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Part 3 - Descent to Briançon
Refuge Napoleon
Just below the summit of the Izoard, the Refuge Napoleon is a famous watering hole for tired cyclists. It serves some of the best cakes in the Alps, with open fires and sepia prints of Coppi et al on the walls. There will probably be a feed station here.
Pine and oak
The descent of the north side of the Izoard is beautiful. The road is narrow but well surfaced with tight switchbacks. It descends the steep Izoard valley rapidly through the ancient Péméant forest of oak and pine.
Danger!
After 5km the road straightens for a long fast burn up. You can push it way past 65kmh here. But be careful. There is a sharp right hand hairpin after a few hundred metres with little warning (and only a small barricade). There will be crashes here.
Cerveyrette valley
The descent opens out after the hamlet of Le Laus and drops down to the village of Cervières. A left turn takes you into the forested Cerveyrette gorge. The road here is smooth and fast. Apart from a short uphill drag 3km after Cervières you should be able to make good time here.
Civilisation?
As the valley opens out you’ll soon see Briançon, nestling at the confluence of four rivers. The final descent into the town is twisty and narrow. You’ll need to take care here.
Briançon is the biggest town of the region, with a fortress and old town perched on a rocky outcrop. Fortunately, the Etape route skirts the centre to the left, through industrial and retail parks.
The grey industrial buildings, graffiti and hypermarkets feel grubby and alien after thin air and majesty of the Col d’Izoard. It will be late morning and hot by now, and you’re only half way there.
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