French Alps Cycling Tour
Conquer legendary Tour de France climbs like Alpe d’Huez and Col du Glandon.
Relish breathtaking mountain vistas at every turn.
Experience the thrill of 21 switchbacks on Alpe d’Huez, each named after a Tour de France winner.
Explore serene and less-traveled routes, such as Col de Sarenne.
Enjoy indulgent picnics with panoramic mountain views.
Bond with fellow cyclists over hearty Savoyard dinners.
Conquer the French Alps on two wheels.
Explore breathtaking vistas on our cycling tour.
Pedal through scenic wonders of the French Alps.
Chase adventure in the heart of the Alps.
Discover alpine beauty on a cycling adventure.
Experience the thrill of high-altitude cycling.
Itinerary
After arriving in Annecy, take some time to get acquainted with the town and the region before beginning your journey the following day. Enjoy the local cuisine and delicacies and savour the fresh alpine air.
Hotel in Annecy
Today, you will begin your journey through this breathtaking region. You’ll circle around the pristine Lake Annecy, renowned as the cleanest lake in Europe, marking the start of your exciting adventure.
You will first conquer the Col du Marais and Col de la Croix Fry. The ascent up Croix Fry, a renowned climb featured in the Tour de France multiple times, including as recently as 2023, serves as a perfect warm-up ride.
You’ll arrive at your hotel in La Clusaz, where you can relax and take some time to unwind and settle in before continuing your journey the next day.
62 km and 1,632 m of elevation gain
Hotel in La Clusaz
Get ready for another day of thrilling cycling adventures as you tackle some of the legendary climbs featured in the Tour de France. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your ride. Today’s route takes you on a captivating loop ride, offering breathtaking roads and expansive panoramic views. Your journey begins with a challenging ascent up the seven-kilometer climb to Col des Aravis, a route that the professional peloton has conquered around 40 times since the inception of the Tour de France. You’ll ascend the “easier” side starting from La Clusaz, then continue through the upscale ski resort village of Megève, a favorite destination for Europe’s jet-set crowd.
As you follow our loop route through Sallanches, prepare for a demanding climb with a 7% average gradient, covering a distance of 16 kilometers, up the Col de la Colombière. At the summit, savor the scenic views. Afterward, return to our charming hotel, where you can unwind by the pool or perhaps indulge in some well-deserved rest.
92 km and 2,329 m of elevation gain
Hotel in La Clusaz
As you embark on the fourth day of your adventure, get ready for a captivating loop ride offering classic and sweeping views of the majestic Alps. Your journey begins with a descent out of town, followed by the steady seven-kilometer climb up the Col du Marais. Next up is a challenging 12-kilometer ascent with an average grade of 6% to reach l’Arpettaz.
Next, you’ll conquer the more demanding side of the Col des Aravis, a nearly 12-kilometer climb with an average grade of 5%. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views, extending all the way to Mont Blanc if the skies are clear. Prepare for a thrilling and speedy descent as you make your way to the village of La Clusaz.
Tomorrow promises even more excitement as you continue your journey toward Alpe d’Huez, with a shuttle transfer to Col du Glandon so make sure to get a good night’s rest!
87 km and 2,059 m of elevation gain
Hotel in La Clusaz
You’ll kick off your day with a formidable 21-kilometer ascent up Col du Glandon, boasting an average gradient of 6.9%. This iconic climb has graced the Tour de France route a remarkable 14 times.
Before embarking on the lengthy descent from Glandon, savor a delightful picnic lunch amidst the backdrop of the most stunning mountain vistas stretched out before you. If you’re eager for more cycling, you can continue pedaling towards our next destination, Les Deux Alpes.
Alternatively, for an authentic Alpine experience, ascend via cable car. Les Deux Alpes will serve as your base for the next two nights at a cozy mountain retreat. At the hotel, you’ll receive a warm family welcome and be treated to incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
75 km and 2,183 m of elevation gain
Hotel in Les Deux Alpes
Get ready to etch your cycling prowess into the annals of legend! Following a hearty breakfast, today’s epic ride commences with a thrilling descent into the valley, leading you to the base of the iconic Alpe d’Huez. This legendary climb is adorned with 21 switchbacks, each one bearing the name of a Tour de France winner, tempting you to conquer the next. As you ascend to the summit of this historic pass, be sure to capture some memorable photos, and then replenish your energy with a well-deserved lunch while you bask in the glory of your achievement and soak in the awe-inspiring vistas.
For those hungry for more, consider continuing your journey over the mountain to take on the challenging Col de Sarenne. This serene road is a local favorite, offering a quieter, less-traveled, yet equally demanding route that culminates at the mountain’s peak from the opposite side of the Alps.
In the evening, you’ll gather for drinks, with a breathtaking view of the mountains before you, followed by a hearty and well-earned Savoyard dinner. It’s the perfect opportunity to reminisce about the remarkable climbs and exhilarating descents you’ve conquered together.
67 km and 2,270 m of elevation gain
Hotel in Les Deux Alpes
As our remarkable journey comes to an end, the morning grants you a well-deserved period of rest and reflection following a week of extraordinary cycling. Gather your cherished memories and the experiences you’ve captured along the way, for it is now time to bid adieu to France. We’ll facilitate your departure with a shuttle ride to Grenoble, marking the conclusion of this unforgettable adventure.
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.
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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Self guided
Included in price
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Description
Embark on the cycling adventure of a lifetime as you pedal into the Legends of the Alps! This epic journey invites you to conquer iconic climbs that have left their mark on the Tour de France. With each twist and turn of your pedals, you’ll ascend legendary routes like Alpe d’Huez and Col du Glandon, immersing yourself in the rich history of cycling.
As you climb Alpe d’Huez, take on the challenge of its 21 switchbacks, each bearing the name of a Tour de France champion, enticing you to ride to the next.
Throughout the trip, your senses will be captivated by breathtaking mountain vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore lesser-traveled routes like Col de Sarenne, cherished by locals for its serene charm and equal cycling prowess.
But this journey isn’t just about the ride; it’s about the camaraderie and shared experiences. Reward your efforts with unparalleled views, and create lasting memories. Join us on this unforgettable cycling odyssey and make your mark on the road less traveled.
Begin a customized expedition with our self-guided choice. Our team compiles a personalized guidebook based on your preferences, granting you the freedom to venture at your preferred pace.
Appreciate the flexibility to halt and investigate at your own convenience, handpicking your own destinations during your excursion. Additionally, take comfort in the knowledge that our devoted 24/7 support is readily accessible to assist you throughout your entire journey.
Map
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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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