Geneva to Alpe d’Huez
Switzerland, France Bike Tours
Conquer France’s greatest climbs!
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length6 days
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Prices from€1425 Rates
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Overview
This extraordinary road bike tour in France will take you through the Alps from the shores of Lake Geneva to the world-famous alpine resort of Alpe d'Huez. Follow the path of Tour de France cyclists through some of France's most famous cols: Colombiere, Aravis, Saisies, Madeleine, Telegraphe, Galibier, and Alpe d'Huez.
Tackle tough climbs and be rewarded by some of the most breathtaking views France has to offer!
Highlights
- Col de la Colombière – 1,613 m
- Col des Aravis - 1,359 m
- Col des Saisies - 1,514 m
- Col de la Madeleine - 1,829 m
- Col du Télégraphe - 1,433 m
- Col du Galibier - 2,415 m
If this tour seems like too much, check out our full list of bicycle tours in France.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Geneva, transfer to Yvoire
Day 2: Yvoire - Le Grand Bornand, 67 or 70 mi. (108 or 112 km)
Day 3: Le Grand Bornand - Albertville, 47 mi. (76 km)
Day 4: Albertville - Valloire, 66 mi. (106 km)
Day 5: Valloire - Alpe d’Huez, 49 mi. (79 km)
Day 6: DepartureDay 1: Arrival in Geneva, transfer to Yvoire (if all hotels are full, the first night's stay will be in Anthy-sur-Léman)
Arrive at Geneva Cointrin International Airport. A representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your first hotel in Yvoire (or Anthy) on the shores of Lake Geneva. Dinner will be served by the lake. (D)Sample accommodation: Hotel Pré de la Cure
Day 2: Yvoire - Le Grand Bornand, 67 or 70 mi. (108 or 112 km) | Total climb: 8430 ft (2570 m) or 9710 ft (2960 m)
Today’s destination is Le Grand Bornand, nestled in the heart of the Aravis mountain range and home of the famous Reblochon cheese (the locals' “Powerbar”). On your way to the Aravis, you will cycle through the scenic Chablais region, passing picturesque alpine villages. The highlight of the day is the Col de la Colombière (1613 m / 5290 ft). Two route options are available, depending on your preferred level of challenge. Dinner and accommodations are in Le Grand Bornand. (D)Sample accommodation: Hotel La Croix Saint Maurice
Day 3: Le Grand Bornand - Albertville, 47 mi. (76 km) | Total climb: 5445 ft (1660 m)
Depart Le Grand Bornand and join the classic Route des Grandes Alpes, a spectacular mountain road linking Lake Geneva (Thonon-les-Bains) to the Mediterranean Sea (Menton). Today features two iconic climbs: first, the Col des Aravis (1,486 m / 4,460 ft), followed by the Col des Saisies (1,657 m / 4,970 ft). After these efforts, enjoy a thrilling descent into Albertville, where you will have dinner and stay overnight. (D)Sample accommodation: Base Camp Lodge Albertville
Day 4: Albertville - Valloire, 66 mi. (106 km) | Total climb: 10,760 ft (3280 m)
A legendary day of climbing awaits! You’ll tackle the Col de la Madeleine, one of the Tour de France’s most iconic passes, reaching an impressive 2,000 m (6,000 ft). The northern ascent is long but steady, rewarded by sweeping panoramic views. After a spectacular 20 km descent into the Maurienne Valley, a gentle climb up the Col du Télégraphe (1,566 m / 4,700 ft) leads you to the charming mountain resort of Valloire. (D)Sample accommodation: Hotel Christiania
Day 5: Valloire - Alpe d’Huez, 49 mi. (79 km) | Total climb: 8630 ft (2630 m)
Today’s stage begins with the Col du Galibier (2,642 m / 7,926 ft), one of the most legendary climbs in cycling history. Riding this mythical pass is an unforgettable experience — traces of Tour de France graffiti still mark the route. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the Meije Glacier and a long 40 km (25 mi) descent to Bourg d’Oisans, before the grand finale: the famous 13 km (8 mi) ascent to Alpe d’Huez. The time to beat: 37’35”, a record held by Marco Pantani since 1995. (D)Sample accommodation: Hotel Le Castillan
Day 6: Departure
Departure after breakfast. Transfers can be arranged to Grenoble or Geneva.*Elevation graphs can be provided on request
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Map
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Hotels & Bikes
You will be accommodated in 3 star hotels. In each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred hotelfinal hotel list will be based on availability. If the preferred hotel is not available, you will be accommodated in an establishment of equal standard.
Bicycles
Carbon road bike
Willier GTR Team (or similar)
- Frame: Carbon Monocoque
- Front and Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultregra 6800
- Brakes: Shimano BR-R561
- Tires: Vittoria Zaffiro 700x40C
- Seat: Selle Italia X1
Accessories
- Helmet
- Seat bag
- Lock
- Water bottle cage
- Water
- Repair kit
- Multi-tool
- Spare tube
- C02 Cartridge and pump
Riders who wish to ride using cycling cleats are required to bring their own pedals and a wrench with which to retrieve their own pedals post-tour
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Hotel accommodations for 5 nights
- Introductory meeting with tour representative
- Daily breakfast
- 3 dinners (not including beverages)
- Transfer from Geneva to Yvoire on Day 1
- Luggage transfers
- Carbon road bike rental equipped with helmet, lock, pump, tool kit, bottle cage, spare tube, & Co2 cartridge
- Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
- Pre-loaded GPS unit (subject to availability)
- Emergency number
- All tax and service charges
- INCLUDED IN SUPPORTED TOUR
- Chauffeur-driven support vehicle
- Water stops (snacks, fruits, water, etc.)
- Transfer from Alpe d’Huez to Geneva on Day 6
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Drinks during dinners
- Transfer from Alpe d’ Huez to Geneva or Grenoble (self guided version)
- Bicycle protection
- Trip Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Very Difficult
This tour is rated very difficult with good reason. The daily climbs average 9,000 ft and you will be in the saddle several hours a day. This tour is definitely all about the bike and the conquests featuring France’s most famous cols: Colombiere, Aravis, Saisies, Madeleine, Telegraphe, Galibier, and Alpe d’Huez.
Airport Info
Geneva Cointrin International Airport (GVA)
Local Travel
An arrival airport transfer is included in your tour price
Climate
We recommend checking local conditions just prior to arrival.
Remarks
Electric bikes are available on request!
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to research travel requirements and to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, blank visa pages required for your destination (s), and any other requirement.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU citizens: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and the destination country.
EU-citizens: (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months from the end of your tour.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Cyclomundo.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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Photos
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Reviews
Reviews
Reviews coming soon!
This tour is brand new, which is why there aren’t any reviews yet. Crafted by trusted local partners and backed by our 25+ years of experience, it’s a journey we’re excited to share.
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