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.

Le Pilgrimage returns

Photo by @Yorit Kluitman

Le Pilgrimage 2024: The Gravel Journey Into the French Alps Returns

Get ready for Le Pilgrimage, a gravel journey in the heart of the French Alps, returning from September 12th to 17th, 2024. Following the success of last year's inaugural edition, we're gearing up for another extraordinary experience in the stunning landscapes around Puy-Saint-Vincent in the Écrins National Parc.

Simon Rosmolen, the organizer, sums it up: "Le Pilgrimage offers a unique blend of adventure, community, and comfort. It's not a race; it's a challenging journey shared with like-minded spirits."

The journey includes three self-supported stages, each looping back to the mountain basecamp at Chalet AlpeLune for shared rest, drinks, and meals. Chef Anne Pekelharing ensures Pilgrims are well-fed with fresh post-ride pastas and local daily plat du jours for dinner—perfect fuel for the next day's adventures.

"Last year's event was memorable, as co-organizer Cyril Chermin noted. The riders faced adverse weather conditions and tackled challenging gravel roads. They literally rode into the clouds forging bonds, forming friendships, and creating lasting memories."

This year's stages showcase some Pays-des-Écrins highlights, with views of glaciers, glimpses of valleys, climbs up to some of Europe's highest mountain passes the Pilgrims will also get a taste of Italy's best gravel roads and will have to conquer the infamous Strada dell'Assietta. Every stage will include memorable checkpoints like isolated mountain refuges and impressive mountain landmarks.

Choose between the Bed (€625) & Camping (€450) packages to secure a spot at the starting line at Chalet AlpeLune. Both include entry fee, rental tracker, breakfast, post-ride pasta, plat du jour and both the welcoming and finishers dinner. Chalet AlpeLune offers a sauna, hot tub, and a cozy living room with a fireplace. With only 40 spots available, interested pilgrims are encouraged to visit the event website for all package details and registrations.