Our Best of the Alps Cycling Tour showcases the most amazing climbs that the French Alps have to offer. You’ve imagined yourself conquering the epic climbs of the Tour de France, and this tour will allow you to conquer the famous cols! Alpe d’Huez, Galibier, Madeleine, Glandon, Iseran, Telegraph and many more! Here is your chance to complete an Alps cycling tour!
All of our hotels are old friends from past tours. 3-star or higher. All breakfasts and nearly all dinners are included.
See details below.
Want more climbing?!?! Want to ride in Italy? Check out our Dolomites and French Alps Tour! It is the same French Alps tour with a week in Italy beforehand.
Day 1: July 5th – Friday – Arrive in St. Jean de Maurienne
We pick you up at the train station and take you to our hotel in St. Jean. We can help you set up your bikes and get ready to ride tomorrow! If you are ready early enough and want to go for a ride the Croix de Fer is out the hotel’s back door. Dinner is on your own in town. Many options in St. Jean.
Day 2: July 6th – Saturday – St. Jean de Maurienne to Albertville
The first day of riding is no slouch. We ride 74km over the Col du Madeleine to Albertville. Dinner is included tonight.
Cycling the Col de la Madeliene in the French Alps
Day 3: July 7th – Sunday – Albertville to Val d’Isere
Today we turn east and up into the high Alps. We venture 90km over the Cormet de Roselend and then part way up the Col d’Iseran to Val d’Isere. Dinner is included at our hotel tonight.
Col de l’Iseran
Day 4: July 8th – Monday – Val d’Isere to Valliore
We ride 106km today, but all but 20km is flat or downhill. Air will be thin! Col d’Iseran is the highest paves mountain pass in the Alps at 2,770 metres (9,090 ft). We will ride over the remainder of the Col d’Iseran, down the Maurienne valley, and then over the Col de Telegraphe. Dinner will be at our hotel in Valloire tonight.
Looking north from the Col du Galibier
Day 5: July 9th – Tuesday – Valliore to La Grave
After our heavy saddle time yesterday we have a “short” 36km over the Galibier and to La Grave. You will have options to add climbing and mileage – Les Deux Alpes and The Col d’Izoard are available for conquereing. Dinner is included at our hotel tonight. Glacier viewing is free!
Cycling the Col d’Izoard
Day 6: July 10th – Wednesday – La Grave
The 21 virages of Alpe d’Huez await you down the valley. Use the ride down to warm up, then test yourself on the 13km climb. We will have a friendly handicapped race within the group for king/queen of the mountain rights! You will ride 80km down the valley, up Alpe d’Huez, and back. Don’t worry…. we’ll give you a ride back to La Grave if you blew yourself out timetrialing up Alpe d’Huez. Your well earned dinner is included tonight.
Day 7: July 11th – Thursday – La Grave to St. Jean de Maurienne
After yesterdays excitement we will have a nice 96km ride back to St. Jean via the Col du Glandon. Tonight’s farewell dinner is included.
Day 8: July 12th – Friday – Depart St. Jean de Maurienne
Farewell! Or come with us on our Tour de France tour! If you join us on our TdF tour we will transport you to Avignon for free!
Come join us on our Best of the French Alps Cycling tour!
