Cycling in the Alps - 6 Days
Highlights
- Ride through the scenic Chablais region
- Follow the road of the Tour de France on the Route de Grandes Alpes and Galibier Pass
- Stay overnight in comfortable mountain lodges on your way to Alpe d’Huez
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Geneva, Transfer to Anthy or Yvoire | Yvoire |
| Day 2 | Anthy or Yvoire to Le Grand-Bornand | Le Grand Bornand |
| Day 3 | Le Grand-Bornand — Albertville or Saint-Pierre d'Albigny | Saint-Pierre d'Albigny |
| Day 4 | Albertville or Saint-Pierre d'Albigny — Valloire | Valloire |
| Day 5 | Valloire — Alpe d'Huez | L'Alpe d'Huez |
| Day 6 | Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Geneva, Transfer to Anthy or Yvoire
Welcome to the Alps! Arrive at Geneva International Airport, where you'll be greeted by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel, located in Yvoire (or Anthy) near Lake Geneva. Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant and get ready for the tour ahead.
Day 2: Anthy or Yvoire to Le Grand-Bornand
Today is your first day of biking! Your destination for the night is Le Grand-Bornand, in the heart of the Aravis mountain range. The region is home of the Reblochon cheese (locals' Powerbar!) You will ride through the scenic Chablais region en route to your destination. The route today includes one major climb: Col de la Colombiere (5,290 ft/ 1,613 m). Arrive in time for a well-deserved dinner and overnight in Le Grand-Bornand.
Ride Length: 67 miles/ 108 km
Climbing: 9,052 ft/ 2,759 m
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Le Grand-Bornand — Albertville or Saint-Pierre d'Albigny
Leave the storybook-like Le Grand Bornand and hit the road on the classic "Route de Grandes Alpes", a winding mountain route that links Lake Geneva (Thonon-les-Bains) to the Mediterranean Sea (Menton).
After climbing Col des Aravis (4,460 ft/ 1,486 m), plunge down to the valley floor before attacking the second climb of the day—Col des Saisies (4,970 ft/1,657 m). From here, let gravity do the work for you to reach Albertville before continuing to the beautiful Chateau des Allues in the village of Saint-Pierre d'Albigny, your home for the night.
Ride Length: 58 miles/ 95 km
Climbing: 6,700 ft/ 2,070 m
Day 4: Albertville or Saint-Pierre d'Albigny — Valloire
Today's another classic route! You'll ride the Col de la Madeleine, one of the Tour de France's most mythic and legendary mountain passes. The crux culminates at an impressive 6,000 ft (2,000 m)—the highest so far, at least until tomorrow's ride. The northern side is a very enjoyable, long and steady climb with unobstructed panoramas over the nearby mountains.
Make sure you enjoy the views from the top since sightseeing will be the last thing on your mind once you start barreling down the twisty 20-km downhill into the Maurienne Valley. After a flat section on the valley floor, you'll ascend the easy Col du Télégraphe (4,700 ft/ 1,566 m) to reach the beautiful resort of Valloire.
Ride Length: 80 miles/ 130 km
Climbing: 11,600 ft/ 3,500 m
Day 5: Valloire — Alpe d'Huez
Valloire is located at the foot of the Galibier Pass (7,926 ft/ 2,642 m ), the day's mammoth climb. As a result, there's not much of a warm up before you start climbing! Riding this legendary climb is truly magical—graffiti from past Tours serves as a reminder that the road has seen many showdowns since it was first used by riders in the year 1911.
Your hard work on the climb is rewarded with stunning views of the Meije Glacier and with a memorable 25 mile (40 km) descent to Bourg d’Oisans, before charging up the 8-miles (13 km) climb to Alpe d’Huez. Your goal is to beat a record held by Marco Pantani since 1995.
Ride Length: 49 miles/ 78 km
Climbing: 9,413 ft/ 2,869 m
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, depart Alpe d’Huez. Note that transfers to Grenoble or Geneva can be arranged on request.
Map
