Trans French Alps

Trans French Alps

A magnificent journey across the French Alps, from Morzine to the legendary Alpe d'Huez

You’ve seen the pros do battle on the most famous climbs of the Tour de France. This is your opportunity to conquer the very same climbs as you ride this magnificent route across the French Alps.

Overview

Details

Next Departure

June 3rd 2023

From

USD $4,495

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

Conquer the Col du Galibier, the Col de la Madeleine, the Col de Telegraphe, the Col de Joux Plane, the Col de la Colombiere, and of course the legendary 21 switchbacks to Alpe d’Huez.

We’ve designed a magnificent route that will introduce you to the majesty and wonder of road cycling’s most celebrated terrain.

In addition to the famous climbs mentioned above, you’ll also 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 and first featured in the Tour de France in 2020.

Prepare for a week of awe-inspiring cycling in the French Alps!


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Trans French Alps
As in past trips, the organization and logistics are impressive. The staff to guest ratio allows for every rider to feel always covered and able ...

Alex Rosas, USA — 2022

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Trans French Alps
Best Vacation Ever ! 5 Stars to everyone at Thomson.

Paul Callery, USA — 2022

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Trans French Alps
This was my first trip of this type - a supported bike ride. I had been considering a trip like this for many years and ...

Tom Hunter, Canada — 2022

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Cycling helmet, sunglasses and shoes illustration

Itinerary

Day Description Distance Elevation Hotel
01 Bienvenue en France Hotel Petit Dru
02 The Joux Plane and the Col de la Colombiere Hotel Carlina
03 Over Les Aravis and Les Saisies to Brides-les-Bains Mercure Brides-les-Bains
04 Col de la Loze Mercure Brides-les-Bains
05 Col de la Madeleine & Les Lacets de Montvernier Hotel St Georges
06 Col de Telegraphe and Col du Galibier Hotel Le Monêtier
07 Alpe d'Huez! Hotel Pic Blanc
08 Au Revoir!
Daily Averages
Itinerary View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
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02
03
04
05
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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 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


Over Les Aravis and Les Saisies to Brides-les-Bains

Your ride today from La Clusaz to La Lechere is one of the most beautiful rides in the Alps. First up is the Col des Aravis, where the ringing of cowbells from the surrounding fields of dairy cows will take your mind off the task at hand. Enjoy the fun descent to Flumet, a typically quaint French Alpine town, before starting your next climb to the Cat 1. Col des Saisies. The small town of Les Saisies at the summit is always a great place for a coffee stop before the descent to Albertville.

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!

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
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

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%
3 Col des Aravis (from La Clusaz) 03 49 5.9%
2 Col des Saisies (from Flumet) 03 68 5.6%
HC Col de la Loze (from Brides les Bains – via Meribel) 04 155 7.7%
HC Col de la Madeleine (from La Lechere) 05 134 6.6%
2 Lacets de Monvernier (from Pontamafrey) 05 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%
1 Col de Lautaret (from Le Monêtier-les-Bains) 07 35 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
2023
Jun 3 - 10
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $4,495
USD $800
USD $840
Book this trip
Sep 16 - 23
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $4,495
USD $800
USD $840
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

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    Hotel Carlina

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    Mercure Brides-les-Bains

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    Hotel St Georges

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    Hotel Le Monêtier

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    Hotel Pic Blanc

    View website arrow


    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

    Frame

    Felt FR Advanced

    Groupset

    2023 SRAM Force AXS 12-speed

    Weight

    7.7kg (size 53)

    Wheels

    Reynolds AR46 DB Custom

    Chainrings

    48x35

    Cassette

    10-33

    Sizes

    47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61

    Price

    USD $500

    View Full Details


    Trans French Alps

    A magnificent route that will introduce you to the majesty and wonder of road cycling’s most celebrated terrain