Road Cycling Holiday in the Alps for Groups

This is an example itinerary to give you an idea of what your cycling week could be like.

When you book, we'll have a chat to you about the cycling experience and aspirations of your group and suggest a cycling itinerary to suit you.

It is fine to have mixed abilities within the group as most of the big cycle rides can be adapted for various abilities during the day.

In this example itinerary we have scheduled a variety of rides taking in a few of the famous Tour de France cols where you would have vehicle support and also included some lesser known but equally spectacular alpine roads for you to discover!

This example is a demanding itinerary and you'll need a good level of cycling fitness to be able to enjoy it.

However, as explained before there is a lot of flexibility as most rides can be easily extended or shortened and we will tailor a trip to suit you and can also adapt during the week quite easily.

We can also adapt the itinerary to include other activities such as canyoning, rafting, climbing... to give you legs a break for a day. Just ask when you enquire.

We'll meet you at your chosen accommodation to go through your cycling and activity itinerary for the week in detail, give you the appropriate maps and route advice, meeting points and times for activities and vehicle supported rides and answer any questions you might have.

ALL DAY Vehicle Supported Ride

OPTION 1: Col de Noyer (1664m) the classic way

This starts straight into the climb up to Col de Noyer. It's a stunning view all the way up, which is good as it's 13km with some steep sections of 14% gradient. After reaching the col you have a magnificent descent down into the village of St Etienne and then through the spectacular gorge of the Souloise river towards the stunning deep blue Lac du Sautet. There's another short climb up to Le Glaizil and then down to the N85 and back to your accommodation.

Distance: 62 km

Time: approx 3 and 1/2 hrs

Level: Moderate

OPTION 2: Col de Noyer with a little added extra!!

This route starts off with a warm up in the form of a steady climb up to Chaillol (1600m). At Chaillol you enjoy a beautiful descent back into to the valley and then climb up to the Col de Noyer. From there you do have the option of coming back down the same way or you can continue and finish the classic route as above. Adding the extra climb to Chaillol means you get two climbs in on the same day!

Distance: 82km (46km if you come back down the same way)

Time: approx 4/1/2 hrs

Level: Difficult

In the afternoon a welcome swim at the recreational swimming lake might be on the cards!!

ALL DAY vehicle supported ride

The Tour de France 2013 took in this ride with the famous time trial from Chorges to Embrue won by Froome. You can follow their route exactly or take in one of the many variations.

There is the option of doing this ride as a one way trip and getting a lift back or cycling the full circuit with refreshment stops - it is a full on ride if you do the full tour! However, the effort will be worth it as it is probably one of the most beautiful rides in the Hautes Alpes, with breathtaking views of the Lac de Serre Poncon.

It is varied cycling through the valley of Reallon, traversing the hillside to descend back to the lake and then going up on the other side to the wild Ubaye side, round and under the barrage (a magnificent engineering feat!) back to the start.

With the lake in close proximity you also have the option of a swim and sunbathe after you have finished your ride!

The full circuit is as follows but it is possible to adapt it to make it shorter.

Distance: 94km

Time: approx 71/2 hours

Level: Difficult

ALL DAY Vehicle Supported Ride

OPTION 1: Just the Mont Colombis

This starts in a small village and is a relentless 9km climb with a maximum gradient of 17%! It has been billed as the toughest climb in France in French cycling media!

Distance: 18 km (up and down)

Time: approx 2 - 2 1/2 hrs

Level: Moderate - Difficult

OPTION 2: Tour of Gap with Mont Colombis

This route starts in Gap and goes up and down over the beautiful undulating mountains above Gap until you reach the start of the Mont Columbis where the climbing challenge really starts. It is a good way to wam up your legs but make sure you save yourself for the Mont Colombis!

Distance: approx 52 km

Time: approx 4/1/2 hrs

Level: Difficult

ALL DAY vehicle supported ride

OPTION 1: Col d’Izoard (2360m)

This is one of the legendary cols in the Tour de France. It's big, beautiful and very exhilarating! Starting from Gullestre, you will climb 1310 vertical metres over 30.2 km at an average gradient of 4.3%. A long, steady, sustained climb rewarded by stunning moonscape scenery! It then descends into Briancon and goes back along the other side of the mountain through Argentiere la Besse to Guillestre.

Distance: 105 km

Time: approx 6 hours

Level: Very Difficult

This would definitely be a day to have full vehicle support with refreshment stops!

OTHER OPTIONS:

If you want to make this more difficult you can add an extra 20 km and 215 vertical metres by starting in Embrun or you can make it easier by getting picked up in Briancon! The choice is yours!

MORNING lie in

We can arrange a variety of activities for you, or a trip to the lake for a swim, or you can just relax and take in the mountain ambiance. 

ALL DAY vehicle supported ride

This is the 'piéce de résistance' - the most famous climb in the Tour de France and the end of the notorious Marmotte cyclosportif event. The Alpe D'Huez has 21 hairpin bends, each bearing a panel with the names of each of the Tour de France winners of this stage.

From Bourg D'Oisans you'll climb 1120 vertical metres over 14 km at an average gradient of 7.7%, with a maximum of 12% at any one time. The scenrey is awe inspiring.

Our suggested route starts in Briancon and takes you over the Col de Lautaret, which is a relatively easy and pleasant (as long as it's not windy!) but long climb to warm you up for Alpe D'Huez. The road takes you underneath the dramatic mountain giants of the Ecrins.

Distance: 74km

Time: approx 4 1/2 hours

Level: Very Difficult

You will be tired but exhilerated after your week in the Alps and ready for a chill out journey home!