Overview
Distance
770 km
Gain
17,000 m
Temperature
17°C
ROAD CYCLING DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS
From the heights of the Northern Alps to the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, discover the mythical cols and legendary routes in between. This fantastic eight-day tour offers an experience of a lifetime and provides challenging rides along the way.
With diverse terrain, push your fitness and skill with moderate to high altitude climbs and demanding daily distances. After all, these roads are included on the Tour de France!
Breathtaking and legendary
Highlights of your trip
Ride in the footsteps of the Tour de France
Legendary Tour de France cols and rides are all part of the incredible itinerary. Now that is something to tick off the bucketlist! You will receive full support throughout the trip, including luggage transport so you only have to carry a small daypack.
Diverse Terrain
This tour takes in a huge variety of landscapes, from alpine vistas right down to the glistening waters of the Meditteranean coast. Immerse yourself in the fantastic panoramic views spanning across the entire Alps range. Each day offers two different routes with varying distances and profiles.
Comfortable Hotels
Across the 7 nights and 8 days, you will enjoy comfortable accommodations ideal for resting after long days in the saddle. There will be opportunities to meet non-riders and have a catch-up in the evening at the end of the day's stage. All hotels are a 2* or 3* standard with secure bike storage.
Weather
Make sure you pick your season and prepare well. Spring to Autumn offers the best weather conditions for mild riding in the mountains and warm sun on your back as you come further down. Coastal regions are prone to blustery winds coming off the ocean. Winter months are challenging with snowfall blocking the higher cols as early as October.
Terrain
France offers an incredibly diverse range of terrain suitable for almost any level of rider. However, this tour through the Alps is challenging with some intense climbs through the alpine mountains. Be prepared for tackling up to 3000m altitude gains in one day and covering on average 100km daily. The roads themselves are in perfect condition as they are included in the Tour de France circuit.
Culture
France has a strong cycling culture across the country which is highlighted in the Alps with the superb roads and Tour de France influence. Bicycle touring is a popular way to explore the country and welcomed in all of the rural areas. Drivers are courteous and locals are friendly towards tourists.
45.9044° N, 6.4234° E
There's even more to discover on your trip.
Program
Day 1
Thonon-les-Bains to La Clusaz
Distance
90 km
Altitude gain
2200 m
Distance
90 km
Altitude gain
2200 m
Meet the team and the rest of the group at 9am at Thonon less Baines SNCF railway station. We will jump straight on the bikes and warm up on the quiet mountain roads of the Col de Jambaz.
Highlights:
- Ride the beautiful Vallée du Giffre and Val d’Abondance (level 3)
- Cycle the “Portes du Soleil” area of Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz (level 3)
- Discover the Diable gorges and bridge (level 3)
- Views of the Mont Blanc range
- Col de la Colombiere: the first difficulty of the week, and the first real mountain pass of the Alps
- Le Grand Bornand, a reputable ski resort
Passes of the day:
- Col de Jambaz, 1027 m (level 2)
- Col de Joux Plane, 1712m (level 3)
- Col de la Colombière, 1613 m
Day 2
La Clusaz - Bourg Saint Maurice
Distance
90 km
Altitude gain
2600 m
Distance
90 km
Altitude gain
2600 m
Day 3
Bourg Saint Maurice - Aussois
Distance
95 km
Altitude gain
2500 m
Distance
95 km
Altitude gain
2500 m
Day 4
Aussois - Briançon
Distance
100 km
Altitude gain
2200 m
Distance
100 km
Altitude gain
2200 m
Day 5
Briançon - Jausiers
Distance
90 km
Altitude gain
1800 m
Distance
90 km
Altitude gain
1800 m
Day 6
Jausiers - Beuil
Distance
90 km
Altitude gain
2200 m
Distance
90 km
Altitude gain
2200 m
Day 7
Beuil - Roquebillière
Distance
85 km
Altitude gain
1700 m
Distance
85 km
Altitude gain
1700 m
Day 8
Roquebillière - Menton
Distance
70 km
Altitude gain
1450 m
Distance
70 km
Altitude gain
1450 m
)
What’s included in your trip
Guide and Support
Trip leader in support vehicle, luggage transfers, GPS tracks provided
7 Nights Accommodation
7 nights in 2-3* hotels, double room with en-suite facilities (single room available as a supplement)
All Meals
7 breakfasts, 7 picnic lunches, 7 dinners (3 to 4 course menu)
What's not included.
International flights & transfers
Airport transfers are available at an additional cost
Insurance
Please organise suitable travel insurance
Additional excursions
Visits to museums, monuments and sites are not included
Choose when you want to travel
After selecting the date of travel, you will be able to enter the detail of who is traveling and see further options for accomidation and cycle hire, subject to the operator.
Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.
- Personalise your trip to suit you
- Book with confidence
- Increased safety and flexibility during COVID
11 September 2021