cycling in the french alps

The thrill of cycling the French Alps taps into something primal deep within. The climb begins in Luz-Saint-Sauveur, a commune in France's Hautes-Pyrenees department. Just before the tunnel near the village of Duingt you can leave the route to discover the fairy-tale wisps of Chteau Ruphy. A challenging ride with stunning views from the summit. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. Another major consideration when planning a cycling trip is the weather. Dont miss our overview of the Alps, as well as our guide to theAlpe dHuez regionand Col dIseran region. Yes, its a road cycling trip to the Alps, but are there particular climbs you want to conquer? If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Follow in the footsteps of Pantani, Coppi, Merckx. The Alps Journey Bike Tour promises an epic week of adventure as you ride through the heart of the French Alps from Geneva to Nice. Cycling the French Alps - Solo Trip? Contact us today to book your cycling trip to the French Alps. Cycling in the French Alps: Tough Tour ClimbsCycling in the Maurienne Valley The Drome, Rhone-AlpesCycling in MorzineClimbingCol de la Croix de Fer Mountain biking in MorzineA guide to the VercorsCycling Alpe d'HuezCycling Ventoux from Crillon le BraveCycling Ventoux: 10 Top Tips. Ken Roubedou shares his top tips for Belgium cycling tours and trips. As you pedal southwards, the snow-covered peaks surrounding Mont Blanc are visible through gaps in the trees, but with steep technical drops to the left, make sure you stop to admire the views. If youre new to cycling in high mountains, you might want the comfort of knowing someones there if the weather gets nasty, your bike breaks or youre not quite as fit as you thought! With lots of lousy weather in the immediate forecast . Plus there is some awesome sightseeing like the Aguille du Midi. We are Bella and Steve, an Australian couple who left our corporate jobs behind to pursue our passion for cycling in France. Route two: Semnoz and Forclaz Route: hard. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Retrace from Forclaz, turning right to reach Finhault for the serious sweat-soaking climb up to mosson Dam. Want to say thanks? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Col de la Croix de Fer North, 6. 15th Jun 2022. This short article gives the secrets of bicycling the famous Tour de France climbs in the Alps. We hope its useful; let us know in the comments below! To narrow down your options, try searching our organised tours section. Cycling the Route des Grandes Alpes from Geneva to Nice. The Northern Alps cycling tours include famous climbs such as the Col des Aravis, Col de la Colombiere and Col de Croix Fry. Q&A providing an overview of the best cycle tours and bike rental providers in Nice, France. Bike Alp - MTB Holidays in the Southern French Alps. This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. June 7, 2013. The best cycling routes in Switzerland, chosen by Valais-based cyclist Anthony Walker of Kudos Cycling. Experienced mountain bikers will find plenty of challenge, as many of the trails are steep and technical. $$ mike@breathebike.com Always open Sports & Recreation Your guide to choosing a bike tour/cycling holiday. All of the cycling routes mapped out below start and finish from the village of Briancon. NOTE: Unfortunately, not all icons/climbs always appear on the map as there are too many. The event is named after the marmot, a type of ground squirrel which inhabits the slopes of the final climb to the finish in Alpe dHuez. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors. You can save your legs from the triple climb by tackling just two ascents. T he first time it happened was three years ago. This kind of cycling tour focuses on completing a specific sportive. This cookies is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos. It sets a unique ID to embed videos to the website. This seven-day circular route includes all the classic Tour de France climbs including the 1,845-metre Alpe dHuez climb. Head over to our France cycling destinations page for more inspiration! Image courtesy of Florian Ppellin / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0). Annecy Region Visit here to ride: Semnoz, Col de la Columbiere, Col de la Forclaz, Col des Aravis, Mont du Chat and the Lake Annecy loops Stay in: Annecy Get here by: air, rail, bus or car For a more moderate route, complete a low-level circuit of the lake. 2 1. The cycling season in the Alps runs from the middle of April to the middle of October for areas below 1,500m, and from the middle of May to the end of September for higher areas. Q&A with Rat Race about their South America cycling odyssey: the Trans Andean Coast to Coast. Many mountain passes are closed during the winter. Clare. Want to say thanks? 2200 m Cycling for the day (Option 2): approx. Towns and villages are often few and far between, and those there are may not have a shop or restaurant open when you need it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. They take participants and spectators to events all over the world including professional and amateur cycling events, sportives, marathons and triathlons. Start early from Bourg-d'Oisans and head to Allermond to appreciate the cool of the pines as you ride the road up to the Col du Glandon. Cycling holidays & Triathlon Training Camps - Morzine, France Morzine in the heart of the French Alps, its sports facilities and surrounding climbs are an amazing training ground for swimming, road cycling and running. So prepare to suffer as you haul your way up this long, grinding road that cuts high above the treeline and into a lunar landscape of bare rock and thin air. Heading out at 9:30, we had great cycling conditions for a few hours. I bought this book when I was considering a first lightweight long weekend cycle tour in the Alps. This cookie is used by vimeo to collect tracking information. Our, I use cookies on my website, to help me see which articles are most popular and to allow other functionality and analytics. If there is a breeze, wind chill will also add to the feeling of cold. The cookie also tracks the behavior of the user across the web on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin. We offer cycling holidays in the French Alps which provide cyclists with the opportunity to explore some of the best cycling routes in the world. Florian Ppellin / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0). The Col des Aravis has featured as a climb in the Tour de France on 41 occasions. View Trip Barcelona to Rome 15 Days From $4,500 Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Alpe dHuez, Galibier, Izoard, Bonette (Europe's highest col), Discover the Tour de France roads in 6 stages, with a total 740 Km. Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. VISIT WEBSITE. Sep 2006 (CEST) / CC BY-SA 2.0 DE (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en). DuVine is an award-winning international cycling and adventure company with a focus on the local history, culture and gastronomy of destinations across the world. : then go to bottom left and click on page 2. Cycle Touring in the French Alps presents a personal selection of the most picturesque cycling routes through the mountains of South-east France. A point-to-point tour is a great way to spend your French Alps cycling holiday, as it allows you to cover a lot of ground and experience a range of destinations within the Alps. I can't wait to go back to try another couple. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the website is doing. 100 km; altitude gain: approx. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Road Cycling Holidays in the Northern French Alps & Annecy. Find out more here. It was extremely useful in helping me decide where to go (mostly followed tour 5, with a couple of changes and added a day from tour 6). I took this book along on my solo cycling trip in the French Alps, loaded with 90lbs of bike and bags. First tackle the 17 hairpins of the Lacets de Montvernier before continuing on to the summit of the Col du Chaussy. Try again. There are lots of reasons you might be looking for some support with your cycling holiday in the Alps. For more information on the different kinds of cycling trips (guided, self-guided, fixed base etc), read this article. With the same passion for cycling and a common objective in mind, we will create a strong bond in a matter of days while climbing some of the giants of the French Alps. I've raced, hosted tours, completed several Marmotte Granfondo's, Etape du Tour's and many local events. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement". Something went wrong. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Home to one of the most demanding sections of the Tour de France, the mountains offer some of Europe's most glorious cycling climbs through Geneva, Chamonix, Annecy, Chambe ry, Grenoble, Le Bourg-d'Oisans, and Barcelonnette. Sorry, there was a problem loading this page. - Guided Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. A nice riding loop from the village of Bourg-doisans. This route takes you from Lake Annecy to Lac du Bourget, before taking on the Hors Categorie climb of Mont du Chat. Distance: 20km. Either way, you can change your settings at any time. Womens French Alps Cycling Tours include: 6 amazing fully guided challenging rides in the French Alps the perfect cycling vacation! All of these rides all start and finish in the city of Annecy. The region offers tough climbs and is also where many cyclo-sportives are situated for those wishing to take their cycling to another level. Keep your eye out for paragliders as you make your way to the top of the climb. My itinerary was: Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 20, 2013. Image courtesy of Robin Frand / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0). You should carry out your own due diligence and take professional advice. If youre cycling alone, a guided tour gives support to cover these kinds of issues, but also camaraderie. Sign up to our email newsletter and get a free guide to our top five road cycling holiday destinations. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". : Many tourist office websites also give weather forecasts. Comprehensive Map of Swiss Cycling Climbs. Its turned out to be quite popular not just among amateurs, but there are plenty of former pro guides too, including Phil Gaimon, Bobby Julich, and George Hincapie to name a few. Aguille du Midi. Storms usually do not break until at least 3pm and only last a few hours.c) September is often an excellent month for cycling, although the temperatures are a little cooler, especially at altitude.d) Changes in the weather can be very sudden and quite brusque. We have sorted the rides out into five separate regions within the French Alps. The route then climbs through high alpine meadows to reach its highest point, which is marked in traditional fashion by a signpost, a car park and a buvette (wooden shed selling drinks). The easiest and most centrally located arrival point for cycling in the French Alps is Grenoble. All the routes listed below have been mapped out from the town of Chamonix. Whether you just need to have a chat to answer some questions or want to hand over the whole process we have a service to suit you. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Map of French Alps Cycling Climbs. The route described here follows the same roads and can be done on any day (legs and weather permitting). Our HighRoad Southern Alps cycling tour is an epic 8-day bike tour that rolls over some of the most outstanding scenery in the French Alps, crossing no fewer than 8 Tour de France mountain passes (including Col du Galibier, Col d'Izoard and Cime de la Bonette - the highest paved through-road in Europe) and finishing on the sparkling Mediterranean shores of Nice! All Tours Rest and admire the views towards Martigny where the crumpled, snow-wreathed peaks of the Swiss Alps stretch endlessly beyond. Cycling Routes in the Serre Chevalier Valley This area of the French Alps gives you access to Tour de France climbs such as the Col d'Izoard and Col du Galibier. This lovely cyclist-owned house is looking for a new owner it could be you! 534kms 14,450m 8 Days/7 nights From 2200 pp. Length: 14.45km from Bourg d'Oisans, 13.2km from the base Average gradient:. If you are planning an epic cycling trip across the French Alps or just want to tick off the cols that you have completed then our Climbs of the French Alps map is the ideal map for your collection. These cookies are set via embedded youtube-videos. Numerous off-road bike trails start at the Richard Bozon Sports Center and are graded green to black for difficulty, just like ski runs. Trek Travel is a large US-based company offering all kinds of cycling holidays in iconic destinations across the globe. Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2013, It was the best of sources, it was the worst of sources, Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2012. Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Are you looking to base yourself in one area and tick off the classics or do you want to go to an area thats a bit less famous? , Dimensions This challenging cycling route from Chamonix takes on the Col de la Colombire as well as the Col des Aravis. Highly experienced PB ride leader . Its not the severity of the climb that gets you but its utter relentlessness: continuous bends weave through thick pine forest before breaking out into alpine meadows at the summit of Semnoz. The Alps are a place of legend for cyclists, road racers, and enthusiasts alike. , Cicerone Press Limited; 1st edition (January 1, 2010), Language , ISBN-10 A little spooked I waited too long. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Even with the snow gone and the skis packed away, the mesmeric might of Mont Blanc still holds court at lofty Chamonix. The next big ascent is the Col du Telegraph, which is tough enough when attempted as a standalone adventure, but is merely a preamble to the Col du Galibier on this route. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile. The Alps contain a significant number of the world's most popular trips: the transcending Col de la Croix de Fer (The Iron Cross), the Lacets de Montvernier - portrayed as one of the most delightful streets in proficient cycling - the snow capped desert landscape of the Col d'Izoard, the high as can be Col du Galibier, and obviously the . From here you can choose from a number of the iconic climbs of the Tour de France. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Pyrenees tend to be a bit quieter. Its also worth bearing in mind that cycling in high mountains is a bit different to cycling elsewhere. We also have other pages dedicated to cycling routes in France which currently contain nearly 100 different cycling routes for your consideration. Our review of the top 10 Spain cycling holiday tours. This cookie is set by Youtube. Along the route youll experience famous climbs such as Mont Ventoux, the Col du Lautaret and the scenic Col de Suzette loop. Handy information on Girona bike tours: who offers what for road cyclists. Thanks! Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader. At 2,764 metres, it's the highest paved road in the Alps and, as we . If you plan to ride some of the highest Alpine roads in France then basing yourself in the Maurienne Valley is a great option. July 8, 2013. A huge sport challenge with 6 spectacular stages to discover the mythical col of the french Alps. Less energetic mountain-bikers should follow the easy trails through Les Bois, east of Chamonix, or visit the Balme downhill area where a chairlift takes riders to the top. After 10km youll break free from the trees and cruise past the glistening waters of Lac de Grand Maison. You will find plenty of information on the site to help you plan your next cycling adventure in France whether you are a regular cyclist or someone who enjoys getting out once in a while. The packages tend to include entry into the relevant Alpine sportive, as well as everything you need around that, from accommodation to transfers. Bike: road bike: Distance: 160km. The summit of the Col de la Forclaz rewards you with commanding views across Lake Annecy. A great base for cycling in the French Alps, the resort is also very close to Italy and Switzerland, making it an ideal destination if you want to visit Lake Geneva as well. This mountainous region features some tough climbs, such as the famous Alpe dHuez and is also the location of several cyclo-sportives for those who enjoy more competitive cycling. A great introduction to cycling in the Chamonix Valley. Forget meandering to the summit, this road arrows to the top with the gradient rarely dropping below 10%. When you are in France, weather forecasts can be obtained from most tourist offices. Spain cycling tours: An (unbiased) comparison of 10 top Spain bike tour companies. Q&A with A2Z Portugal shares tips, GPS files, maps and more. In this article, we share some of the things to think about before booking a cycling tour in the French Alps. Climbs have an average length of 8.8km and 516 meters of total ascent. The Tourmalet cycling climb is in the Pyrenees mountain range of southwest Europe and forms the natural border between France and Spain. Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. La Marmotte is a major annual cycling event which tackles three brutal Alpine cols before confronting Alpe dHuez. We have mapped out six rides for you to discover whilst staying in this area. You can unsubscribe at any time. Interview about planning Tour de France holidays and what to look for in the best Tour de France cycling tours. Spain cycling holidays: How to pick the best cycling holidays in Spain for you. The best cycling climbs in Mallorca, according to SunVelo's Mallorca cycling guides. Bike: road or hybrid. Please try again. What are you looking for? Please try again. Cycling the French Alps: Stats Total distance: 300km Number of days: 6 days Passes: 2 mountain passes (1860m and 2058m) Accommodation: 4 nights wild camping, 1 night budget hotel Repairs: No punctures or anything major, but my chain did fall off once Read this. In my opinion, the French Alps are one of the best places in the world to ride your bike. Tour Climbs: The Complete Guide to Every Tour de France Mountain (UK, US) by Chris Sidwells covers all the climbs discussed here, and many more. Used to track the information of the embedded YouTube videos on a website. Grappling mountains that have defeated Tour de France riders, this circuit of Lake Annecy is for serious cyclists only. Alternatively, you might be time poor and want someone to take the hassle out of booking accommodation, picking the route and (especially if you want to complete a point to point journey), transferring your baggage. Generally, the weather does not become too threatening until the middle of the afternoon. 2022 Lonely Planet. Banner photo credit: A.S.O. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The Chamonix site gives a particularly good mountain forecast: www.chamonix.com. France Bike Trips - Mountain Bike & Road Cycling Tours. Unable to add item to List. Hi - I'm looking for input about possibly doing a solo bike trip to Alpe d'Huez and surrounding climbs. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Hiking & Camping Excursion Guides (Books), Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. Whether youre keen to conquer LaMarmotte or just looking for leisurely lakeside pedal, cycling in the French Alps is no longer the preserve of the professionals. Tour: The Tour Cycling Vacation Starts: Lourdes Cost: From $5,699 per person An array of epic passes, and a plethora of wonderful routes punctuated with pretty places, historic splendor, and the finest cycling history; our French and Italian Alps cycling tours will take your breath away. RIDE The legendary climbs of the Tour de France TRAIN In an area full of spectacular scenery COMPETE Home to many of the world's most famous climbs, including the towering Col de la Croix de Fer (The Iron Cross), the Lacets de Montvernier (described as one of the most beautiful roads in professional cycling) the Col d'Izoard, the sky-high Col du Galibier, and, of course, the iconic 21 hairpins of the . Without neglecting the 'must-see' places, the tours have been designed to take you through the secret corners and forgotten backwaters of the regions described; even amongst the most awe-inspiring mountains, it is often the more discreet facets of the countryside that reveal an area's true charm. This cookie is set by the provider Thrive Themes. You drop to Freney-dOsians, then up through Mizoen to climb the remote and tranquil Col de Sarenne, before finally descending into the Alpe dHuez resort. Col du Galibier is the toughest ascent with a difficulty score of 1612. Route: medium. Cycling the Aravis Mountains and Col de la Colombire: Q&A with Bike Weekender, Q&A with Bike Weekender who share their tips on cycling Col de la Colombire and the Aravis Mountains, French Alps, Bike tours and organised cycling holidays. The colossal snow-capped peaks jutting up to pierce the sky, the clang of a cow bell, and the ice-cold flow of sweet streams and lonely roads spiraling up and down these majestic mountains makes for cycling adventure tours that are nothing .