Mountain bike France

The MTB Haute Route from the Mont Blanc to the Cervin Ref CY56

Welcome to what is surely one of the greatest MTB tours! A superb high alpine point-to-point route between the towns of Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland. Panoramic views of the surrounding 4000 metre peaks, high mountain cols, superb and seemingly endless singletrack, idyllic alpine pastures, wooden chalets, rich alpine forests and plenty of chamois and marmots along the way...  Day 3 follows the footsteps of the famous “Grand Raid Cristalp”. We climb along the Sunnega trail, which offers us a unique panorama of the surrounding peaks (Dufourspitze, Castor, Pollux, Breithorn...). The final descent to Zermatt, opposite the Matternhorn - Cervin (4478m), is a superb finale to an unforgettable week!

Guided version: from 1990€ - DetailsSelf-guided version: from 1465€ - Details Duration : 8 days | Level : Customer satisfaction :
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+33 458 140 435 A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.
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Highlights

  • One of the great alpine MTB challenges!
  • A France Bike Trips tailor-made itinerary, with input from local riders who know the trails off by heart (a big thank you to Patrick and Sylvain!).
  • Amazing singletrack descents and traverses…
  • A day of riding on the route of the famous Grand Raid Cristalp, known for its beautiful landscapes and superb alpine trails…
  • The funicular to Sunnega for an unforgettable descent against a unique backdrop of the mythical Matternhorn - Cervin (4478m)

Description

Comments

  • This tour is ideal for experienced mountain bikers, with good fitness and who are at ease on technical singletrack. If in doubt, don't hesitate to call us for a chat.
  • Special offers available for private groups or custom tours. Please contact us for a quote.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Chamonix (France) - Salvan

Itinerary start: Rendezvous on the first day is at 12:30pm (noon) on the carpark of the Flégère cable car (located in Praz de Chamonix, chemin de l'école). The SNCF Praz train station is located 50m away.

On request we can book the previous night's accommodation for you in Chamonix. Airport transfers to and from Geneva airport are available on request.

We start on our bikes from Chamonix, at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc. We head deep into the valley which takes us to Tour Village, while passing by the foot of the moraine of the Argentiere glacier. From the balcony path in the forest, we see appear the massif of the Aiguilles Rouges, some 2,000 m higher up. From this standpoint, we still feel quite small... Arrived at the hamlet of Tour, we take La Balme cable car which propels us up to Balme pass, some 1,200 m higher up. We start one of our first mythical downhill, riding through various vegetation's steps, from pastures to forests of larch trees and finally spruce trees. Already a dreamy single track with view on the Massif of Aiguilles Rouges and the Dam Lake Emosson. We reach the bottom of a deep valley (we are now in Switzerland without having noticed it!). We then regain altitude by a little narrow road… very steep by the way… We are now on a balcony path above the valley, with a wonderful view on the Trient Glacier. Night in a typical Swiss mountain village.

  • Distance: approx. 40 km 
  • Altitude gain: 800 m 
Day 2: Salvan - Croix de Coeur Pass

We begin our day by following "La Piste des Diligences". This route was created in the mid-nineteenth century to help the transport of stagecoach passengers from the valley of Martigny to Chamonix. Strategically, the route was built to avoid rushing mountain streams and the bottom of steep valleys… therefore the balcony road we can benefit from… The dive into the Valley of Martigny is swirling. You almost expect to see a stagecoach on each turn! A small flat and wooded single track leads to Martigny, thee city we cross, before we set off on the longest climb of the trip: 1800 vertical meters passing through two intermediate small passes. Subsequently, all vegetation levels appear: starting with vineyards and orchards of apricot and apple trees, followed by forests of spruce and larch dotted with clearings and cottages, then shrubs, approaching the final crest, at the foot of the rocky tooth of Pierre Avoi, then short grass at the top of the climb. The last 200m require to carry our bike (which is welcome to change a bit the posture!..) Dazzling panorama on the imposing ice mass of Grand Combin (the Mont Blanc seems very small next to him...), the Dents du Midi, the Rhone Valley... We reach another balcony path with a technical descent on single track through the pastures. View on the famous ski resort of Verbier. On a flat path, we reach Croix de Coeur Pass from where we dive into our hotel in la Tzoumaz with beautiful panorama on the Alpine chain.

  • Distance: approx. 50 km 
  • Altitude gain: 2000 m (hike-a-bike included) 
  • Hike-a-bike: approx. 200m (approx. 30 min)
Day 3: Croix de Coeur Pass - Essertz (Heremence Valley)

Here begins the famous mountain bike race "Verbier - Grimentz" or "Grand Raid Cristalp". We will ride on portions of its route today and tomorrow, including many more interesting variants on the way… After a climb to La Mine Pass, we offer us a superb descent on single track to the bottom of La Fare Valley. Here begins a piece of anthology of our raid: we ride on an endless flat small single track following a "Bisse", an ancestral irrigation canal in the Alps. This was a job… We then regain altitude by a trail through meadows with huge larches (among the largest in Europe) and traditional chalets. Postcard pictures… As if it were already a tradition, the day ends with carrying our bike for about twenty minutes to reach Mont Rouge Pass. Again unforgettable: exceptional view before embarking on a perfect single track which follows the ridgeline that separates the valleys of Nendaz and Heremence. We then literally dive toward the latter, dominated with small mountain lakes. The rest is just magic, riding down on a single track as fast as possible through the pastures. Unforgettable in the life of a biker, the icing on the cake: a shelter worthy of "Little House on the Prairie", all of stones and wood,  dominating the valley. This cottage is both a refuge and a mountain chalet. To date, we're not sure you can have a shower tonight (it's the only day of the week), but we try to find a solution (small portable shower).

  • Distance: approx. 45 km 
  • Altitude gain: 1600 m (hike-a-bike included) 
  • Hike-a-bike: approx. 150 m (approx. 20 min)
Day 4: Essertz - La Sage (Herens Valley)

The day starts in a blaze of glory with a descent on single track trail that passes through a beautiful spruce forest. Some parts look similar to a natural bobsleigh track... The "mayens" (small typical chalets) in ruins attest to the pastoral activities of yesterday. We reach the river of Dixence and begin our ascent to the alp of Mandelon. Many herds of Herens cows create a nice atmosphere with their bells... Our efforts are rewarded by a superb narrow little track in balcony which brings us, as if by magic, from Heremence Valley to Herens Valley. Suddenly, amazement: we see the mighty Dent Blanche (4357 m)... A pyramid that sits majestically enthroned at the end of Herens Valley, rising from the glaciers. A nice single track ahead through pastures and larches, first switchback, then downhill. Another ascent to reach to the small mountain lake of Arbey. This gem is nestled in a small grassy bowl like in a postcard: pastures, traditional chalets, jagged peaks, glaciers, rocky peaks, ridges... Everything is there! Heading for a superb single track in balcony we end up at the end of the Herens Valley and its impetuous torrents. A final short climb brings us to our hostel in La Sage. From the terrace, superb view over the surrounding mountains (including the famous Dent Blanche) and the valley. 

  • Distance: approx. 35 km 
  • Altitude gain: 1400 m
Day 5: La Sage - Zinal

We continue to play leapfrog with the valleys of the famous Swiss Alps... Today, a dish of choice: Torrent Pass. We start in the morning his long ascension. We will never grow weary of admiring the view on all the peaks surrounding us. Each bend shows us changes while we are progressing to the pass. Village life gives way to that of alpine meadows, then gradually to that of the wild mountains. No doubt we will see marmots, but perhaps also chamois… The long climb ends with the longest portage of the week: 400 meter vertical drop, about an hour, which lead us to Torrent Pass. The reward is stunning: glacial peaks, of course, but also and especially a huge lake with turquoise water that sparkles down in the valley: Lake Moiry. Regretfully, we must leave this beautiful panorama ridge, to get into an endless descent of 1400 meters of almost vertical drop that leads to Grimentz! The downhill is extremely diverse; a technical start, then it twirls around, rolls smoothly, contains many switchbacks and finishes on rocky part before the arrival to the famous resort of Grimentz. The latter is a kind of "Megeve" of the Swiss Alps: narrow alleys, traditional restaurants, cafe terraces... After making a short visit of the village, we reach a single track in balcony slightly ascending (on a former Bisse, virtually disappeared), which leads us to Zinal, nestled at 1,670 meters above sea level at the foot of Weisshorn (4th highest peak in Europe 4506 m). 

  • Distance: approx. 35 km 
  • Altitude gain: 1500 m (hike-a-bike included) 
  • Hike-a-bike: approx. 400 m (approx. 1h)
Day 6: Zinal - Eischoll

We come out of the narrow valley of Zinal to regain altitude above Anniviers valley, first by a small road, then on a alpine switchback track. Again great view on surrounding peaks. On the other side of the valley, we identify the route we followed the day before... A final portage of about 45 minutes and we reach a pass with jagged rocks. The single tracks dives towards the valley, winding between the blocks that litter the grass. We see the famous Monte Rosa (4634 m) in the axis of the valley. After this long tumble, we ride on a path in balcony above the river, alternating on its left and right banks, all that in a beautiful spruce forest. We finally come out of the forest and see the Bernese Alps and their many glacier peaks. Another amazing view... We reach our hotel located in a village nearby.

  • Distance: approx. 50 km 
  • Altitude gain: 1900 m (hike-a-bike included) 
  • Hike-a-bike: approx. 300 m
Day 7:  Eischoll - Mattsand

We gain altitude through spruce forests that allow us to still catch a glimpse of the sometimes jagged peaks of Bernese Alps. During the climb, on a nice Bisse which will be the last of our trip (sniff!)… We reach the Moosalp Pass at the level of a clearing, again like in a postcard: traditional cottages, pastures, snow-capped peaks which exceed any part in the skyline. The show is just beginning as we embark on a new single track path in balcony… of anthology... We are now facing a string of peaks over 3000 meters, while overlooking the last valley we will ride down: Matter Valleys. The descent is again a great moment of happiness. Anything goes: hairpins, switchbacks, gentle curves, passages in balcony… We reach the bottom of the valley at Kalpertran, just after passing the village of Emb, seemingly suspended above the valley. We  can now put the focus on our ultimate goal: Zermatt. We go up the valley on a roller-coaster itinerary along the Mattervispa torrent. On a mix of fireroads, paths and minor roads, we pass through traditional villages and hamlets. Night in a small hotel.

  • Distance: approx. 45 km 
  • Altitude gain: 1 600 m
Day 8: Mattsand - Zermatt (Sunnega) - Mattsand

This morning, we finish the ascent of the Val Mattervispa, which is getting tighter and tighter... The slope is getting steeper, the glacial peaks are getting closer... We have two options: the off-road option takes us on a pleasant white track and then a playful but demanding path in places. Alternatively, the ‘short road’ option is also possible, and there is very little traffic as Zermatt is not accessible to vehicles. By late morning, we reach the charming mountain village of Zermatt. Then we board the Sunnegga funicular. As we ascend, the views defy description—simply magical. A magnificent descent on singletrack trails, framed by breathtaking vistas of the legendary Matterhorn (4,478 m). This towering giant exudes a unique blend of raw power and graceful beauty, its silhouette unmatched anywhere else in the world. It’s a moment of pure exhilaration, the perfect finale to our trip. Back in Zermatt, a sense of bittersweet accomplishment settles in as our incredible journey draws to a close. Depending on the schedule and our energy, we can choose to return to Mattsand by train, coast effortlessly along the road, or tackle the off-road route one last time.

  • Distance : approx. 35 km (if return by train), approx. 50 km (if return by bike)
  • Altitude gain: 600 m 
  • Descent: 1600 m (if return by train), 2000 m (if return by bike)

Itinerary end : The trip ends in Mattsand at around 6pm. On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Mattsand, or organise a transfer to Chamonix or Geneva airport.

Return from Mattsand to Chamonix

Train Mattsand - Visp then Visp - Chamonix (via Martigny). The journey takes around 4 hours (including train changes).
For timetables and fares, and to book your train, visit www.cff.ch.

The trains are equipped with special bicycle carriages so that you can take your bike with you as it is. There is a charge for this service. If you transport your bike in a bag, it is not considered to be a bike and you do not pay a supplement.

Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.

Dates and price

Dates
Start date End date Duration Price
24/08/2025 31/08/2025 8 days 1990 €
14/09/2025 21/09/2025 8 days 1990 €

Costs and services guided tour

The price includes:
  • Fully qualified English-speaking mountain bike guide 
  • 2 nights in 2* hotels in double/twin rooms
  • 4 nights in mountain lodges in double/twin rooms
  • 1 night in mountain refuge in dormitory 
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 7 picnic lunches
  • 7 dinners (3 to 4 course menu)
  • Daily baggage transfers (1 item per person, 15 kg max.)
  • Ticket for the cable cars of the Balme pass on day 1
  • Ticket for the Sunnegga ascent in Zermatt on day 8
What is not included:
  • International flights & your transfer to the meeting place
  • Lunch meals
  • MTB rental
  • Return transfer from Mattsand (end of trip) to Chamonix
  • All services mentioned in extensions
  • Insurance, assistance
  • Drinks at the accommodation
  • Visits to museums, monuments and sites
  • Additional travel related to change in the programme due to bad weather
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything not mentioned under  “the price includes".

Available extra services

(prices per person)

  • Comfort version: available only for private groups or self-guided version: please contact us for a quote.
  • Single room supplement for 6 nights (subject to availability): upon request
  • MTB rental: see below
  • Airport transfers: available upon request

Mountain bike rental

Mountain bike rental is available for this tour.

Full suspension MTB; All Mountain
Giant Trance X 29-1, 150/135 mm suspension travel
555 € / 

Full suspension MTB; All Mountain Premium
Santa Cruz Hightower 3, 150/140 mm suspension travel
785 € / 

The prices include delivery at tour start and pick-up at tour end. Please indicate your height when completing the tour reservation form.

Private groups / Custom tours

You are a group of friends, a family, a company or a cycling club and you would like to organise a private cycling tour on the dates of your choice. This option is available for guided and self-guided tours.

  • If you are interested in one of the tours presented on our website, we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in your group.
  • If you are interested in a custom version of one of our tours, with specific requirements (tour duration, accommodation type, vehicle assistance, airport transfers, bike rental, etc.), we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in the group and the group's specific requirements.

For more information or to receive a quote, please contact us by phone at +33 458 140 435  or by email at info@france-bike-trips.com.

Booking with us

Expert advice
  • Unsure which tour to book?
  • Interested in a custom version of one of our tours?
  • Not sure if a particular tour is suitable for your riding style?

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm (French time) by phone - +33 458 140 435 or by mail - info@france-bike-trips.com.

How to book

In order to make a booking please fill in the online booking form on the "booking" page of your chosen tour. At the end of the booking process you will be transferred to our bank's secure payment page in order to pay a 30 % deposit.

Last minute booking

All self-guided bookings made within 21 days of tour departure will incur a surcharge of 15 € per person.

Payment options
  • by credit card via our website (Mastercard and Visa accepted)
  • by bank transfer (bank details on request)
Tour confirmation

In order to confirm our guided tours, we need to reach a minimum number of participants (usually 5 persons are necessary). Therefore booking a guided tour does not necessarily mean the tour is confirmed. In the unlikely event that we are unable to confirm your chosen tour, we will offer you the opportunity (no less than 21 days before departure) of switching to another (confirmed) tour, or receiving a full refund.

Self-guided or custom tours: We confirm bookings of self-guided tours and custom tours directly after booking.

In both cases, please await our final booking confirmation before making any travel arrangements.

Balance payment

Your invoice will be available 5 weeks before tour departure. Tour balance payment must be made no less than 30 days before tour departure. Your travel documents will be sent to you once we have received your balance payment. Road books and maps will be sent to you 3 weeks before departure.

Cancellation

In the event that you are obliged to cancel your tour France Bike Trips will reimburse the entire sum paid for the tour, minus the following cancellation charges:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 5 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 60 and 31 days before departure: 15 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 30 and 21 days: 30 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 20 and 14 days: 50 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 13 and 7 days: 70 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Less than 7 days before departure: 100 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium

Full details of our sales conditions are available here.

Travel insurance

It is important to be correctly insured when embarking on a cycling holiday. We recommend checking the details of your travel insurance (if you have one) and, if necessary, subscribing to our contract below. Please note that France Bike Trips is simply an intermediary between you and the insurance company.

You can choose between these travel insurance contracts while completing your booking form:

  • I subscribe to the "comprehensive multi-risk" insurance cover (4.5%), minimum premium of 15 €:
    This contract covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage, holiday interruption and cancellation. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "cancellation only" insurance cover (2.5%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers cancellation only. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "repatriation & assistance" insurance cover (1.6%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage and holiday interruption. To see the full contract, click here.

Recommendation:
If you choose to take out a travel insurance policy with another insurance company, please check that the search and rescue coverage is suitable: area covered, expenses included, risks covered (as an indication, a minimum cover of 15 000 € is recommended). Please note that credit card insurance rarely offers this type of coverage.

Groupe size and guiding

For guided trips we limit the size of our groups from 5 (min) to 12 (max) persons in order to ensure security and conviviality.

You will be guided by English-speaking French mountain bike guides.

No size limitation for self-guided groups.

Getting there

By train: From Paris Gare de Lyon train station to Chamonix train station (about 6h by TGV train).
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

By plane:

  • From Geneva airport: join the Geneva train station and head to Chamonix.

By car:
Route planner: en.mappy.com

Coming back:

You can return to Chamonix by taking the train from Mattsand (about 3h30) : https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

Car sharing

If you sign up for a guided tour, we offer you the opportunity to see if you can carpool with other participants to get to the point of departure. To do this, go to "Car sharing" in our website. By entering the complete reference and the date of departure of the tour (available on the registration confirmation that we have sent you), you have access to route details and emails of other participants who wish to carpool.

Accommodation

We favour comfortable accommodation with warm hospitality. For more details, please see the "Costs and services" section.

For private groups and self-guided tours it is possible to choose alternative accommodation (upgrade) depending on availability.

Food

"L'art de la table"

We pay very careful attention to the quality and the variety of your meals.  Fresh and local produce will be served wherever possible.

  • Continental breakfasts taken at the accommodation
  • Cold picnics for lunch (mixed salad, bread, cold meats, cheese and fruit). Each participant carries his picnic in his daypack
  • Cereal bars and dried fruit during the day
  • Hearty dinners (3 to 4 courses, with local dishes)

Baggage

During the day you carry only a daypack for additional clothing, water, food, camera, etc. The rest of your baggage is transferred each day to the following nights accommodation.

Health

We strongly recommend having a medical check-up before your holiday. 

Our / Your state of mind

- A "group" tour: If you join a guided tour, you will be part of a group for several days. This is a superb opportunity to meet new people and share some magical moments. However, a group tour requires that each person show friendliness, openness and mutual respect for their fellow travellers.

- An "adventure" tour: despite the most careful preparation, adventure tours can present unforeseen events. Accepting these risks will help you enjoy your trip to the full, in the knowledge that your guide, our local partners and the entire France Bike Trips team will offer you the most suitable solutions to any given situation.

Bike and plane / train

If you decide to bring your own bike, be aware that transporting a bike by plane or train is no longer an issue. However a few simple guidelines help to optimise the transport and avoid potential damages that could occur.
Your bike must be transported in a designated bike bag (standard size 120x90cm). This maximal size allows you to travel with your bike as "hand luggage" in any TGV and SNCF trains.
It is very important that you protect your bike in the bag. After having deflated the tires, removed the wheels (by removing the quick release mechanisms), pedals and rear derailleur (which is left hanging on the chain), we recommend you wrap your bike inside the bag in a sheet of dense foam (thickness of 3 to 5 cm). A piece of cardboard or rigid plastic positioned between the foam and the inside of the cover can be beneficial to provide more rigidity.

Once folded up the bike bag will take up very little space and will be transported by the assistance vehicle during your tour.

Bike bags are available directly from France Bike Trips at a cost of 70 euros, plus postage.

Your equipment

Material provided by France Bike Trips (guided version only):
  • A group first aid kit
  • A repair kit and tools
Personal equipment to bring:
Luggage

All your luggage must fit in two bags: a daypack and a travel bag.

1/ Daypack

This is the bag you will keep with you each day whilst riding. This bag should not be too large (up to 30 litres).

It will contain: a picnic lunch, camera, waterproof, extra clothing, sunglasses...

Each day, your guide will advise you on what to bring in your bag according to the route and the weather.

2/ Travel bag

This is the bag that will be transported from one accommodation to the next by vehicle. It should contain all the belongings you will not use during the day.

Please note: Your luggage transported from one accommodation to the next must fit in a single bag and must not exceed 20kg maximum - or less if stated otherwise in the included services).

List of equipment to pack:
For your head
  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or headband
  • A mountain bike helmet (COMPULSORY).
For your upper body
  • Two cycling jerseys (made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm shirt or a sweatshirt
  • A fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
For your legs
  • Two good quality cycling shorts with chamois
  • Trousers
  • Casual short
  • A swimsuit
  • Waterproof trousers (recommended for our alpine tours)
For your feet
  • Mountain bike shoes (“multi-activity / outdoor” type with grippy soles or clipless biking shoes)
  • Sports socks (+ warm wool socks for our alpine tours)
  • Sandals (not compulsory, but nice during breaks...).
For your mountain bike

If you rent your MTB from France Bike Trips, this material is not necessary.

  • If you have tires with tubes: 2 spare tubes + puncture repair kit
  • If you have tubeless tires: sealant, a tube with presta valve (just in case), a spare tire
  • If you have V-brakes: 2 sets of replacement brake pads
  • If you have disc brakes: 2 sets of replacement pads
  • A rear derailleur cable + 1 rear brake cable
  • Chain lube
  • A pump
  • A high pressure pump for your suspension  (optional, your guide will have one).
  • VERY IMPORTANT: A spare derailleur hanger  (only if your rear derailleur is not integral to the frame).
Various
  • A pair of MTB gloves (+ warm waterproof gloves for our alpine tours)
  • A bike lock
  • A head torch with batteries
  • A pair of spare laces
  • A toiletry kit and towel
  • 2 bike bottles 75 cl (or camelbak)
  • A pocket knife
  • Some plastic bags to protect your equipment
  • A needle and thread
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin; Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Dates

From end of June to the end of September at your convenience.

Costs and services self-guided tour

Price per person for a group of:

A single room supplement will be applied for all odd-numbered groups. A comfort version is also available (see below).

The price includes:
  • 2 nights in 2* hotels in double/twin rooms
  • 4 nights in mountain lodges in double/twin rooms
  • 1 night in mountain refuge in dormitory
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 7 dinners (3 to 4 course menu)
  • Daily baggage transfers (1 item per person, 15 kg max.)
  • Detailed travel documents, highlighted maps in digital format and GPS tracks
What is not included:
  • International flights & your transfer to the meeting place
  • Lunch meals
  • Tickets for the cable car of the Balme pass or Vallorcine on Day 1. Indicative price: 28 €
  • Ticket for the Sunnegga funicular in Zermatt (Day 8): approx. 50 CHF per pers. and bike for a day pass, to be booked online in advance
  • MTB rental
  • Return transfer from Mattsand (end of trip) to Chamonix
  • All services mentioned in extensions
  • Insurance, assistance
  • Drinks at the accommodation
  • Visits to museums, monuments and sites
  • Additional travel related to change in the programme due to bad weather
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything not mentioned under  “the price includes".

Available extra services (self-guided)

(prices per person)

  • Picnic lunches: 15 € per day
  • Single room supplement for 6 nights (subject to availability): upon request
  • Comfort-version supplement (6 nights in 3* hotels in double rooms with en suite facilities): upon request
  • Airport transfers: available upon request

Comfort version

If you would like to relax in an upgraded accommodation after intense riding days, our comfort version is made for you. We offer 6 of the 7 nights on half-board in quaint and comfortable 3* hotels, all situated in spectacular locations surrounded by the high alpine peaks. One overnight stay remains in dormitory, in a picturesque mountain refuge at 2200 m in the programme; after all, we are on one of the real highlight tours of the Western Alps and we should not miss the opportunity for a night close to the stars.

Supplement for the comfort version per person: please contact us for a quote.

GPS tracks

If you choose to book a self-guided tour, we provide the GPS tracks of the route. You will be able to download the GPX type files from your France Bike Trips user account once you receive our travel documents by email. They are compatible with all current GPS software applications and editors.

Accuracy

These tracks have been created using professional mapping software. There may be slight differences between the GPS track and the reality on the terrain. The GPS tracks should thus be considered a "plus" to help you find your way. However, they are by no means a substitute for orientation with the help of the highlighted map material.

The distances and altitude gain in the tour's programme remain the reference. Indeed, real-world altitude and mileages can be different and vary significantly from the data shown in GPS software applications.

Data privacy

We ask you not to publish these GPS tracks on any website, social network or anywhere else. Their elaboration required many hours of hard work, both to create the track in the field, but also in our software applications. The non-respect of this ethic would force us to remove these valuable tool from our offer.

Analogue maps (optional)

We offer digital map material with highlighted tracks for our self-guided tours by default. These are printable (A4, pdf format).

On request, we can provide you with analogue maps containing the highlighted itinerary and route infos (official French maps at a scale of 1:25,000). Shipment will be made to the accommodation of your extra night before the tour.

Price of this option incl. shipping within France: see supplementary services

Please let us know in the booking form if you would like this option. Please also give us an accommodation address for shipping if you do not book an extra night through us before the tour.

Self-guided tour "user guide"

Active autonomy: what you need to know for our self-guided tours

In order to achieve the planned tour programme, you must:

  • Guide yourself with the highlighted maps and road book;
  • Choose suitable start times adapted to the lengths of the daily stages as well as your own riding pace, and leave an adequate safety margin of time;
  • Obtain daily weather forecasts from your hosts, and take into account the weather conditions when planning journey times;
  • Arrive at the booked guest houses and hotels listed in the programme on the given dates; 
  • Bring the necessary personal equipment to carry out the tour. France Bike Trips equipment list constitutes the necessary minimum;
  • Carry insurance policies and emergency telephone numbers with you at all times;
  • Be familiar with basic first-aid steps;
  • In the event of any problems during your trip, contact France Bike Trips (contact information in your travel documents). Possession of a mobile phone that works in France is strongly recommended.

Self-guided tours are undertaken without a guide and at your own risk. France Bike Trips cannot be held liable for any route error, misconduct, personal imprudence, inadequate planning or inappropriate reactions in the event of incidents.

Any programme change of your own initiative is under your responsibility and at your expense. 

Having said this, with our advice and good preparation, you should be able to look forward to a wonderful, trouble free holiday. Enjoy your trip!

Average tour rating:

5/5 - 2 Reviews
Kai L. | Participant rating:
"The tour is very dependent on the weather. We had perfect weather, therefore it was a perfect tour. "
Chuck S. | Participant rating:
"The scenery on this trip is fantastic. While the hill climbs are long, they provide time to soak up the fabulous scenery, scents, and sounds. Most mornings were spent climbing and afternoons traversing and down hilling to the next valley. Descents were rockier and more washed out than I'd prefer (vs. flowy), but all part of the experience. Every day brought new amazing landscapes... exactly what I signed up for! Train well for this trip and you won't be disappointed."
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A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.


Phone number: +33 458 140 435

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A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.

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