Supported cycling trip : Route des Grandes Alpes 2026

Ride the full length of the Route des Grandes Alpes in seven days — 624 km and 13,000 m of vertical gain from lakeside Geneva to the palm trees and turquoise sea of Nice. This is one of the great point-to-point journeys in cycling, a parade of mythic passes stitched together by tiny valleys, balcony roads and quiet mountain towns. Along the way you crest giants like the Col du Galibier, Col de l’Iseran, Col de la Colombière, Col de Vars, and Col d’Izoard — names that echo through Tour de France history.

The riding is big and honest: long, steady ascents above the treeline, switchback descents that run for kilometres, and daily elevation that makes every col feel earned. Recovery is part of the pleasure — alpine cheese dishes in chalet dining rooms, tartiflette and fondue on cold-air evenings, and bakery stops for fresh blueberry tarte in mountain villages. Each day ends somewhere new, adding a sense of pilgrimage: start in the calm order of Switzerland, crossing the roof of France, and rolling all the way to the Mediterranean with seven days of mountains in your legs.

Highlights

• Arriving at the Mediterranean sea with views from the Col d’Eze

• Finishing the ride on the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice

• Riding out of Geneva with views of Mont Blanc

• Climbing and descending classic Cols:

  • Galibier

  • L’Iséran

  • Cime de la Bonette

  • L’Izoard

  • Cormet de Roselend

• Eat hearty alpine cheese dishes

Programme

Total distance: 624km

Total elevation: 13,000m

Includes

• 8 nights accommodation

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

• Vehicle support keeping you fuelled during the ride plus mechanical assistance

• Bag dropped off at your room each evening

• Personalised ride planning with GPX Routes for download

• Transfer from Geneva Airport and drop off at Nice Airport

Optional extras

• Bike hire

• Single occupancy room

• Post ride massages

• Cycling guide - groups of more than 4 people

• Michelin Star restaurant

Level required

If climbing and descending hairpin bends on classic alpine climbs is your thing, this is the week for you! If you want to see the most of the French Alps and finish on the Med!

This tour requires significant fitness, you must be able to ride 2000m on consecutive days and over a distance of 100km.

Prices and availability

1650€ per person if booked before 18th December 2024

1850€ per person if booked between 18th January 2024

2050€ per person full price

Group discounts for groups of 5 or more booking together

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