TDF - French Alps Avid Cycling Tour
Tour in France Private tour for David Crabb & Companions
Private French Alps Avid Cycling Tour
for groups of any size
Tour in France - French Alps - Trip Overview - Private Group
"The Ultimate Challenge " - Biking the Classic Cols
Some Notes & Considerations:
Col du Télégraphe & Galibier: Télégraphe is ~11.8 km climbing 846 m from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne at ~7.17 % average. The climb to Galibier (from the north via Télégraphe) gets you ~2,120 m of gain over ~34.8 km.
Col d'Ornon: is a moderate pass (1,360 m) connecting Oisans to La Mure, with gradients in the 5–6–7 % range on certain sections.
Col du Glandon: From Bourg-d'Oisans the route is gentler (some downhill bits) over ~24.1 km, ~1,152 m.
Pass openness & logistics: Some of these high passes (Glandon, Galibier, Croix de Fer) are seasonal and might be closed depending on the date. We'll need to check the mountain-pass opening schedule for the year we do the trip.
Transfers & pacing: We would leave bike boxes in the Annecy hotel for the entire trip to save carrying them around in the van. Day 3 is a heavy day (transfer + big climbs) but very achievable. Annecy is one of the most spectacular lakeside towns in France and is easy for people to access via plane or train, if some of your group wants to arrive earlier in France and meet us there or to transfer onwards after the trip.
Enjoy
Days 1-2: Meet & Your First Cols
Arrive at: Geneva, Switzerland airport where we transfer you to Annecy build bikes and as time allows we do the 35k ride round lake.. The next day we loop ~ 80 km/ 1,400m ride up the Col de la Forclaz & Col de Leschaux back to Annecy.
Day 3: Transfer and Galibier
Today we transfer to Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne (~1h 35) then ride~ 90 km and climb ~ 2,300mn via Col du Télégraphe → Col du Galibier and descend into Oisans to Bourg. Where we stay for 3 nights
Days 4: Col d'Ornon + Alpe d'Huez
From Le Bourg d'Oisans ~ 72 km ~ 1,900 m. Alpe d'Huez's 8% average gradient over 13km and should not be underestimated. Don't start too quickly! The first six bends to La Garde are the most difficult.
Days 5-6: Col du Sarenne (~ 60 km~ 1,800 m);
Into the most beautiful of French Alp to ride one of the most famous Balcony roads. Col de Sarenne is a climb of 12.8km and bridges 958 vertical meters with an average gradient of 7.5%. An unforgettable loop in which you get to ride both sides of the mythical Alpe d’Huez.
Days 6-8: Col du Glandon & Croix de Fer (~ 65 km~ 1,200 m)
Our last day we ride the Col de la Croix de Fer is a hard, but beautiful, ride you won’t forget. It combines steep, continually changing gradients with majestic scenery and Tour de France history. And when you ride from Bourg d’Oisans in the south, you get a little bonus of the Col du Glandon for barely any additional effort. This is one of the big rides of the region and is not to be missed. It's ~ 65 kmn/1,200m up then descends to La Chambre, where we transfer (~1h 20) back to Annecy to pack bikes away before our farewell dinner.
The following day we transfer you back to Geneva airport or as arranged.
Inclusions
Not included
An adventure through the French Alps from the lakeside town of Annecy. After meeting you in Geneva we whisk you away to the Jewel of the Alps, Annecy, where we start our Journey. The course will traverse sections of previous years Tour de France, In this way, riders will have the opportunity to experience some of the unbelievable mountain climbs of the region. Legendary Climbs including Galibier, Glandon, Croix de Fer and Alpe d’Huez and more.
Price: $2865 (6 or more)/dbl occupancy or $3475 (less than 6) 20% single supplement
Day 1: ArrivalsTransfer (~35 min), build bikes, warm-up loop around the lake: We meet you at Geneva Airport in the morning and transfer you to the Lakeside town of Annecy. After a light lunch, we help build your bike and head out for a gentle afternoon ride in the surroudings of lake Annecy 38km, 200m. Tonights hotel situated in Annecy, allowing easy access to explore
Today we attempt the classic Col de Leschaux (11km), followed by the Col de la Forclaz( 9km) both are sure to make a good impression on your legs. The descent is something legendery to be enjoyed by all. 72km 1350m Our hotel tonight situated in Annecy
After a good nights rest, we make a transfer and then we embark on possibly our toughest stage. Today, we climb Lacets de Montvernier, Col du Telegraph and then Col Du Galibier. With the altitude gain, it is sure to be epic. 116km, 3200m. Hotel in Le Bourg d’Oisans.
Day 4: An easier day on the cards today with options depending on how your legs are feeling. In the morning we climb Col d’Ornon and then the famous Alpe d'Huez and from there loop back to our hotel and relaxing. The area has many lesser known climbs and backroads that can easily be accessed if you so desire. 50 - 80km, 1800m. Hotel Oberland in Le Bourg d’Oisans
Day 5: After a few easy Km's out of Bourg d'oasins we climb along the famous balcony roads high above the valley, initially to Les Deux Alpes, and then the Col du Sarenne. Stunning views will hopefully distract you. After summiting we make the long descent to Le Bourg d’Oisans. 78km 2500m.
Day 6: The day will start heading out of Le Bourg before hitting the foot of Col du Glandon, then you start a 28km Ascent , through a very rocky landscape passing through a number of picturesque small hamlets before reaching the Col de la Croix du Fer. We then descend down to La Chambre, and transfer back to our hotel in Annecy. Pack the bikes away and enjoy our final dinner together as a group. 65km,1700m.
Featuring a restaurant, the 4-star Le Pelican Annecy hotel lies only 0.6 km from Annecy Castle. The hotel has a heated swimming pool along with a lounge bar and boasts a location within reach of Lake Bourget.
3-star hotel with completely renovated rooms and a restaurant, hotel dating from 1896 in the art deco style of the golden age of mountaineering, this establishment is a real base camp for exploring. Lounge and a relaxing atmosphere, overlooking the hotel park, enjoy your favorite cocktails. With fast WiFi, manage your activity in a calm environment.
*Please note: while these hotels are typically featured, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality due to availability. Please call us if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.
DAY-TO-DAY DISTANCES & HIGHLIGHTS
All the towns & lodgings we stay are highlights in themselves
KEEP IT PRIVATE ON AN EXISTING TOUR or CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP
If you have at least 6 participants we can keep it private on any of our sheduled tours or on an alternative date (subject to availability). For less than 6, prices may vary and for more than 12 discounts may apply.
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Sometimes a custom trip is participating in one of our exisitng trips on a private basis with a few alterations to trip length, activity level, or adding some side trips. Other times we get to work to create a unique itinerary specific to your groups desires or budget. We then use our expertise to organize a tour especially tailored to your vision.
The first thing we do is get to know you a little. We learn your interests and preferences, find out who’s going and why. Family, friends or associates? Birthday, reunion or corporate retreat? When you speak with our tour designer he/she will work together with you to design a trip that is sure to create great anticipation and excitement for all.
