France
Is This Trip For Me?
Six days riding from the shores of Lake Annecy in the northern Alps over some of the most famous climbs in cycling including the Roselend, Madeleine, Galibier, Izoard & Bonnette. We finish on the Cote d’Azur after a truly epic week of riding.
The most famous cycling terrain on the planet, the Alps is home to the biggest stages of the Tour de France every year and dozens of climbs are steeped in cycling history. Over this week we ride from Annecy to Menton taking in classic climbs and some great local routes. We start over the beautiful Cormet de Roselend before hitting the long Col de l’Iseran. Next up comes the Telegraph / Galibier before the legendary Col d’Izoard. In the Southern Alps we tackle the Vars, Bonette & Col du Turini before finishing on the coast in Nice. As cycling weeks go, it doesn’t get much bigger than this.
Tour Highlights
Tour Highlights
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Relax in Lake Annecy: We start the week on the shores of Lake Annecy. Surrounded by mountains, this Lake is the place to gather your thoughts before a massive week of riding.
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Climb the Galibier: Stage Four starts with with one of the world's best climbs, the Col du Galibier from Valloire. Once you have conquered the switchbacks you can enjoy the views at the summit.
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Ride the Casse Deserte on the Izoard: From the Galibier we descend to Briancon and then climb the incredible Col d'Izoard. Near the summit is the unique landscape of the casse deserte, an unforgettable place to ride.
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Spread your payments: Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking
| Avg Daily Distance | Avg Daily Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Main Bunch |
113km | 2954m |
4/5
Lots of climbing but either shorter rides or an easier day mixed in. Challenging but suitable for most riders.
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What's Included
Accommodation
6 Nights in comfortable 3* Hotels
Transfer
Transfers from Geneva and to Nice Airport
Included Meals
All Breakfast & Evening Meals included
Guided Rides
5 Riding days with support vehicle
Mechanic
Expert mechanic on hand all week
Additional Extras
Bike Rental
Trek Emonda SL 7 disc
Tour of the Alps Cycling Holiday
Itinerary
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Monday : Annecy
Arrival day. Our transfer is at 2.30pm from Geneva Airport and we should get to the hotel for 3.30pm. Our team is on hand to help build bikes and we will go for a quick spin before dinner.
Tuesday : Annecy to Bourg St Maurice
 Day Two: Annecy to Bourg St Maurice – 101km and 2700m of climbing
Our first stage takes us over the incredible Cormet de Roselend to Bourg St Maurice. This is one of the most beautiful climbs in the Alps and a fitting start to the trip.
Wednesday : Bourg St Maurice to Valloire
Wednesday – Day Three: Bourg St Maurice to Valloire – 123km and 2978m of climbing
We are now in the heart of the Alps and today’s stage takes us over two classic climbs, the long and high Col de l’Iseran at over 2,700m and the Telegraph before finishing in Valloire.
Thursday : Valloire to Guillestre
Thursday – Day Four: Valloire to Guillestre – 106km and 2799m
One of the great rides in Europe, today’s stage takes us over the Galibier before descending the Lautaret to the base of the Col d’Izoard before a classic descend down the gorges to Guillestre.
Friday : Guillestre to Auron
Friday – Day Five: Guillestre to Auron – 95km and 3243m
We start with the delightful climb of the Col de Vars before hitting the Col de Bonette, another monster over 2,700m. We finish at the picturesque mountain town of Auron.
Saturday : Auron to Menton
Saturday – Day Six: Auron to Menton – 139km and 3096m
Our final ride is a stunner in the southern Alps with the main climb of the Col du Turini. The whole day is lumpy before a final descent to the beach in Menton.
Sunday : Menton
Departure day. A lazy morning with time to pack bikes before a transfer to Nice airport.
Key Climbs
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Col d'Izoard
Col d'Izoard
Distance 19.2km
Avg Grade 6%
Lowest Elevation 1219m
Highest Elevation 2363m
Elev Difference 1145m
Climb Category HC
Col du Galibier
Col du Galibier
Distance 15.5km
Avg Grade 7%
Lowest Elevation 1503m
Highest Elevation 2560m
Elev Difference 1057m
Climb Category HC
Cormet de Roselend
Cormet de Roselend
Distance 20.1km
Avg Grade 6%
Lowest Elevation 750m
Highest Elevation 1922m
Elev Difference 1172m
Climb Category HC
Airport Transfers
Dates & Book Now
Sportive Breaks are part of the Destination Sport Experiences group. When clicking on the booking link below, you will be taken to the Destination Sport Experiences booking engine. If you have any questions, please do contact our team [email protected]
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