez Regional Park:
These first 300 kilometers after Clermont-Ferrand showcase the Haute-Loire andArdèche regions, two regions rich in varied landscapes. You'll follow the headwaters of the Loire and pass the famous Col Gerbier de Jonc, a veritable icon of the region. - Plateau du Coiron and Rhône:
After crossing the Saint-Martin and Fontenelle passes, you cross the Plateau du Coiron, a vast basalt volcanic table forming a unique extension of the Massif Central. You cross the Rhône at the charming village of Viviers, before heading into the Vaucluse. - Montagne de Lure:
Prepare yourself for this formidable climb, renowned for its length and exposure. The descent via the north-facing slope can be tricky, especially at night, with temperatures plummeting and unpredictable wildlife. - Digne-les-Bains
Capital of lavender, this spa town offers a peaceful setting, perfect for a moment of recuperation. You're now in Provence, with its unique scents and charm.
- An extraordinary trilogy in Ubaye :
- Col d'Allos (2,247 m): This spectacular pass is renowned for its technical switchbacks and Alpine panoramas.
- Col des Champs (2,087 m): Situated between the Var and Verdon valleys, this majestic pass is a veritable natural jewel dominated by the Dent du Lièvre.
- Col de la Cayolle (2,326 m): A demanding and wild climb. Watch out for the winding, narrow descent.
- Then, Cime de la Bonette (2,802 m)
France's highest paved road is a mythical 23.3 km ascent from Jausiers. Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions and unforgettable views from the summit. - Jausiers (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
This charming village at the foot of the Alps offers an idyllic setting, surrounded by imposing peaks. A welcome break before tackling the highest passes. - Col de Pinpinier and picturesque villages:
After the splendid Gorges de Riolan, you climb the Col de Pinpinier, passing through picturesque villages such as Sigale, Aiglun and its remarkable bridge, before reaching the summit.
Mandelieu-la-Napoule (Alpes-Maritimes, 06)
A coastal town bathed by the Mediterranean, Mandelieu is the final stop on your tour. Its sea views and sunny ambience are the perfect backdrop for celebrating the completion of this extraordinary challenge.
500km course: the ultra-distance bike race
The 500 km Race Across France route is a real challenge for cyclists in search of adventure and thrills. It will take you through spectacular landscapes in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes, over legendary cols and epic climbs. The route takes you deep into the French mountains, with unforgettable highlights and breathtaking panoramas.
Points of interest:
- Departure is from Digne-les-Bains, a spa town steeped in history, before tackling the first passes such as Pas de Bonnet (886 m) and Col de l'Hysope (1304 m). These initial challenges pave the way for more arduous climbs, such as the Col d'Allos (2247 m) and the Col des Champs (2093 m), where cyclists will test their endurance and strategy.
- Le Col de Restefond (2366 m) leads directly to the Cime de la Bonette (2802 m), one of the highest peaks in the Alps. The climb to the Cime de la Bonette is one of the most memorable moments of the route, offering spectacular views of the surrounding ridges. The Cime de la Bonette is the highest peak in Europe and a true test of endurance.
- Jausiers, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence département at an altitude of 1,080 m, is a small mountain village with a splendid view of the Southern Alps.
Col de Pinpinier and picturesque villages: passing through the picturesque villages of Sigale after the Gorges de Riolan, then Aiglun and its superb bridge, the Hameau du Mas, to finally reach the summit of the Col de Pinpinier.
The Parc Régional des Préalpes d'Azur, located in southeastern France. This park offers an exceptional natural setting, combining mountains, valleys, gorges and plateaus, ideal for hiking, climbing and other outdoor activities.
Mandelieu-la-Napoule: This charming village, at the foot of the Estérel massif, is a perfect stopover before heading down to the coast. Known for its castle, beaches and Mediterranean climate, Mandelieu is a destination where the charm of the sea and the surrounding mountains blend together.
300km course: between passion and excellence
Departure from Digne-les-Bains: Digne-les-Bains is a charming town in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, in the heart of Provence. It is renowned for its spa atmosphere and spectacular natural scenery.
- The Col Saint-Jean is an ideal climb for all cyclists looking for breathtaking scenery and an accessible yet challenging ascent. Situated in the heart of Provence, this pass offers a pleasant climb amid breathtaking natural scenery, with views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque valleys. It's the perfect place to prepare yourself mentally for the bigger challenges ahead, while enjoying the tranquil beauty of the Southern Alps.
- Col de Restefond (2366 m): A challenging climb with steep slopes and cool air at altitude. You'll be rewarded with incredible views of the Southern Alps.
- La Cime de la Bonette: At 2,802 m, the Cime de la Bonette is the highest paved road in France. From Jausiers, a 23.3 km ascent awaits you. This mythical passage, present on several routes (2500, 1000, 500, and 300 km), will be one of the highlights of your RAF adventure. Be prepared to face changing and often surprising weather at the summit.
- The descent to the Col de Raspaillon (2513 m) allows you to recuperate before finishing this alpine route with breathtaking scenery.
- Col de Raspaillon (2513 m): A technical ascent with a beautiful view over the valley, followed by a descent that will offer you a little respite before the next challenges.
- Col de Saint-Raphaël (876 m): A pass with sustained climbs, offering magnificent views and a beautiful perspective on the territory before continuing on to more difficult ascents.
- Le Grand Duc (Tanneron): A final climb that will prepare you for the final descent, offering spectacular views of the sea and surrounding mountains, perfect to end this challenging course.
- Mandelieu-La Napoule:
Nestled between sea and mountains, Mandelieu-La Napoule is the ideal gateway for cycling enthusiasts and lovers of stunning scenery. This charming town combines Côte d'Azur elegance with Provencal authenticity.
200KM by night: Cycling adventure under the stars
Departure from Mandelieu-La Napoule:
Nestled between sea and mountains, the mimosa capital is the ideal gateway for cycling enthusiasts and lovers of stunning scenery. With its winding roads offering breathtaking panoramas of the Mediterranean, this charming town combines Côte d'Azur elegance with Provencal authenticity.
- Le Grand Duc (Tanneron): An initial climb to prepare you for this route, offering spectacular views of the sea and surrounding mountains.
- Col de Castellaras (1248 m): Plunge into the summit of Provence with the Col de Castellaras, perched at 1248 meters. This giant offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Alpes-Maritimes and the Mediterranean. Its demanding ascent and wild charm make it an unforgettable experience for climbing enthusiasts.
- Collet de la Selle (1178 m): with its gentle slopes, this is an ideal climb to lose yourself in the beauty of the surrounding countryside. At the summit, a peaceful atmosphere and lush green landscapes reward you. A perfect climb to experience the fusion of effort and serenity.
- Col de la Sinne (1108 m): This iconic pass reveals itself like a well-kept secret. The pass winds through unspoilt countryside, surrounded by dense forests and winding roads. The final, more open bends offer spectacular views of the valley below, a reward after a moderate but steady effort.
- Col du Ferrier (1041 m): the highlight of the route, combines technicality and beauty. With its elegant switchbacks and shady layout, it's as appealing for its challenges as for its Mediterranean scenery. A climb that will leave you with unforgettable memories, before descending to the gentle plains.
- Le Grand Duc (Tanneron): A final climb that will prepare you for the final descent, offering spectacular views of the sea and surrounding mountains, perfect to end this challenging course.
