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 Anthy-sur-Léman or Yvoire
Day 2: Yvoire - Le Grand Bornand, short option, 67 miles (108 km) or longer option, 70 miles (112 km)
Day 3: Le Grand Bornand - Albertville or Saint Pierre d'Albigny, 47 miles (75 km)
Day 4: Albertville or Saint Pierre d'Albigny, - Valloire, 66 miles (106 km)
Day 5: Valloire – Alpe d’Huez, 49 miles (78 km)
Day 6: Departure

Day 1: Arrival in Geneva, transfer to Anthy-sur-Léman or 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: Anthy-sur-Léman or Yvoire - Le Grand Bornand, short option, 67 miles (108 km) or longer option, 70 miles (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 (1,613 m 5,290 ft). Dinner and accommodations are in Le Grand Bornand. 
Total climb: 9,052 ft (2759 m) Total descent: 7,270 ft (2,216 m)

Short option possible via Col de la Colombiere

Day 3: Le Grand Bornand - Albertville or Saint Pierre d'Albigny, 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: 6,276 ft (1,913 m) Total descent: 8,333 ft (2,540 m)

Day 4: Albertville or Saint Pierre d'Albigny - 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, 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: 8,160 ft (2,487 m)

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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Three nights in 3-star hotels and two night in a 2-star hotel

Bicycles

Carbon road bike

Available model: Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 (or similar)

Frame: 300 Series Alpha Aluminum Fork: Checkpoint carbon Front Derailleur: Shimano GRX RX400 Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX RX400 Brakes: Shimano GRX hydraulic disc Tires: Bontrager GR1 Comp, 700x40C Wheels: Bontrager alloy

Cassette: Shimano Tiagra HG500, 11-34, 10 speed Crankset: Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30 Stem: Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm Handlebar: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-CF Seatpost: Bontrager Comp, 27.2mm Seat: Bontrager Montrose Comp