Embark on an exhilarating weekend cycling adventure on the iconic climbs of the Southern French Alps: col du Noyer, Galibier, Izoard, Lautaret, Granon, Echelle, Orcieres, Risoul, Agnel, Vars, and the tour of the Serre Ponçon lake. Immerse yourself in the dramatic beauty of the mountains as you navigate these renowned routes and conquer the hairpin turns!
Your adventure begins with high-quality road bikes, delivered to your bike-friendly hotel upon arrival. With GPX tracks, comprehensive advice on the famous climbs and circuits, and station or airport transfers included, all you need to do is show up and enjoy the ride!
This self-guided cycling experience also offers the unique opportunity to ride on roads exclusively closed for your enjoyment, free from motor vehicles – just you, the open road, and fellow cyclists.
We will custom-design your itinerary to craft your ideal Alps cycling weekend, including both legendary mountain passes and lesser-known but equally stunning routes from our four Alpine bases, making the most of the reserved cols available during your stay.
For a longer trip of 5 nights to a week, please check out our Road Cycling Odyssey Trip
Roads Reserved for Cyclists!
In France, the home of the Tour de France, authorities close roads purely for cyclists' enjoyment in the Southern French Alps, home to some of the race’s most iconic mountain passes. This tradition, established in 1997, allows cyclists to ride freely on these legendary routes.
Each year, we gain early access to the schedule of road closures, enabling us to organise bespoke self-guided cycling holidays around these dates. During these events, roads are closed in the mornings, from the base of the climb to the mountain pass summit. While approaching routes remain open, motorists are vigilant and accommodating due to the event's popularity.
Local tourist offices often set up refreshment stands, and supporters cheer you on, creating a Tour de France-like atmosphere. These events welcome cyclists of all levels, from professionals to families, fostering a relaxed, friendly environment where everyone can share their passion for cycling.
Your Cycling Bases:
For this trip, we use four main cycling bases in the Southern French Alps: Guillestre, Briançon, Embrun, and Gap. These locations are strategically selected for their easy and direct access to legendary Tour de France climbs and routes. Based on your preferred rides and the calendar of closed cols, we will design your itinerary using the most suitable bases and arrange baggage transport between them.
