FRENCH ALPS AVID CYCLING TOUR
Ride the classic climbs of the Alps
FRENCH ALPS AVID CYCLING TOUR
Fully Supported
Geneva to Nice - The classic climbs of the French Alps
An adventure through the French Alps to the Mediterranean Sea. After meeting you in Geneva we whisk you away to the Jewel of the Alps, Annecy, where we start our Journey. The course will traverse sections of the renowned “Route des Grande Alpes”. In this way, riders will have the opportunity to experience some of the unbelievable mountain climbs of the Tour de France. Legendary Climbs including Cormet de Roselend, Glandon, Croix de Fer and Alpe d’Huez.
Day 1: Arrivals: We meet you at Geneva Airport in the morning and transfer you to the Lakeside town of Annecy. After a light lunch, we help build your bike and head out for a gentle afternoon ride in the surroudings of lake Annecy and your first Mountain pass (its a gentle one!), Col de Lecheaux. 55km, 800m.
Day 2: Our first full day of riding... Today we attempt the classic Cormet de Roseland, with its spectacular high mountian lake. A climb of 20km is sure to make a good impression on your legs. The descent is something legendery to be enjoyed by all. Our hotel tonight situated in the Les Trois Vallees, home of Europe's largest ski area. 145km, 2500m.
Day 3: After a good nights rest, we embark on possibly our toughest stage. Today, we climb Col de la Madelaine, Lacets de Montvernier, Col de la Croix du fer, Col du Glandon. With the altitude gain, it is sure to be epic. 134km, 4200m.
Day 4: An easier day on the cards today with options depending on how your legs are feeling. In the morning we climb the famous Alpe d'Huez and from there loop back to our hotel and relaxing. The area has many lesser known climbs and backroads that can easily be accessed if you so desire. 50 - 80km
Day 5: After a few easy Km's out of Bourg d'oasins we start the gentle 30km climb of The Col de Lautaret and head to the start of the Col du Galibier. Stunning views will hopefully distract your mind from thinking about your legs. After summiting we make the long descent to Briancon. 90km 2200m
Day 6: The day will start heading out of Briançon before hitting the foot of Col d’Izoard, then you start a 30km descent, through a very rocky landscape passing through a number of picturesque small ski resorts. The second and last climb of the day is Col de Vars, a 20km ascent with 11% sections. Overnight in Barcelonette. 95km, 2500m
Day 7: Our Final Day and its a big one!. We start with a 25 km climb up the Col de Cayolle and then roll through the Prealps d'Azur and down to the flat ride along the “Promenade des Anglais” in the heart of Nice and the welcome sight of the Mediterranean Sea. 175km 2500m.
Day 8: Departure Day, Transfers to Nice Airport.
Inclusions
Not included
Bucket list climbs along some of the finest roads and mountain passes in the world. Steeped in Tour de France history!.
This challenging itinaeary, carfefully designed for avid cyclists, is sure to be a memorable experience. With over 750km and 18000m of climnbing in 7 days, it is sure to give you a real appreciation of the French Alps.
The Andiamo vans and crew will be there to meet you at Geneva airport and transfer you to your lodgings in Annecy; Here you will have all the necessary equipment to set up your bikes and embark on an optional warm up loop.
Annecy, 'Venice of the Alps',It’s known for its Vieille Ville (old town), with cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-colored houses. The pristine Lac d’Annecy, one of the largest lakes in France, sits among snow-capped mountains and is known as the cleanest lake in Europe. Painted by Paul Cézanne, Lake Annecy is partly ringed by a cycle path that travels past Saint-Jorioz, which is part of the UNESCO Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps.
Col de Leschaux, near Annecy, is a fantastic introductory climb. At 12 kilometres, it’s fairly long, but it’s seldom steep. It’s a nice quiet road with nice views of lake Annecy.
Ride: 58km/39Miles. 750m/2,400' Highlights Annecy. Col de Leschaux. Lodgings: Annecy
After departing Annecy, we enjoy some flat km's towards the town of Albertville, where the road then gently inches upwards to the famous Cheese producing village of Beaufort. After a quick pause to refuel, we climb the Cormet de Roselend via Col du Pré. The total climb is 25km in length and 1200m in elevation gain. The initial section to Col du Pré passes fields of cows with their bells ringing and summits at the spectacular dam at the end of the lac de Roselend. from here we skirt around teh Lake and continue to ascend to the summit of Cormet de Roselend. On a fine summers day, few places in the world are so idylic.
From here a 20km descent awaits us, down to the town of Bourg St Maurice. Wide open in sections and with a considerable number of tight switchbacks in others, the descent will allow plenty of time to practice your technique.
Our route the decends towards our mountain spa town for the night, Brides Les Bains, situated in the heart of the three Vallees, (Frances largest ski area).
Ride: 145k/90miles. 2200m/6600’ Highlights: Col de Pre, Cormet de Roselend. Lodgings: Brides Les Bains.
After a good nights rest, we embark on possibly our toughest stage. Today, we climb Col de la Madelaine, Lacets de Montvernier, Col de la Croix du fer, Col du Glandon. The two major climbs, both approaching 30km in length, Col de la Madeleine and Col de la Croix du fer are sure to challenge your legs and lungs but you will be rewarded with incredible winding descents.
Our hotel for the next two nights is based in the Cycling hub of the region , Le Bourg D'oisans. A lively place in the summer with numerous cafes and bike shops.
Ride: 148k/88miles. 4,200m/13,000’ Highlights: Col de la Madeleine, Lacets de Montvernier, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Glandon. Lodgings Le Bourg d'Oaisins.
Alpe d’Huez really is the Mecca of cycling, and the ascent to Alpe d’Huez is truely a once in a lifetime experience!. Before attempting it a nice warm up on the relaxed Col d'Ornon could be a good idea.
Alpe d’Huez and the 21 hairpin turns remain the most challenging and well known stage of the Tour de France. Each of the 21 turns are marked to help cyclists count-down the 9 miles, and 3,670ft of elevation difference, with an average slope of 7.9 %.
Many options are available today and the day can be adjusted to suit your needs.
Ride 65km/27miles. 1800m/5,900' Highlights: Col d'Ornon, Alp D'Huez. Lodgings Le Bourg d'Oaisins.
With our legs recharged we head out towards the Col de Lauteret but not on the tradional main road, We take a smaller balcony road with spectacular views of the valley below before joining the climb to the top. Once at the top of the lauteret you have the option to climb the Col du Galibier.
The Galibier is the 9th highest paved road in the Alps and the 6th highest mountain pass. Since 1947, the Col de Galibier has been crossed 31 times by the Tour de France & in 2011, which included the first ever summit finish, won by Andy Schleck after a 60 km solo breakaway, it was used twice to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first appearance of the pass.
Then we enjoy a long steady descent down towards Briacon and to our wonderful family run hotel.
Ride 85km/53miles 2200m/6600' Highlights: Col de Lauteret, Col du Galibier. Lodgings Serre Chevalier
After an easy decent into Briancon we slowly start to climb the Col d'Izoard and the scenery around us begins to change. Today we pass from departments of Hautes-Alpes to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The mountains, trees and fuana arond us begin to look noticably more mediterranean.
Col d’Izoard. Known as the Casse Desert climb is 20 km (12.4 mi) in length over 1,141 m (3,743 ft) at an average gradient of 5.7 % with a max gradient of 9.4% and has been categorized HC six times in the Tour.
After the descent off the Izoard, you pass through a fabulous gorge following the river Guil towards our next climb.
Col de Vars. at 9km and averaging 7.5% An undualting col that gets tougher towards the top. This climb has featured in both the 33 times in the TDF and The 2016 Giro d’Italia that started in Guillestre and took in the Col de Vars on the Guillestre to Sant’Anna di Vinadio stage.
Following our descent of the Col de vars we head to the bustling mountain town of Barcelonette and our hotel for the night.
Ride 103k/64miles & 2500m/7,500’ Highlights: Col d'Izoard, Col du Vars. Lodgings Barcelonette.
Our longest ride. After heading out in the cool morning air, we climb thourgh a spectacular valey and reach the Col de la Cayolle. Not the hardest climb, but almost 30 kms long and a scenic, easy start through a lovely narrow gorge to warm up the legs. It gets a little steeper for the last few kms as you climb out of the gorge. We pass through the sandstone Gorges de Daluis before climbing the Col de Saint-Raphaël on our way to the Mediteranean sea.
Ride 175 km/110 miles, 2600m/7,800'’ Highlights: Col de la Cayolle. Col de Saint-Raphaël. Lodgings Nice
Morning Transfers to Nice Airport.
For those wishing to stay another day we can make reservations and arrange a shuttle to get you to the airport the following day.
Our 1930s boutique hotel features 57 refurbished rooms with a contemporary decor, as well as a meeting room available for hire. Located near the old section of the city, the Best Western Plus Carlton is the ideal vantage point for spending the day shopping, admiring the cultural attractions, unwinding or practising sports. You will find the best themed restaurants around the hotel. Situated near the lake and the mountains, our hotel is an open invitation for taking full advantage of all the lakeside and outdoor activities available in this magnificent Savoie city.
Any mountain lovers will enjoy this place in the middle of the Alps! (hiking, cycling, walking, visiting...)
Hotel in the heart of Bourg d'Oisans village. Located in one of the village’s oldest buildings, with its two facades overlooking the square and pedestrian street respectively, our hotel and restaurant welcomes you in a warm, family atmosphere for a quality stay in the heart of the village
Family run Hotel for three generations. Located in the Heart of Serre Chevalier.
Family hotel located in the heart of Barcelonnette in the Ubaye valley, the Grand Hotel welcomes you in a warm setting throughout the year.
Established for 40 years on the mythical Promenade des Anglais, the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nice, is the ideal accommodation for your stay on the French Riviera.
*Please note: while these hotels are typically featured, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality due to availability. Please call us if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.
DAY-TO-DAY DISTANCES & HIGHLIGHTS
All the towns & lodgings we stay are highlights in themselves
KEEP IT PRIVATE ON AN EXISTING TOUR or CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP
If you have at least 6 participants we can keep it private on any of our sheduled tours or on an alternative date (subject to availability). For less than 6, prices may vary and for more than 12 discounts may apply.
To help us get started complete the form below. You can also call us M-Sat 9-5 PST (USA), or to the right, schedule a call or send us a message.
Sometimes a custom trip is participating in one of our exisitng trips on a private basis with a few alterations to trip length, activity level, or adding some side trips. Other times we get to work to create a unique itinerary specific to your groups desires or budget. We then use our expertise to organize a tour especially tailored to your vision.
The first thing we do is get to know you a little. We learn your interests and preferences, find out who’s going and why. Family, friends or associates? Birthday, reunion or corporate retreat? When you speak with our tour designer he/she will work together with you to design a trip that is sure to create great anticipation and excitement for all.
