Ruta Negra French Alps
Ruta Negra French Alps
An EPIC route across the French Alps. Hardcore riders ONLY!
Our most ambitious itinerary yet with over 20 HC climbs squeezed into 14 days of riding. Our ingenious route across the French Alps, from Mont Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez, will challenge even the most hardcore cyclists.
Featured Climbs
Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux, Col du Galibier, Col de la Madeleine, Col de la Bonette
Overview
Details
Next Departure
No Upcoming Departures
Duration
Non-Rider Friendly
No
Rental Bike
Not available
Ride Program
Total Distance
Total Elevation
Daily Av. Distance
Daily Av. Elevation
Overview
The Tour de France has ensured the Alps are embedded in cycling folklore, thanks to the pain, suffering and glory dished out by the legendary climbs of the region.
La Ruta Negra is designed to capture these same sensations in an EPIC journey across the French Alps. We’ve designed a unique and ambitious ride featuring the majority of the iconic climbs and lots of lesser-known gems. Over the 2 weeks you’ll ride legendary climbs like Alpe d’Huez, Galibier, Ventoux, Madeleine, Glandon, Izoard & Croix de Fer. You’ll also conquer the Col de la Bonette, the highest paved through-road in Europe, and a number of sensational, unfamiliar gems that easily match their more famous counterparts, such as the Col de Sabot, Col de Granon and the Col d’Allos.
Covering a distance of 1,700km and with over 45,000m total elevation (1,000 miles and 150,000ft), this unique trip concept is designed to challenge even the most hardcore rider.
Book with Confidence Commitment
Book your 2021 Thomson trip with confidence. Our new cancellation policy provides a Full Refund if you cancel your trip up to 90 days prior to departure. View our 2021 Terms & Conditions for full details.
Andrew Harrison, Australia — 2019
Itinerary
| Day | Description | Distance | Elevation | Hotel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bienvenue en France! | Hostellerie du Val de Sault | |||
| 02 | Mont Ventoux x 2! | Hostellerie du Val de Sault | |||
| 03 | Gorges de la Nesque | Mon Hotel Gap | |||
| 04 | Col de La Bonette | Le Sauze – Montana Chalet | |||
| 05 | Best of the Southern Alps loop | Le Sauze – Montana Chalet | |||
| 06 | Col d'Izoard & Col de Granon | Hotel Alliey | |||
| 07 | Italian detour and the mighty Col de L'Iseran | Hotel La Toviere | |||
| 08 | Legendary Tour de France climbs | Hotel St Alban | |||
| 09 | Rest Day | Hotel St Alban | |||
| 10 | 2018 Tour de France Stage 10 | Hotel St Alban | |||
| 11 | The iconic Col de la Madeleine | Hotel Saint Georges | |||
| 12 | Col de Glandon & Col de la Croix de Fer | Hotel Saint Georges | |||
| 13 | Alps legends: Col du Galibier & Alpe d'Huez | Hotel Pic Blanc | |||
| 14 | The sensational Col du Sabot and Col de Sarenne | Hotel Pic Blanc | |||
| 15 | Au revoir! | ||||
| Daily Averages |
Itinerary Detail
Day 1
Distance
Elevation
Bienvenue en France!
Your trip starts at Marseille Provence Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in Provence.
After lunch, orientation meeting and bike build-up, you’ll head out for your first ride in Provence, over the Col de Murs and the Col de La Ligne.
Day 2
Distance
Elevation
Mont Ventoux x 2!
Not much needs to be said about today’s ride – except maybe, that in true Thomson style, you’ll climb the Giant of Provence not once, but twice! You’ll climb the classic Bedoin side of the climb first. After 14km (9 miles) of climbing through the pine forest you’ll break out of the trees and be faced with the final 7km (4 miles), across the famous lunar landscape, to the summit at 1900m (6,200ft).
A long descent to Malaucene where you can enjoy a coffee-stop and some refuelling before tackling the 20km (12 miles) ascent back to the summit.
Day 3
Distance
Elevation
Gorges de la Nesque
The highlight of today’s ride has to be the spectacular 19km (12 miles) climb through the Gorges de la Nesque. The Gorges are a magical place to cycle, a vast canyon cut into the Vaucluse Mountains with twisty roads and incredible scenery the entire length of the climb.
On exiting the Gorges you’ll head north through the lavender fields around Sault and on to your next climb, the Cat 2. Col de Perty in the Baronnies Natural Park. Before reaching our hotel in Gap you have 1 last climb to contend with, the Cat 2 Col de Foureyssasse which peaks out at just 20km (12 miles) from the finish of the ride.
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Map & Profile
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Col de Murs from Venasque |
4.3% | 2 | ||
|
Profile
Map
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|
Col de la Ligne from Murs |
3.9% | 3 | ||
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Profile
Map
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| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mont Ventoux from Bedoin |
7.3% | HC | ||
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Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
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Mont Ventoux from Malaucene |
7.4% | HC | ||
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Map
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| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gorges de la Nesque from Villes sur Auzon |
3.3% | 2 | ||
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Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
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Col de Perty from Montauban |
5% | 2 | ||
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Profile
Map
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0
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Col de Foureyssasse Sud from La Saulce |
6.5% | 2 | ||
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Climbs
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Climbs
Dates & Prices
| Date | Booking Status | Availability | Price / Per Person | Single Supplement | Non-rider Discount |
|---|
Waiting List
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Trip Hotels
What's Included
| What's Included | What's Not Included |
|---|---|
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the ride
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| What's Included |
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Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the ride
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| What's Not Included |
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Pick-up/Drop-off Info
Arrival
| Pickup Location | Time |
|---|---|
|
Marseille Provence Airport |
9:00am |
OR |
|
|
Hotel Pullman Marseille Provence Aéroport |
9:00am |
Departure
| Drop Off Location | Time |
|---|---|
|
Lyon St Exupery Airport |
9:00am |
Ruta Negra French Alps
An EPIC route across the French Alps that will test the most hardcore cyclist!
