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From Lake Geneva to the Côte d'Azur via the Grands Cols of the Tour de FranceRef CR01

En route for the legendary "cols" of the Tour de France! Cross the French Alps from Lake Geneva to the Côte d'Azur on this fantastic eight day tour. From the Northern Alps and the Mont Blanc range right to the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea via some of the most mythical cols in the world of road biking: L'Iseran, Le Galibier, Le Lautaret, L'lzoard and many more... Road biking doesn't get any better than this!

Tour with assistance vehicle: from 1395€ - 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.
Book this tour
Physical level :  

  • Your profile:

    You road bike year round, at least once a week on average.

  • Tour profile:

    80 to 110 km per day depending on the route profile.
Physical level :  

  • Your profile:

    You train, have a good level of fitness, and regularly ride over 100 km in a day.

  • Tour profile:

    100 to 150 km per day depending on the route profile.

Highlights

  • A mythical itinerary that follows in the footsteps of the legendary Tour de France!
  • From the Northern to the Southern Alps, from the Mont Blanc to the Mediterranean, taking in a huge variety of alpine landscapes along the way.
  • Fantastic panoramic views of the entire Alps range.
  • Comfortable accommodation ideal for rest and relaxation after long days in the saddle

Description

  • Tour formula:

    Tour with support vehicle

  • Accommodation:

    2* and 3* hotels

  • Luggage transport:

    Included. You carry only your daypack

  • Next departures:

    View dates

Comments

  • Choose between two differents routes each day, with varying distances and profiles, depending on your daily shape, weather and route preferences
  • Route level 2: 710 km and 16,600 m of climbing
  • Route level 3: 950 km and 25,300 m of climbing
  • Special offers available for private groups. Please contact us for a quote.
  • Searching for the ultimate challenge? This cycling trip is the last part of our east to west crossing of the Alps, the Alpine Arc Traversee: Italian Alps (CR84), Swiss Alps (CR86), French Alps (this trip)
  • Are you finding this trip interesting? If so, be sure to check out our Prealps Traversee (ref. CR19) from Annecy to the Med sea along lesser known routes of the stunning French Prealps, including Mont Ventoux.

Our Integral Crossing of the Alps

Our Integral Crossing of the Alps

Cycling across the Alps from East to West

There are projects that every ambitious road cyclist should dare to dream of. The east-west crossing of the Alpine arc from the Adriatic sea to the French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast is definetely one of them. Based on our great experience as an Alpine road cycling tour operator, we have designed a unique route that takes you through the natural heart of Europe`s most famous mountain range: the Intergal Crossing of the Alps. In total, the route is 2000 km long and offers some 40,000 m of climbing. Given these numbers, we have cut it up in three challenging parts of 6 to 8 cycling days each.

Along the route, you will enjoy countless national and regional Nature parks of varying and outstanding beauty: Triglav, Dolomites, Ortler, the Valais and Bernese Alps, Mont Blanc area, Vanoise, Ecrins and finally the French Maritime Alps. The route is an absolute must-do for "col-baggers" as it takes in the most famous mountain passes of the Alps but also lesser-known ones: Vrsic pass, Tre Cime, passes of the Dolomites and particularly the Sella Ronda, Stelvio, Gavia, Bernina, Maloja, San Bernadino, Gotthard, Furka, Susten, Colombière, Roselend, Iséran, Galibier, Izoard, Vars, Cayolle, Turini... and many many more.

We offer the Intergal Crossing of the Alps route in 3 separately bookable, fully-catered tours with support vehicle:

  • Part 1 in 8 days (Triglav, Dolomites and Stelvio Crossing), crossing of the Slovene and Italian Alps from the Adriatic to Lake Como, approx. 700 km und 9,000 m in climbing (level 2, level 3 available)
  • Part 2 in 6 days (Swiss Alps Crossing), crossing of the Swiss Alps from Lake Como to Lake Geneva, approx. 650 km und 14,000 m in climbing (level 2 only)
  • Part 3 in 8 days (Route des Grandes Alpes this trip), crossing of the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice, approx. 700 km und 17,000 m in climbing (level 2, level 3 available)

All three parts can also be ridden in a row. The ultimate challenge.

For those wishing to complete the Intergal Crossing of the Alps, you will not ride as far as Bergamo on Day 8 of Part 1, as a rest day is planned in Chiavenna before continuing with Part 2 (see the "Extension of the trip" in the detailed programme of the Part 1). A rest day is also planned in Thonon-les-Bains, to catch a breath between Parts 2 and 3.

Any questions regarding arrival and departure logistics? Please contact us, we are happy to help.

Physical level

Physical level

Choose each day

Each day you choose between two different routes with varying distances and altitude gain (2 and 3 wheels).

Detailed itinerary

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Thonon-les-Bains - La Clusaz 

Itinerary start: Rendezvous with the organisation team is on day 1 at 9 am at Thonon les Bains SNCF railway station. On request we can book the previous night's accommodation for you in Thonon Les Bains. The "Kilomètre 0" of the Route des Grandes Alpes is located on the square in front of the town hall (Place de l'Hôtel de Ville) in Thonon-les-Bains. Worth a photo before the start of the tour!

Start of the crossing of the French Alps on the shores of Lake Geneva towards the Savoy Alps, in the footsteps of the Tour de France. With the idyllic Chablais and the Col de la Jambaz at 1,027 metres, we find the perfect conditions here to get our legs in the right mood for the effort ahead. Things then get serious in the Aravis with their sharp-edged peaks and impressive rocky outcrops: the first real challenge is the Col de la Colombière, where the coniferous forests give way to the picture-book Savoy alpine pastures for the first time. The ringing of cowbells dominates the soundscape here. After the pass, we head downhill to the ski resorts of Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz, where we move into our accommodation in the heart of the Savoy mountains.

Passes of the day: 

  • Col de Jambaz, 1027 m (level 2)
  • Col de Joux Plane, 1712m (level 3)
  • Col de la Colombière, 1613 m

Highlights:

  • A warm up on the quiet mountain roads of the Col de Jambaz (level 2)
  • The beautiful Vallée du Giffre and Val d'Abondance (level 3)
  • The "Portes du Soleil" area of Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz (level 3)
  • The Diable gorges and bridge (level 3)
  • Views of the Mont Blanc range
  • Col de la Colombiere: the first difficulty of the week, and first real mountain pass of the Alps...
  • Le Grand Bornand: reputable ski resort known for the beauty and authenticity of its mountain chalets

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 wheels: approx. 90 km and 2200 m
  • 3 wheels: approx. 120 km and 3300 m
Day 2: La Clusaz - Bourg Saint Maurice 

This morning, the first ascent is up the Col des Aravis (1486 m) with its perfectly laid out hairpin bends in the middle of the alpine meadows. From the pass there is a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and its glaciated neighbouring peaks. We then enter the narrow valley of the Val d'Arly, which we leave shortly afterwards in the direction of the Saisies cross-country skiing area, where we cross the pass of the same name (1650 m). We now descend into the Beaufortain, a postcard landscape of chalets, alpine meadows, mountain forests and peaks. In the distance we can see the rocky spur of the Pierra Menta, symbol of the most famous ski mountaineering race in Europe. The village of Beaufort has given its name to the famous and highly prized cheese, the "Prince of Gruyère cheeses". A visit to the cheese co-operative is possible, during which you will also learn about the importance of cheese production for the local economy. A little further on, we are already on the ascent to the Cormet de Roselend (1967 m), whose reservoir awaits us with its turquoise-coloured waters. Last descent into the Tarentaise valley, one of the two main valleys of Savoie, under the gaze of the Aiguille des Glaciers, the highest point in the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Overnight stay in Séez above the town.

Passes of the day:

  • Col des Aravis, 1486 m
  • Col des Saisies, 1650 m
  • Col du Joly, 1989 m (level 3, optional)
  • Col du Pré, 1703m (level 3)
  • Cormet de Roselend, 1967 m

Highlights:

  • The Aravis mountain range with stunning views of the Mont Blanc 
  • The olympic resort of Les Saisies 
  • The Beaufortain and its famous cheese, the Beaufort (possibility to visit the cheese cooperative)
  • The turquoise waters of Lake Roseland, surrounded by beautiful alpine scenery

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 wheels: approx. 90 km and 2600 m
  • 3 wheels: approx. 100 km and 2800 m (Col du Joly option: + 28 km and 900 m)
Day 3: Bourg Saint Maurice - Val Cenis

Today we connect the two largest Alpine valleys of the Savoy and French Alps - the Tarentaise (Isère Valley) and the Maurienne (Arc Valley) - by crossing the famous Col de l'Iséran at an altitude of 2,762 metres near the main Alpine ridge. On the way, we can enjoy countless panoramic views of the Vanoise National Park and pass through one of the most beautiful villages in the French Alps: Bonneval-sur-Arc, with its well-preserved stone houses. The further the descent leads into the valley, the higher the mountain giants rise to the left and right; a touch of the south blows here in the High Maurienne.

Passes of the day:

  • Col de l'Iseran, 2762m
  • Col du Mont Cenis, 2083 m (optional, level 3)

Highlights:

  • Liaison between the two biggest valleys of the Alps: the Tarentaise and the Maurienne 
  • The Col de l'Iseran: simply one of the most beautiful and longest passes in the Alps...
  • Panoramic views of the Vanoise National Park 
  • Small, traditional villages and their stone houses (Le Miroir, La Gurraz...) where time seems to have stood still

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 wheels : approx. 80 km and 2200 m
  • 3 wheels : approx. 90 km and 2600 m
  • Optional climb to the Col du Mont Cenis at the end of the stage (there and back from Val Cenis): +30 km and 750 m
Day 4: Val Cenis - Le Monêtier les Bains

A gentle start to the day on a mostly downhill stretch towards Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne. We take a beautiful balcony road through larch and pine forests to avoid the main road in the valley. The Vauban fortifications bear witness to the former strategic position of Modane, when Savoy alternated between French and Italian rule over the centuries. Further down the valley, Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne awaits us, where the most famous ascent of the Tour de France up to the Col du Galibier (2645 m) begins. First on the menu is the classic Col du Télégraphe, where we remain below the tree line. After a welcome flat section on which we cross the village of Valloire, the actual ascent to the Col du Galibier begins, surrounded by dry pastures and the stony but elegant peaks of the Cerces massif. From the top of the pass, the view of the Ecrins massif to the south is unrivalled in its beauty. We have the opportunity to savour this view on the entire descent to the Col du Galibier. All that remains for us to do is to continue our descent into the sun-drenched Le Monêtier les Bains. Overnight stay in Le Monêtier les Bains.

Passes of the day:

  • Col du Télégraphe, 1566m (level 2)
  • Col du Galibier, 2645m (level 2)
  • Col de la Croix de Fer, 2067m (level 3 "expert")
  • Col du Glandon, 1924m (level 3 "expert")
  • Col du Lautaret, 2058m
  • Col du Granon, 2413m (level 3)

Highlights:

  • A string of some of the most famous cols of the Tour de France! 
  • The « high mountain » atmosphere of the Galibier (level 2)
  • Panoramic views of the Ecrins and its famous summit, the Meije

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 wheels: approx. 100 km and 2500 m
  • 3 wheels: approx. 140 km and 3700 m
  • 3 wheels "expert": 175km and 4300m
Day 5: Le Monêtier les Bains - Barcelonette (Le Sauze)

We leave Monêtier and the Southern Alps unravel before our eyes: Larch forests, sun-browned stone villages and dry pastures with sheep and goat herds now dominate the landscape. Via the town of Guillestre, we reach the Queyras Regional Nature Park, which is located on the French side at the foot of Mont Viso (many regional products). The route then climbs towards the Col de Vars (2,109 m), with its larch forests and rocky mountains. The descent to Barcelonnette in the direction of our accommodation is exhilarating... All that remains is to crank up the last short climb to the small ski resort of Le Sauze.

The stage offers the option of choosing the route variant via the Col d'Izoard with its famous stone chaos of the Casse Déserte from Briançon (a must!). Optionally, those who still have plenty of energy left can take the legendary Bonette mountain road up to the col and on to the Cime de la Bonette at a very low altitude of 2,802 metres.

Passes of the day:

  • Col de l'Isoard, 2360m (level 3)
  • Col de Vars, 2109m
  • Col de la Bonette, 2802m (level 3, optional)

Highlights:

  • The passage from the Northern Alps to the Southern Alps and its larch forests and sun-kissed slopes
  • The Col de l'Izoard, the famous Casse Déserte and the Queyras Nature Park
  • The Col de Vars: one of the most major cols of the Alps with over 1000 metres of altitude gain on both sides
  • For the most courageous, the mythical col de la Bonette climb (Europe's highest motorable pass road) as the end-of-the-day bonus challenge!

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 wheels: approx. 110 km and 2000 m
  • 3 wheels: approx. 120 km and 2800 m
  • Optional climb to the Col de la Bonette at the end of the stage: +47 km and 1600 m
Day 6: Barcelonette (Le Sauze) - Beuil

Into the saddle and a quick visit to Barcelonnette, the city of Mexican villas! Then we head south, up a lonely and beautiful route to the Col de la Cayolle, which takes us deep into the Mercantour National Park. Wild mountains as far as the eye can see. This is wolf territory and people and their villages are few and far between in this remote area. From the pass, we descend into the Var valley, from where we start the ascent to the Col de Valberg a short time later. After all, there are 12 kilometres and 900 metres of ascent to overcome here. After this second difficulty, we reach our stage town of Beuil at 1,450 metres for our last night in the French Alps.

Passes of the day:

  • Col de la Cayolle, 2326m (level 2)
  • Col d'Allos, 2250m (level 3)
  • Col des Champs, 2087m (level 3)
  • Col de Valberg, 1650m

Highlights:

  • The switch form the Ubaye valley to the Haute Vallée du Verdon on the ancient route of the Col d'Allos
  • The Col de la Cayolle and Col des Champs: superb climbs through the heart of the Mercantour National Park. 
  • The Gorges de Bachelard 

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 wheels: approx. 85 km and 2200 m
  • 3 wheels: approx. 110 km and 2900 m
Day 7: Beuil - Nice

Today, on the last day of our road bike tour, a long stage awaits us with the last, smaller passes and a lot of downhill kilometres to the Côte d'Azur. Early in the morning, we take advantage of the freshness of the coniferous forests on the mountain flanks to reach the Col de la Couillole after an easy 7 kilometres. What follows is probably the most beautiful descent of the week on a narrow, winding track down into the deeply incised Tinée valley. We should not underestimate either the Col Saint Martin and the Col du Turini. With the Col Saint Martin as the first difficulty, we have to climb 1000 metres in altitude for 16.5 km to reach the Vésubie valley. Here, the villages nestle against the steep slopes of the mountainsides and the surrounding area still bears the impressive traces of Storm Alex in 2020.

Shortly after Roquebillière, the Route des Grandes Alpes offers us the last real challenge: the 15-kilometre climb to the Col de Turini at 1,600 metres. From the top of the pass, we head south along the Turini-Braus pass road. We glide gently up and down to Nice on the Côte d'Azur. A sublime feeling takes hold of us when we finally reach our destination, the Promenade des Anglais, after the exertions of the week. We round off this last day on the Mediterranean. Overnight stay and dinner in Nice.

Passes of the day:

  • Col de la Couillole, 1678 m
  • Col de Saint Martin, 1500 m
  • Col de Turini, 1604 m
  • Col Saint Roch, 990 m

Highlights:

  • The winding mountain roads in the typical landscape of the Mediterranean Maritime Alps and the Côte d'Azur hinterland
  • The descent into the Tinée valley with the village of Roubion and the red rock Tinée gorge
  • The Col de Turini, last major climb of the tour!
  • The knowledge that all the major cols are behind us!
  • A superb chain of small passes with fantastic views of the Mediterranean
  • Arriving at the Mediterranean Sea and the well-deserved final evening in Nice!!

Distance and altitude gain:

  • 2 wheels: approx. 130 km and 2,700 m (ascent). Negative drop, approx. 4,000 m.
  • 3 wheels: approx. 145 km and 3,200 m (ascent). Negative drop, approx. 4,600 m.
Day 8: Nice

Itinerary end: The trip ends in Nice after breakfast. Individual departure or optional transfer with the support vehicle back to Thonon-les-Bains by Lake Geneva (arrival in Thonon between 3 and 4 pm depending on traffic). Please note: the seats are limited.

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

Dates and price

Dates
Start date End date Duration Price
10/08/2025 17/08/2025 8 days 1395 €
17/08/2025 24/08/2025 8 days 1395 €
24/08/2025 31/08/2025 8 days 1395 €
30/08/2025 06/09/2025 8 days 1395 €
31/08/2025 07/09/2025 8 days 1395 €
06/09/2025 13/09/2025 8 days 1395 €
07/09/2025 14/09/2025 8 days 1395 €
14/09/2025 21/09/2025 8 days 1395 €
14/06/2026 21/06/2026 8 days 1455 €
21/06/2026 28/06/2026 8 days 1455 €
28/06/2026 05/07/2026 8 days 1455 €
05/07/2026 12/07/2026 8 days 1455 €
12/07/2026 19/07/2026 8 days 1455 €
19/07/2026 26/07/2026 8 days 1455 €
26/07/2026 02/08/2026 8 days 1455 €
02/08/2026 09/08/2026 8 days 1455 €
09/08/2026 16/08/2026 8 days 1455 €
16/08/2026 23/08/2026 8 days 1455 €
23/08/2026 30/08/2026 8 days 1455 €
30/08/2026 06/09/2026 8 days 1455 €
06/09/2026 13/09/2026 8 days 1455 €
13/09/2026 20/09/2026 8 days 1455 €

Costs and services

The price includes:
  • The assistance of a trip leader in support vehicle (breakdown assistance, daily luggage transport and catering)
  • 7 nights accommodation in 2* hotels, occasionally 3* hotel or Gîte d'Etapes (inn) in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities
  • 7 hearty breakfasts
  • 7 picnic lunches prepared daily with fresh, regional products: high-energy salad (pasta, rice, lentil), cheese, cold cuts, fruit and muesli/cereal bars
  • 7 dinners (3 to 4 course menu)
  • Daily luggage transfers
  • Carefully designed itineraries on 2 levels of difficulty
  • Our navigation app for smartphones, a detailed road book including maps (digital format) and GPS tracks
What is not included:
  • International flights
  • Your transfer to the meeting point
  • Bike rental
  • All services mentioned in extensions
  • Insurance, assistance
  • Drinks at the accommodation
  • Visits to museums, monuments and sites
  • Additional travel related to changes in the programme due to bad weather
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything not mentioned under  “the price includes".

Extra services

(Price per person)

Single room accommodation (7 nights) 395 € / 

Transfer Nice - Thonon at the end of the trip
(price per person with your bike)		 135 € / 

Transporting a rigid bike box or semi-rigide during the trip
(or semi-rigid bike bags, which are larger than typical hand luggage when folded: 56 cm × 45 cm × 25 cm)		 40 € / 

Vélorizons cycling jersey
(shipping not included)		 75 € / 

Extra nights

Extra night in Thonon-les-Bains in 3* hotel, double or twin room, including breakfast 85 € / 

Extra night in Thonon les Bains in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast 135 € / 

Extra night in NIce in 3* hotel, double room, including breakfast 85 € / 

Extra night in Nice in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast 125 € / 

Massage

Massage in Le-Monêtier-les-Bains on day 4 60 € / 

Massage in Beuil on day 6 65 € / 

Road bike rental: see below

Road bike rental

Rental road bike models:

Standard road bike
Carbon frame and fork, disc brakes, Shimano Tiagra groupset, 10 speeds, 50/34 - 11/32, aluminium wheelset, model Scott Addict or equivalent, roughly 9 kg		 355 € / 

Premium road bike
Carbon frame and fork, disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra groupset, 11 speeds or 12 Di2 speeds, 50/34 - 11/32, aluminium wheelset, model Scott Addict 20 or equivalent, roughly 8,4 kg		 430 € / 

Ultimate road bike
Carbon frame and fork, disc brakes, Mavic carbon wheelset, Shimano Ultegra groupset 11s mech. or 12s Di2, 50/34 - 11/34, model Scott Addict 10 or equivalent, roughly 8 kg		 565 € / 

E-road bike
Carbon frame and fork, aluminium wheelset, Shimano 105 groupset, 11 speeds, 50/34 - 11/32 supplied with 1 x 248Wh battery (+ 1 extra battery 210Wh), model Orbea Gain M30 or equivalent, roughly 13 kg		 800 € / 

Rental bike equipment (for all models):

  • Repair kit included: 2 CO2 cartridges, patches, multi-tool, 1 inner tube, tyre levers
  • 2 bottle holders (except size 47 bicycles on which only one can be placed)
  • Helmets and water bottles: not included
  • Pedals: Our rental bikes come without pedals. You can either bring your own pedals or specify your needs; we can install 3 types of pedals at no extra charge: Look KEO easy, Shimano SPD-SL or Shimano SPD.

Please indicate your choice of model and pedals as well as your height (if possible also frame size and inseam) when filling out your booking form.

You will receive your chosen model from the tour leader on the first day of your tour. He will carry out an inventory of the bike with you, as well as a second inventory at the end of the tour.

Bike “consumables" (tyres, tubes, brake pads, cables) are included in the rental price. Only parts and components that are broken due to a crash and/or misuse will be charged. In the event of bike loss or theft, a fixed fee will be charged (2200 € for the Standard model, 3590 € for the Premium and Electric models and 5700 € for the Super light model).

Return shuttle to Thonon-les-Bains

Our support vehicle provides 8 seats for the return from the Côte d'Azur to Thonon on day 8, including bikes.

The vehicle leaves the Côte d'Azur on day 8 after breakfast around 9 am. Arrival in Thonon around 4 pm if traffic is good.

Please specify on your booking form if you require this additional service.

Massage

We offer a "massage" option on this tour, in partnership with local masseurs.

On the evening of day 4 (Briançon) and day 6 (Beuil), make the most of a half-hour cycling specific recuperation massage.

Subject to limited availability. Please indicate your choice (day 4 and/or day 6) when completing the online booking form.

Vélorizons cycling jersey

A cycling jersey to our taste.

A timeless road cycling jersey produced in France, inspired by our team and our road cycling trips. High quality, made in France by a Savoy company and with a feel-good character for long days in the saddle. Offered at a great price.

Features

- High-quality SIRTECH + LYCRA textiles
- 3 pockets, one with a central zip + 1 side pocket
- Full front zip
- Half-high cycling collar
- Short raglan sleeves in Lycra with seamless ends
- Gripper at the hem

Available sizes (EU sizing): XXS bis XL
Cut: Slim fit, unisex
Price: see above

Order and further information by e-Mail or ask our leaders while on tour.

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.

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.

Booking procedure / Cancellation

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.

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.

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

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

Daily schedule

During riding you carry only your day pack. All your luggage is transported each day by the support vehicle.

After breakfast, the support vehicle driver will pack your luggage in the van, distribute cereal/energy bars, and announce the time slot for lunch. The driver can also hand out picnics to any participants who do not wish to stop at the designated picnic lunch stop.

Once all the participants have passed the picnic stop, the driver transports your luggage directly to the following nights accommodation, before returning to wait at the foot of the last climb of the day. He is then available to help any members of the group in difficulty or who encounter a mechanical problem. You'll usually meet the van driver several times during the day, offering the opportunity to fill up with water, change clothing, etc.

Each participant is free to ride at his or her own pace, using the road book and GPS route to navigate during the day. However, the driver is equipped with a mobile phone, and can be reached at any time during the day if a particpant encounters a problem. The driver is also available throughout the trip to provide information and advice.

Accommodation

All our accommodation has been carefully selected by us to guarantee you a good level of comfort, hospitality and typical flair. Our standard offers include overnight stays in a double/twin room with an en-suite bathroom (shower/bathtub and toilet). The majority of the trip takes place in 2* hotels. Occassionally, we use 3* hotels as well as some simpler accommodation : Gîtes d'Etape (inns). Depending on availability, we may not be able to offer single rooms in some places.

Choice of accommodation

We cross very different valleys and regions along the Route des Grandes Alpes from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea, where tourism development is not equally strong everywhere. In general, the number and quality of accommodation is not as high as in the German-speaking Alps. While we have a greater choice of accommodation in the Northern Alps (Savoie and Dauphiné), the accommodation options along the route in the Southern Alps (Briançon and further) are greatly reduced. In the Northern Alps, a large number of accommodation options are also concentrated in the ski resorts, some of which are far away from the Route des Grandes Alpes. Here we have to make do with the options in the valleys. In recent years, we have also noticed that many hotels require the minimum stay of 2 or more nights, and bookings for larger groups passing through (1 overnight stay) are not easily accepted. In this context, and despite many dates in the summer months, it is difficult for us to develop solid partnerships with accommodation providers.

Quality of accommodation

While 3* hotels can still be found along the route in the Northern Alps, this is much more difficult in the Southern Alps. Most of the hotels along the Route des Grandes Alpes are locally-managed 2* hotels specializing in guests travelling through. In some cases we also have more rustic stage accommodation (Gites d'Etapes) in our programme, which occasionally have double and single rooms and often offer a more personal and authentic atmosphere. The hotels are simple, the rooms usually small, but offer cleanliness and the necessary comfort for one night. 2* hotels in France are generally middle-class hotels.

Getting there

By train: From Paris Gare de Lyon train station to Thonon-les-Bains train station (about 5h by TGV train).
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

By plane to Geneva airport

  • From Geneva airport: We recommend booking your journey at www.thetrainline.com. Enter Geneve Aeroport as your starting point and Thonon-les-Bains as the destination (duration 2 hour, one change, may involve buses, cost around 8 €). Bikes carried for free in trains.
  • Taxi transfer: 45 min, cost around 100 € or more, up to 3 persons
  • Flying out: Nice airport

By car:

Route planner: en.mappy.com

Coming back:

You can return to Thonon-les-Bains by taking the train from Nice (about 9h) : https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

Route navigation

You will receive an email 2 weeks before departure, containing all the information necessary for your upcoming tour, including the following navigation tools:

Our dedicated smartphone app

Follow your route with comfort and ease! Thanks to the Velorizons navigation app, download the full trip itinerary to your smartphone, view route maps and profiles, access the list of booked accommodation, services and useful contacts, and use the integrated route guidance (visual and vocal) for navigation.

►See the mobile app presentation video

To benefit fully from the app navigation system, we strongly recommend attaching your smartphone to the bicycle handlebar using a dedicated mount. An example can be viewed here.

Velorizons app compatibility
Operating systemAndroidAppleWindows PhoneBlackberry
CompatibilityVersion 8.0 minimumiOS 8.0 minimum. iPhone compatible, iPad compatible if GPS equippedNon compatibleNon compatible
A detailed Road Book

Your tour road book will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The road book contains:

  • Full colour maps with highlighted routes,
  • Step-by-step route description,
  • Route profiles
GPS tracks

Tour GPS tracks will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The tracks are in .gpx format, compatible with all GPS devices/apps.

Food

This trip is fully catered (breakfast, lunch and dinner included). We pay very careful attention to the quality and the variety of your meals. Fresh and local products will be served wherever possible. This trip is also an opportunity to discover the local gastronomy and regional products - l'art de la table!

Please note: If you have any food intolerances, please inform us in the comments field on the booking form.

  • Continental breakfasts taken at the accommodation  
  • Simple cereal/muesli bars and dried fruit are distributed in the morning before the start of the stage. You must bring your own specific energy bars and isodrinks, if desired.
  • Hearty dinners (3 to 4 courses, with local dishes)

For lunch, our tour leader will offer you a picnic stop along the route. Our picnics combine a rich salad based on carbohydrates and fresh vegetables with cold meats and cheese, fresh fruit and bread (wherever possible from local producers) as well as sweet and savoury snacks. If you do not want to stop for lunch, we can offer the following options:

  • Our tour leader provides you with a picnic to carry along in a small backpack or a handlebar bag. It contains an individual salad (carbohydrate and vegetable based salad), cold meats, cheese and fruits
  • "Racing food" for weight weenies and those "allergic" to backpacks: energy bars, dried fruit
  • Feel free to stop and eat when and where you want (restaurant, bakery, grocery store...)

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.

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.

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 high-speed and regional 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.

Personal Gear & Packing List

Luggage

All your belongings should be divided into two bags: a backpack and a travel bag.

1/ Backpack or Small Bag (to be kept in the support vehicle or on the bike)

This is the bag you use every day while cycling. It is kept in the support vehicle (accessible during the lunch stop or carried along on the bike (frame, seat or handlebar bag). This bag should not be too large (up to 15 litres).

It will contain: snack food, camera, waterproof and extra clothing, sunglasses, etc.

2/ Travel bag

This bag will be transported by vehicle from one accommodation to the next. It should contain all the items you won’t need during the day. You can expect to find it at your accommodation in the evening (generally not accessible during lunch).

Packing list
For your head
  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or sweat band
  • A bike helmet
For your upper body
  • Two or more cycling jerseys (or technical t-shirts made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm and long cycling jersey or shirt; alternatively: arm warmers
  • A sweatsheart and t-shirts (for the evenings)
  • A wind & waterproof jacket
  • A pair of cycling gloves
For your legs
  • Two or more good quality bib shorts with seat pad (chamois)
  • A pair of long and warm cycling tights or leg warmers
  • A casual short (for the evenings)
  • A swimsuit
For your feet
  • A pair of cycling shoes
  • A pair of shoes suitable for the evening
  • Sandals (not compulsory, but nice for warm evenings...)
  • Cycling socks
For your bike
  • Adapted gearing: if in doubt ask us our your local cycle dealer
  • Bike lights with batteries (or charger)
  • 2 spare tubes
  • Puncture repair kit or tubeless repair kit
  • Spare brake pads (except if you start with new pads)
  • Chain lube
  • A small pump
  • A multi tool
Other
  • 2 bike bottles 75 cl (or camelbak)
  • A toiletry kit and towel
  • A bike lock (not compulsory)
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin (Compeed); Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Self-guided formula

    Average tour rating:

    4.9/5 - 56 Reviews
    Michael V. | Participant rating:
    "Weather was a factor the first few days. When the packing list says bring those wet and cold clothing items - bring them. The trip scenery, the challenge of the cols, the plentiful and terrific food, Gaetan our driver and supreme picnic maker and a group of people from 7 countries made for the trip of a lifetime."
    Davide L. | Participant rating:
    "Crossing the Route des Grandes Alpes was a wonderful experience not only for the magnificence of the views that nature offers, but also for the level of attention that has been dedicated to us by our companion of Vélorizons. Apart from taking care of the logistics in an impeccable way, he was able to create good harmony among the participants, who at the beginning did not even know each other. It was a great human experience that today, with our legs still in pain, we already miss.

    "
    Michael M. | Participant rating:
    ""
    Kenneth S. | Participant rating:
    "Thomas was just great. Just a great guy. Ride was smazing. Two track pumps in the van would have been good."
    Maya B. | Participant rating:
    "La Route des Grandes Alpes is an incredible cycling tour, undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The natural beauty and diverse landscapes along the route are truly breathtaking. The organization and logistics were flawlessly executed, making the journey smooth and hassle-free. Interacting with fellow cyclists from various backgrounds and sharing this remarkable experience with them added an enriching dimension to the adventure."
    Other reviews:
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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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