P’tites Routes du Soleil crosses the French Prealps between Thonon-les-Bains and Nice. Presented by Route des Grandes Alpes, the itinerary follows an arc west of the high Alps, connecting wooded mountains and lakes with the limestone country and lavender fields of Provence. Its smaller passes still add up to a demanding mountain journey.
From Lake Geneva into the Prealps
The northern end begins in Thonon-les-Bains, above Lake Geneva. Heading south, the first section crosses the Col du Feu and Col de Terramont on the way to Boëge and the Vallée Verte. The following stretch climbs towards the Salève, where the route description highlights views towards Geneva, the Jura, Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.
Farther on, the itinerary crosses the rolling Albanais and approaches Lake Bourget. The route passes above the lake’s western side before turning towards the Avant-Pays Savoyard. These early sections establish the rhythm of the journey: a succession of climbs and descents through inhabited valleys as well as mountain scenery.
Vercors, Diois and the road south
The route continues through the Chartreuse and Vercors massifs. South of Villard-de-Lans, it crosses the Col d’Herbouilly and heads towards the Col de Rousset. Route des Grandes Alpes notes that the Rousset tunnel requires lighting. Beyond it, the descent towards Die brings a change of scenery, with lavender fields announcing the approach to Provence.
In the Diois, the itinerary moves between valleys, plateaux and mountains, passing vineyards and walnut plantations. It then continues towards the Baronnies Provençales. La Drôme Tourisme highlights both the Vercors and the Baronnies regional nature parks along this part of the journey.
Through Provence to the Mediterranean
Southbound riders follow the Céans valley towards Orpierre, a medieval village known for its climbing cliffs, before crossing towards the Gorges de la Méouge. Sisteron’s citadel overlooks the Durance valley, and the road continues through the mountains towards Digne-les-Bains.
The later sections enter the Verdon country and pass Lake Castillon before crossing the Préalpes d’Azur. From the southern side of the Cheiron, views open across the Var valley towards Nice. The final descent goes by the Col de Vence and reaches the coast, ending on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais.
Planning the ride
Route des Grandes Alpes presents the itinerary as 21 suggested sections and says it can be ridden in either direction. Use those sections as a basis for choosing days that suit your fitness and the weather. Although conceived as an alternative to the higher passes of the Route des Grandes Alpes, the complete journey involves substantial accumulated climbing.
France Vélo Tourisme warns that much of the itinerary is not waymarked. Prepare navigation before setting out and check local weather and road conditions. The route’s winter advice identifies seasonal closures at passes including Herbouilly and Fontbelle, as well as on the Col des Pitons road when the Salève Nordic area is open. The route guide lists accommodation options, including Accueil Vélo establishments.