GFNY Orcieres

Orcières Merlette 1850, a resort in the Hautes-Alpes located in the Champsaur valley, is a paradise for cyclists who will take advantage of the exceptional climatic conditions. The fabulous passes and climbs at the gates of the Ecrins National Park position Orcières as a privileged base camp for setting out to conquer many climbs. Lovers of ''la petite reine'' will get their calves in for as the climb to Orcières is renowned for its technical and sporty nature, with a 7% gradient in over just 7 km. It hasn't finished surprising cyclists, even the most seasoned!

The resort hosted 5 Tour arrivals (1971, 1972, 1982, 1989, 2020). However, it was the 1971 stage that will go down in history, with the victory of Spaniard Luis Ocaña, ahead of Eddy Merckx "the Cannibal", by almost 9 minutes, before taking the yellow jersey. This stage remains the most memorable of the Tour's arrivals in Orcières. Like the one in 1989, during the time trial at the Gap – Orcières, Greg Lemond took over the yellow jersey from Laurent Fignon on the climb!

In winter, the resort is famous for its sunny ski area up to 2725m and its offer of off-ski activities.