Le Pilgrimage

Le Pilgrimage – Puy-Saint-Vincent, France

• Date: September 6, 2026
• Location: Puy-Saint-Vincent, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
• Distances: ~450km total over 3 stages (~90-120km, ~120-130km, ~200-230km)
• Event Type: Multi-day gravel stage event

Le Pilgrimage is a multi-day gravel event in the French Alps, a journey of shared challenge and discovery based out of Puy-Saint-Vincent. It is not a race, but a demanding personal journey across some of Europe’s most significant off-road mountain passes. Over five days, riders tackle three self-supported stages at their own pace, with the comfort of a shared basecamp to return to each evening. The ethos is one of adventure and community, where stories are shared over a well-deserved meal at the end of a long day on the bike.

The routes are the heart of the experience, designed to be as rewarding as they are difficult. This gravel event in the French Alps traces a path through hidden valleys and past isolated refuges, with glacier views and high-altitude lakes marking the landscape. The total journey covers approximately 450 kilometres with around 15,000 metres of climbing. With unforgiving terrain and sections of hike-a-bike, the parcours demands both physical endurance and solid mountain experience from its participants, who are known as pilgrims on this unique journey.

The event unfolds over six days, beginning with an opening dinner and briefing. The following days are dedicated to the three stages, each presenting its own distinct character. Stage one explores the stunning Pays des Écrins, while stage two introduces another formidable unpaved climb. The third and final stage is a two-day affair, crossing into Italy to tackle one of Europe’s highest unpaved mountain passes, with an option to bivouac under the stars. The week culminates in a celebratory finish party back at the hotel basecamp.

Home for the week is the Hotel Saint Roch, a cozy alpine retreat that serves as the event’s basecamp. It is the start and finish point for each stage and provides a place for rest and recovery. Pilgrims stay in shared rooms and have access to the hotel’s amenities, including a spa, swimming pool, and bike workshop. The shared experience is central to Le Pilgrimage, with communal breakfasts, post-ride pasta, and evening meals fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among the fifty riders who take part each year.

Set at the edge of the Parc National des Écrins near the Italian border, the region offers a profound sense of wilderness and scale. The quiet roads and demanding trails provide the perfect setting for a reflective riding experience. The atmosphere is one of quiet determination, where the rhythm of pedalling and breathing is set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain summits. For those looking for other rides in the region, there are many other gravel events in France that celebrate its diverse and challenging terrain.

Le Pilgrimage is an invitation to embrace a journey that is both physically and mentally demanding, finding a unique sense of reward in the shared effort. With routes subject to change based on conditions, a spirit of adaptability is key. A detailed road book is provided weeks in advance, but the true nature of the adventure unfolds on the trail. More information can be found on the official event website.