ICONIC CLIMBS OF THE FRENCH ALPS
Take on renowned Tour de France climbs on this epic cycling adventure
Dates
14th - 21st June 2025
(Minimum numbers of 8 pax)
Price
£1,625pp
(Single supplement of £350)
Experience level
Aimed at those looking to challenge themselves in the mountains! A good level of fitness is recommended
The French Alps is one place that should be on every cyclist's bucket list - Its tough riding (we're not going to lie!) but in our opinion there's very few places that can compete with the views you'll take in, and the satisfaction of getting to the top of an Alpine col is second to none.
The climbs here are firmly planted in the history of cycling, and we look forward to giving you the opportunity to tackle them for yourselves. We've put together a tour that takes in the most famous cols in the area, whilst also taking in some of the lesser known gems.
We'll transfer you from Geneva airport over to our first base in the Maurienne valley, where over the coming days you'll experience the Col du Glandon, the Croix de Fer and the Col du Chaussy. You'll have an unforgettable day in the saddle as we transfer over to Bourg D'Oisins via the Col du Telegraphe and the Galibier, before enjoying a 50km descent down the Col du Lautaret.
From here we'll ride the lesser known climb of the Col D'Ornon, the Col de Sarenne as well as the 21 hairpins of the mighty Alpe D'Huez.
The team will be there to support you every step of the way, with detailed briefings, ride leader support, scheduled food stops and quality hotel accommodation. This week is not just a cycle tour, its an incredible once in a lifetime experience for any cycling enthusiast.
Day 1: Col du Chaussey via the Lacets du Montvernier 57 km 1,350m of climbing
We start our venture into the wonders of the French Alps with one of the most unnecessarily engineered stretches of road ever thought up! the Lacets du Montvernier are, quite simply bonkers! 17 switch backs take us up to the small village of Montvernier where we turn left and onto the main climb of the Col du Chaussey - take a look up if you want to see where you're headed - as you can see the road carved into the rock! This climb is every bit as beautiful as it is tough - take the time to admire the lush green meadows, mountain flowers and seriously quiet road as you top out at an altitude of 1533m over 14 km and an average gradient of 7.3% A tight, technical descent follows as we eventually join the Col du Madeleine (luckily we'll be going down, not up!) before heading back to base via a spot of lunch!
Day 2: Col du Glandon, Croix de Fer and Col Du Mollard 68km 2,250m of climbing
Today we take on the formidable Col Du Glandon along the D926. You'll have a nice 11km stretch to warm the legs before turning onto the climb which will rise at an average gradient of 6.8% over a distance of 23km. Make sure that you leave plenty in the legs - the upper climbs of this stunning pass really can test the mental resolve of a tired cyclist! Your reward, however is a panoramic view of mind bending proportions as you look out over the Maurienne valley. As a bonus, you will also have just a very short 2.5km ride to reach the summit of your second peak of the day over at the Col du la Croix de Fer!. A wonderful descent then awaits as you head back towards base, with tree lined roads giving way to spectacular vistas, and our final climb of the day, the Col Du Mollard - a cracking and much less well known little gem!
Day 3: Ride to Bourg D'Oisans via Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier - 95km, 2,400m of climbing
Today we complete a section of La Marmotte route, taking us over from the Maurienne valley across to Bourg D'Oisans. We start with the Col du Telegraphe, a renowned Tour de France climb having featured in the event 20 times. The climb is c.12km with an average gradient of 7.3%, and is predominantly through shaded tree covered roads. Save something in your legs, as after a short descent into Valloire we'll be onto the Galibier, cited by many amateur cyclists as the hardest climb they've done. Its the fourth highest paved road in France at 2,642m, and despite its average of 7%, you'll need to save something for the final few kms, which are regarded as the toughest due to the steeper gradients and exposure. The effort will be worth it, as you'll then get to enjoy the 40km descent via the Col du Lautaret back to Bourg, probably one of the most exhilerating descents you'll ever do!
Day 4: Col D'Ornon or optional rest day - 28km, 750m of climbing
There are a number of shorter climbs out of Bourg D'Oisans that can be tackled as an out and back, and we'll take the opportunity to have a slightly easier day to enjoy one of these, and the town itself. The Col D'Ornon is a picturesque climb through the Lignarre valley, and at an average of 5.8% with very few steep sections, will feel considerably easier than those you've tackled over the previous days. We'll descend back into Bourg for lunch, leaving the afternoon free to roam.
Day 5: Alpe D'huez and Allemond - 57km, 1,450m of climbing
Here we tackle one of the most famous climbs in the world, Alpe D'Huez - up to 1000 people per day climb its iconic 21 hairpins per day in the peak season. You can count them down as you go, and after celebrating at the top we'll descend part way down to bend 6. At this point we'll turn over to Villard Reculas, a small skiing town which has spectacular views over the valley. Onwards from here we'll descend down to Allemond, where we'll enjoy a bit of flat riding, a rarity in the Alps, round the Verney reservoir before descending back to Bourg.
Day 6: Col de Sarenne via the balcony road, descent off Alpe D'Huez - 57km, 1,950m of climbing
Today we enjoy the spectatular views up to the Auris balconies as we leave Alpe D'Huez at La Garde (bend 16) and cycle up to Le Freney D'Oisans and the Chambon dam before taking on the Col de Sarenne. Despite being close to Alpe D'huez and the busy tourist spots, the Sarenne feels relatively remote and its possible to spend some time in your own thoughts as you climb and enjoy the scenery. We then ride across to Alpe D'huez where we culminate our trip with the full 21 bends of the descent on our way back to Bourg.
Package includes:
- 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation (prices based on a twin share)
- Lunch and snacks on riding days
- Group transfers to / from Geneva airport (based on group arrival / departure times)
- Daily route briefings and ride support
- The support of our experienced team
Not included:
- Transport to and from France
- Dinner, extras in hotels
- Travel insurance
- Tourist tax
Feel free to contact us with any specific questions or book your place via the link below.
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