At the end of winter 2023, I headed south to celebrate the arrival of Spring. My left hand was working again after an injury. The icy path, fracture, torn ligament and sprain were just a bad memory and I could finally get back on the saddle. I was based in Chambéry at the time and had a week spare to travel 400 kilometres (248 mi) to Toulon, where a small team from the Les Others magazine would be waiting for me. From there, we’d board a sailboat to Corsica. Like a migratory bird, I was preparing to take flight again and soak up the sun after a winter that was grey and far too long.

I felt as rusty as my bike, which had been abandoned in my dark, humid cellar for many months. It was fairly quick to get it back in shape, I just had to get my legs to catch up.
I imagined riding an easy route, punctuated by small roads – some asphalted and some deserted – as well as beautiful gravel sections. I avoided too much elevation gain and steep paths, staying at the foot of the Chartreuse massif and only touching the Vercors peaks. This also meant skipping the freezing temperatures of early spring in the high mountains.

Arriving in the Regional Nature Park Provençal Baronnies after crossing the Col de Menée peak, you’d think you’d already see the sea. The vegetation changes as Provence unfolds. New mountains rise, which are completely different to the peaks which came before: the flat roof of Mont Aiguille, the ocher colours of Colorado Provençal and Les Mées, which rise to the sky like peculiar chimneys. I had to leave these landscapes when I learned that the boat would depart a day early due to unfavourable weather conditions. Instead of cycling to the sea as I so love to do, I rode to a bus in Aix-en-Provence. A less romantic ending, but much more pragmatic.

During these five days of spring migration, frost, the mistral, an angry deer, a wandering one-man band, passes, olive trees and thousands of buds all made an appearance. Did my hand hurt? A little. I also had pain in my thighs and calf, but I drank in the happiness of this freedom, which I had missed so much. Throughout these five days, I alternated between wild camping and nights under a roof. You’ll easily find accommodation and numerous resupply options en route. I cooked on my stove and enjoyed couscous, seeds, sardines and freeze-dried coffee.

Bring plenty of layers as the temperatures can dip into the negatives, even at the beginning of April. I regretted not having warmer gloves. Embarking on this route so early in the season means you cross deserted passes that are usually crowded with cyclists in summer. The route is accessible to everyone and ideal for gravel-type bikes. This is one of my favourite trips to date. If you want to discover the rest of the adventure, head to Corsica in this Collection: komoot.com/collection/2066882.