Ascent via the trails to the Col de Furfande from Arvieux

Start from the car park beside the Torrent de l’Izoard, Route de Furfande.

(S/E) Take the forest track that runs alongside the stream (Torrent du Champ la Maison). Cross the bridge over the stream and head for the first hairpin bend on the left.

(1) Leave the track and turn onto the 4x4 track that branches off to the right and runs alongside the stream. This track climbs steeply and is very stony. After a few hundred metres, rejoin the track at a wide hairpin bend to the left.

(2) Ignore the track and continue along the path to the right (signs slightly obscured by a tree). This very quickly becomes a track, then soon turns back into a single-track path where a few hairpin bends with small steps will put your technique to the test. After a lovely stretch through the woodland, you’ll reach the track at the Cabane du Plan du Vallon (a half-barrel-shaped shelter)

(3) Follow this track for a few metres, then continue along the single-track path to the right until you rejoin the track.

(4) Follow it to the first hairpin bend on the right.

(5) Turn left onto the single-track path on the left until you rejoin the track. Follow it for a few metres to the left until you reach a hairpin bend to the right.

(6) Carry on straight ahead along the single-track path and reach the Col de Furfande after crossing the track twice. Be careful: the final hairpin bends on the path are tricky (very tight and with small steps).

(E) Continue the descent towards Arvieux via the Col de la Lauze and the Queyron , following the route guide for the Col de Furfande described by morgiou13 (S/E).

There are two drinking fountains in Arvieux: one by the D902, just at the start of the Route de Furfande, and one in the car park at the start of the hike.

The journey time given includes everything, including stops for drinks and photos.

Please note: all these paths are footpaths that have been in use for decades and are very busy in summer, so please be careful and show consideration for others.

Please note that some sections of this climb are very technical, involving walking right into bends; don’t hesitate to dismount and walk the 2 or 3 metres alongside your mountain bike.

Even if you have to dismount three or four times, this route is still very scenic, and you’ll have the satisfaction of having tackled a climb that’s certainly more interesting than the main track, part of which is open to traffic.

I should point out that I’m doing this route on an e-MTB (a Moustache Trail 6 with 202 and a maximum torque of 85 Nm), and judging by how much battery I have left on arrival, a 500W battery should be more than enough. However, as I’ve never done this climb on a standard mountain bike, I don’t know if it’s feasible without electric assistance. I think it is, provided you’re in very good physical condition and have very strong thighs.