Headlines in Puy Saint Vincent!
Here you'll find all the latest news from Puy Saint Vincent. Whether it's practical or last-minute information, or news you won't want to miss, this page will keep you in touch with life on the estate, as the seasons go by.
Municipal Ordinance
Access to the Fournel Valley Temporarily Closed
Updated July 22, 2026
Due to the ongoing wildfire in the area bordering L’Argentière-la-Bessée, access to the Fournel Valley from Puy Saint Vincent is closed until further notice. This closure applies to all users: hikers, trail runners, cyclists, mountain bikers, and motor vehicles.
This temporary measure is in place to ensure your safety and to facilitate the work of emergency services. Signs have been posted at the various affected access points: please respect them and do not attempt to bypass the closures.
Affected routes
Trail running: routes #1, 2, 6, 7, 14, 22, and 23, as well as the Freissinières KV.
Mountain Bikes and E-Mountain Bikes: Routes 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, and 20; the Enduro route; the GTHA route; and the two-day Mountain Bike Crossing.
Other affected route: Tour du Pays des Écrins.
Were you planning a hike or a mountain bike ride in this area? Stop by one of our visitor centers: our team will provide you with information on the situation and help you find an alternative route that suits your preferences.
This weekend
The French Mountain Bike XCO/XCE Cup is coming to Puy Saint Vincent!
Are you on vacation in Puy Saint Vincent this weekend? From July 24 to 26, 2026, head to Puy Saint Vincent 1600 to catch another round of the French Mountain Bike Cup. After the downhill race, it’s time for Olympic cross-country (XCO) and cross-country eliminator (XCE)! The event is on the FFC and UCI calendars, with UCI Hors Classe, Continental Series, and Junior Series status.
The French Cup course alternates between forest trails, singletrack, technical sections, rock gardens, and natural obstacles on a 4- to 6-km loop. The XCO promises impressive mass starts, sustained climbs, and numerous accelerations. The XCE, meanwhile, features a short and explosive format, with qualifying rounds followed by single-elimination heats.
The must-see schedule
Friday, July 24 – Time for the XCE
From 4:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m ., watch the qualifiers followed by the finals of the cross-country eliminator. A fast-paced and spectacular format, perfect for getting a taste of the competition!
Saturday, July 25 – The first XCO races
- From 8:00 AM to 12:45 PM: Masters races and Men’s Open categories
- From 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Men’s Junior Series
- From 3:50 PM to 5:05 PM: Men’s U23
- From 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Men’s U17
Sunday, July 26 – Women’s and Elite races
- Starting at 8: 30 a.m.: Women’s U15, U17, Open, and Masters races
- From 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.: Women’s Junior Series
- 11:45 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.: Men’s U15
- Starting at 1:00 PM: Women’s U23 and Elite
- 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Men’s Elite race
Awards ceremonies will be held after the finish of each race. Schedule subject to change by the organizers.
Whether you’re a mountain biking enthusiast or just curious, find a spot along the course to enjoy the starts, the technical sections, and the atmosphere at the finish area. Races range in duration from about 45 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on the category.
Good to Know
To ensure the competition runs smoothly, the Family Trial, Easy Going, and Flowy Line mountain bike trails will be closed from July 21 to 26. Our team is here to welcome you at the Tourist Office to provide information on the best spots to watch the races and recommend other routes to explore over the weekend.
Puy Saint Vincent Bike Park
The new Bike Park map is now available!
Before you hit the trails, take a few minutes to plan your next run using the new Puy Saint Vincent Bike Park map. You’ll find the nine downhill trails—ranging from green to double black—as well as the lifts that provide access to the different sections of the park.
Big news for summer 2026: the Black Out is officially added to the trail map. This double-black run, created to host the French Downhill Cup, is reserved for high-level riders and requires a mandatory preliminary reconnaissance run. Beginners and intermediate riders, on the other hand, can opt for more accessible trails such as Family Trail, Easy Going, or Cool Forest.
Check the map before you set out to choose a trail suited to your skill level and plan your day. If you’re unsure, stop by one of our visitor centers: our team will help you find the route that best matches your preferences and experience.
In the mountains, livestock guard dogs watch over the flock
While hiking around Puy Saint Vincent, you may come across flocks accompanied by livestock guard dogs, often called “patous.” Their job? To guard the sheep, keep an eye on the surroundings, and gently—sometimes with a loud bark—remind them, “Take it easy—don’t go near the buffet.”
Don’t panic: with a few simple precautions, the encounter usually goes very smoothly.
A quick guide to alpine pastures
Give the flock a wide berth
Even if the trail runs right through the middle, avoid playing “sheep express.” Keep your distance, without putting yourself in danger.Slow down
On foot, walk calmly. If you’re on a bike or mountain bike, get off and walk calmly.Stay calm and visible
Speak in a calm voice to make your presence known. No need to shout—the dog has already switched to “close watch” mode.If a dog approaches, I stop
It’s coming to check you out. Let it do so—don’t force your way past, don’t run, don’t turn your back on it, don’t look it in the eyes, and avoid making big gestures.I keep my poles still
Keep the poles close to your body, tips pointing down. They’re neither lightsabers nor magic wands.I don’t pet him, and I don’t feed him
Even if it has a cute face, it’s on the job. Let it do its job.Be extra cautious with a companion dog
Guard dogs may perceive your dog as a threat to the herd. Keep your dog on a leash when approaching grazing areas. If a guard dog approaches, let go of your dog and move away slowly so your companion follows you.
Before heading out: check GéoMAS
To plan your route, consult the GéoMAS map —Herds with Guard Dogs. It helps you identify the relevant alpine pasture areas and plan your hike with greater peace of mind.
Need some advice before you go?
Stop by our visitor centers! Our staff are trained on this topic and can advise you on the right actions to take, pastoral areas, and routes suited to your outing.
In short: keep your distance, stay calm, let the dog do its job… and everyone can enjoy the mountains in their own way. Even the sheep.
