Table of contents
Overview
Col de la Ornon - Day 1
French Alps & L’Alpe d’Huez Tour Highlights
- 6 days cycling /31,000 feet of scenic climbing (and equally long descents)
- 224 miles +/-(average 45 miles/day)
- 10 or more category climbs
- The successive line-up of ‘must do’ rides: L’Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer!
- Hearty Savoie dining
Our favorite time to cycle the Alps is outside the madness of the Tour de France where we can savor the solitude of quieter roads and indulge in our special mountain hideaways at any pace we choose. The French Alps are home to the high cols of the Tour de France; L’Alpe d’ Huez, Col du Lautaret, Col du Galbier and Col de la Croix Fer and the lower, but equally as pitched climbs of the Col de la Porte and Col du Coq. With category cols around every turn, our bike tour in the Alps is a paradise for cyclists the world over.
Our trip is designed with multiple night hotel stays, no van transfers (except for your luggage), daily ride options and optional days-off. Our hotels are located in the heart of the Alps where non-cycling mountain activities abound including trail running, world-class hiking, swimming or just shopping for a new French cycling kit.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival Grenoble, France.
Your guides will meet you at the Grenoble train station between 12- 3pm for the short transfer to our hotel in Grenoble’s historic center. One of our favorite French university towns, Grenoble is buzzing with energy, students and bicyclists galore. Nestled on a river bed surrounded by the Alps, Vercors and Chartreuse mountains, Grenoble claims the ironic distinction of being the flattest city in all of France! Wander the lively streets, soak in the surrounding peaks or fine tune your bike before our welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Ride Grenoble to Bourg d’Oisans.
Every way out of Grenoble is up! We’ll take the local’s ride from Grenoble connecting to a scenic loop up La Morte (15 km/3,300 ft gain @ 6.5% average) and around the backside of Bourg d’Oisans via the Roizonne river valley and Col d’Ornon (14.4 km/1850 ft gain @ 3.9% average). The ride today serves to warm-up our legs and low gears. From the summit of Ornon, it’s a fantastic twisting descent to our cycle-friendly hotel located near the bicycle buzzing town of le Bourg-d’Oisans. Ride: 65 miles/5,250 ft+, 2 cols.
Day 3 – L’Alpe d’Huez Loop Ride.
There’s no time like the present to tackle the most mythical col in history. Introduced to the Tour de France in 1952, the 14 km ascent is adorned with dramatic Tour de France history. The stats are well-known: Hors Category, 3,680 ft. elevation gain, 21 hairpin turns, 7.9% average grade, 14% max, record time 37 minutes in 1997. Although we won’t break any records, the myth is surprisingly manageable. Most riders will continue the ride over the the dramatic balcony road. We’ll dine tonight on the best local Dauphine cuisine in town! Ride: 50-75 miles/5,584 ft+, 2 cols or more.
Day 4 – La Berarde and Les Deux Alps Loop Ride.
Have a massage, go for a hike or continue the endless options of world-class cycling. Our recommended ride takes us through the heart of France’s wildest and most beautiful National Parks to an old shepherds’ village, La Berarde. Soaring mountain peaks and tumbling river rapids serve as the back drop of this undisputably awesome climb. Stronger riders will continue to Les Deux Alps for an up and down, out-and-back before returning to our hotel for a carbohydrate inspired meal. Ride: 40-75 miles, 4,100+ ft climbing).
Day 5 – Bourg d’Oisans to St Jean-de-Maurienne.
If you like to climb hills, today you’ll experience heaven; cycling the Lautaret, Galibier and Telegraphe in 48 km of climbing. An early stretch of flats allows us to flush our legs before cycling a perfectly painless ascent up the beautiful Romanche Valley. The summit of Col du Lautaret (34 km; 4,300 gain at 3.8% avg) has evolved to be THE lunch stop for cyclists approaching from all three directions. Next up is the Col du Galibier (HC; 8.5 km; 1900ft gain at 6.9% avg.), the first alpine col introduced to the Tour de France in 1911 and a regular feature in the Alps mountain stages 50-something times since. Tonight is reserved for recovery, refuelling and hydrating on Savoie specialties Ride: 62 miles and 7,250 ft climbing.
Day 6 – Col de la Croix de Fer Loop Ride.
From the get-go, we have a classic day of sweet climbing, beautiful mountains and quiet roads. Following the 2006 Stage 16 (in reverse), we’ll gear down to go up the infamous Col de la Croix Fer (30 km; 5,400 ft gain at 5.1%). We summit the Col de la Croix de Fer a few kilometers and cafe o’lait later at the intersection with the Glandon. The 20 km descent of the Glandon is nothing short of stunning looping us back down into one of our favorite pubs. The afternoon is free for relaxation, more riding or exploring the cafes. Ride: 5o miles/6,100 ft climbing.
Day 7 -Chambery to Grenoble.
Our Alps cycling tour of the high cols of the Tour de France culminates with a day of breathtaking biking through the Chartreuse mountain range. Adrenaline junkies will follow the patchwork of category climbs all the way into bustling Grenoble (Col du Granier connecting to the Category 2 Col du Cucheron and finally the pesky Col de Porte). Tonight we’ll celebrate in our favorite downtown restaurant, toasting the monumental week of cycling the French Alps! Ride: 50 miles/4,600 ft climbing.
Day 8 – Homeward bound.
After breakfast we’ll return you to the Grenoble train station (or airport by prior arrangement) for your short connection to Lyon airport.
Details
Our French Alps & L’Alpe d’Huez Trip Includes
- Services of our smiling domestiques (i.e. guides) equipped with cell phone;
- 7 nights accommodation in city hotels and charming mountain auberges;
- Breakfast daily (except arrival day) and 6 dinners(including wine);
- Energy snacks and hydration in van;
- Luggage transfer and sag support; and
- Cycling route maps, distances and climb profiles.
Travel and Bikes
- You are responsible for travel expenses to and from the arrival point and departure city;
- You are not only required, but you WANT to bring your own bike and helmet. If you really need to rent, let us know and we’ll arrange for a rental at an additional fee;
- Passports are needed for all international tours.
Travel Insurance & Cancellations
Ride Strong Bike Tours strongly recommends purchasing peace of mind travel insurance for unexpected trip cancellations or any necessary medical insurance covering you during international travel. We’ll provide you with information about insurance plans upon receipt of your completed registration form and deposit. Please also see our Terms and Cancellation Policy. Ride Strong Bike Tours reserves the right to make modifications to hotels, dates, routes or tour pending confirmation of our hotels and registrations. We will notify you of any material modifications at our earliest possible convenience. Ride Strong Bike Tours also reserves the right to cancel a tour in the unlikely event of insufficient registrations, inclement weather, wars or other matters outside of our control.
Book this Tour
Book this Tour Now!
Registering for a Ride Strong bike tour is simple and secure. To make a booking for one of our cycling tours, please complete our online registration form. Your booking will be confirmed by email. Alternatively, you can go to our printer-friendly online registration form, print off the page and fax it to us. For any questions with your registration, please contact us at info@ridestrongbiketours.com. A single registration form may be used for up to four riders paying together with one credit card and with the same mailing address.
