Cycling

Welcome to our exciting French Alps cycle tour. You’ll cover approximately 250 miles over 6 days, averaging around 42 miles a day. However this trip isn’t about mileage but about climbing some truly majestic mountains. You finish cycling around early afternoon, with time to relax and explore.

Our base is Bourg d’Oisans, is located in a natural setting among the mountains. It’s often considered to be 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.

Our French Alps tour runs from Saturday to Saturday with 6 days cycling. Including classic climbs of the Cols de Sarenne, d’Ornon, Croix de Fer, Lautaret, Galibier and Alpe d’Huez. You depart from Bourg d’Oisans each day; the long valley road allows you to stretch your legs before you reach the ascents.

This tour is aimed at cyclists who like a challenge but, as the mileages aren’t too long, the climbs are achievable for most regular cyclists. However hill training and  multi-day cycling experience beforehand is essential. You’re supported by our team daily, with the support van available for assistance when needed.

Your effort will be well rewarded with many fantastic vistas over the mountains of the French Alps. Your main aims of each day are to have a great time and gain a great sense of achievement reaching the tops of these famous climbs.

Highlights

• Bourg d’Oisans our base, considered capital of French cycling
• Follow the Tour de France’s most iconic routes
• Climbs of the Cols de Sarenne, d’Ornon, Croix de Fer, Lautaret, Galibier and Alpe d’Huez
• Beautiful natural setting surrounded by mountains
• Celebration final night
• Small group size – we limit the numbers to 12

Accommodation

The accommodation is a bed and breakfast in a locally based Chalet.

You pay on a sharing basis, although single rooms may be available on payment for a single supplement of £350.

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.