The precinct
La Grave is legendary - at least among freeriders who ski or snowboard in winter. And: La Grave is different. Less mainstream, less touristy. And in summer? No perfectly shaped bike park and flow trails, but mountain trails in impressive, wild nature. The landmark of La Grave is the 3983 metre high La Meije - an alpine monument for the French like the Matterhorn is for the Swiss. "Of course, you also need mainstream resorts like Les Deux Alpes or Sölden," says bike pro Harald Philipp. "But it's good to know that there are other places that offer a change from the flowing monotony and a certain thrill, their own face, their own style. Places that allow you to take a respectful breath."
La Grave is definitely one of the latter. But you don't have to be a pro to have fun on your bike around the village between Briancon and Grenoble in the French Alps. Whether it's a challenging downhill or a marathon tour through vast high alpine landscapes - spectacular panoramic views are guaranteed around the glacier summit of the Meije.
You can find the entire travel report about La Grave from BIKE 5/2021 in the download area below.
The link leads to the Delius Klasing online shop. After registering once, you can add the district guide to your shopping basket for 1.49 euros and then download it or receive it by e-mail.
Tours
On the La Meije side, accessible by cable car, there are six natural downhill trails, best tackled on enduro or downhill bikes. From the mountain station: King Stone Road, 8.3 km/1800 metres in altitude, difficult. From the middle station: Vallons, 4.8 km/1000 m, difficult; Chavala, 5.4 km/1000 m, difficult; Avag One, 4.8 km/1000 m, moderate; Desoutter, 5.2 km/1000 m, moderate; Cote Fine, 5.8 km/1000 m, moderate.
Classic touring bikers get their money's worth primarily on the side north of the Romanche river. There are plenty of treeless trails of all levels of difficulty in the high altitudes. Example: Emparie Plateau lake tour, 27 km/920 metres in altitude, difficult;
Information about the tours: uk.bike-oisans.com/mountain-bike | www.bikerslodge.com
Mountain railway and tickets: www.la-grave.com
Events
Ultra Raid de La Meije, 117 km/5300 m elevation gain, 18-19 September 2021, www.ultraraidlameije.fr
Guides
Bike La Grave, tel. 0033/766/598945, www.bikelagrave.com
Shop
Original La Grave Ski Extreme in the village centre next to Hotel Castillan. No bike hire, only spare parts and repairs. Tel. 0033/9667375453;
Bike hire
Bike shops in Alpe d'Huez or Les Deux Alpes: www.huezbikehire.com, www.rocky-sports.com, www.summer.les2alpes.com
Accommodation
Gite le Rocher, affordable accommodation with good food, www.gite-lerocher.frTel. 0033/476/799646; Bikers Lodge, Tel. 0033/476/110318, www.bikerslodge.com; further accommodation and other information: Tourist Information La Grave, tel. 0033/476/799005, www.lagrave-lameije.com
