Hautes-Alpes resort perched at an altitude of 1,850 metres, Orcières-Merlette The bicycle is at the heart of its 2026 summer season. Between new infrastructure, major events and the arrival of the Tour de France on July 23rd, the destination is asserting its position as a playground for all cyclists, from beginners to seasoned riders.
In Orcières, two-wheeled activities now form the backbone of the summer offering. Whether on the roads of Champsaur or the slopes of the bike park, the practice is available in all its forms.
The recent awarding of the Accueil Vélo label to the leisure centre confirms this direction and is accompanied by a ramp-up in dedicated services.
A new ecosystem around cycling
Among the new features, the Bike Café Orcières Cycling Team is establishing itself as a central hub. Across 400 m², the venue combines a showroom, a consultation space, and nutritional support.
«The idea is to create a real base camp for cyclists.» An actor in the project. A few metres away, a renovated flat even allows guests to stay right in the heart of this dedicated environment.
On the Drapeau snow front, the resort is also reorganising learning. Children start in a balance bike area before progressing to two adapted slopes, accessible via a covered 170-metre conveyor belt. Technical modules, a pumptrack and crossing zones make up this area, which is designed as an open-air cycling school.
This logic continues with courses and short internships organised throughout the summer. Supervised by qualified instructors, young riders learn to master their trajectory, clear obstacles, and gain autonomy before joining the downhill slopes.
Events for all levels
The summer will be punctuated by several events. On 11 and 12 July, the MTB Games will bring together young people aged 7 to 16 for downhill and enduro events. Beyond the competition, the event highlights an accessible practice, with entertainment and adapted formats.
In August, the resort marks a milestone with the launch of the Gran Fondo Orcières. On 23 August, three routes will be offered, including a 134-kilometre course with 3,300 metres of elevation gain.
A shorter version and an e-bike-accessible format complete the offering. This new event is part of the Orcières Cycling Festival, organised over three days with entertainment and concerts.
But the most anticipated moment remains July 23rd. On that day, Orcières will host the finish of a Tour de France stage, the sixth in its history. After 185 kilometres from Voiron, the riders will have to face a final climb of 7.1 kilometres at 6.7 %. A steady climb that could weigh on the general classification.
An outdoor playground
Around the event, the resort is planning a fan zone, activities and a climb open to amateur cyclists. For a day, the road becomes a shared space between professionals and enthusiasts.
Beyond events, Orcières capitalises on a natural environment conducive to its practice. The bike park boasts eleven downhill runs connecting the summit of Drouvet to the leisure base. Road routes wind through the Champsaur valley, with varied profiles suited to cyclists seeking mountain passes as well as those preferring more accessible outings.
This diversity allows the resort to reach a wide audience. Families, sports enthusiasts and occasional visitors all find their place in a structured offering, where learning and progression are central.
In just a few seasons, Orcières has evolved its image. From a resort focused on skiing, it is progressively becoming a cycling destination, where summer is now written with pedal strokes.