French Alps - France

Classic Climbs of the Alps

Guided 7 days

From Lake Annecy to the infamous Alpe d'Huez, this road bike tour for the experienced cyclist incorporates the iconic Cols of the French Alps which are etched in road cycling history!

Style
Road cycling
Gain
15300M
Distance
511KM
Level
Difficult

Tour overview

Conquer the Classic Cols of the Tour De France

Enjoy epic climbs, thrilling descents and exquisite, ever-changing scenery. The Alps are etched in cycling history and home to the iconic mountain passes where the world’s best cyclists have battled it out every year during the Tour de France.

Start your tour on the shores of Lake Annecy and test your legs (and your lungs) on the slopes of the iconic cols like  Semnoz, Madeleine, Croix du Fer, Glandon, Telegraph & the Galibier as you ride South and finish in style at the summit of the infamous Alpe d’Huez 7 days later.

This is a challenging itinerary and to best enjoy this cycling tour, you should be comfortable cycling long distances and be able to climb for at least an hour without stopping to altitudes of over 2000 m.

This is an all-inclusive, fully supported cycling tour. All you have to do is enjoy your ride. Support is second to none and the tour will have a high staff-guest ratio. Everything will be taken care of so you can savour the ride of a lifetime.

Guests are invited to take all climbs at their own pace and know that the support vehicle will always close by for those who wish to shorten the ride.

Start point
Lake Annecy
End point
Bourg-d’Oisans
See program for full itinerary
Flying in
Grenoble Airport
Flying out
Grenoble Airport

Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com

Highlights of your cycling trip

Road sign on Alp d'Huez, France

Famous Climbs

Test your legs, and your lungs, on the very same climbs that have often decided the winner of the Tour de France!

Stunning Vistas

The higher you are, the further you can see! Enjoy the stunning views and vistas from the top of the Cols. A picture doesn't do them justice.

Fully Catered

You'll have tasty and nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and ride food all catered for to keep you strong and healthy all tour long!

Tour destination

Alps | France

The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range that stretches across France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. The French Alps and it's small towns are etched in road cycling history. The slopes of the infamous Cols have been home to some of the most fearsome battles against the strongest cyclists in world, often determining the final outcome of the Tour de France. The scenery is breathtaking, the routes challenging and the views at the top, phenomenal! Get ready to eat your croissants and ride your heart out. It does not get much better than the French Alps for road cycling enthusiasts!

  • Weather

    Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. Prepare well for your trip. The climate is moderate with no excessive heat. However higher temps can be experienced on the Southern regions. You will experience mostly sunny conditions and clear skies. During July and August you may experience thunderstorms late in the afternoon or early the evening.

  • Terrain

    The French Alps offers very diverse terrain. From rolling valley roads to the long climbs up to the highest peaks you are spoilt for choice. However, this cycling tour through the Alps is a challenging one with some intense climbs and long winding descents.

  • Culture

    France has a strong cycling culture across the country which is highlighted in the mountains with the superb roads and Tour de France influence. Road bike touring is a popular way to explore France and is welcomed in all of the rural areas. Drivers are courteous and locals are friendly.

Accommodation during your tour

Wonderful 3* & 4* Hotels

Rest and recover after each big day on the Cols in the fantastic hospitality of the carefully selected hotels for the duration of your cycling tour.

Les Trésoms Spa & Lake Resort * * * * (1 Night)

Lake Annecy

Soak up the spectacular views from your room and relax at the pool or at the spa after a big day in this beautiful hotel on the shores of Lake Annecy. With fantastic cuisine served in the Les Trésoms restaurants, you will certainly be well rested and refreshed for your next big day on the bike.

Hotel Million * * * (1 Night)

Albertville

Hotel Million is a beautiful traditional French hotel, located in Albertville, in Savoie, the heart of the French Alps. Established in 1770, Hotel Million oozes history as does the town it is located in. You’ll be served wonderful mouth watering food from the phenomenal Chef José De Anacleto to keep you fuelled up for your next big day on the bike

Le Beausoleil * * * (2 Nights)

La Toussuire

Relax in traditional chalet-style accommodation with alpine charm in the village of La Toussuire, in the heart of the Sybelles ski area. Enjoy the comfort of your room or take advantage of the hotel spa to prepare you for your next day climbing the Cols of the region.

Hotel Grandes Rousses * * * * (2 Nights)

Alpe d’Huez

This fabulous hotel on the top of the iconic Alpe d’Huez will be your home for the last nights of your Alps cycle tour. Unwind in the spa or indulge in the wonderful cuisine served to you whilst taking in the breathtaking views and reflecting on the days you’ve spent riding your bicycle through the French Alps.

Tour itinerary

Your guide to a perfect cycling tour

Lake Annecy to Albertville
  • Distance
    87KM
  • Elevation
    2000m

Your first big day! Take on a point to point route incorporating the Semnoz and Col du Frene on your way to  your next overnight destination.

Getting there

Information to help you book your flights and get around.

Any questions about flights and transfers? The Epico team is here for you. Ping us via the chatbot in the corner of your page or send an email to [email protected]

Flying in

Fly in airport options: Grenoble Airport

When best to arrive: The meet point for the tour is Grenoble Train Station at 10am on Day 1 of the tour so ensure that whichever flight you book, you are able to be at Grenoble train station in time to meet the rest of the tour.

Where the tour starts: After arriving at Grenoble train station, your trip will begin at Lake Annecy.

Transfers: Transfers from Grenoble train station is included.

Flying out

Fly out airport options: Grenoble Airport.

When best to depart: Riders will be taken back to Grenoble Train Station by 11 am on Day 7 of the tour. Ensure that which ever flight you book allows you enough time to get to check in after being dropped off at the train station.

Where the tour ends: Alpe du’Huez

Transfers: Transfers from the last hotel to Grenoble train station are included in this tour.

Tour essentials

What’s included in your cycling trip.

  • 6 Nights Accomodation

    6 nights accommodation in carefully selected 3* & 4* hotels

  • Ride Guide and Support Vehicle

    You will have experienced guides riding with you and a trip leader in a support vehicle with tech support and ride nutrition throughout the tour.

  • Meals

    Full board – breakfasts, picnic lunches, ride nutrition & evening meals. **Drinks are excluded from meals.

  • Luggage Transfers

    All you need to worry about is enjoying yourself. Your luggage will be transferred from base to base in the support vehicle.

  • Phenomenal Routes

    Our team has created routes that will give you the experience of a lifetime!

Cycling bottle

What’s not included in your cycling trip.

  • Flights

    Flights are not included in the tour package. Please follow our advice about which flights will be best suited for this tour. Reach out to us if you have any questions about flights.

  • Insurance

    We strongly recommend that you obtain a dedicated health insurance that covers your sports activities. Reach out to us if you have questions about the insurance.

Extra
Bike Hire
Benefit from a 10% discount on any Eat Sleep Cycle bike hire as part of this package.

It’s not always easy travelling with a bike but fear not, you can rent one and benefit from a 10% discount as being a part of this tour.

The options range from a state-of-the-art Factor bike, an Italian-made Basso, or a Ridley, designed in cycling’s heartland of Belgium.

Need a boost? Why not hire our Basso e-assist road bike, the Volta.

All our bikes are supplied with compact 50-34 chainsets & 11-30 or 11-32 cassettes and with a variety of sizes available, we can ensure your bike fits you perfectly to ensure maximum comfort for the duration of your trip.

Please feel free to contact us for more information or any preferred choices.

Basso-Astra-Disc - Eat Sleep Cycle
BASSO ASTRA DISC

Fitted to you and ready to ride!

More things to maximise your cycling trip

  • Single Room Upgrade
    €699.00 per person

    Would you like some extra space and have a whole room to yourself for the duration of the tour? No problem! For an extra €699, you can have all the space you would like in your own room.

Booking options

Choose when you want to travel

Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.

  • Guarantee a spot during busy periods
  • Only 30% down payment to secure your place
  • Fair & Transparent Cancellation Policy
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Booking options