The French Alps

Our next French Alps Tour

8th - 15th June 2024

12th -19th June 2025

Arrival Day

Welcome Ride

Distance 45km

Elevation gained 250m

Todays welcome ride is all about getting comfortable on the bike. The route is a very gently loop taking in part of the lake before taking a left up to Col de Bluffy a very gentle climb up past a beautiful chateau before dropping back down to the lake and back to the hotel. After the ride any changes to the bike set up can be made so you are ready to ride the following day.

Day One

Semnoz

Distance 60/75 km 

Elevation gained 1450m

The mighty Semnoz is a must do climb on the doorstep of Annecy and is the highest climb in the area. We have 2 options to climb Semnoz, the classic way up 17km with an average gradient of 7% or the more civilized way up from the East taking in the Col de Leschaux, whilst this is a longer climb the gradients are much less and more accessible for all abilities. Once we summit the climb we cruise down through some fabulous traditional villages and countryside on smooth meandering roads before picking up the Annecy cycle path back to the hotel to relax.

Day Two

Col Du Forclaz & Col Du Marais 

Distance 83km

Elevation gained 1900m

Distance 63km / Elevation gained 1300m (without Col Du Marais) 

A lovely route as we pick up the cycle path and head south along the lake side taking in the stunning views of the lake and warm the legs up before we take a left and start the climb up to Col de la Forclaz. A wonderful climb of 13km reaching a height of 1525m in height which offers some spectacular views of the lake. It has featured in the Tour de France 7 times (last time was 2016) and also it has appeared on the Giro de Italia. It’s a must to tick off. After a sweeping descent we take in an additional 32km look ticking of the lovely Col du Marais a very gentle climb but simple beautiful climb through the valley after descending to the south into the large village of Albertville 

Day Three

 Col Du Madaline 

Distance 75km

Elevation gained 1976m

We leave Albertville and head south to take on the mighty Col Du Madaline one of the classic climbs. It has featured twenty-four times in the tour de France and its clear to see why; it is simply an epic climb of 26km in distance and 1700m of elevation. We then drop down the other side taking in some spectacular vistas and scenery into the lovely town of Saint Jean de Maurienne. We Stay here for 2 nights so you have a little time to settle in and explore the town.

Day Four

Col Du Glandon

& Croix Fry 

Distance 72km

Elevation gained 2230m

(Distance 64km/Elevation 2000m without Lacetes de Montvernier)

Mr Retreats old stopping ground he has spent many a time on these Cols and its easy to see why. We set off from Saint Jean De Maurienne in a circular loop along some breath-taking alpine roads. A ride to let your mind wander and enjoy the scenery. At the end of the route for those that have not done enough you can also add in a cheeky little climb of Lacetes de Montvernier with seventeen hairpins crammed into 3.5km climb… Fantastic. There is also an option to miss this out and return back to the hotel.

Day Five

Col Du Galibier &

Col Du Telegraph 

Distance 68km

Elevation gained 2400m

This is a big day in the saddle where you will tick off two epic and arguable two of the most famous climbs in the area. They regularly feature on the Tour De France and are beautiful climbs. Have your climbing legs ready for this day but what a day full of memories it will be. 

Day Six

Alpe D'Huez

Distance 84km

Elevation gained 2175 m

What better way to finish off the tour than to climb L’Alp D’Huez. It is a must do climb and one of the most famous climbs of the French Alps.

We head west toward Le Bourg d’Ouisans and head past Lac du Chambon which is a beautiful turquoise lake and great for some photos before we take on the challenge of the day. We turn and head north and onto the climb of the Day L’Alp d’Huez which is 16km with an average 7.8%, it’s a beautiful climb steeped in Tour de France history and really is a wonderful way to round off the week. Once we climb to the top the ride is not over here. We descend over the other side taking some wonderful sweeping descents before heading back to Bourg d'Ouisans for a celebratory drink and evening meal.