Geneva to Alpe d’Huez

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.

Day 1: Arrival in Geneva, transfer to  Yvoire
Day 2: Yvoire - Le Grand Bornand, short option, 67 or 69 mi (108 or 112 km)
Day 3: Le Grand Bornand - Albertville, 47 miles (76 km)
Day 4: Albertville - Valloire, 66 miles (106 km)
Day 5: Valloire – Alpe d’Huez, 48 miles (78 km)
Day 6: Departure

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 in Yvoire. (D)

Preferred accommodation: Hotel Pré de la Cure

Day 2: Yvoire - Le Grand Bornand, 67 or 69 mi. (108 or 112 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 (1613 m 5290 ft). Dinner and accommodations are in Le Grand Bornand. 

Shorter route:

Total climbing: 8430 ft (2570 m)
Short option is via Col de la Colombiere

Longer route:
Total climbing: 9710 ft (2960 m)

Preferred accommodation: Hotel la Croix Saint Maurice

Day 3: Le Grand Bornand - Albertville, 47 miles (75 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: 5445 ft (1660 m) 

Preferred accommodation: Hotel Le Roma

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: 10760 ft (3280 m) 

Preferred accommodation: Hotel Christiania

Day 5: Valloire – Alpe d’Huez, 48 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: 8630 ft (2630 m) 

Preferred 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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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