Nestled at the base of the Haute-Savoie valley and hemmed in by the French and Swiss Alps, the ski resort of Morzine is home to an array of tough cols that have enjoyed years of Tour de France history…
The small town of Bride les Bains, located at the foot of the Vanoise National Park, is the perfect hub to tackle some of the French Alps most famous and majestic climbs. The Madeleine, Iseran and le Cormet…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,"…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
When we think of European cycling, many of us instantly think about the French Alps. It’s associated with cycling through professional racing as well as the love many people have for visiting the area and cycling there casually too.
Popular Cycling Routes
There are lots of famous and popular routes to cycle in the French Alps. You’ll be spoiled for choice, but we’ve picked out some of the most notable climbs and routes you should consider exploring if you decide to head to this part of the world with your bike.
Col du Galibier
Col du Galibier is one of the Tour de France’s highest paths and it was used as part of the event as far back as 1911. It’s a steady path that’s enjoyable to ride. You can approach it in the way that suits you. Take it easy and enjoy the experience or push yourself harder if that’s what you want.
Col du Chaussy
Climbing to the summit of the Col du Chaussy is a truly incredible cycling experience. The surroundings are ideal and there are 17 hairpin bends in total. It starts with the famous Lacets de Montvernier and only gets better as you climb and eventually reach the top that stands a whole kilometre above Saint Jean de Maurienne
Alpe d’Huez
This is generally considered one of the toughest climbs in the Tour de France, so if you want to test yourself and ride the path you’ve seen many pros struggle with over the years, the Alpe d’Huez is where you want to head. Any of the 21 bends you’ll find here can present you with a challenge, so you have to remain on your toes at all times.
Cycling & The French Alps
Cycling has always been a big deal in the French Alps. It’s one of the things that makes it so popular with amateur cyclists; people want to cycle the climbs that have become famous through association with the Tour de France. It’s not just the Tour de France that’s known for using the Alps during its races though. La Marmotte goes through the French Alps, and Haute Route is one of the most famous cycling events for amateur cyclists these days. It goes to show how appealing the French Alps are to cyclists.
When to Cycle in The French Alps
The main cycling season in the French Alps is between around the middle of April through to the middle of October. That’s the case for any areas that are below 1500 meters. For anyone wanting to cycle in the higher areas of the French Alps, the cycling seasons starts later in the middle of May and goes through to the end of September. You should avoid cycling in the French Alps in the winter months because it’s simple too cold and treacherous, so stay away from the area between November and March.
