Chorges - Col de Moissière Loop

No, this route is considered a demanding ascent, suitable for well-trained riders. It's a first-category climb, 12.4 kilometers long with a significant vertical ascent of 754 meters and an average gradient of 6.1%. You'll encounter sections with gradients up to 12.8%.

The komoot tour data estimates the cycling duration for the full 39.7 km route (including the return) at approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes (8128 seconds). However, the challenging 12.4 km climb to Col de Moissière (1573 m) itself will take a significant portion of that time, depending on your fitness level.

Given the challenging gradients, mountain gearing is highly recommended. This means a compact system with a small front chainring (e.g., 34 teeth) and a rear cassette offering a range of larger cogs (e.g., 30, 32, or even 34 teeth) to help maintain a smooth cadence on the steep sections.

The best time to cycle this route is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the mountain passes are clear of snow and the weather is most stable. Always check the local weather forecast before you go, especially for mountain conditions.

You can typically find parking in the Chorges Village Center. From there, you can easily access the start of the climb towards Col de Moissière.

While the climb itself passes through wooded areas, the summit at Col de Moissière (1573 m) offers fabulous panoramas of the beautiful Serre Ponçon region and the surrounding Western Alps. The area around Chorges is also known for the stunning Lac de Serre-Ponçon.

Reviewers frequently mention the pleasant experience of riding with little traffic on this route. This contributes to a more immersive and enjoyable cycling experience, especially on the climb.

As this is a road cycling route on public roads, dogs are generally allowed if kept on a leash and under control. However, due to the challenging nature of the climb and the presence of vehicles, it might not be the most suitable route for cycling with a dog.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the public road from Chorges to Col de Moissière.

Yes, sections of this route intersect with or are part of other official trails. Notably, it covers portions of the Durance à Vélo, Tour du Champsaur, and Le Monêtier-les-Bains - Sisteron routes.

The road surface is generally good, having been fully paved in 2007. However, caution is advised on certain sections during the descent. The climb itself features varying gradients, including a 4-kilometer section at 7.5% and a steeper 2-kilometer stretch with uneven sections averaging around 10.5%.