Alpe d'huez to Briancon
Even better than our 4 night program, this tour offers a few changes of hotels and takes you even further into the region to ride more mountain passes and see more of this beautiful region. You will put your climbing legs to the test on the famous mountains passes (cols) of Croix de Fer, the backside of the Galibier, the Izoard, and of course, the monstrous Alpe d'Huez. If you are an experienced and passionate rider looking for the ultimate challenge, then come experience the cols where cycling legends made their marks.
Upon your arrival in the village of Alpe d'Huez you will get a detailed briefing about the cycling possibilities in the area, the best routes, and organizational tips to get the most out of this great cycling holiday. After your rides, you can relax in comfortable mountain hotels and enjoy hardy alpine dinners to fuel you for your next mountain challenge.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Alpes
Duration : 6 Days / 5 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category :
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Biking
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrival Day
Travel from Grenoble to a 3 star resort in the town of Alpe d'Huez where you will receive your road book and your rental bike. This afternoon you will receive an orientation over the telephone with one of our team members. Dinner included.
Accommodation : Hotel Les Grandes Rousses - "Alpe d'Huez"
Day 2 : Alpe d'Huez Day
Option 1 : 30 Miles - 49 Km
Option 2 : 43 Miles - 69 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 1752 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 2144 Meters
Alpe d'Huez is a vertical climb of 1.120m (3.733 feet), 14 km (8.75 miles) long, gradients between 7.7 and 12% and its 21 switchbacks are famous for cracking or elevating cycling legends in the history of the Tour de France. The ride is 49km but you have the option to climb les deux alpes as well. Total distance would be 69km (37mi). Total ascent of 2144m.
Accommodation : Hotel Les Grandes Rousses - "Alpe d'Huez"
Day 3 : Alpe d'Huez to St Jean-de-Maurienne
Distance 1 : 52 Miles - 83 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 1909 Meters
A though ride day from L'Alpe d'Huez to St Jean-de-Maurienne. On this day, you will ride approximately half the route of the famous and grueling Marmotte race with lots of climbing and long steep descents. Before reaching St Jean-de-Maurienne, you will pass by the Col de Sarenne and the Col de la Croix de Fer, first introduced to the Tour de France in 1947. Total ascent of 2800m.
Accommodation : Hotel du Nord - "Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne"
Day 4 : Col du Telegraph, du Lautaret & Galibier
Distance 1 : 53 Miles - 85 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 2319 Meters
Another challenging day with 3 cols waiting for you: the Col du Telegraph, Col du Lautaret, and then the famous Col du Galibier. You will end this ride with a long descent all the way to Briancon where you will spend the night. Total ascent of 2800m.
Accommodation : B&B Le Bacchu Ber - "Briançon"
Day 5 : Col d'Izoard
Option 1 : 25 Miles - 40 Km
Option 2 : 53 Miles - 85 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 1216 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 1917 Meters
We left one of the most difficult mountain passes for the end, the Col d'Izoard. The Izoard is a long climb from Briancon, but worth the arduous effort. There is an option to go to the town of Sestrieres in Italy and back if you still have enough fuel on your legs. Total ascent = 1495m.
Accommodation : B&B Le Bacchu Ber - "Briançon"
Day 6 : Departure Day
Departure after breakfast. Transfer by bus on your own from Briancon to Grenoble's TGV station is available.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1, 2
A 360° view of the village and the mountain. A lively environment where every moment is precious! With its spacious interior and intimate atmosphere, this Alpe d'Huez hotel combines a refined environment with innovative touches to bring you the best accommodation available. The premises were designed to ensure that all the guests can enjoy their perfect atmosphere.
Day : 3
Experience living... in a mellow Savoie home. On the route to the great Alpine mountain passes and Italy, in the heart of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and just steps away from the Cathedral and the Opinel museum... the timeless charm and warm comfort of a former coach house.The 19 renovated and elegantly decorated rooms boast generous spaces and modern amenities: cable TV, direct-dial phone, modem jack, WiFi. Delectable buffet breakfast to start your day off right.
Day : 4, 5
The Bacchu Ber only situated at 500 meters from the Briançon railway station, in the village of Pont-de-Cervières which has conserved all its authenticity, Maria & Georges will be delighted to welcome you to their guest house. The house, having three floors, located in the center of the village was built in the early 18th century and has been restored in the respect of tradition and has kept its charm as evidenced by the magnificent facade. You can relax in a spacious vaulted sitting room around the fireplace, and enjoy a traditional evening meal with a view of the garden. There are five large bedrooms dispatched on the different floors each containing a bed of 160*200, flat screen TV, a bathroom and a separate WC. You will find a family suite on the top floor for 4 with two single beds and a separate double room with a Spa bath.
Bikes available for your tour |
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The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
Saddle Bag Containing:
Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The SCOTT Addict RC 20 Disc comes with all the great features of the Addict, but is equipped with disc brakes. A lightweight HMF Carbon frame and fork, Shimano Ultegra, Syncros components and Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes combine to create a lightning fast climber that performs at its best in ALL weather conditions. Saddle Bag Containing: • Toolkit • Tire levers • Patch kit • 2 spare tubes • 1 hand pump. • Helmet • 2 souvenir water bottles • Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Road bike - Performance
SCOTT ADDICT RC 20 DISC - ( or equivalent) with supplement (55€) 
Having racked up stage wins in the Tour de France, wins at Milan San Remo and Liege Bastogne Liege just to name a few, it is safe to say that the FOIL has made a name for itself in recent years. Available in S, M, L.
Road bike - Premium
SCOTT FOIL 10 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (130€) 
An exclusive geometry well adapted to the widest riding public. Our Tandem MTB will accompany you on long excursions or for more sporty rides. Traveling as a pair will become a new way for you to share your passion. Available in size : M, S Included with your bike rental :
Tandem bike - Standard
LAPIERRE TANDEM - ( or equivalent) with supplement (30€) |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
- All sizes available: S, M, L, XL.XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XLX
Saddle Bag Containing:
- Toolkit,
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- 2 spare tubes
- 1 hand pump.
- Rear pannier
- Helmet
- Odometer
- Lock
- 2 souvenir water bottles
- Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Accessories
INCLUDED
GPS are included on most of our tours since 2008. We change the units every 2 years and always invest in the best models. Simple to use, easy to read, yet sophisticated devices they are available on all of our tours. The routes described in your roadbook are stored as tracks in the GPS unit. You simply have to follow the line shown on the GPS, and enjoy. 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Option 1: 30 Miles - 49 Km Elevation gain 1 : 1752 Meters
Option 2: 43 Miles - 69 Km Elevation gain 2 : 2144 Meters
Option 1: 52 Miles - 83 Km Elevation gain 1 : 1909 Meters
Option 1: 53 Miles - 85 Km Elevation gain 1 : 2319 Meters
Option 1: 25 Miles - 40 Km Elevation gain 1 : 1216 Meters
Option 2: 53 Miles - 85 Km Elevation gain 2 : 1917 Meters
Included
- 5 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 1 dinners included
- Orientation by telephone
- Road bike rental included
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
TGV trains are available from Paris (Gare de Lyon) to Grenoble. From Grenoble a regular bus service is available for a very low cost, or we can arrange a private transfer based on your arrival at the Grenoble train station.
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1350 € | 130 € | 1800 € |
This tour is available at any day from the 1st of June to the 15th of September.
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| GPS | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Performance | 55 € |
| Premium | 130 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 30 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions