
Famous Climbs
Test your legs, and your lungs, on the very same climbs that have often decided the winner of the Tour de France!
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!
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.
Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com
Test your legs, and your lungs, on the very same climbs that have often decided the winner of the Tour de France!
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.
You'll have tasty and nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and ride food all catered for to keep you strong and healthy all tour long!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
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.
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.
6 nights accommodation in carefully selected 3* & 4* hotels
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.
Full board – breakfasts, picnic lunches, ride nutrition & evening meals. **Drinks are excluded from meals.
All you need to worry about is enjoying yourself. Your luggage will be transferred from base to base in the support vehicle.
Our team has created routes that will give you the experience of a lifetime!
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.
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.
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.
Fitted to you and ready to ride!
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.
Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.