View from the Col du Galibier, France. Photo via Flickr:Soumei Baba
Abbey of Valloires, France. Photo via Flickr:Rictor Norton & David Allen

Bike what has always been the favorite for the Tour de France, the Alpe d'Huez. Photo via Flickr:Birgit Bolling

Geneva to Alpe d’Huez

France, Switzerland Bike Tours

Conquer France’s greatest climbs!

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 to be rewarded by some of the most breathtaking views France has to offer!

If this tour seems like too much, check out our full list of bicycle tours in France.

Where You’ll Stay

4 nights in 3-star hotels and 1 night in a 2-star hotel

What’s Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 5 nights
  • Daily breakfast
  • 4 dinners
  • Transfer from Geneva to Anthy on Day 1
  • Luggage transfers
  • Carbon road bike rental equipped with helmet, lock, pump, tool kit, water bottle, spare tube, and 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
  • Bike protection
  • Trip insurance

Geneva to Alpe d’Huez Map

TourBike
TypeSelf Guided
SkillVery Difficult
Length6 days
From€1000 Rates
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Tour Dates

July 15, August 13, and September 3, 2016*

With Support Vehicle: June 25, 2016**

*Additional dates can be arranged for groups of 6 or more June through September

**Additional dates with support vehicle can be arranged for groups of 6 or more June through September

Skill Level

To enjoy this route, it goes without saying you need to have a reasonable level of fitness. With the daily climbs averaging 9,000 ft, you should be comfortable with steep and long ascents.

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Geneva to Alpe d’Huez Map

Day 1: Arrival in Geneva, transfer to Yvoire
Day 2: Yvoire - Le Grand Bornand, 60 miles (97 km)
Day 3: Le Grand Bornand - Albertville, 47 miles (74 km)
Day 4: Albertville - Valloire, 66 miles (106 km)
Day 5: Valloire – Alpe d’Huez, 49 miles (78 km)
Day 6: Departure

*Or optional extension to Nice!

Day 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. 

Day 2: Yvoire - Le Grand Bornand, 60 miles (97 km)
Today’s destination is Le Grand Bornand, home of the Reblochon cheese (the locals' Powerbar!). On your way to the heart of the Aravis mountain range, you will ride through the very scenic Chablais region. The ride includes one major climb: Col de la Colombiere (1,613 m 5,290 ft). Dinner and accommodations are in Le Grand Bornand. 
Total climb: 9,180 ft (2798 m) Total descent: 7,382 ft (2,250 m)

Day 3: Le Grand Bornand - Albertville, 47 miles (74 km)
You’ll leave the picturesque Le Grand Bornand and before beginning the classic “Route des Grandes Alpes,” a mountain route that links Lake Geneva (Thonon-les-Bains) to the Mediterranean Sea (Menton). After climbing Col des Aravis (1,486 m or 4,460 ft.), you’ll plunge down to the valley before attacking the second climb of the day: Col des Saisies (1,657 m or 4,970 ft.). Gravity will take you down to Albertville, where you’ll dine and stay overnight.
Total climb: 6,276 ft (1,913 m) Total descent: 8,333 ft (2,540 m)

Day 4: Albertville - Valloire, 66 miles (106 km)
Another classic day! You’ll conquer Col de la Madeleine; one of the most mythic and classic mountain passes featured in the Tour de France. The top culminates at an impressive 2,000 m or 6,000 ft, the highest so far (until tomorrow)! The northern side is a very enjoyable, long and steady climb that has a great reward: an unobstructed panoramic view of the nearby mountains. Make sure you enjoy it while at the top sightseeing might be the last thing on your mind when barreling down the twisty 20-km downhill to the Maurienne Valley. After a flat section when you reach the base of the valley, you’ll ascend the easy Col du Télégraphe (1,566 m or 4,700 ft.) and reach the beautiful resort of Valloire.
Total climb: 11,480 ft (3,499 m) Total descent: 7,927 ft (2,416 m)

Day 5: Valloire – Alpe d’Huez or Oz-en-Oisans, 49 miles (78 km)
Valloire is located at the foot of the Galibier pass (2,642 m or 7.926 ft.), the mammoth climb of the day. Riding this legendary climb is magic — graffiti from past Tours will remind you that this road has seen many showdowns since it was first featured in the 1911 Tour de France. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Meije glacier and a memorable 40-km (25 miles) descent to Bourg d’Oisans, before charging up the 13-km (8 miles) climb to Alpe d’Huez. The time to beat: 37’35”, a record held by Marco Pantani since 1995.
Total climb: 9,413 ft (2,869 m) Total descent: 8,159 ft (2,487 m)

Day 6: Departure
Departure after breakfast. Transfers can be arranged to Grenoble or Geneva. Ask us about the option extension to Nice!

*Elevation graphs can be provided on request 

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