Cycling

This week-long trip cycling trip, based in Bourg d’Oisans, explores some of France’s most amazing Alpine scenery. You will ride some of the Tour de France’s most famous climbs including the Cols de Sarenne, d’Ornon, Croix de Fer, Lautaret, Galibier and Alpe d’Huez. …then speed back down!

Bourg d’Oisans, our base, is located in a natural setting among the mountains and is often considered the capital of French cycling. There are plenty of bars and restaurants set along the main streets and an abundance of patisseries, grocery and gift shops. This tour is aimed at cyclists who like a challenge but is achievable for most regular cyclists with advance hill training and consecutive day riding.

Highlights

• Bourg d’Oisans itself: our base, and capital of French cycling and many other outdoor pursuits (there is also great shopping, shhhhhh!)
• Get out that polka dot jersey: Follow the Tour de France’s most iconic routes and climbs and imagine yourself as a true king or queen of the mountains.
• Mountains every which way you look: if you love the mountains (and you had probably better do) then the landscapes will blow your mind.
• Cycling culture: there is nothing like being cheered along by fellow cyclists and also drivers – ‘allez allez’ – encouraging you up the climbs! Enjoy roads on which bikes are in the ascendency.
• Range of restaurants: enjoy satisfying your appetite in a wide range of restaurants, cafes and patisseries.

Accommodation

Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis, either in a locally-run chalet or comfortable hotel located in the town centre. These options have been chosen to provide a welcoming and restful environment after your day on the bike. All offer secure bike storage and amenities designed with the cyclist’s comfort in mind, ensuring you can relax and recharge each evening.

You pay on a sharing basis, although single rooms may be available on payment for a single supplement of £395.

Meals

Breakfast will be included in the chalet and a pack-up lunch will be provided.

You will need to purchase your own evening meals, which are usually eaten communally although you are free to opt out if you wish.

We will carry emergency energy gels and bars in the support van but you are advised to bring along your own preferred sports nutrition to fuel your ride.

In the Tour Plan, (B, L, D) refers to meals included in the trip cost i.e. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Arrival / Departure Transfers

We offer transfers to and from Geneva airport, which provides flight options from several UK airports. Our transfer bus will leave no later than 4.30pm for the 2 ½ hour journey to Bourg, so your flight will need to arrive at least 1 hour before then.  You can bring your own bike but, depending on the numbers, there may be an extra charge if we need a vehicle with a trailer.

For a more carbon emission friendly option you can also take the Eurostar train from London to Geneva.

Bike Transfers

We happily transport your bike to Bourg d’Oisans and back for free. You would drop your bike off at our Sheffield office up to three days before departure we will carefully pack it in the support van, drive it to the start and then return it to Sheffield ready for you to collect. If that isn’t convenient, then depending on where you live, we may be able to collect your bike on our journey from Sheffield to Dover. Please get in touch with us to discuss arrangements.

Alternatively, for those not wanting to take their own bike, there are several bike hire shops available in Bourg. Contact us for details.

Taking your bikes to the continent, As we are no longer part of the EU customs unions, any bike we transport to Europe requires an ATA Carnet which incurs a fee of £60 per bike. This cost will be added to your invoice.

Tour Plan

The French Alps tour is flexible and you decide your final route. Local conditions, weather or fitness could lead to changes in our daily plans. All times and distances are approximate.