With the end of the lockdown we decided to push out a little bit to this classic switchback descent. Unfortunately it started to rain, hard just as we were arriving.

General DescriptionThe climb to Quarna Sotto is 400 meters of vertical over 5km giving an average gradient of 8%. The switchbacks at the end are steeper.

Follow the Pierre Grosse trail. At the end of the 33 hairpins take the right fork rather than crossing the torrent on the left. After about 20 meters of descent cross the Corbonne stream.

From the Massons car-park follow the signs to the "La tour d'Arces" then "Pierre Grosse"; carry on past the Pierre Grosse on the left to the end of the trail.

I took this climb by error. From Lesa it is a hard 5.75km at 9% covering around 550 vertical meters. The road ends at a monastery and there is a very good trattoria with lake views.

We spent the first half of the ride dodging showers then decided to turn around where we met Colin, a Scots guy who'd punctured and had some issues with his tires.

There are over 40 hairpins on the 450 meter/8% climb to Monte Rosso. This has the advantage that the climb is never too steep. The road on the last km to the restaurant is not in great condition.

Took the train up to Montmelian to ride the cult climb of the Marocaz. It is a local favourite as the SE side has little traffic and is very Provencal in character.