Trans-Alps
Trans-Alps
From Morzine to Mont Ventoux, ride one of the most ambitious routes across the French Alps
Test yourself on the battleground of the world’s greatest race. Ride one of the most challenging routes in the French Alps, from Morzine to Mont Ventoux! Includes the most famous climb of the Tour de France: Alpe d’Huez.
Featured Climbs
Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galibier, Mont Ventoux, Col de la Madeleine
Overview
Details
Next Departure
September 4th 2021
Price
USD $3,995
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Non-Rider Friendly
No ?
Rental Bike
USD $500
Ride Program
Total Distance
Total Elevation
Daily Av. Distance
Daily Av. Elevation
Overview
Alpe d’Huez, La Madeleine, Galibier, Mont Ventoux, 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 ‘Giant of Provence’ – Mont Ventoux – with the option to climb it not once, but twice on the same day! You’ll be thrilled by the dramatic Col de Sarenne, the back-road to Alpe d’Huez, and a classic loop over the Lacets de Montvernier, the Col du Glandon and the Col de la Croix de Fer.
You can’t fit more Alps into one week!
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.
Duncan Chapman, USA — 2016
Lauren Wolff, South Africa — 2016
Barden Cooke, USA — 2016
Itinerary
| Day | Description | Distance | Elevation | Hotel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bienvenue en France | Hotel Petit Dru | |||
| 02 | The Joux Plane and the Col de la Colombiere | Hotel St Alban | |||
| 03 | From Les Aravis to the Col de la Madeleine | Hotel Saint Georges | |||
| 04 | Lacets de Montvernier, le Glandon and la Croix de Fer | Hotel Saint Georges | |||
| 05 | Col du Galibier and the 21 switchbacks to Alpe d'Huez | Hotel Pic Blanc | |||
| 06 | The back-road into Alpe d'Huez - the Col de Sarenne | Domaine de Cabasse | |||
| 07 | The Giant of Provence - Mont Ventoux | Domaine de Cabasse | |||
| 08 | Au Revoir! |
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 and the Col de la Colombiere
Two legendary Alpine climbs on the agenda today, the Category 1 Col de Joux Plane and the Hors-Categorie Col de la Colombiere. 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 our final climb, the Col de la Colombiere.
Tip: remember to keep something in the legs for the last 3km of the Colombiere, they’re a challenge!
Day 3
Distance
Elevation
From Les Aravis to the Col de la Madeleine
Your ride today from La Clusaz to St Jean de Maurienne 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 legendary climbs of the Tour de France, the 26km (16 miles) Hors-Categorie Col de la Madeleine.
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
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Map & Profile
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Col de la Joux Verte from Montriond |
6.5% | HC | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
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| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Col de Joux Plane From Morzine |
7.3% | 1 | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
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|
Col de la Colombiere from Scionzier |
6.7% | HC | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
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| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Col des Aravis from La Clusaz |
5.9% | 3 | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
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Col des Saisies from Flumet |
5.6% | 1 | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
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|
Col de la Madeleine from La Lechere |
6.6% | HC | ||
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Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
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Climbs
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Climbs
Dates & Prices
| Date | Booking Status | Availability | Price / Per Person | Single Supplement | Non-rider Discount | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | |||||||
|
Closed
|
Jun 5 - Jun 12 |
Closed |
Cancelled due to COVID-19 |
USD $3,995 |
USD $750 |
USD $800 |
|
Sep 4 - Sep 11 |
Taking Bookings |
Places Available |
USD $3,995 |
USD $750 |
USD $800 |
Book this trip | |
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 rides
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|
| What's Included |
|---|
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the rides
|
| What's Not Included |
|
Travel Details
Arrival
| Pickup Location | Meeting Time |
|---|---|
|
Geneva Airport |
8:30am |
OR |
|
|
Holiday Inn Express Geneva Airport |
8:30am |
Departure
| Drop Off Location | Arrival Time |
|---|---|
|
Marseille Airport |
9:00am |
Rental Bikes
Made by hand in Italy, the Basso Bikes Diamante is exactly what a fine, authentic, Italian road bike should be. The classic lines, flawless geometry and rounded tube shapes offer performance and ultimate versatility.
Frame
Basso Diamante
Groupset
Shimano Ultegra R8070 Di2 (Electronic Shifting)
Weight
8kg (size 53)
Wheels
Microtech MR38 Disc Carbon Clincher
Chainrings
50x34
Cassette
11-32
Sizes
45, 48, 51, 53, 56, 58, 61
Price
USD $500
Trans-Alps
An epic, awe-inspiring challenge that will test your limits in cycling’s most celebrated terrain
