Classic Alps Climbing Tour
Start in the enchanting town of Annecy, with its serene canals and medieval charm.
Conquer iconic Tour de France climbs, including the challenging Col de la Colombière and the towering Col du Glandon.
Ascend the legendary Alpe d’Huez, navigating its 21 celebrated switchbacks.
Revel in unparalleled Alpine panoramas, capturing glimpses of Mont Blanc amidst a sea of peaks.
Indulge in the culinary wonders of the region, from local cheeses to hearty Savoyard dinners.
Celebrate the end of a legendary journey, leaving with stories, memories, and a sense of profound accomplishment.
Cycling Adventures Await in Annecy.
Annecy: A Cyclist's Paradise.
Reach New Heights on Alpe d'Huez.
Conquer Alpine Peaks, Pedal Through Annecy.
Discover the Thrill of Alpe d'Huez.
Explore the 21 switchbacks of Alpe d'Huez
Itinerary
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.
Hotel in Annecy
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.
Hotel in La Clusaz
62 km and 1,632 m of elevation gain
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.
Hotel in La Clusaz
92 km and 2,329 m of elevation gain
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.
Hotel in La Chambre
111 km and 2,196 m of elevation gain
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.
Hotel in Les Deux Alpes
120 km and 2,925 m of elevation gain
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.
Hotel in Les Deux Alpes
83 km and 2,974 m of elevation gain
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.
Hotel in Les Deux Alpes
67 km and 2,270 m of elevation gain
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.
Shuttle to Grenoble
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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Pricing
Included in price
Tour design and organization
Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
Service and support during your tour
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Accommodation as per itinerary
Luggage transfer
Optional Extras
Description
Begin your adventure in the fairy-tale town of Annecy, often referred to as the “Venice of the Alps.” This mesmerizing place, cradled between Lake Annecy and majestic mountains, serves as the gateway to your cycling odyssey. The town’s tranquil canals, medieval structures, and local gastronomy provide a serene start to an expedition that will soon take you to thrilling heights.
The heart of your journey lies in conquering the revered trails and passes that have made the French Alps a cycling mecca. From the iconic climbs of the Tour de France, like the formidable Col du Glandon and Col de la Colombière, to the legendary Alpe d’Huez with its 21 hairpin turns, every pedal stroke takes you deeper into cycling lore. But it’s not just about the ascent. The swift descents, winding through alpine meadows and dense forests, offer moments of pure exhilaration.
But the Alps are not just a challenge; they are a canvas of natural beauty. Revel in unparalleled vistas, from sun-kissed peaks to shadowed valleys. Pause to soak in the sight of Mont Blanc in the distance or the gentle flutter of wildflowers in the breeze. The evenings are marked by cozy stays in charming towns, where stories are exchanged over hearty Savoyard dinners.
Every day is a new chapter, a mix of grit, beauty, camaraderie, and the profound satisfaction of achievement.
Delight in the freedom to stop and discover at your own pace, picking your own highlights en route. Moreover, take comfort in our 24/7 support, ready to assist you every step of your journey.
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Things to know
Self-led bike adventures provide a tailor-made and flexible approach to cycling holidays, allowing you to discover at your leisure and modify your schedule or route whenever necessary. Our crew takes care of every detail, from accommodations and detailed plans to GPS guidance and ongoing assistance, ensuring a serene and immersive trip that offers independence, individuality, and authentic cultural encounters.
Our tours are grouped into three difficulty tiers: Leisurely, Moderate, and Challenging. The categorization is based on the typical day of the tour, even though there might be fluctuations in difficulty over the course of the trip.
Leisurely tours cater to those seeking a laid-back journey through breathtaking scenery, without the demand of traversing great distances or navigating tough terrains. These excursions usually span 30-50 km daily, with an altitude climb of up to 500m. This ensures ample opportunities to pause and soak in panoramas, savor regional dishes, and wander through picturesque towns and hamlets en route.
Moderate bike tours suit those seeking a harmonious blend of picturesque routes and a touch of challenge. Usually spanning 50-80 km daily with an altitude ascent of up to 1000m, these tours take you across captivating landscapes and delightful hamlets, offering a combination of level and undulating terrains. While providing ample opportunities to halt and delve deeper, they also ensure a rewarding cycling exercise.
Challenging bike tours cater to seasoned cyclists keen on testing their boundaries. Ranging from 80-120 km daily with an altitude rise of up to 2000m, these journeys involve navigating rigorous inclines and demanding terrains. However, the breathtaking vistas make the effort worthwhile. While these tours demand top-notch fitness and stamina, the euphoria of achievement felt at day’s end is unparalleled.
We’re committed to finding the perfect fit for you. We partner with several accommodation providers that align with our standards, though their availability can vary, particularly in high-demand periods. Additionally, we can tailor your holiday according to your tastes and financial plan, ensuring we pinpoint the most suitable option for your requirements.
We recommend securing your tour at the earliest convenience, particularly for sought-after tourist spots with limited accommodation availability. Top options frequently get reserved for the summer before the onset of spring.
Catering to dietary needs can fluctuate based on their complexity. In France, vegetarian choices are generally accessible, but sourcing vegan meals might be a challenge in countryside locales or smaller towns. Notably, lunch halts are often at conventional eateries that might not accommodate special dietary preferences beyond their regular offerings. Bear this in mind as you map out your journey.
The prime cycling season spans from mid-April to mid-October. In higher regions like the Alps, it’s best from mid-May to September to avoid snow.
Tours can proceed in light rain with suitable attire. Summer often brings afternoon thunderstorms, so starting tours early is advisable. If adverse weather is anticipated, we’ll aim to modify the tour in advance.
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