EPIC Trans French Alps

EPIC Trans French Alps

From Morzine to Alpe d'Huez, ride one of the most ambitious routes across the French Alps

Test yourself on the battleground of the world’s greatest race. Includes the newest paved climb in the Alps, the massive Col de la Loze, first introduced at the 2020 Tour de France and now rated the toughest climb in the French Alps.

Overview

Details

Next Departure

June 9th 2024

From

USD $4,795

Duration

8 days / 7 nights

Non-Rider Friendly

No

Rental Bike

USD $550

Ride Program

Total Distance

Total Elevation

Daily Av. Distance

Daily Av. Elevation

Overview

Alpe d’Huez, La Madeleine, Galibier, Col de la Loze, Glandon, Joux Plane, Colombiere – these are just a few of the iconic Tour de France climbs that you’ll conquer on this magnificent ride across the French Alps.

We’ve prepared an epic, awe-inspiring challenge that will test your limits and introduce you to the majesty and wonder of road cycling’s most celebrated terrain.

You’ll conquer the newest paved road in the Alps, the massive Col de la Loze, which is now rated the most challenging climb in the French Alps! You’ll be thrilled by the dramatic Col de Sarenne, the back-road to Alpe d’Huez, and a classic ride over the Lacets de Montvernier, the Col de Telegraphe, the Col du Galibier and Alpe d’Huez.

You can’t fit more Alps into one week!


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EPIC Trans French Alps
This was my second Trans Challenge trip and because it provides me with the perfect package, perfect rides, scenery and organization, I'll be back hopefully ...

Lauren Wolff, South Africa — 2016

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EPIC Trans French Alps
We have experienced 2 other cycling tour companies and neither offered the same level of service as your company and team. The attention to detail ...

Kathy Williams, Canada — 2019

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EPIC Trans French Alps
Epic rides, excellent staff and support, and an engaging group of riders with varied levels of ability who were all challenged during the trip. It ...

martin mariani, USA — 2019

See more reviews
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Itinerary

Day Description Distance Elevation Hotel
01 Bienvenue en France Hotel Petit Dru
02 The Joux Plane, La Colombiere & La Croix Fry Hotel Carlina
03 From Les Aravis to Cormet de Roselend Mercure Brides-les-Bains
04 Col de la Loze Mercure Brides-les-Bains
05 Col de la Madeleine & Col du Glandon Hotel Coeur de Maurienne
06 Telegraphe, Galibier & Granon Hotel Le Monêtier
07 Col de Sarenne & Alpe d'Huez Hotel Pic Blanc
08 Au Revoir!
Daily Averages
Itinerary View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08

Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

Elevation


Bienvenue en France

Your trip starts at Geneva Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in the beautiful Alpine resort of Morzine.

 

After lunch, orientation meeting and bike build-up you’ll head out for your first ride in the French Alps. Our warm-up ride takes you over the Col de la Joux Verte with its stunning views of the snow covered peaks around Mont Blanc.

Day 2

Distance

Elevation


The Joux Plane, La Colombiere & La Croix Fry

Three legendary Alpine climbs on the agenda today, the Category 1 Col de Joux Plane, the Hors-Categorie Col de la Colombiere and the Category 1 Col de la Croix Fry. From the hotel in Morzine the road soon starts heading upwards as you start the climb to the Joux Plane. Enjoy the stunning views from the top of the Joux Plane before heading down the valley to Cluses and the start of the Col de la Colombiere. The final climb of the day is the Col de la Croix Fry where a certain Floyd Landis put the hurt on the leading group in the 2002 Tour de France.

Tip: be ready for the final 3km of the Col de la Colombiere, they’re a challenge!

Day 3

Distance

Elevation


From Les Aravis to Cormet de Roselend

Your ride today from La Clusaz to Brides les Bains is one of the most beautiful rides in the Alps. First up is the Col des Aravis where you’ll be accompanied up the climb by the ringing of cowbells. The Col des Saisies is next followed by one of the most spectacular routes in the Alps, the climb to the Col du Pré.

Tip: on a clear day, the views of Mont Blanc from the summit of the Aravis are some of the best in the Alps. Take a few minutes to get some photos!

Day 4

Distance

Elevation


Col de la Loze

Highlight of today’s ride is without a doubt the newest paved pass in the French Alps, the Col de la Loze. The road was paved especially for Stage 17 of the 2020 Tour de France where Colombian rider Miguel Ángel López (aka supermanlopez) won the stage. With a length of 21.5km (13.4 miles), an average grade of 7.3% and a maximum grade of 24%, the Col de la Loze is now the toughest climb in the French Alps. How could we not include it in a Trans-Alps trip!

Tip: A bottom gear of at least 34×32 is an absolute MUST for the steep sections of the Col de la Loze!

Day 5

Distance

Elevation


Col de la Madeleine & Col du Glandon

Two legendary Tour de France Hors-Categorie climbs on the agenda today, the Col de la Madeleine and the Col du Glandon. Between them they’ve featured almost 40 times in the Tour and they’ve seen many epic battles over the years. Today is your turn to test yourself on these famous climbs!

Tip: the Glandon has a real sting in the tail with the final 3km being the hardest of the entire climb – so save the legs!

Day 6

Distance

Elevation


Telegraphe, Galibier & Granon

A huge ride today over the legendary Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier, followed by the epic Col du Granon where Jonas Vingegaard effectively won the 2022 Tour de France.  At 2642m (8700ft), the Galibier is the highest point of the trip and one of the most grandiose climbs in Europe. To start the ride we’ve included the Lacets de Montvernier, an incredible climb with 18 switchbacks crammed into just 3km (2 miles)!

Day 7

Distance

Elevation


Col de Sarenne & Alpe d'Huez

An absolutely stunning ride to close out the trip. On your agenda today is the Col de Sarenne, a wild, single-lane road that climbs to 2000m (6,600ft), and the climb to Alpe d’Huez, the most famous bike climb in the world.

Alpe d’Huez has featured in the Tour de France 32 times, first included in 1952 and most recently in Stage 12 of the 2022 edition. We can’t imagine a better way to end an Epic cycling journey across the French Alps!

Day 8

Distance

Elevation


Au Revoir!

Unfortunately, your journey across the French Alps has come to an end.

Our private shuttle will drop you off at Geneva International Airport.

Map & Profile

Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col de la Joux Verte
from Montriond
6.5% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col de Joux Plane
From Morzine
7.3% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col de la Colombiere
from Scionzier
6.7% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col de la Croix Fry
from Thones
7.3% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col des Aravis
from La Clusaz
5.9% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col des Saisies
from Flumet
5.6% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col du Pré
from Beaufort
7.9% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col de la Loze
from Brides les Bains – via Meribel
7.7% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Champagny-en-Vanoise
from Le Villard
6.6% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col de la Madeleine
from La Lechere
6.6% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col du Glandon
from St Etienne de Cuines
7.3% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Lacets de Monvernier
from Pontamafrey
10.6% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col du Telegraphe
from St Michel de Maurienne
7.3% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col du Galibier
from Valloire
6.8% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col du Granon
from St Chaffrey
9.1% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col de Lautaret
from Le Monêtier-les-Bains
4% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col de Sarenne
from Mizoen
7.4% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Alpe d’Huez
from Bourg d’Oisans Roundabout
7.7% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today

Climbs

Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06
Day 07

Climbs

Category Climb Day Difficulty Length Ele. Gain Av. Grade
1 Col de la Joux Verte (from Montriond) 01 82 6.5%
1 Col de Joux Plane (From Morzine) 02 84 7.3%
HC Col de la Colombiere (from Scionzier) 02 104 6.7%
1 Col de la Croix Fry (from Thones) 02 90 7.3%
3 Col des Aravis (from La Clusaz) 03 49 5.9%
2 Col des Saisies (from Flumet) 03 68 5.6%
HC Col du Pré (from Beaufort) 03 108 7.9%
HC Col de la Loze (from Brides les Bains – via Meribel) 04 155 7.7%
2 Champagny-en-Vanoise (from Le Villard) 04 48 6.6%
HC Col de la Madeleine (from La Lechere) 05 134 6.6%
HC Col du Glandon (from St Etienne de Cuines) 05 135 7.3%
2 Lacets de Monvernier (from Pontamafrey) 06 85 10.6%
1 Col du Telegraphe (from St Michel de Maurienne) 06 94 7.3%
HC Col du Galibier (from Valloire) 06 112 6.8%
HC Col du Granon (from St Chaffrey) 06 131 9.1%
1 Col de Lautaret (from Le Monêtier-les-Bains) 07 35 4%
HC Col de Sarenne (from Mizoen) 07 100 7.4%
HC Alpe d’Huez (from Bourg d’Oisans Roundabout) 07 117 7.7%
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Dates & Prices Illustration

Dates & Prices



Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
2024
Jun 9 - 16
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $4,795
USD $850
USD $900
Book this trip
Sep 8 - 15
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $4,795
USD $850
USD $900
Book this trip
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Waiting List


Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:



    Trip Hotels

    Hotel Petit Dru

    Hotel Carlina

    Mercure Brides-les-Bains

    Hotel Coeur de Maurienne

    Hotel Le Monêtier

    Hotel Pic Blanc


    What's Included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Sit-down lunch on the first day
    • Picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up at Geneva Airport
    • Drop-off at Geneva Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the rides arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Sit-down lunch on the first day
    • Picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up at Geneva Airport
    • Drop-off at Geneva Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the rides arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Travel details - airport departures

    Pick-up/Drop-off Info

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Geneva Airport

    9:00am

    OR

    Holiday Inn Express Geneva Airport

    View website arrow

    9:00am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Time

    Geneva Airport

    10:00am


    Rental Bikes

    Specialized Aethos Expert

    Frame

    Aethos FACT 10r Carbon

    Groupset

    Di2 Shimano Ultegra

    Weight

    699g (size 56)

    Wheels

    Roval C38

    Chainrings

    52/36T

    Cassette

    11-36t (12-speed)

    Sizes

    49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

    USD $550

    View Details


    EPIC Trans French Alps

    An epic, awe-inspiring challenge that will test your limits in cycling’s most celebrated terrain