7 Majeurs Experience - 7 Alpine Cols in Italy & France
What is 7 Majeurs Experience? — Route overview and Stats
Take on one of Europe’s most prestigious climbing collections — the 7 Majeurs — condensed into a four-day, high-altitude road adventure across France and Italy.
The 7 Majeurs is a four-day road cycling challenge across the French and Italian Alps, linking seven mountain passes above 2,000 metres. The LAUTARET 7 Majeurs Experience covers approximately 380 km and more than 10,000 metres of climbing over four days.
The route starts and finishes in Barcelonnette and crosses between France and Italy, combining seven major Alpine climbs with comfortable accommodation, full-board meals, luggage transfers and mechanical support.
Location: French & Italian Alps
Base: Barcelonnette, France
Duration: 4 days of cycling
Total distance: Approximately 380 km
Elevation gain: 10,000 m+
High-altitude cols: 7
Highest point: Cime de la Bonette 2803m
Dates: 30 June – 4 July 2027
Rider level: Experienced / advanced
Accommodation: Hotels / guesthouses
Meals: Full board
Support: Mechanical assistance + luggage transfer
The challenge is inspired by the Confrérie des 7 Majeurs, whose original challenge involves completing the seven cols in less than 24 hours. Our version spreads the challenge over four days, allowing riders to experience the mountains, food and culture rather than treating the route purely as an ulta endurance event.
Why it is epic? 7 Legendary Alpine Cols in 4 Days
We start and finish in Barcelonnette, a small French culinary hub and perfect base for big-mountain riding. To strike the sweet spot between enjoyment and sporting challenge we climb two 2000 m+ cols per day for the first three days, rolling through balcony roads and high passes that trade France for Italy and back again. Day four is a single, decisive crescendo: the Cime de la Bonette — the highest paved road in France — a monumental final ascent before a long descent back to Barcelonnette and a well-earned final dinner. Four days, two countries, seven giants — and a gastronomic meal finish to celebrate the achievement.
With LAUTARET Adventures, its as much a social experience as a sporting achievement.
The climb line up: Vars, Izoard, Agnel, Sempeyre, Fauniera, Lombarde & Bonette
1. Col de Vars
France — 2,109 m. 8km at 8% average.
A classic Alpine climb linking the Ubaye and Guil valleys with views of 3000m mountains. Its a steady start and the shortest of the all the climbs on the route.
2. Col d'Izoard
France — 2,360 m. 19km at 6.1% average.
One of the most iconic climbs in the French Alps, the Col d'Izoard is famous for its dramatic landscapes and history in the Tour de France. The climb culminates in the remarkable Casse Déserte, a stark landscape of limestone peaks and scree.
3. Col Agnel
France / Italy — 2,744 m. 21km at 6.6% average.
The Col Agnel is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the Alps and marks the border between France and Italy. At 2,744 metres, it is a true high-altitude challenge, with expansive views across the Mont Viso, Ecrins, Queyras and Italian Alps.
4. Col de Sampeyre
Italy — 2,284 m. 15.6km at 8.5% average.
A quieter and more remote climb in Italy's Cottian Alps. The Col de Sampeyre is wooded and provides shade from the sun as the second climb of the second day. Its spectacular views of the Mont Viso make it one of the hidden highlights of the 7 Majeurs.
5. Colle Fauniera
Italy — 2,481 m. 21.6km at 7.1% average.
The Colle Fauniera is one of the most demanding and remote climbs on the route. Its high-altitude setting and challenging gradients make reaching the summit a particularly rewarding achievement. A statue to Marco Pantani awaits you at the summit.
6. Colle della Lombarda
Italy / France — 2,350 m. 20.5km at 7.5% average.
Crossing the border from Italy to France, the Colle della Lombarda is a spectacular high-mountain climb, surrounded by larch trees and taking a glimpse of the Vinadio Monsatry. The descent the other side is one of our favourites in the Alps.
7. Cime de la Bonette
France — 2,802 m. 25.8km at 6.4% average.
The final and highest summit of the 7 Majeurs, the Cime de la Bonette rises to 2,802 metres above sea level. The climb is a fitting finale to the challenge, combining sustained climbing, Mercantor National park for scenery and the satisfaction of completing all seven Alpine giants before a long descent for a celebratory meal in Barcelonette.
What is included? Guided Rides, Meals, Accommodation & Logistics
Accommodation: Comfortable nights in guest houses or hotels with full board
Full board meals: Healthy breakfast, lunch and evening meals with local Italian and French cuisine
Luggage transfers: Bag delivered to your hotel room
Mechanical assistance: Reassurance of mechanical assistance on the bike
Trip logistics: Route planning, accommodation, meal organisation and day to day logistics are managed by LAUTARET
Who is it for? Experienced cyclists seeking an alpine challenge
This tour requires significant fitness, you must be able to ride over 2500m on consecutive days and over a distance of 100km. We suggest you are capable of riding 1000m climb at an average of 9km/h.
What isn’t included?
Travel to Barcelonnette
Travel insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Any additional nights before or after the trip
How to apply
Price subject to availability of accommodation when booking.
We can organise individual rooms for a supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does the 7 Majeurs take?
It is a 4 day adventure with 2 cols for the first three days and the final day climbs the Cime de la Bonette.
How many kilometres is the 7 Majeurs? How much elevation gain is there?
Approximately 380 km and more than 10,000 metres of climbing
Where does the 7 Majeurs Experience start and finish?
Barcelonette
How do I get to Barcelonette ?
There is a night train from Paris to Gap and an onwards bus to the start.
The nearest airports are Marseille, Nice and Lyon.
How fit do I need to be? Can I participate if I haven't climbed 2,500m in a day before?
We strongly reccommend that you have already cycled 3000m of elevation gain during a single ride on the bike. This is a tough challenge and requires preparation prior to taking it on. We suggest you are capable of riding 1000m climb at an average of 9km/h.
Is the ride guided? Is mechanical support included?
There will be a guide leading the adventures. A vehicle support will also be provided for mechanical assistance.
What happens if there is bad weather?
We have vehicle support in case of bad weather.
Do I need my own bike? Can I rent a bike?
We can arrange for high quality bike rental or you can bring your own bike.