The best airport for you to arrive to is Geneva or Lyon. This trip is totally flexible so we can arrange transfers for you or we can arrange car hire which can be a great cost effective alternative.
Choose from one of the many hotels in the area and stay either atop Alpe D’Huez, down in Bourg d’Oissans or elsewhere in the valley.
As the trip is entirely flexible you’re free to choose where you cycle but today we recommend riding some of the iconic cols. Take on the Glandon by riding out west where you will be met by the crystal clear waters of the Lac de Grand Maison. As you climb, the valley of Vaujany falls away beneath you. Climbed from Vaujany, the Glandon is 25km with an average of 5% but keep plenty in your legs for the 9% sections.
If you’re feeling good, ride on to the Col de la Croix de Fer and for more of a challenge, the Col du Telegraphe summit is 30km away.
Today we recommend climbing the Galibier and then Alpe d’Huez. From Bourg d’Oissans, the Galibier summit is 50km away so this is a big day with some tough climbing. The climb is 35km averaging 8%.
After summiting the Galibier, you can enjoy a truly incredible 35km descent. All roads lead back to Alpe D’Huez so you will come face to face with the “Dutch Mountain’s” 21 hairpins and over 1km vertical ascent. The Alpe is 13.8km with an average of 8.1%, although watch out for the 13% sections.
Keep Marco Pantani’s 37 and half minute ascent and report back if you beat him….as partners of British Cycling we are sure we can get you a job as part of Team GB if you come close to that!
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure before we pick you up for transfer to the airport unless you’ve hired a car. If you want to stay longer in the Alps just let us know as all our itineraries are fully flexible.
Saw-edged mountains, snow capped peaks and passes conquered by legends, there really is no place quite like the French Alps. Home to some of the most iconic climbing in Europe, the Alps offers famous climb after famous climb with Alpe D’Huez and its 21 hairpins being the most revered. The valleys are home to deep green forests whilst the mountain sides glow red and orange in the early Autumn.