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Road bike crossing of the most famous cols of the Italian Alps from the Adriatic to BergamoRef CR84

There are projects that every ambitious road cyclist should dare to dream of. The east-west crossing of the Alpine arc from the Adriatic to the French Mediterranean coast is definetely one of them. Given its length of nearly 2,000 km, we have cut it up in three parts. In this first part - the Italian Alps - you ride in 7 days from the lovely town of Trieste on the shores of the Adriatic Sea to Bergamo, east of Lake Como in Lombardy. In total, you have to master 675 km and 9,000 metres of climbing on the way. You will cross some of the most stunning and UNESCO labelled mountain landscapes on the sunny side of the Alps: the Triglav National Park in Slovenia, the Julian and Carnic Alps, the fantastic Dolomites and finally the Ortles range. Endless climbs and perfect roads on the Stelvio, Gavia, Maloja and the many Dolomite passes, among which the famous Sella ronda.

Tour with assistance vehicle: from 1655€ - Details Duration : 8 days | Level : Customer satisfaction :
- 11 reviews
+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 fantastic route that shows you the full extent and diversity of the Italian Alps
  • The possibility to "bag" a unique selection of major Alpine passes that have shaped the history of the Giro
  • Riding on less known mountain roads such as the Vrsic Pass in Slovenia with its 50 hairpin bends
  • The crossing of the Dolomites from east to west
  • The cultural diversity along the route (Italian, Slovene, Tyrolian)

Description

  • Tour formula:

    Tour with support vehicle and driver

  • Accommodation:

    2- and 3-star 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.
  • This road bike tour is part 1 of our east-west crossing of the entire Alps, the Alpine Arc Traversee (see the programme tab for more information). It is possible to combine this trip to the Crossing of the Swiss Alps in 6 days, starting in Chiavenna.
  • Special offers available for private groups. Please contact us for a quote.

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 2,000 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 hunters" 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, this trip), crossing of the Slovene and Italian Alps from the Adriatic to Bergamo, approx. 700 km and 9,000 m in climbing (level 2 and level 3 available)
  • Part 2 in 6 days (Swiss Alps Crossing), crossing of the Swiss Alps from Lake Como (Chiavenna) to Lake Geneva (Thonon-les-Bains), approx 650 km and 14,000 m in climbing (level 2 only)
  • Part 3 in 8 days (Route des Grandes Alpes), crossing of the French Alps from Lake Geneva (Thonon) to the Mediterranean Sea (Menton), approx. 700 km and 17,000 m in climbing (level 2 and 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 and the costs and services tab. 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: Trieste - Tolmin

Trip start: Rendezvous with the organisation team is on day 1 at 9 am at the train station of Trieste. On request we can book the previous night's accommodation for you in Trieste. We can also organise a transfer from Milano or Venice airport on day 0 as our support vehicle arrives from France (Chambéry).

Highlights of the day

  • A beautiful balcony climb over the Adriatic Sea to the small Prosecco pass (those who embark on the entire crossing will not see the sea again until Menton a little over two weeks later!)
  • The discovery of Slovenia with its large spruce and coniferous forests, its pastures, its numerous vineyards (we are on a wine route), its orchards (mainly apple trees) and its villages with colourful houses.
  • The view of the Alps over the Slovenian hills.
  • The end of the stage is a rolling one on an almost flat road that weaves its way through a wooded valley along the Idrijca river.
  • The hairpins through the forest that lead to the final Col.

Passes on the menu

  • Prosecco Pass
  • Col Pass, 863 m

Distance and altitude gain

  • approx. 120 km and 1800 m (level 2 and 3)
Day 2: Tolmin - Moggio Udinese

Highlights of the day

  • The impressive limestone peaks of the Triglav National Park rising above the forests.
  • The peaceful lake of Predi nestled in a valley.
  • The long and winding descent of the Paso di Nevea through a beautiful forest.
  • The Vrsic, one of the most famous passes of the entire Alpine arc: steep hairpins in the extraordinary high mountain landscapes of the Triglav National Park. (level 3)

Passes on the menu

  • Passo di Predil, 1,156 m
  • Passo di Nevea, 1,190 m (level 2)
  • Vrsic-Pass, 1,611 m (level 3)

Distance and altitude gain:

  • Level 2: approx. 100 km and 1,800 m
  • Level 3: approx. 150 km and 2,900 m
Day 3: Moggio Udinese - Tornede

Highlights of the day

  • The Col del Pura, a small hidden pass that winds its way along a lonesome road...(level 3)
  • The winding road in the heart of the narrow gorges of Lumiei.
  • The lake and the valley of Sauris, Alpine postcard landscapes
  • Two passes in one (with no downhill in between) in a wild and beautiful area. Larch trees, pastures and panoramic views of the Alps

Passes on the menu

  • Passo del Pura, 1,425 m (level 3)
  • Sella di Razzo, 1,760 m
  • Sella Ciampigotto, 1,790 m

Distance and altitude gain:

  • Level 2: approx. 95 km and 2,000 m
  • Level 3: approx. 140 km and 3,500 m
Day 4: Tornede - Campitello di Fassa

Highlights of the day

  • An unforgettable day through one of the jewels of the Alps: the Dolomites. Huge and impressive vertical cliffs tower roads made legendary by the Giro. A difficult day (the hardest of the week) but simply unforgettable
  • The climb to the Antorno lake, at the foot of the Tre Cime, a small jewel in which the sparkling face of the Tre Cime is reflected. A rarely reached percentage for a sublime reward (level 3).
  • Stop-over in the resort town of Cortina d'Ampezzo
  • The cliffs of the Sella massif and the cols of the Sella ronda (level 3)

Passes on the menu

  • Foot of Tre Cime, 1,900 m (level 3)
  • Passo Tre Croci, 1,805 m (level 2)
  • Passo di Falzarego, 2,105 m
  • Passo di Valparola, 2,192 m (level 3)
  • Passo Pordoi, 2,239 m
  • Passo di Gardena, 2,121 m (level 3)
  • Passo di Sella, 2,244 m (level 3)

Distance and altitude gain:

  • Level 2: approx. 90 km and 2,700 m
  • Level 3: approx. 130 km and 3,800 m
Day 5: Campitello di Fassa - Naturno

Highlights of the day

  • An easy day of cycling for level 2, which doesn't hurt after the Dolomites traversee
  • A bit of nostalgia as we climb our last real dolomitic pass (Paso di Costalunga)
  • The quiet and short Passo Nigra at the foot of the famous Cattinaccio massif (King Laurin's rose garden)
  • Possibility to take a walk through the beautiful historic centre of Bolzano.
  • A change of scenery after leaving the Dolomites, with a very "Tyrolean" atmosphere during the ascent of the Mendola and Palade passes (level 3).

Passes on the menu

  • Karerpass, 1,745 m
  • Nigerpass, 1,688 m
  • Mendelpass, 1,363 m (level 3)
  • Gampenpass, 1,518 m (level 3)

Distance and altitude gain:

  • Level 2: approx. 100 km and 1,100 m
  • Level 3: approx. 140 km and 2,900 m
Day 6: Naturno - Bormio

Highlights of the day

  • Simply another great day: we climb one of the most iconic passes in the entire Alpine arc, the Passo dello Stelvio. A monument of the road cycling universe. The countless final laces, with the backdrop of the glaciers of the Ortles massif, are an unforgettable moment.
  • The wilder Gavia pass via a return trip from Bormio completes our bucket list of famous "Giro" passes... Still one hell of a "bump" with 1500 meters of difference in altitude! (level 3)
  • The historic centre of Bormio is ideal for a drink on the terrace of a café before discovering its labyrinth of narrow streets.

Passes on the menu

  • Passo dello Stelvio, 2,757 m
  • Passo di Gavia, 2,621 m (level 3)

Distance and altitude gain:

  • Level 2: approx. 80 km and 2,300 m
  • Level 3: approx. 130 km and 3,700 m
Day 7: Bormio - Chiavenna

Highlights of the day

  • On the ascent of the Passo de Foscagno, beautiful views of the Ortles glaciers between the larches...
  • The glaciers of the Piz Bernina then take over on the descent to the pass of the same name.
  • The Livigno valley with its large grassy slopes and rocky peaks.
  • We pass through the mundane St. Moritz and its pretty lake, which heralds others (we pass the lakes of Silvaplauna and Segl).
  • A very playful descent with laces one on top of the other to finish the day, and our trip.

Passes on the menu

  • Passo di Foscagno, 2,291 m
  • Forcola di Livigno, 2,315 m
  • Passo del Bernina, 2,328 m
  • Passo del Maloja, 1,815 m

Distance and altitude gain

  • approx. 120 km and 2,200 m (level 2 and 3)
Day 8: Chiavenna - Bergamo

Highlights of the day

  • On the ascent to the San Marco pass, with remote villages clinging to the steep slopes of the mountain (including a surprising hairpin crossing of a village).
  • The magnificent final hairpins through the green pastures. A delightful, wild pass with mountains as far as the eye can see, a perfect end to this impressive crossing started 7 days earlier.

Passes on the menu

  • Passo San Marco, 1,985 m.

Distance and altitude gain

  • approx. 120 km and 2,500 m (level 2 and 3)

Trip end: The trip ends in Bergamo in the late afternoon around 5pm. On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Bergamo or organise a transfer to the train station (Bergamo) or next airport (Bergamo, Milano).
Extension of the trip (only for those following with the Part 2 of the Integral Crossing of the Alps - Chiavenna to Thonon): see the extra services in the "dates & prices" tab.

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

Dates and price

Dates
Start date End date Duration Price
17/08/2025 24/08/2025 8 days 1755 €
30/08/2025 06/09/2025 8 days 1655 €
06/06/2026 13/06/2026 8 days 1735 €
28/06/2026 05/07/2026 8 days 1735 €
18/07/2026 25/07/2026 8 days 1835 €
16/08/2026 23/08/2026 8 days 1835 €
29/08/2026 05/09/2026 8 days 1735 €

Costs and services

The price includes:
  • Trip leader in support vehicle
  • 7 nights accommodation in 2* and 3* hotels in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 8 picnic lunches
  • 7 dinners (3 to 4 course menu)
  • Daily luggage transfers
  • A carefully designed itinerary
  • 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 place
  • 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".

Supplementary services

(Price per person)

Single room accommodation (7 nights) 335 € / 

Extra nights

Extra night in Trieste in 3* hotel, double or twin room, including breakfast 105 € / 

Extra night in Trieste in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast 135 € / 

Extra night in Bergame in 3* hotel, double or twin room, including breakfast 75 € / 

Extra night in Bergame in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast 110 € / 

Transfers

The France Bike Trips offices are located in Chambéry (approx. 1 hour south of Geneva). We can therefore offer you transfers from various points along the route with the support vehicle to the starting point of the tour. Possible stops: Milan / Bergamo / Verona. In the case of a transfer to the starting point, an additional overnight stay in Trieste is required before the start of the tour.

One way transfer Chambéry - Trieste 140 € / 

One way transfer Bergame - Chambéry 90 € / 

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 € / 

A maximum of 8 seats are available for the transfers. Please let us know your transfer requests in the booking form.

Road bike rental

Available 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 € / 

Bike equipment
  • 2 bottle cages (only one for frame height 47 or smaller)
  • Repair kit included: 2 x CO2 cartridge, tube patches, multi-tool, 1 x tube, 2 x tyre levers
  • Pedals: Rental bikes are delivered without pedals. So either bring your own pedals or let us know your pedal requirements (at least 2 weeks before the start of the tour). 3 types of pedals can be installed by us: Look KEO easy, Shimano SPD SL and Shimano SPD
  • Helmet and water bottles: not included

In your booking form, please let us know the desired model, your pedal preference and your body size (if possible also frame size and stride length). Thank you very much.

You will receive your hire bike on day 1 of your tour from the tour guide (support vehicle). Bike check on handover and after the tour.

Consumables (tyres, tubes, brake pads and cables) are included in the rental price. Only parts damaged during the tour due to a fall or improper use must be replaced. In the event of theft or loss, you will be charged a lump sum (€2,200 for the standard model, €3,590 for the premium model and the e-model and €5,700 for the super light model).

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.

Getting there

By plane:

  • From Venise airport: head to Trieste train station.

By car:
Route planner: en.mappy.com


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.

Accommodation

We favour comfortable accommodation with warm hospitality.

Our standard price is based on 2* and 3* hotels and comfortable guesthouses with double rooms and en-suite facilities.

For private groups and self-guided trips it is possible to customise the accommodation (upgrade) depending on availability.

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 - 11 Reviews
    Nicolas B. | Participant rating:
    "Excellent lunches and support. Accommodation and dinners excellent. Pierre was very supportive and ensured I had food and water to make it the most amazing trip of a life time! Thank you so much."
    Matthew S. | Participant rating:
    "Excellent. Pierre was a relaxed, funny and tentative guide. Hotels and food were good. The routes were well considered. Thank you!"
    Stephen F. | Participant rating:
    "An incredible trip through some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe - if not the world. Great roads and cycle paths - and some super-challenging climbs! An unforgettable experience!"
    Johanne G. | Participant rating:
    "We were lucky with the weather in general and we had a very good group of cyclists.
    Our trip leader was great!
    "
    Bryan M. | Participant rating:
    "It was an excellent tour with a great group of people and an excellent tour leader in Baptiste."
    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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