Opening Chapter: In the Footsteps of Saint Roch

Photo: @gijsferkranus

TRAIL REPORT
After starting out as a gravel event, Le Pilgrimage took a new turn and developed a trail running stage event across the mighty mountains of the Ecrin region. Fuelled by the curiosity and new activities of the organisers, the new event still reflects the main values: sharing adventure and creating individual experiences by challenging yourself. Making the most of the amazing scenery and offering a unique blend of a challenge and comfort. 

Le Pilgrimage Trail took it’s own first steps this July. The path we follow? The footsteps of Patron Pilgrim Saint Roch. Long ago, Saint Roch walked our valleys with little more than a walking stick, a loyal dog, and an open heart. He shared meals with strangers, climbed peaks, listened to stories, and always searched for a place to rest his feet. His spirit still lingers here. So we invited a new generation of pilgrims to follow in his path.

The group was a patchwork of backgrounds and experience, coming from Germany, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. The youngest was 23, the oldest 60. Among them: an Olympic silver medalist from the 2016 Rio Games, a man who had rowed across the Atlantic, ultra trail veterans, and hikers who had walked the length of countries. There were cyclists curious to start running and trading wheels for trails, and a few who had never set foot in the mountains before.

On that July evening, they all sat together at one long table. Outside, thunder rolled over the mountains, cooling the region down from the heatwave of the week before. Inside, the warmth of basecamp Hotel Saint Roch took over. Chef Anne introduced the first dinner, crafted from local ingredients and made in collaboration with a farm in the valley. She spoke a few words of encouragement and promised to see the runners again out on the trails, at the checkpoints.

Simon followed with the stage briefing: route highlights, elevation, water sources, safety instructions, and one key message: “Take your time. Look after each other. This is not a race. It’s a journey.”

Les Pilgrims:

Nis Alps, Dana van Bentum, Juliet Elliott, Tim Geraedts, Jolanda van Ginkel, Felix Gottschlich, Jan-Willem Groeneveld, Nicolas Hoffschir, Inge Janssen, Bart Mulder, Jan Nouwens, Michel Reuser, Joey Rikkers, Tom Rijnders, Janneke Scherpenhuyzen, Martijn van Strien, Mary-Lou Veldkamp, Ruben van Steenberghe (DNF), Nico Ruitenbeek (DNF), Jana Barková (DNS), Carlijn de Jonge (DNS), Jakub Wolf (DNS)

Stage 1: Vallon de Narreyroux, Col de la Pousterle & Les Têtes

Photo: @gijsferkranus

The cowbell rang. “Cinq, quatre, trois, deux, un – allez!” The first edition of Le Pilgrimage Trail had begun.

Stage 1 brought the group into the peaceful Vallon de Narreyroux, then descended sharply into the Fournel valley before climbing again to the panoramic viewpoint at Les Têtes. The day was hot and the pace up front was high, leading to overheated heads when the first runners reached the old wooden barn at the Col de la Pousterle, now transformed into Checkpoint 1.

Some immediately sought shade, others reached for their brevet card to get their first stamp. A bubbling pot of curry above the fire was met with hesitation from the frontrunners, but those arriving later gratefully accepted a plate and collapsed in the tall grass outside. That’s the idea. Checkpoints at Le Pilgrimage are designed for slowing down, cooling off, and gathering strength. Strength for the final climb of the day to Les Têtes, and for the thousands of meters of elevation still to come in the days ahead.

By the time the pilgrims returned to basecamp Saint Roch, we learned that our youngest participant, Ruben, had to withdraw from the journey. A fall around the 10 km mark had fractured his foot, though he continued to run another 20 km before stopping. With a remarkable display of determination, unfortunately his pilgrimage ended earlier than expected. Speedy recovery, Ruben.

Stage 2: Bouchier & Montbrison Massif

Photo: @gijsferkranus

Stage 2 led pilgrims across the flanks of the Montbrison Massif. After descending into the valley, the trail climbed toward the hamlet of Bouchier, a village abandoned for centuries after a devastating landslide and only partially rebuilt after the Second World War.

Beyond Bouchier, the scenery opened up. Runners passed beneath the imposing Tenailles de Montbrison and ascended to the Croix de la Salcette, where a panorama of the Durance Valley awaited. From there, a steep descent followed by a traverse beneath the Tête d’Aval brought them close to today's checkpoint. Just before Cabane de Marcellin, a cold mountain spring flowed, its basin filled with bottles of chilled Orangina. It was the first welcome sign that relief was near.

Just half a kilometer further, the wooden hut came into view, smoke curling from its chimney. Sausages sizzled on the grill, sending their scent down the mountain path. One by one, hungry pilgrims arrived for their second stamp in the brevet and a little snack. "Haute dogs" were served at 2,000 meters, marking the altitude checkpoint of the day, with the final kilometers of the stage ahead.

Stage 3: Refuge DU Pelvoux & Puy Aillaud

Photo: Dan Monoghan

Stage 3, the queen stage. 62 kilometers. 3,800 meters of climbing. Two days on foot, one night in a mountain refuge.

Pilgrims left basecamp packed with headlamps, warm layers, and mountain hut gear. Destination: Refuge du Pelvoux. At 2,700 meters, it sits on the flanks of Mont Pelvoux (3,946 m), watching over the Écrins Massif.

The trail led them back into the northern forests of the Montbrison Massif, past waterfalls and glimpses of the immense vertical face of Mont Pelvoux. Tucked among the pines, a treasure awaited inside Cabane de Chouvet: a message left by Saint Roch himself, alongside a postcard, a pen, and a camera. A moment of reflection or a quick slice of sausage before the journey continued.

From there, the final climb toward the refuge began. After a quick refill in Ailefroide, the pilgrims entered the Écrins National Park for the 1,100-meter ascent. Wildflower meadows, glacial streams, scree switchbacks, and cascading waterfalls guided the way. Across the valley, snowy couloirs and rockfall debris told the story of the alpine wilderness.

At the top, the Le Pilgrimage flag greeted the runners in the breeze. Nis and Jan Willem were the first to reach the high plateau, their arrival rewarded with a sweeping view of distant peaks, including Monviso on the horizon. One by one, pilgrims followed, welcomed by cheers and smiles. At 18:15, just before dinner, the final pilgrim arrived, met with loud applause from the group already gathered at the refuge.

Dinner was shared with mountaineers aiming for summits the next morning. Soup, stew, cheese, and homemade tart were served, and refuge guardian Mathieu presented a bottle of génépi, which made its way around the cairn as the sun dipped behind the peaks.

That night, the dormitory filled with quiet breaths, tired legs, and the occasional snore.

Retour to basecamp Hotel Saint Roch

At dawn, the cowbell rang once more, echoing into the valley below. The final 30 km had begun. From Refuge du Pelvoux, the route dropped into the valley and climbed again toward the shores of Puy Aillaud, where a quiet alpine lake offered a final moment of pause.

Feet were dipped, heads submerged, and some pilgrims dove in completely. It was the last cold shock before the descent into the Vallouise valley. From there, one final climb remained, the stretch back to basecamp at Hotel Saint Roch.

There was no clock at the finish line. Only a sense of arrival. A return not just to the place we started, but to a place now transformed by experience. Pilgrims gathered around the table one last time. Plates were passed. Stories exchanged. A fire crackled outside, faces lit by its glow.

And just like that, the first lines of this new chapter in the Le Pilgrimage story were written. 121 kilometers, 7,660 meters of elevation, and a trail that stitched together strangers, mountains, and memories.

As with the gravel event, the participants of this inaugural trail pilgrimage found way more than just a physical challenge. They faced their own fears and mental challenges, they pushed beyond borders they discovered and rewarded themselves with alpine views and a very personal sense of achievement. They might have had their own reasons to show up on the starting line, they shared the experience of a lifetime.

Merci.

Thanks to those who were part of the inauguration edition. You fully lived this journey. And thank you to those who helped make it possible: our partners Hotel Saint Roch, Café du Cycliste, Opinel, the Pays des Écrins, Brooks and our media team — Gijs Ferkranus, Martijn van Strien, and Dan Monaghan.

Le Pilgrimage Trail returns in summer 2026.
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A New Chapter: Le Pilgrimage Hits the Trail Running

Le Pilgrimage is more than just the ride; it’s a journey through the stunning French Alps—a test of endurance, resilience, and camaraderie. It’s about navigating rugged terrain, finding shelter in remote refuges, and sharing stories around the dinner table at basecamp. Over the years, it has grown into a community of adventurers who understand that the journey itself is the true reward.

Gravel, Grit, and Camaraderie

In the first edition, 23 riders faced 500 kilometers and 13,000 meters of climbing. Snow-covered summits, mist, and rain on the Galibier tested their resolve, while the warmth of Refuge des Drayères and the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims kept spirits high. One unforgettable moment came at the Col du Parpaillon, where pilgrims found a flickering campfire inside a pitch-dark tunnel at 2,700 meters—their final checkpoint on an extraordinary journey.

The second edition welcomed 40 riders from eight countries. Pilgrims crossed rugged trails in the Écrins Massif, paused at a shepherd’s hut for steaming fondue, and braved icy paths to reach the Galibier. The journey ended in Italy’s hidden valleys, with treasures awaiting in Forte Jafferau’s military ruins at 2,800 meters. At the finish line, strangers had become lifelong friends, sharing stories and meals like they had known each other for years.

Thanks to these early pilgrims who believed in our vision, Le Pilgrimage has become more than an event—it’s a shared story of camaraderie, adventure, and resilience. With the third edition already sold out in 24 hours, we owe everything to those who’ve helped grow this community by sharing their experiences around their own tables.

A New Path: Introducing Le Pilgrimage Trail

Now, a new chapter awaits. As the mountains keep calling, this time, the journey continues on foot. From July 1-6, 2025, the inaugural edition of Le Pilgrimage Trail—a trail-running adventure into the heart of the French Alps will take place.

Like the gravel journey, Le Pilgrimage Trail is an unsupported, multi-day challenge. Runners will cover long distances through challenging alpine terrain, navigating rugged trails, crossing high ridges, and discovering isolated refuges on the way.

Le Pilgrimage Trail captures the same spirit of exploration, resilience, and camaraderie. Along the way, runners will encounter “pilgrim treasures”—small but meaningful rewards hidden at checkpoints high in the mountains. At the end of the day, their safe haven awaits at Hotel Saint Roch in Puy-Saint-Vincent. This will be the refuge where stories are shared around the pilgrims’ table.

A Similar Spirit

Whether on two wheels or two feet, Le Pilgrimage is about embracing the unknown, pushing beyond your limits, and connecting with fellow pilgrims who share the same thirst for adventure. The mountains don’t care about the way you travel; they reward those who wander, endure, and seek.

As we start this new chapter, we are looking for trail runners who believe in the magic of a first edition. Just like those who joined us for the inaugural Gravel event, we invite you to be part of something special—to help write the first lines of this new story and experience the raw beauty of the French Alps in a way only Le Pilgrimage can offer.

Pilgrims. The mountains are calling. Registrations are open now.

Le Pilgrimage: A Journey of Gravel, Grit, and Camaraderie

Photo: @yorit_kluitman

The second edition of Le Pilgrimage: A Journey of Gravel, Grit, and Camaraderie

If first editions carry a sense of magic, second editions prove that an event has truly found its footing. The second edition of Le Pilgrimage, which sold out within 24 hours, attracted 40 riders and garnered attention from across the cycling community. With participants from the US, UK, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Russia, the event took on a truly international flavor.

The essence of Le Pilgrimage is more than just a cycling event; it’s a journey inspired by the legendary travels of Saint Roch, the patron saint of pilgrims. Known for his arduous pilgrimages through mountainous regions, Saint Roch faced many challenges, from harsh storms to treacherous paths, all while forging deep connections with locals and fellow travellers. The flavours of local cuisines, the camaraderie along the way, and the hope of a safe haven at the end of each day kept Saint Roch going on his pilgrimage. In much the same way, Le Pilgrimage offers its riders not just a physical challenge, but also the opportunity to connect with fellow pilgrims and experience the unique blend of adventure and comfort that defines the event.

Les Pilgrims:

Albert Meder, Benjamin Powell, Charles Knight, Christoph Schaller, Erik Jager, Gerdian Timmerman, Javier Angulo Guirao, Jeremy Read, Josh Reid, Josh Allen, Julia Röhl, Julie Meder, Kathrin Springet, Laurens Gilson, Lucie Denis, Matthieu Distaso, Michael den Toom, Michel Reuser, Nils van der Heide, Nina Hoogerbrugge, Paul Cook, Paul Verbist, Peter Hollebrand, Rob Grift, Samuel Powell, Sergey Ignatov, Sofie Joore, Tim Van Gemert, Timothy Flott, Tobias Reischle, Tom Buelens, Valentijn Van der Valk, Vincent Biermans, Wilco Dragt, William Bastijns, Yannick Vandenplas, Yorit Kluitman.

Photo: Raw Cycling Magazine (Javier Guirao)

Over three self-supported stages in the French and Italian Alps, riders covered a total distance of 461 kilometres and tackled almost 12,000 meters of elevation. Each stage looped back to the warm embrace of Chalet AlpeLune, the event’s base camp. After each gruelling stage, riders found not only shelter but also a sense of camaraderie, sharing delicious meals around the table each night.

Stage 1: Pays des Écrins

The event kicked off with Stage 1, featuring some of the most breathtaking climbs in the Écrins region, leading to the first Pilgrimage checkpoint at Cabane St. Jean. To reach this mountain hut hidden in the forest along the river, riders had to tackle a short but steep hike-a-bike section. The cabane, a mountain shelter for shepherds and trekkers, became a haven for the pilgrims, offering warmth, with a fireplace and a delicious cheese fondue on the stove—a well-deserved reward for their efforts. Spirits were high as everyone gathered back at base camp AlpeLune for a shared dinner, but the mood turned more serious as the weather forecast for Stage 2 was revealed.

Stage 2: Galibier & Vallée de la Clarée

Day 2 brought a dramatic shift in conditions. Snow, sub-zero temperatures, and fierce winds were predicted for the summit of the Galibier. Local authorities had already closed the Col du Galibier due to early snowfall just 24 hours before. The route was scheduled to reopen, but the real challenge was further down after the climb of Col des Rochilles, leading into the Haute Vallée de la Clarée. This section, a few kilometres of hike-a-bike over rocky terrain, ended at Refuge des Drayeres, the second checkpoint.

The innkeeper had warned that the route was dangerously icy and that descending could be treacherous. A helicopter evacuation earlier that day confirmed the difficult conditions. The pilgrims faced a tough decision: take the risk and hope that the sun would melt the icy trails, or opt for a safer, alternative route—a difficult choice for those determined to follow the intended path.

In the early morning, half of the pilgrims climbed the old Galibier route, battling fierce winds, snow-covered paths, and sub-zero temperatures. As the sun finally broke through the clouds, the descent of the Galibier began. The question remained: would the sun’s warmth be enough to melt the ice on the hike-a-bike section to the refuge? Fortunately, upon arrival, most of the ice had melted and the path was clear, as if the prayers to Saint Roch had been answered. All riders made it across safely, finding refuge, hearty food, and a well-earned rest before heading back to Chalet AlpeLune.

Stage 3: Strada dell'Assietta, Val di Susa & Monte Jafferau

Stage 3, split across two days, offered riders a new adventure as they crossed the border into Italy. A steep climb over the Colle Begino brought the pilgrims into another world—through quiet valleys and deserted villages in the Piemonte region, where time seemed to have stood still.

After a break for coffee in Sestriere, they tackled the iconic Strada dell'Assietta, a dusty alpine gravel road above 2,000 meters that winds through some of the most awe-inspiring vistas in the region. Clear skies made the views even more unforgettable—a high point, both literally and figuratively, of the pilgrimage. Following the descent of the Colle delle Finestre, some pilgrims spent the night in a hotel in Susa, while others bivouacked in the forests at the base of the next day’s climb to Caserma Grotte del Seguret, at over 2,200 meters.

At dawn, the final climb to the checkpoint awaited, following a steep military road to the old Italian barracks. Here, the pilgrims received their stamp but faced another dilemma: should they be tempted by the pilgrim’s treasure hidden in one of the tunnels of the fortress on Monte Jafferau, an extra 600-meter climb to a height of 2,800 meters, or descend to the refuge to finalize their journey? A dozen brave pilgrims took on the extra challenge and were rewarded with spectacular views and the remnants of the fort. Waiting for them was a treasure left by Saint Roch himself, offering local delicacies as a reward for their perseverance.

A long descent into the valley followed, with a final stop in Bardonecchia to sample some Italian delicacies before the return journey to the base camp. Once back, the pilgrims embraced at the finishers’ party in the chalet. As the fire crackled and new friendships were forged, every pilgrim could reflect on a journey filled with challenge, discovery, and camaraderie—one that will stay with them long after they’ve returned home.

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The third edition of Le Pilgrimage Gravel will take from August 28 to September 2 2025. Registrations open December 1 at 9:00 AM CET.

New: Le Pilgrimage Trail, a trail running journey into the French Alps. Le Pilgrimage Trail will take place in Puy-Saint-Vincent from  July 1st to 6th, 2025. Our beautiful region is crisscrossed with ancient routes that are well worth exploring. This new adventure will take pilgrims on a trail-running journey through the Écrins landscape, with Hotel Saint Roch serving as a basecamp in between stages.