This cycling tour will let you experience challenging climbs and thrilling downhills
Tackle various cols from Lake Geneva to Alpe d'Huez
Some of the Tour de France's most difficult climbs are featured in this challenging cycling tour
Enjoy the view while riding up Col de la Colombière
Galibier pass is one of the highlights on this cycling tour

Supported Geneva to Alpe d'Huez

Duration
6 days
Site savings
$31
From
$1,480 USD

This award-winning cycling tour takes you from the serene Lake Geneva to the world renowned Alpe d'Huez in France. It's going to be an exciting journey for competitive riders who are keen to traverse the cols which their Tour de France heroes have challenged. Enjoy the sweet pain of pushing your body and be rewarded with magnificent mountain views.

  • Category
    Road Cycling
  • Type
    Self-Guided
  • Duration
    6 days
  • Culture Level
    Familiar
  • Skill Level
    4 - Advanced
  • Activity Level
    5 - Tough
  • Elevation
    5 - Tough
  • Terrain
    Mountainous
  • Distance
    297.6 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    59.7 miles
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Quick Stats

  • Duration
    6 days
  • Main Destination
    Switzerland
  • Distance
    297.6 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    59.7 miles
  • Elevation
    5 - Tough
  • Terrain
    Mountainous

Route Map (click to view larger image)

Itinerary Details

  1. Day 1Arrival in Geneva - Transfer to Anthy or Yvoire

    Arrive at Geneva Cointrin International Airport where you will be greeted by the local team and transferred to your hotel in Anthy (or Yvoire) by Lake Geneva. Dinner will also be right by the lake.

    • Hotel Pré de la Cure
    • Dinner
  2. Day 2Anthy or Yvoire - Le Grand Bornand

    Today’s destination is Le Grand Bornand, home of the Reblochon cheese (the locals' Powerbar!). On your way to the heart of the Aravis mountain range, you will ride through the very scenic Chablais region. The ride includes one exciting major climb: Col de la Colombiere (1,613 m/5,290 ft). Dinner and accommodations are in Le Grand Bornand.

    • 67.1 - 69.6 miles
    • 1,781.5 ft
      9,051.8 ft
      7,270.3 ft
    • Hotel la Croix Saint Maurice, Grand Bornand
    • Breakfast and Dinner
  3. Day 3Le Grand Bornand - Albertville

    You’ll leave the very picturesque Le Grand Bornand and get on the classic “Route des Grandes Alpes,” a mountain route that links Lake Geneva (Thonon-les-Bains) to the Mediterranean Sea (Menton). After climbing Col des Aravis (1,486 m/4,460 ft.), you’ll plunge down to the valley before attacking the second climb of the day: Col des Saisies (1,657 m/4,970 ft.). Gravity will take you down to Albertville, where you’ll dine and stay overnight.

    • 46.6 miles
    • -1,978.3 ft
      5,702.1 ft
      7,680.4 ft
    • Hotel Le Roma, Albertville
    • Breakfast and Dinner
  4. Day 4Albertville - Valloire

    Another classic day! You’ll conquer Col de la Madeleine; one of the most mythic and classic mountain passes featured in the Tour de France. The top culminates at an impressive 2,000 m/6,000 ft, the highest so far… until tomorrow! The northern side is a very enjoyable, long and steady climb that has its reward: an unobstructed panoramic view of the nearby mountains. Make sure you enjoy it while at the top… sightseeing might be the last thing on your mind when barreling down the twisty 20-km downhill to the Maurienne Valley. After a flat section when you reach the base of the valley, you’ll ascend the easy Col du Télégraphe (1,566 m/4,700 ft.) and reach the beautiful resort of Valloire.

    • 65.9 miles
    • 3,553.1 ft
      11,489.5 ft
      7,936.4 ft
    • Hotel Christiania
    • Breakfast and Dinner
  5. Day 5Valloire - Alpe d'Huez

    Valloire is located at the foot of the Galibier pass (2,642 m/7,926 ft.), the mammoth climb of the day. Riding this legendary climb is magic — graffiti from past Tours will remind you that this road has seen many showdowns since it was first featured in the 1911 Tour de France. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Meije glacier and a memorable 40-km (25 miles) descent to Bourg d’Oisans, before charging up the 13-km (8 miles) climb to Alpe d’Huez. The time to beat: 37’35”, a record held by Marco Pantani since 1995.

    • 48.5 miles
    • -21,469.8 ft
      9,412.7 ft
      30,882.5 ft
    • Hotel Le Castillan in Alpe d'Huez
    • Breakfast
  6. Day 6Departure

    After breakfast, depart Alpe d’Huez at the time of your choice.

    • Breakfast