Is This Trip For Me?
We are offering a special 7-night version of our Tour of the Alps in July 2022, with the additional night in Alpe d’Huez coinciding with the Tour de France arriving in town on Bastille Day – fireworks are guaranteed!
Seven days riding from the shores of Lake Annecy in the northern Alps over some of the most famous climbs in cycling including the Madeleine, Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, Izoard & Bonnette. We finish on the Cote d’Azur after a truly epic week of riding.
Tour Highlights
Tour Highlights
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Relax in Lake Annecy: We start the week on the shores of Lake Annecy. Surrounded by mountains, this Lake is the place to gather your thoughts before a massive week of riding.
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Climb the Galibier: Day Three starts with with one of the world's best climbs, the Col du Galibier from the Valloire side. Ride this beauty with fresh legs & enjoy the views at the summit.
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Ride the Casse Deserte on the Izoard: From Alpe d'Huez we descend to Briancon and then climb the incredible Col d'Izoard. Near the summit is the unique landscape of the casse deserte, an unforgettable place to ride.
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Stay in Alpe d'Huez for the Tour de France: We will be in Alpe d'Huez for the arrival of the 2022 Tour de France.
Avg Daily Distance | Avg Daily Elevation | Difficulty | |
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Main Bunch | 95-140km | 2,900-4,000m |
5/5
Back to back long days with plenty of climbing. Suitable for good club riders.
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What's Included
Tour of the Alps Cycling Holiday
The most famous cycling terrain on the planet, the Alps is home to the biggest stages of the Tour de France every year and dozens of climbs are steeped in cycling history. Over this week we ride from Annecy to the Cote d’Azur, taking in classic climbs and some great local routes. Starting along the shores of Lake Annecy and finishing by the Mediterranean Sea, inbetween you’ll tackle the Madeleine, Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, Izoard and Bonnette along with several other climbs. This special version of our tour includes a “rest day” in Alpe d’Huez to watch the tour de France – it’s up to you if you want a day off the bike in Alpe d’Huez, or you fancy descending to Dutch Corner to join the party.
Itinerary
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Day One : Annecy
Fly into Geneva Airport (GVA) today, and we will bring you to our first hotel in Annecy.
Our mechanic is on hand to assist you with your bike build, and if you arrive early enough there’s time to take yourself on an unguided spin around the lake.
Please contact us with your planned flight times and we can confirm your transfer.
Day Two : Annecy to Saint-Francois-Longchamp
Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
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Main Bunch | 100km | 2900m |
4/5
Plenty of climbing but suitable for most regular riders.
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Our first day starts gently along the shores of lake Annecy before heading over the Col du Forclaz. We then follow the valley roads to the foot of the Col de la Madeleine, and the start of the the big 25km, 1500m+ climb.
Day Three : Saint-Francois-Longchamp to Alpe d'Huez
Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
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Main Bunch | 135km | 4000m |
5/5
A Queen Stage day: multiple classic climbs and an epic ride.
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Today starts with a 15km into the Maurienne valley and a flat 20km warm-up before the climbing begins. The Col du Télégraphe is generally considered as part of the Galibier, although a 5km descent into Valloire allows some recovery time before the more recognisable part of the Col du Galibier, which tops out at 2,642m. We expect the roadsides to be packed with fans ahead of the Toure de France later this afternoon.
After descending the Galibier and the Lauteret, it’s time for the mythical 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez.
The earlier parts of today’s ride will be unsupported due to Tour de France traffic restrictions.
Day Four : Alpe d'Huez
Any time the Tour climbs Alpe d’Huez is a special occasion, but this year even more so, as it falls on the French national holiday, Bastille Day. We don’t have any rides planned today, but you’re more than welcome to descend the Alpe to join the party on Dutch Corner or another section of the climb. Alternatively, you can rest your legs and stay in Alpe d’Huez and join the crowds watching the stage finish.
Day Five : Alpe d'Huez to Giullestre
Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
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Main Bunch | 125km | 3100m |
4/5
Plenty of climbing but suitable for most regular riders.
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One of the great rides in Europe, today’s stage takes us over the Lauteret nito Briancon, the highest city in France. We then tackle the majestic Col d’Izoard before a classic descent down the gorges to Giullestre.
Day Six : Giullestre to Auron
Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
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Main Bunch | 95km | 3200m |
4/5
Plenty of climbing but suitable for most regular riders.
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We start with the delightful climb of the Col de Vars before hitting the Col de Bonette, another monster over 2,700m. We finish at the picturesque mountain town of Auron.
Day Seven : Auron to Menton
Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
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Main Bunch | 140km | 3100m |
4/5
Plenty of climbing but suitable for most regular riders.
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Our final ride is a stunner in the southern Alps with the main climb of the Col du Turini. The whole day is lumpy before a final descent to the beach in Menton.
Day Eight : Menton
Departure day. A lazy morning with time to pack bikes before a transfer to Nice airport.
Airport Transfers
Fly into Geneva and out of Nice. Our team will meet you in arrivals in Geneva and all transfers include bike boxes. We drive bike boxes down to Nice and drop off all day on Sunday for your return flight.
Optional late transfer for flights leaving after 16:30 (transfer arrives at 14:30)
Dates & Book Now
Sportive Breaks is part of the Destination Sport Experiences group. When clicking on the booking link below, you will be taken to the Destination Sport Experiences booking engine. If you have any questions, please do contact our team hello@dev.sportivebreaks.com