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Geneva to Alpe d'Huez
Tour length: 5 nights/6 days
Fitness Level:
This Geneva to Alpe d’huez cycling tour is an award-winning adventure (one of our favorites) that takes place in our playground – we’re based right across the border from Geneva, in France!
Our extraordinary journey will take you from the shores of Lake Geneva to the world-famous alpine resort of Alpe d’Huez. In between, you’ll climb some of France’s most famous cols: Colombiere, Aravis, Saisies, Madeleine, Telegraphe, Galibier, and Alpe d’Huez.
We offer this “Geneva to Alpe d”Huez” cycling tour on a self-guided basis on select dates for 2021. We have one tour scheduled on a supported basis that may be combined with the Marmotte Granfondo event. Please note that this tour can also be organized for cycling clubs and private groups on a request basis. For these requests, we will tailor the itinerary and provide appropriate support based on the group’s fitness level.
Trip begins in Geneva and ends in Alpe d'Huez. Geneva is well-served by a wide variety of premier and budget airlines.
Starts on June 26 and September 3, 2022
This tour can be arranged on other dates by request from June through September:
• Self-guided for groups of 6 or more
• Self-guided with support vehicle for groups of 8 or more
Daily cycling distance ranges from 75 to 112 km with steep climbs.
Accommodation in 3-star properties.
Starting at 895 euros per person sharing a double room.
Itinerary
If you choose to fly or arrive by train, we will greet you at the airport or station and transfer you to your hotel in the medieval village of Yvoire by Lake Geneva. If you drive, you can park your car in our office’s parking lot, we will then transfer you to Yvoire. Either way, your trip will start with a nice dinner overlooking Lake Geneva.
Today’s destination is Le Grand Bornand, home of the Reblochon cheese. On your way to the heart of the Aravis mountain range, you will ride through the very scenic Chablais region. The ride is a classic and includes one major climb: Col de la Colombière (1,613 m/5,290 ft). Dinner and accommodation are in Le Grand Bornand.
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 the Col des Aravis (1,486 m/4,460 ft.), you’ll plunge down into 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.
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! After an exhilarating downhill and a flat section on the valley floor, you’ll ascend the easy Col du Télégraphe (1,566 m/4,700 ft.) and reach the beautiful resort of Valloire.
Valloire is located at the foot of the Galibier pass (2,642 m/7,926 ft.), the longest climb of the day. Riding this legendary col 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.
After breakfast, depart Alpe d’Huez at the time of your choice (self-guided version). Note that transfers to Grenoble or Geneva can be arranged on request.
Pricing
For groups of 6 or more, this tour can be arranged on other dates by request from June through September. Note that this Geneva to Alpe d’Huez cycling tour is highly customizable: extra nights and rides can be added. Just let us know more about your ideal French Alps cycling tour and we’ll let you know what can be done.
Self Guided
5 nights in 3-star hotels
From 895 euros per person sharing a room (single supplement is 265 euros)
Supported
5 nights in 3-star hotels
From 1,395 euros per person sharing a room (single supplement is 345 euros)
Can be combined with the Marmotte Cyclosportive on July 3rd, 2022
- 5 nights’ accommodation in 3-star hotels
- Daily breakfast
- 4 dinners (drinks are not included)
- Meeting with one of our staff members
- Luggage transfers
- Transfer from Geneva to Yvoire on Day 1
- Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
- Pre-loaded GPS unit (subject to availability) or GPX files
- Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s mobile number)
- All tax and service charges
In addition, the price for the trip WITH SUPPORT VEHICLE includes:
- Chauffeur-driven support vehicle
- Feed stations: water, energy drinks, snacks, fruit, etc.
- Transfer from Alpe d’Huez to Geneva on Day 6
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Travel insurance
- Transfer from Alpe d’Huez to Geneva or Grenoble is on request for the self-guided version
- Bicycle rentals. Full-carbon racing bikes are available at the price of 190 euros per bike. This price includes the drop-off fee for the bike’s return to Geneva.
Get More Info
Want to learn more about this Geneva to Alpe d’Huez cycling tour?” Complete the form below for a detailed description with route, mileage, and profile information, plus a list of hotels