Trans Alp Epic South: Mountains to Coast

For several years, when she first began working as a guide, Julia was lucky enough to find herself in the Maritime Alps, guiding trips along the route of the legendary Trans Provence race.

Created by Ash Smith, this iconic journey from the mountains to the sea took riders on an itinerant, rally-style adventure through wild backcountry terrain — in a part of the Alps rarely visited by riders from outside France. The trails were raw and challenging, the landscapes vast and unspoilt, and the experience unforgettable.

Those years of guiding in the region left a lasting impression on Julia. The incredible routes Ash had pieced together opened her eyes to the adventures that were possible on a mountain bike, ultimately inspiring her to set up Endless Trails MTB and create more trips and adventures to share with guests. Even the name of the company has its roots here, taken from a valley along the route that we nicknamed the “Valley of Endless Trails” — because seemingly every trail on the map was utterly brilliant!

Ever since, the southern Alps have held a special place in Julia’s heart, with an inexplicable pull that has never quite gone away. Perhaps it’s the connection you feel to these wild landscapes when travelling through them on two wheels. Perhaps it’s the beautiful old villages perched on steep, rocky hillsides, where it feels as though time has stood still. Or maybe it’s simply the incredible variety and quality of the trails — combined with the memories of life-affirming adventures shared with like-minded people.

Whatever it is, the southern Alps have been calling for a while. And when the mountains call, you have to go.

This trip is the final chapter in a four-part journey through the southern Alps. It follows our original Trans Alp Epic North, from Chamonix to La Grave; the Hautes-Alpes Enduro Safari, taking riders from La Grave into the Queyras; and the Queyras Trail Delights, where we spend a week exploring the trails of this vast and spectacular region.

Now, picking up where those adventures leave off, we’re excited to share a week-long point-to-point journey linking some of the wildest and best trails we’ve ever ridden. From the high mountains of the Queyras, we’ll follow a spectacular route south through the Maritime Alps, eventually reaching the sea.

Along the way, we’ll ride some of our favourite trails from the original Trans Provence, others that have featured in World Enduro Series events and the legendary TransVésubienne, as well as trails we’ve discovered more recently through our continued exploration of this extraordinary region.

This is one of our toughest trips. Expect long days in the saddle, big climbs, huge descents, plenty of hike-a-bike, technically challenging trails and significant exposure. The terrain is rugged, remote and at times demanding, but that’s exactly what makes this journey so special.

We strongly recommend that you have completed another Alpine trip with us before joining this tour, or have proven experience of similar multi-day mountain-bike adventures in the Alps or other major mountain ranges.

This is a true all-mountain adventure, demanding both fitness and technical ability. But for those looking for an epic, point-to-point enduro journey through big mountain terrain, this is the trip.

It’s a journey through a part of the Alps that feels genuinely wild and remote — and there’s no better way to experience it than by bike.

Highlights

• Ride trails that featured in the legendary Trans Provence race, as well as Enduro World Series events, and the mythical Transvesubienne.

• Ride iconic Grey Earth landscapes and traverse incredible red rock canyons.

• Experience the dramatic transition as we travel from the rugged high peaks of the Hautes-Alpes to the shores of the mediterranean sea.

• Skirt the edge of the wild Mercantour National Park, an incredible area of natural beauty, and ride several sections of the GR5, the iconic long distance trail across the Alps linking the shores of Lake Geneva with the Mediterranean sea.

• Ride trails that pass through some of France’s most beautiful medieval cliff-top villages, perched on rocky outcrops above spectacular deep valleys.

• Experience the unique blend of French and Italian culture and history found in this region, and the rich heritage that connects modern mountain biking to ancient trails.

• Enjoy regional provencal dishes and local cuisine, as well as a mediterranean climate.