french alps
trip details
11 days / 10 nights
Add-on Packages Available
pricing
$5,375 per person
Based on double-occupancy rates.
Contact us for single-supplement pricing.
Hotel STYLE
Comfort
Activity Level
Expert
trip highlights
- Explore the villages and towns of the antique Savoy Kingdom.
- Ride the same routes seen during the great French bicycle races.
- Alpe d’Huez, Galibier, Col du Vars, Col de Telegraphe and more!
- Walking tours of Annecy and Antibes.
- Indulge in local cuisine and wine at every meal.
Route des grandes alpes
cycle epic climbs in the footsteps of legendary cyclists
There is nothing more thrilling than biking the quintessential French alpine passes from Lake Geneva all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. For years these mountains have laid claim to the French Tour victories and defeats. They have also witnessed the “Belle-Époque” of the French aristocracy of the last century. Complete with challenging ascents and thrilling downhills, our Grandes Alpes itinerary promises high-mountain views and stops in the lesser-known towns of southeastern France. Of course, no itinerary is complete without delicious meals and local wine. Indulge yourself in the energy and excitement of the great cols of famous bicycle races. The beautiful views, challenging terrain and friendly camaraderie make this a trip of a lifetime.
JUL 11 – JUL 21 $5,375 / person SOLD OUT
JUL 25 – AUG 4 $5,375 / person SOLD OUT
DAY 1 – 2 13 mi / 88 mi
Go for a quick spin around Evian. The town has been a bustling coastal village for ages and gained notoriety during the boom of French spa towns in the early 1800s. Many famous people have graced the town among which the Lumière Brothers and Frederic Mistral. We then head towards the Col du Cou and Col de Columbière, sinking our teeth deep into the French Alps.
DAY 3 – 4 54 mi / 76 mi
Today’s itinerary takes us around the Lake of Annecy with plenty of flat stretches and plenty of climbing. Today feel free to take an easier ride along the coast of the lake since we have a lot more climbing to do over the next few days. Our itinerary takes us from the Lake at Annecy over the Col des Aravis and down into the town of Flument. Then it’s back up the Col des Saises.
DAY 5 – 6 81 mi / 50 mi
Imagine conquering the Col de la Madeleine and the Col du Galibier in one day! It’s a 25lm climb at an average 6.5% and is just the start. After our descent into La Chambre, we’ll continue along the Maurienne to the base of the Col du Telegraphe and then up the mythical Col du Galibier. There is no better opportunity to test your mettle again the infamous Alpe d’Huez then now. With a full descent all the way to Bourg d’Oisans in the Romanche valley, the Alpe d’Huez will be our first (but not our only!) climb today.
DAY 7 – 8 81 mi / 30 mi
Another epic day as we climb the Col du Lautaret, Col d’Izoard and then finish with the Col de Vars. Each of these breathtaking ascents has been featured in the Tour de France. The Col du Lautaret has always been a communication route between Grenoble and Briançon. Enjoy a relaxed and lazy breakfast this morning as the only destination on our horizion is the Col de la Bonette: the highest asphalted road in France.
DAY 9 – 10 74 mi / 37 mi
Now it is a beautiful yet narrow alpine pass, closed to traffic on certain days in the summer allowing the passage of cyclists. It is also the source of the Verdon River, giving its name to the gorge. A late morning alows us to make our way leisurely from La Martre and begin our descent to the Mediterranean Sea. We will cross right through the heart of Provence in picturesque Grasse – perfume capital of Southern France.
DAY 11 17 mi
This morning we will have an optional spin back up into some of the hills surrounding Antibes. Otherwise enjoy a late breakfast and possibly some more time at the coast. We’ll bring the group to the local train station to make international connections. Or spend more time along the French Côte d’Azur!