Geneva to Alpe d’Huez
Switzerland, France Bike Tours
Conquer France’s greatest climbs!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length6 days
- Prices from€1075 Rates
- Book This Trip
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 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.
Itinerary
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: DepartureDay 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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Hotels & Bikes
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
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Hotel accommodations for 5 nights
- Daily breakfast
- 4 dinners (not including beverages)
- Transfer from Geneva to Anthy or Yvoire on Day 1
- Luggage transfers
- Carbon road bike rental equipped with helmet, lock, pump, tool kit, bottle cage and water bottle, spare tube, and Co2 Cartridge
- Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
- Pre-loaded GPS unit (subject to availability)
- Introductory meeting with tour representative
- 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
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2021
Self-Guided, no support vehicle: September 4, 2021
Supported, with support vehicle: June 20, 2021
*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 8 or more June through September
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Self-Guided $ 1709 £ 947 $ 1,664 € 1075 NZ$ 1841 kr 11134 $ 1,319
Single supplement: $ 389 £ 216 $ 379 € 245 NZ$ 420 kr 2538 $ 301
With Support Vehicle $ 2551 £ 1413 $ 2,484 € 1605 NZ$ 2749 kr 16624 $ 1,970
Single supplement: $ 548 £ 304 $ 534 € 345 NZ$ 591 kr 3573 $ 423
Extra Options
Extra nights (includes half board):
Anthy or Yvoire: $ 175 £ 97 $ 170 € 110 NZ$ 188 kr 1139 $ 135
Single room: $ 219 £ 122 $ 214 € 138 NZ$ 236 kr 1429 $ 169
Grand Bornand: $ 140 £ 77 $ 136 € 88 NZ$ 151 kr 911 $ 108
Single room: $ 167 £ 92 $ 163 € 105 NZ$ 180 kr 1088 $ 129
Albertville: $ 167 £ 92 $ 163 € 105 NZ$ 180 kr 1088 $ 129
Single room: $ 237 £ 131 $ 231 € 149 NZ$ 255 kr 1543 $ 183
Valloire: $ 140 £ 77 $ 136 € 88 NZ$ 151 kr 911 $ 108
Single room: $ 192 £ 107 $ 187 € 121 NZ$ 207 kr 1253 $ 149
Alpe d'Huez: $ 132 £ 73 $ 128 € 83 NZ$ 142 kr 860 $ 102
Single room: $ 175 £ 97 $ 170 € 110 NZ$ 188 kr 1139 $ 135
Extra night prices are subject to change based on dates and availability.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Very Difficult
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.
Airport Info
Geneva Cointrin International Airport
Local Travel
Transfer to your first hotel
Climate
We recommend checking local conditions just prior to arrival.
Remarks
Electric bikes are available on request!
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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