the Fantastic French Alps

Stages of your Tour

1. welcome loop

   30 km | flat

   Your French cycling tour begins at Geneva Airport, where you will be welcomed by one of our friendly team members. From there, we’ll transfer you east to our hotel in Morzine, located in the heart of the French Alps. Upon arrival, our staff will be on hand to assist guests with their own bikes or to fit those hiring bikes. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a gentle 30 km warm-up loop through the scenic Haute-Savoie valley, perfect for stretching the legs and settling in. This evening, dinner will be served at the hotel’s restaurant, a great opportunity to meet the group and talk about the days ahead. 
   
   Hotel Samoyède | Morzine

2. Col de joux plan

   55 KM | 1390 M CLIMB

   Start the day with a hearty breakfast at our charming hotel in Morzine before setting off on a spectacular loop ride. The highlight? The legendary climb of the Col de Joux Plane, scene of the epic 2023 Tour de France battle between Pogačar and Vingegaard. With breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif as your backdrop, you'll conquer one of the Alps’ most iconic climbs. At the summit, we’ll enjoy a classic French mountain lunch, soaking up the sun and panoramic alpine views — a perfect reward after a memorable ride.
   
   Hotel Samoyède | Morzine

3. Col de la colombiere

   90 km | 2300 m CLIMB

   Today’s loop takes us over two stunning alpine passes — the Col de la Colombière and the Col des Aravis — offering sweeping views and thrilling descents. We’ll finish our ride in Megève, one of the most iconic and elegant villages in the French Alps. There’s time to stroll through its charming streets, explore local boutiques, and enjoy a taste of the village’s relaxed glamour. In the evening, we’ll return to Morzine for a well-deserved group dinner, raising a glass to our first two epic rides together.

    
   Hotel Samoyède | Morzine

4. Morzine ice cream loop

   60 km | 1450 M CLIMB

   Today is all about slowing down and soaking in the alpine atmosphere. After breakfast, we’ll head out for a relaxed loop ride around the Morzine area, taking in the fresh mountain air and peaceful scenery. A highlight of the day will be a gelato stop near the beautiful alpine lake of Avoriaz — the perfect reward mid-ride. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace: take a dip in the pool, explore the village, or simply relax and recharge. Tomorrow promises to be one of the most epic rides of the tour, so enjoy this slower rhythm while it lasts.
   
   Hotel Le Monetier | Monetier-les-Bains

5. Télégraphe & galibier

   70 km | 2200 m CLIMB

   Today we leave Morzine and, after a short van transfer to Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, we take on one of the most legendary rides in all of cycling. The route climbs two iconic passes: the Col du Télégraphe and the mighty Col du Galibier — both steeped in Tour de France history and revered by cyclists around the world. After conquering these breathtaking ascents, we descend into the stunning alpine village of Le Monêtier-les-Bains, where we’ll spend the night surrounded by mountain beauty and a well-earned sense of accomplishment..

   
   Hotel Le Monetier | Monetier-les-Bains

6. coffee ride Briancon

   32 km | 300 m CLIMB

   Even the pro’s need a more relaxed stage when they are riding the grand tours! Today we have a chilled ride along the picturesque Serre Chevalier Valley. A chance to rest the legs and recharge before the challenge in the coming days. Arriving in Briançon, you can explore the historic streets before stopping in a local café. Savour a well-deserved coffee while taking in the views of the towering peaks that surround the town, before a leisurely return ride rounds off your perfect morning on the bike.
   
   Hotel Le Monetier | Monetier-les-Bains

7. Col d’Izoard

   100 km | 1900 m Climb

   Starting from Le Monêtier-les-Bains, your day begins with a scenic ride through the stunning alpine landscape as you head towards the iconic Col d'Izoard. The route takes you through the picturesque town of Guillestre, where gentle roads and charming views set a peaceful tone. As you approach the climb, the terrain becomes more dramatic, with winding roads leading up through the rugged Casse Déserte, a lunar-like landscape that defines the Izoard. Reaching the summit, you're greeted by panoramic views of the towering peaks before a smooth descent caps off this memorable cycling day.

   
   Hotel Le Monetier | Monetier-les-Bains

8. Alpe d’Huez

   65 KM | 1400 M climb

   On your final day of cycling, a short transfer whisks you to the top of Col de Lautaret, where the stage is set for an unforgettable ride. From this lofty starting point, you descend briefly before tackling the legendary Alpe d’Huez climb. As you pedal up the famous 21 hairpin bends, the challenge of the ascent is matched by the spectacular alpine views and the excitement of conquering this iconic climb. Each switchback brings you closer to the summit, where the sense of achievement and the panoramic vistas make for a fitting grand finale to your cycling holiday.
   
   Hotel Le Monetier | Monetier-les-Bains

9. Arrivederci

   Not today!

   All good things must come to an end and sadly it is time to bid you farewell. Our staff will happily assist you with planning your onward travel. There will be one morning transfer to Torino airport.
   
   Onward destinations

The perfect cycling holiday requires pedalling on the perfect bike. So should you not wish to bring your own bike with you, we have a number of beautiful bikes that you can hire at very reasonable prices. If you are not sure what is the perfect bike for you then fire us an email and we will be delighted give you some expert advice. You can find more information about our bikes below. And yes, you can buy our bikes if you fall in love with them!