The Grande Traversée VTT TransVerdon begins near the source of the Verdon at the Col d’Allos and ends in Gréoux-les-Bains. Described by Alpes de Haute-Provence Tourisme as a route for regular mountain bikers, it moves from high mountain trails to the lakes and plateaux of Provence.
From the pass into the Haut-Verdon
The opening section crosses the Baisse de Prenier before descending towards Val d’Allos village. Alpes de Haute-Provence Tourisme describes a mountain trail through larch woodland, with both easier and tighter bends. It is also a walking route, so riders share it with other trail users.
Beyond Val d’Allos, the published sequence continues to Colmars-les-Alpes. From there, riders can follow the section towards the high-altitude Lignin lakes or choose the listed alternative towards Thorame-Haute. The upper valley combines climbs with long, technical descents.
Across the Verdon landscape
The traverse continues through La Colle-Saint-Michel, Saint-André-les-Alpes and the Castellane area towards Rougon and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Along the way, the Alpine setting gives way to the mountains, lakes and gorges associated with the Verdon Regional Natural Park.
At Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the route descends towards Lake Sainte-Croix before climbing onto the Valensole plateau. Moustiers tourist office describes tracks through lavender fields and an orientation table overlooking the lake and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. The next section passes the Beaudinard gorges and lakes before reaching Quinson. The journey continues via Esparron-de-Verdon to Gréoux-les-Bains.
Choosing a ride
Alpes de Haute-Provence Tourisme presents both the complete traverse and shorter trips. Its suggested itineraries include a mountain-focused journey ending at Moustiers and a shorter ride from Moustiers to Gréoux-les-Bains via Quinson. Its section list also identifies an optional extension from Gréoux-les-Bains to Manosque.
The departmental route guide describes the overall ride as sporting and technical. It notes that the Haut-Verdon section includes high-altitude passages where snow can remain late, while the Moustiers-to-Gréoux section is mainly on tracks and more accessible to occasional riders. Check local conditions before choosing a section.
The route passes through protected areas. At the Col d’Allos, overnight vehicle parking is prohibited, although the departmental guide states that parking at the refuge is permitted.