Le Pilgrimage
All Events GRAVEL

Le Pilgrimage

Puy-Saint-Vincent, France July 20, 2027
Distance 485 km
Elevation 9100 m
Surface Gravel
Difficulty Moderate
TERRAIN
CLIMBING
HEAT
REMOTE

What to Expect on Le Pilgrimage

Le Pilgrimage Gravel is a unique multi-day gravel adventure through the heart of the French Alps, blending challenging mountain riding with the comfort of a shared alpine basecamp. Rather than racing from point to point, riders return to the same mountain refuge each evening, creating an experience that balances endurance, recovery, and community.

Based at Hotel Saint Roch in Puy-Saint-Vincent, on the edge of Écrins National Park, the event unfolds over three self-supported stages across five days. Together, the routes total approximately 450 kilometres with around 15,000 metres of elevation gain, taking riders over legendary gravel mountain passes, through hidden valleys, past alpine lakes, and across rugged trails near the French-Italian border. Hike-a-bike sections are part of the adventure, rewarding riders with unforgettable descents and spectacular scenery.

While each stage is ridden self-supported, Le Pilgrimage offers a different experience from a traditional bikepacking race. Every day ends back at the basecamp, where riders enjoy freshly prepared meals, comfortable accommodation, and the chance to share stories with fellow participants. The final stage is a two-day journey, giving riders the choice to bivouac under the stars or arrange their own accommodation along the route.

Le Pilgrimage is less about competition and more about embracing the journey. Combining demanding alpine terrain, carefully crafted routes, and a strong sense of camaraderie, it offers a memorable gravel experience in one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Bike Setup for Le Pilgrimage

Bike Gravel Bike
Tires 45-50mm Tubeless
Cassette 10-51T
Chainring 38-40T (1x)

Plan your ride

Estimate your finish time for Le Pilgrimage with the Pace Calculator, pack right with the Packing Checklist, and prepare with the Field Manual.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Le Pilgrimage?

At 485 km with 9100 m of elevation gain, Le Pilgrimage is roughly the distance of 11 marathons back to back, with climbing that adds up to more than 1 times the height of Mount Everest.

Estimate your finish time with the Pace Calculator →

What bike do I need?

A Gravel Bike is the right tool for Le Pilgrimage. Set it up with 45-50mm Tubeless rubber and gear it low — a 38-40T (1x) chainring and 10-51T cassette will keep you spinning on the steeper sections.

How difficult is it?

We rate Le Pilgrimage as Moderate overall. Riders should be ready for rough, technical terrain for a good stretch of the route, fairly flat elevation gain, and mild and generally comfortable conditions.

When does it take place?

Le Pilgrimage runs on July 20, 2027, placing it firmly in the summer riding season, with long daylight hours, though heat can become a real factor.

What surface is it?

Le Pilgrimage runs primarily on gravel, and we'd recommend 45-50mm Tubeless tires to handle it comfortably.