High up in the French Alps, it's enthralling to imagine the forces that shaped such colossal peaks so many millions of years ago. And for cyclists, perhaps it is just as enthralling to know they can be summited on two wheels. The legendary Col du Galibier, at 2,638m, provides one of the toughest challenges for all levels of cyclist. It is an iconic ride that has played its part in many Tour de France stages, alongside the mighty neighbours of Alpe d’Huez and Col d’Izoard. On this tour, retrace mountain climbs ridden by many of the Tour winners and savour the roller-coaster descents back to your overnight accommodation in Briancon.
We recommend a morning flight to Geneva. After flying to Geneva airport, you will be transferred to Briancon, your base for your stay. You will have time to build your bike (or pick up your hire bike) and grab some lunch. In the afternoon you will have time to do climb the Col d'Izoard.
Day 2: Telegraph and Galibier
No trip to the Alps is complete without attempting the Col du Galibier. The legendary Col du Galibier (2638 m), is renowned for being one of the toughest Alpine cycling climbs. This iconic mountain road has been in use since the middle of the 18th century and is a Tour de France classic. Although these mountains are pretty tame with well-marked cycling paths, never forget to bring an emergency kit when cycling in the mountains.
Day 3: Alpe d'Huez and the Col du Lautaret
Today you take on the queen climb in the area, Alpe d'Huez. You have two options. To ride up it's face as the Tour de France does, or take the quieter back route up the Col de la Sarenne.
Day 4: Departure day
There is time for one last local ride before we transfer you back to Geneva airport. We recommend you get an afternoon or evening flight. If you want to extend this trip, this is possible.
High up in the French Alps, it's enthralling to imagine the forces that shaped such colossal peaks so many millions of years ago. And for cyclists, perhaps it is just as enthralling to know they can be…
Self-guided Tour
Bordeaux City & Arcachon Bay
- French Alps
The city of Bordeaux, the 6th largest in France, offers a heady mix of a rich history, world-class architecture, excellent gastronomy and of course, fine wines. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site…
Self-guided Tour
Bordeaux Culture & Vineyards
- French Alps
The city of Bordeaux, the 6th largest in France, offers a heady mix of a rich history, world-class architecture, excellent gastronomy and of course, fine wines. This tour offers the chance to explore this…
Self-guided Tour
Bordeaux City Break
- French Alps
The city of Bordeaux, the 6th largest in France, offers a heady mix of a rich history, world-class architecture, excellent gastronomy and of course, fine wines. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site…
Self-guided Tour
St Macaire to St-milion
- French Alps
The name Entre Deux Mers refers to the triangle of land that sits between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, to the east of Bordeaux. The fertile land on the right bank of Bordeaux produces St-milions soft…
Self-guided Tour
Riverside Riding in the Loire
- French Alps
Follow the river Loire and the picturesque riverside cycle route as it wends westwards from Blois to Saumur. This is the perfect route for those hoping to visit the most celebrated chteaux in France and…
2021 Marmotte Gran Fondo Alps
- French Alps
Every year the Marmotte Granfondo takes place on a tough course in the French Alps around Alpe d'Huez. We offer the choice of a variety of hotels in Alpe d'Huez. We offer guaranteed entry with choice of…
Guided Tour
Alpine Highlights 3.5 day minibreak
- French Alps
The Maurienne valley is considered by many to be Europes best cycling destination. With so many bucket list climbs and beautiful, gravity-defying roads snaking their way up the high Alpine pastures, it…
Guided Tour
Alpine Classic Cols
- French Alps
This road cycling itinerary has been carefully crafted so you can cycle the most scenic and challenging cols and stage endings that the Savoie Alps have to offer. Our tantalising circular route takes in…
Guided Tour
Raid Alpine (Geneva to Nice)
- French Alps
The official Raid Alpine North-South is a classic road cycling challenge from Lake Geneva to Nice on the Cote dAzur through the Southern Alps and over some of the most legendary Alpine climbs, including…
Guided Tour
Raid Alpine (Nice to Geneva)
- French Alps
The official (and original) Raid Alpine (Nice to Geneva) is a classic road cycling challenge from the Cote d'Azur to the shores of Lake Geneva over some of the most legendary Alpine climbs, including the…
Guided Tour
GranFondo & Sportive Coaching Camp, La Clusaz
- French Alps
Our GranFondo & Sportive Coaching Camp is designed as the best possible preparation for mountain sportives and GrandFondos like the Etape du Tour, the Marmotte, the Haute Route or the Tour du Mont Blanc…
Guided Tour
Introduction to the Alps
- French Alps
Our Introduction to the Alps camp in La Clusaz is all about enjoying the best of the northern Alps and tackling iconic climbs like the Colombière, the Aravis, the Glières and the Croix-Fry.
We base…
Guided Tour
Route des Grandes Alpes
- French Alps
Perhaps the most iconic long-distance ride in cycling, the Route des Grandes Alpes takes you from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean beaches.
On the way you will cycle over many of the great…
Self-guided Tour
The Upper French Alps: Geneva to Geneva
- French Alps
As with many of our tours, this one was originally designed for a private group. It is now on its way to becoming one of our best-selling trips!
You'll be riding in what we affectionately call "our playground,"…
Self-guided Tour
Three Lake Cycling: Geneva, Bourget & Annecy
- French Alps
Sizzling scenery, mesmerizing mountains, and luscious lakes!
Do you love cycling and exploring new areas by bike, but think the Alps is beyond your reach, because of — you know — climbing all those…
Self-guided Tour
Geneva to Annecy: Famous Climbs and Lesser-known Passes
- French Alps
Here’s a seriously beautiful tour for serious cyclists! This tour links three of Europe's most magical lakes: Geneva, Bourget and Annecy. Follow in the tracks of your Tour de France heroes as you cycle…
Self-guided Tour
Geneva to Alpe d'Huez - Supported Tour
- French Alps
This award-winning cycling tour (one of our favorites) takes place in our playground — we’re based right across the border from Geneva, in France!
Our extraordinary journey will take you from the…
Self-guided Tour
Geneva to Alpe d'Huez
- French Alps
This award-winning cycling tour (one of our favorites) takes place in our playground — we’re based right across the border from Geneva, in France!
Our extraordinary journey will take you from the…
Self-guided Tour
The Adventure Nextdoor: Gravel grind your way from Geneva to Aix-les-Bains
- French Alps
Somewhere between road cycling and mountain biking, gravel cycling is the ultimate in flexible riding. It has really taken off over the past few years and the Savoy region has some brilliant routes. If…
Self-guided Tour
Newfound Freedom: Gravel adventure from Geneva to Annecy
- French Alps
Gravel riding is one of the ultimate ways to explore the Alps, and the Haute Savoie region is no exception, boasting some fantastic gravel tracks!
This route linking Geneva and Annecy bypasses the valleys…
