Dive into the heart of France's Hautes-Alpes department and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur for an unforgettable cycling weekend. The GF Orcières, held on August 8th, offers cyclists a taste of the legendary stages seen during the Tour de France with its challenging routes through Écrins National Park. The flagship event features a grueling 134 km course boasting an elevation gain of 3,300 meters, testing even the most seasoned riders. For those looking for a more manageable challenge, there's also a 78 km route with an impressive climb of 2,000 meters. Both courses start from Orcières Merlette 1850 and take you through scenic climbs like Ancelle and Col de Moissière. The ride includes stunning views over Lake Serre-Ponçon, Europe’s largest artificial lake, as well as technical ascents that will push your limits. The final climb up to the resort is a challenging 7 km at an average gradient of 7%, ensuring you'll feel every pedal stroke. For those seeking less competition but still want to enjoy the scenery, a shorter 48 km route with just under 1 kilometer of elevation gain offers a perfect balance. The event isn't all about pushing your physical limits; it’s also about camaraderie and celebration. After crossing the finish line, participants can unwind at the Orcières exhibitors' village where friendly post-race meals and concerts await to provide an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved. Orcières extends its hospitality beyond cycling with activities that cater to all interests. Enjoy Europe's longest zip line or explore family-friendly leisure parks offering swimming and other fun activities. Hikers can also find peace in high-altitude lakes, making Orcières a versatile destination for every type of traveler. Join us at the summit on August 8th—where camaraderie shines as brightly as the competitive spirit!
Races Offered
Granfondo
Aug 08, 2027
straighten
Distance —
134K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
296 days remaining
sell
€ 59.00
Mediofondo
Aug 08, 2027
straighten
Distance —
78K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
296 days remaining
sell
€ 59.00
Parcours Rando
Aug 08, 2027
straighten
Distance —
48K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
296 days remaining
sell
€ 29.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Orcières-Merlette.
thermostatTemperature
10.4° / 20.5°
wb_sunnyFeels like
8.6° / 17.3°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
12h 30m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.9 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
6.2 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
High (7.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
55.4%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:38
nightlight
Sunset
20:38
About Orcières-Merlette
Learn more about the host city, Orcières-Merlette.
Orcières-Merlette, also known as Orcières Merlette 1850, is a ski resort near to Orcières, Hautes-Alpes, in the French Alps. It has been a summit finish for Tour de France stages on multiple occasions, most notably in 1971, when Luis Ocaña beat Eddy Merckx by over eight minutes to take the yellow jersey as leader of the general classification.