Say hola to Sierra Nevada
The stunningly visual Sierra Nevada area is large and diverse, with fantastic accommodation options among the mountains or down by the sea.
Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada in Andalusia is a fantastic emerging destination for all levels of cyclists. Sunny all year round, the Sierra Nevada accommodates everyone.
Whether you’re a Training Camp enthusiast or just someone who wants a sunny beach holiday with some added cycling, this area is second to none.
Say hola to Sierra Nevada
The stunningly visual Sierra Nevada area is large and diverse, with fantastic accommodation options among the mountains or down by the sea.
The Sierra Nevada in Andalusia is a fantastic emerging destination for all levels of cyclists. Sunny all year round, the Sierra Nevada accommodates everyone.
Whether you’re a Training Camp enthusiast or just someone who wants a sunny beach holiday with some added cycling, this area is second to none.
Alpine Climbs Trip
July 5th – 12th, 2025 | August 30th - September 6th, 2025
8 days / 7 nights from €1,315 per person
Col du Galibier | Col de la Croix de Fer | Alpe d’Huez
Discover the legendary Alpine cols of the Tour de France on this thrilling cycling adventure. With expert support, stunning landscapes, and iconic climbs, you’ll ride through breathtaking valleys, historic towns, and world-famous mountain passes. Ideal for cycling enthusiasts looking for a challenging yet unforgettable experience.
Experience some of the most famous and challenging climbs of the Tour de France, including the Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer, and Alpe d’Huez. These legendary mountain passes offer both rewarding ascents and exhilarating descents, with breathtaking panoramic views at every turn.
THE ICONIC ALPINE COLS
Stay in picturesque villages like Cuneo, Isola, and Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Explore historic towns, each with its own unique character, from Cuneo’s Renaissance streets to the alpine beauty of Briançon. Enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the French and Italian Alps.
CHARMING ALPINE VILLAGES
Throughout the trip, a dedicated support vehicle will follow, offering assistance, transporting your luggage, and ensuring that you enjoy a stress-free journey. Whether you want to extend your ride or take a relaxing afternoon off, the flexible itinerary allows for a personalised experience tailored to your preferences.
PERSONALISED SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY
Ride through the stunning landscapes of the Alps, from lush valleys and cascading waterfalls to towering peaks and rugged cliffs. The ever-changing scenery will captivate you, offering a mix of tranquil alpine meadows and dramatic mountain vistas, making this an unforgettable escape into nature.
STUNNING NATURAL BEAUTY
Trip Highlights
Further details for French Alpine Climbs trip
This tour will take you to the most famous Alpine cols of the Tour de France.
A support vehicle will always be nearby to assist you when needed, transport your luggage, and organise stops to make the journey as enjoyable as possible.
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Airport: Fly into Milan Malpensa Airport. Group flight transfers will be organised in the afternoon to Cuneo.
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Start: Cuneo, a 2 hour and 30-minute transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport.
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Finish: Bourg d’Oisans, near Grenoble. The closest airport is Geneva, and the transfer time is approximately 2 hours.
What's Included
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Private airport transfers for guests, luggage, and bikes. Arrival based on Milan Malpensa Airport and departure via Geneva Airport.
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Transportation during the trip, including luggage and bikes.
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7 nights' accommodation in hotels with bed and breakfast in Cuneo, Bourg d’Oisans, Isola, Jausiers, Guillestre, Briançon, and Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne (based on two people sharing per room).
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6 cycling days with France Outdoors itineraries and a support vehicle.
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One guide for the week (the guide will remain with the support vehicle and handle organisation – the guide will not be cycling).
What's Not Included
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Bike hire on-site.
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Flights.
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Individual insurance (travel and medical repatriation).
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Dinners, picnic lunches, and beverages.
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All extras not listed in the itinerary (pages 1 & 2).
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Single room supplement: €285 for the week.
You will be welcomed by Vincent at Milan Malpensa Airport, followed by a transfer to Cuneo (approximately 2.5 hours). Accommodation for the night will be in a 2-star hotel in Cuneo (based on two people sharing). A provincial capital in western Italy, Cuneo is known for its elegant Renaissance-style arcaded main street, lined with shops and cafés. Its old town dates back to the 12th century when it was a fortified settlement. Cuneo was the starting point of the Tour de France stage to Jausiers in 2008.
Welcome meeting to check the bikes and make final adjustments.
Dinner: Not included.
Start the day by gently cycling along the Stura Valley to acclimatise. You'll warm up your legs by riding to the village of Pratolungo, before tackling the climb to the Col de la Lombarde (21.3 km, average gradient of 6.8%). At 2,351 m, the Lombarde is a Hors Categorie col on the French-Italian border, famously climbed in the 16th stage of the 2008 Tour de France.
Enjoy a downhill ride to Isola.
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Distance: 79 km
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Ascent: 2,390 m
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Descent: 1,486 m
Stay overnight in a 2-star hotel in Isola.
Meals: Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner not included.
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Cycle through the northern part of the Tinée Valley in the morning, a narrow alpine route with stunning waterfalls. Continue with the climb to the Col de la Bonnette, the highest col in Europe (2,802 m). The 26 km ascent from Saint Etienne de Tinée has an average gradient of 6.5%. The Bonnette has been an official col of the Tour de France in 1962, 1964, 1993, and 2008.
Optional afternoon climbs to Super Sauze or Praloup from Jausiers.
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Distance: 67 km
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Ascent: 1,820 m
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Descent: 1,746 m
Overnight stay in a 2-star hotel in Jausiers.
Meals: Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner not included.
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Begin the day by cycling through Jausiers, followed by the ascent of the Col de Vars, which has featured in the Tour de France 20 times since 1947. This Hors Categorie col sits at an altitude of 2,108 m, with a 15 km climb at a 5.5% gradient from the Col de Vars / Col de Larch junction.
After crossing into the Hautes Alpes, you'll be greeted by the beautiful mountain landscapes as you descend to Guillestre, located on the edge of the Queyras Regional Park. Optionally, enjoy a leisurely afternoon ride to Embrun (a loop ride with gentle terrain), or a more challenging climb to the Risoul ski resort.
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Distance: 59 km
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Ascent: 1,070 m
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Descent: 1,050 m
Stay overnight in a 2-star hotel in Guillestre.
Meals: Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner not included.
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No cycling trip in the Alps is complete without the iconic Col d’Izoard!`The Col d’Izoard (2,360 m) is one of the most famous cols in the French Alps, having been featured 23 times in the Tour de France since 1947. The 32 km climb from Guillestre has an average gradient of 4.5%, and you'll pass through green mountain scenery, sandy cliffs, and the stunning Casse Deserte before reaching the summit. Once in Briançon, you can opt for a relatively flat ride through the Clarée Valley or tackle the Montgenèvre Pass (out and back).
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Distance: 58 km
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Ascent: 1,520 m
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Descent: 1,250 m
Stay overnight in a 2-star hotel in Briançon.
Meals: Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner not included.
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Today you will face the mighty Col du Galibier (2,645 m), one of the legendary climbs of the Alps. This Hors Categorie col has been featured in the Tour de France 32 times since 1947. The ascent from Briançon covers 37 km with an average gradient of 3.7%, with the final 21 km at a steeper 6%. At the summit, you'll find a monument dedicated to Henri Desgranges, the founder of the Tour. After descending to the Maurienne Valley, you'll arrive in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Optionally, you can extend your ride with a loop to Bonvillard (700 m ascent).
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Distance: 75 km
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Ascent: 1,750 m
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Descent: 2,419 m
Stay overnight in a 2-star hotel in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.
Meals: Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner not included.
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On your final day, you’ll tackle two major challenges: the Col de la Croix de Fer and the legendary Alpe d’Huez climb.
The Col de la Croix de Fer (2,067 m) offers a 30 km ascent with an average gradient of 5%. Afterward, you’ll take on the legendary 21 hairpin bends of Alpe d’Huez (14 km at 8% from Bourg d’Oisans), a climb that has featured 27 times in the Tour de France since 1952.
After celebrating your achievement with a well-earned drink at the summit, you’ll descend back to Bourg d’Oisans.-
Distance: 74 km
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Ascent: 2,599 m
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Descent: 1,394 m
Stay overnight in a 2-star hotel in Bourg d’Oisans.
Meals: Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner not included.-
Spend the morning in Bourg d’Oisans at your leisure before a transfer to Geneva Airport.
Meals: Breakfast included. Picnic lunch not included.
French Alpine Climbs Trip Itinerary
ON SIERRA NEVADA
"It's almost like Aix-Les-Bains except a little bit warmer, but it will be too warm in the summer, but it has lovely roads"
KRISTIAN BLUMMENFELT, NORWEGIAN TRIATHLETE
An incredible adventure! The support team was fantastic, and the climbs were both challenging and rewarding.
KEVIN
Cycling the famous cols was a dream come true. Every day brought breathtaking views and thrilling descents!
BRONAGH
Perfectly organised with excellent routes. The Col du Galibier was the highlight of an unforgettable week.
NIALL