French Alps Cycling Tour

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.