GLR 30 Route info

Ready for one of the most scenic routes in the High Alps? The GLR 30 explores the mountainous border between France and Italy. Starting near the great lake of Serre Ponçon, your journey heads up north. This adventure route is characterized by its long off-road sections, mostly mountain passes or old military roads. Don’t be surprised to discover some old fortifications, because the region knows a rich military history which dates back to medieval times!

After just a little less than 10 kilometers after your departure, you find yourself at the start of the first off-road section. This 23.5-kilometer-long road leads further up north. But all that goes up must come down.

You follow the paved road down the mountain into the valley. An on-road section guides you to Pré Madame Carle. This refuge is the perfect place to park the bike for a few hours and explore the “white” and “ black” Glaciers at a little less than an hour of walking.

After your short break, you continue your journey towards the Italian Border. Just before the border, you hit the dirt a few times. Make sure you fuel up before crossing the border because petrol is getting more expensive in Italy!

You’ve now crossed the border and you find yourself in the capital of off-road adventure riding called Bardonecchia. Here you ride up the one-way road to the plateau of Col del Sommeiller. This famous road is only accessible for the warm summer months. Don’t expect an easy ride, because the last few kilometers are hard but well worth it!

Back into Bardonecchia, you head out to explore Forte Jafferau. This fortification is a well-known destination for adventure riders in the area. Not only the views are amazing, but the road up the mountain is also challenging and rewarding at the same time.

At last, you cross the valley to explore maybe the most famous road in the region called Strada dell’Assietta. This 35-kilometer old military road is open for traffic on Wednesdays and Saturdays only, but is worth waiting for!

At the end of the Strada dell’Assietta, you end your GLR 30 journey at the top of Colle Delle Finestre. From here you can continue your journey with three different GLR. For more info about the connecting GLRs, look down below!

Metropolitan of Turin

The name for this northwestern region of Italy comes from the old Latin and means “ at the foot of the mountains”, and at the foot of the mountains, it is indeed. Almost 45% of the region is mountainous, with the remaining 30% are hills and 25% are plains. Piedmont is the second largest region of Italy, after Sicily.

The region consists of 8 different provinces namely: Cuneo, Turin, Asti, Alessandria, Vercelli, Biella, Novara, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. Each province has its very distinctive landmarks. Cuneo and Turin are known for their rugged peaks to the west and the plains to the east. As for Vercelli and Novara for its damp rice paddies. 

One of the most remarkable features of Piedmont is that it has almost 60 different national parks. With almost 8% of its entire area marked as a protected area, you would think it’s hard to find sufficient routes to Adventurise. Indeed it is, but Piedmont also houses many of the famous roads among the adventure riding community!

The climate of Piedmont differs as extreme as its geological features. The mountainous area in the west knows an alpine climate where snow can be found at altitude until late in summer. The plains to the east are known for their intense heat in summer and milder temperatures in winter. While Adventurising this region, it’s highly recommended to respect the recommended period given for each GLR. Many of the off-road sections are blocked in winter.

Connections in Colle Delle Finestre

You’re at the top of one of Europe’s finest off-road destinations and now you’re looking for more? No problem, because at this intersection, I have three routes to choose from!

First, take the GLR 29 up north. This amazing and personal favorite route guides you across the border into France. With many more off-road sections at altitude, this 303-kilometer long GLR won’t let you down!

If you want to explore the lower plains near Turin, choose the GLR 31. This southern route to the east will guide you to lower land. Ideally for the colder spring and autumn season! With 342km in total length, you extend your adventure with a few more days!

Finally, take the famous GLR 9 down south. One of the most popular GLRs out there. This never-ending 742-kilometer long adventure route guides you across many famous sites located in the Ligurian Alps.