Classic Alps Climbing Tour

From the moment you land, the picturesque town of Annecy extends its embrace. Nestled between the serene Lake Annecy and the towering mountains, it sets the tone for the Alpine odyssey that awaits. After settling into your accommodation, take the evening to stroll along the cobblestone streets, familiarizing yourself with this charming French town, often referred to as the "Venice of the Alps."

Sleep well tonight, for tomorrow the grand introduction commences.

Your adventure kicks off with a warm welcome to the Alps. As you embark on a short drive through the bustling heart of Annecy, the pristine shores of Lake Annecy, known as Europe's cleanest lake, set the stage for your epic journey.

You will begin the ride through the alpine hills, taking you over the Col du Marais and Col de la Croix Fry, a perfect warm-up for the days ahead. We arrive at our idyllic hotel in La Clusaz just in time for a leisurely lunch, followed by a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.

Prepare for an incredible day of cycling as you tackle some of the iconic climbs of the Tour de France. Your journey commences with a descent into the valley, leading to the renowned seven-kilometer climb of Col des Aravis. Next, you'll pedal through the picturesque village of Megève, and continue on to conquer the 16-kilometer ascent of Col de la Colombière, with its average 7% gradient. Lunch at the summit provides an opportunity to recharge before returning to our charming hotel.

Your day starts bright and early in La Clusaz. The heart of today's journey is the ascent of the iconic Col de la Madeleine, a climb renowned for its panoramic views and challenging gradient. Upon conquering the summit, a scenic descent awaits, into the cozy town of La Chambre. As dusk approaches, enjoy a hearty meal, reminiscing over the day's triumphs and challenges, and prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 5 promises a spectacular loop ride through the Alps. Begin with a descent from town and ascend the steady seven-kilometer Col du Marais, followed by the challenging 12-kilometer climb up l'Arpettaz. Lunch can be enjoyed atop the col or in the village of Flumet. Post-lunch, conquer the more demanding side of the Col des Aravis, boasting exceptional views, weather permitting, all the way to Mont Blanc. A swift descent leads you back to La Clusaz. For those craving more climbing, the Col de la Colombière awaits. Enjoy dinner in town, with culinary choices to suit every palate.

Today's adventure features the ascent of Col du Glandon, a formidable 21-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 6.9%. This iconic pass, featured in the Tour de France 14 times, beckons you to conquer it. As a bonus, we'll make a detour to conquer the summit of the Croix de Fer. Following the exhilarating climb, relish a scenic picnic lunch, soaking in the mesmerizing mountain views. For those still craving more, the Col de Sarenne offers a quieter but equally challenging ascent from the opposite side of the Alps.

Are you ready to etch your name in cycling history? After breakfast, descend into the valley to tackle the mythic Alpe d’Huez, famed for its 21 switchbacks, each named after a Tour de France champion. Reach the summit for a memorable photo session and recharge with a leisurely lunch, savoring the magnificent views. For the intrepid, the Col de Sarenne beckons. After an exhilarating descent, return to Les Deux Alpes, where drinks with a view precede a hearty Savoyard dinner, a fitting reward for your achievements.

As our adventure draws to a close, the morning is yours to recover after a week of epic cycling. Pack up your memories and experiences captured on the way as it’s time to depart from France after a shuttle ride to Grenoble.