Short description
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 shores of Lake Geneva to the world-famous alpine resort of Alpe d'Huez. In between, you'll climb some of France's most famous cols: Colombiere, Aravis, Saisies, Madeleine, Telegraphe, Galibier, and Alpe d'Huez.
We offer this tour on a self-guided basis on select dates for 2021. We have one tour scheduled on a supported basis that may be combined with the Marmotte cyclosportive event. Please note that this tour can also be organized for cycling clubs and private groups on a request basis. For these requests, we will tailor the itinerary and provide appropriate support based on the group's fitness level.
The itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Geneva - Transfer to Anthy or Yvoire
Arrive at Geneva Cointrin International Airport. We will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Anthy (or Yvoire) by Lake Geneva. Dinner will also be right by the lake.
Day 2: Anthy or Yvoire - Le Grand Bornand
Today’s destination is Le Grand Bornand, home of the Reblochon cheese (the locals' Powerbar!). On your way to the heart of the Aravis mountain range, you will ride through the very scenic Chablais region (our office is nearby!) The ride includes one major climb: Col de la Colombiere (1,613 m/5,290 ft). Dinner and accommodations are in Le Grand Bornand.
Day 3: Le Grand Bornand – Albertville
You’ll leave the very picturesque Le Grand Bornand and get on the classic “Route des Grandes Alpes,” a mountain route that links Lake Geneva (Thonon-les-Bains) to the Mediterranean Sea (Menton). After climbing Col des Aravis (1,486 m/4,460 ft.), you’ll plunge down to the valley before attacking the second climb of the day: Col des Saisies (1,657 m/4,970 ft.). Gravity will take you down to Albertville, where you’ll dine and stay overnight.
Day 4: Albertville - Valloire
Another classic day! You’ll conquer Col de la Madeleine; one of the most mythic and classic mountain passes featured in the Tour de France. The top culminates at an impressive 2,000 m/6,000 ft, the highest so far… until tomorrow! The northern side is a very enjoyable, long and steady climb that has its reward: an unobstructed panoramic view of the nearby mountains. Make sure you enjoy it while at the top… sightseeing might be the last thing on your mind when barreling down the twisty 20-km downhill to the Maurienne Valley. After a flat section when you reach the base of the valley, you’ll ascend the easy Col du Télégraphe (1,566 m/4,700 ft.) and reach the beautiful resort of Valloire.
Day 5: Valloire – Alpe d’Huez
Valloire is located at the foot of the Galibier pass (2,642 m/7,926 ft.), the mammoth climb of the day. Riding this legendary climb is magic — graffiti from past Tours will remind you that this road has seen many showdowns since it was first featured in the 1911 Tour de France. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Meije glacier and a memorable 40-km (25 miles) descent to Bourg d’Oisans, before charging up the 13-km (8 miles) climb to Alpe d’Huez. The time to beat: 37’35”, a record held by Marco Pantani since 1995.
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, depart Alpe d’Huez at the time of your choice (self-guided version). Note that transfers to Grenoble or Geneva can be arranged on request.
Key information
- Highlights
- This tour is available with a support vehicle on June 20th 2021. This trip can also be combined with La Marmotte sportive being held on June 27th 2021.
- This tour can also be organised with a support vehicle for groups of 8 or more between June and September
- 5 nights' accommodation with daily breakfast and 4 dinners (without drinks) included
- Chauffeur-driven support vehicle
- Feed-stations: water, energy drinks, snacks, fruit etc.
- Transfer from Geneva to Anthy or Yvoire on Day 1
- Transfer from Alpe d'Huez to Geneva on Day 6
- Meeting with our local representative
- Luggage transfers included
- Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
- Pre-loaded GPS unit (subject to availability)
- Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s mobile number)
- All tax and service charges included
- Bike hire available
