Published by Lyn on 30 October 2018
Browse our listings to find guided or self-guided cycling holidays in the French Alps to suit your budget and your ability.
You can refine your criteria by using the brown search box to the right.
Everything you need to know about cycling in France your independent guide
French Alps cycling holidays
2024 Tour de France – Alps and Nice Adventure
Witness the thrill of the Tour de France up close and personal
Offered by:
Discover France
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 67 15 82 04 (US/Canada: 1-800-929-0152 or Australia: 1-800-823-710)
Tour length:
8 days / 7 nights
Price:
From €5500
This guided VIP tour takes you through the Southern Alps and the French Riviera. You'll travel the roads and mountain passes just like the pro racers, before heading to the hustle and bustle of Nice for a unique experience in the VIP grandstands. Throughout your stay, your group of no more than a dozen people will be accompanied by guides who will always be on hand to help you get the most out of this incredible Alpine experience. You'll ride a total of 370km (230 miles) and climb 10,270m (33500 feet) and be fuelled by the local delicacies discovered on the route: tourtons, raclette, fondue, tartiflette, crozets, pissaladière, pan bagnat, olives and salade niçoise all washed down with wines from Provence and the Rhone valley. Price includes 7 nights' accommodation in premium hotels, breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches with fresh produce and local specialities, 4 dinners, snacks and drinks for cycling and 1 energy pack. Transfers, on-road van support and roadbook also included. You’ll also receive a Tour de France gift and a Discover France bike jersey.
2024 Tour de France Femmes – VIP Adventure
Follow the women's Tour de France, including a stage finish in the Alps
Offered by:
Discover France
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 67 15 82 04 (US/Canada: 1-800-929-0152 or Australia: 1-800-823-710)
Tour length:
7 days / 6 nights
Price:
From €4900
This guided tour allows you to follow the 2024 Tour de France Femmes as a VIP, discovering famous roads from the shores of Lac de Chateauneuf to the 21 bends of Alpe d'Huez. You'll enjoy VIP experiences in the start village and VIP access at the finish line. Climb legendary Alpine passes including Alpe d'Huez, Galibier, Télégraphe, Croix de Fer and Glandon. Throughout your stay, your group will be no more than a dozen people and will be accompanied by guides who will be on hand to make this a memorable cycling holiday. Total distance cycled: 320km (200 miles) with a total elevation gain of 7250m (23,800 feet). Price includes 6 nights' accommodation in premium hotels, breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches that include fresh produce and local specialities, 6 dinners, snacks and drinks for cycling and an energy pack. Transfers are also included, as is support on the road from a certified guide and van. You’ll also receive a road book, Tour de France gift and a Discover France cycling jersey.
2024 VIP Tour de France Experience – Dolomites and Grand Depart
See the Grand Départ in Florence and conquer the Dolomites
Offered by:
Discover France
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 67 15 82 04 (US/Canada: 1-800-929-0152 or Australia: 1-800-823-710)
Tour length:
8 days / 7 nights
Price:
From €5500
This VIP Tour to the Tour de France 2024 has two parts: the first in the renowned Dolomites, featuring challenging ascents like the iconic Stelvio pass. The second part takes you to Florence for the Grand Départ – the TDF's historic first start in Italy, a cycling nation with a rich heritage. Staying in Florence, you'll experience VIP starts, cross stage finish lines in Bologna, experience the official Tour de France podium, and explore Chianti's vineyards. Throughout your stay, your group of no more than 10 people will be accompanied by guides who will be on hand to ensure you enjoy your time on the bike, plus get you VIP access. Price includes 7 nights' accommodation in premium hotels, all breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches that include fresh produce and local specialities, 5 dinners, snacks and drinks for cycling and 1 energy pack. Transfers are included, as is support on the road from a certified guide, plus van assistance and a road book. You’ll also receive a Tour de France gift and a Discover France bike jersey.
A Grand Tour Chablais: Self-guided route and maps
Ride one of Georges Rossini's iconic cyclo-randonneur routes
Offered by:
Evergreen Cycling
Tour length:
Ride at your own pace over 2 to 4 days
Price:
Registration is £50 for affiliated club members or £55 for non-affiliated riders
The Grand Tour Chablais has the reputation of being a particularly demanding "Grand Tour". But, first and foremost, it is a superb mountainous route, which will take you through 371km of scenic roads consisting of 22 difficult passes. Created in 1978 by Georges Rossini – a well-known figure in the cyclo-randonneurs community – this itinerary is a real Alpine challenge for cyclists who dream of climbing the world-famous passes. The Col de Joux Plane (one of the most difficult in the Alps), Col de la Joux Verte and Col du Corbier are all here. The route follows winding roads with steep climbs and technical descents. It starts in Thonon-les-Bains, the capital of the great Chablais, and takes place over 2 days with two cycling loops of (a) 186.2km and (b) 185.2km or, if you prefer a longer break, the ride can be done over 4 days. The registration fee includes all the tools you need to customise your itinerary: road logbook, a sat nav track to download, a list of recommended equipment, recommended accommodation for you to book + restaurants and other stops en route. There is also local advice and support at the start of the ride and Whatsapp support throughout. The passes are generally clear for cycling June to mid-October.
Alps and Mont Ventoux Road Cycling Holiday
Experience some of the toughest cycle climbs in France
Offered by:
Discover France
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 67 15 82 04 (US/Canada: 1-800-929-0152 or Australia: 1-800-823-710)
Tour length:
8 days / 7 nights
Price:
From €2785
Learn how the pro riders suffer on this self-guided road bike holiday that passes over some of the most spectacular mountain passes in the world. Ride to the top of Alpe d'Huez, touch the monument to Henri Desgranges at the summit of the Galibier, climb Les Deux Alpes, the Col de Lautaret and many more. If you are an experienced and passionate rider looking for the ultimate challenge, then come and experience the cols where cycling legends made their marks. Upon arrival to the charming village of Freney d'Oisans in the Alps, you'll get a detailed briefing about the cycling possibilities in the area, the best routes and other tips to make the most out of this great cycling holiday. After the rides, you can relax at comfortable mountain hotels and enjoy hearty Alpine dinners to fuel you for the next mountain challenge. Price includes 7 nights' accommodation in superior hotels with breakfasts and 7 evening meals. Road bike hire is included as well as a detailed road book, a meeting with a local guide and access to a 24/7 helpline. You’ll also receive a complimentary Discover France water bottle.
Alps Challenge: Geneva to Alpe d'Huez
6 famous cols en route to the Alpe – are you up for the challenge?
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
5 nights / 6 days
Price:
From €955
Voted Outside Magazine's 'Trip of the Year', this tour starting in Cyclomundo's own backyard in Geneva can be taken as a guided or self-guided option. From the shores of Lake Geneva you'll ride to the switchbacks of Alpe d'Huez, climbing some of France's most famous cols en route: the Colombiere, Aravis, Saisies, Madeleine, Telegraphe and the mighty Galibier are all here. This tour can be booked as a self-guided ride or organised for cycling clubs and private groups. Itineraries and support can be tailored to your fitness levels. This tour can be combined with cyclosportives such as La Marmotte, Etape du Tour and the Time-Megeve-Mont-Blanc. Price includes 5 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, 4 dinners, luggage transfers, transfer from Geneva for start of day 1, marked maps and route notes, a GPS unit (subject to availability). Full carbon road bike hire available on request.
Alps on Gravel – Geneva to Geneva Loop
Discover some of the amazing gravel rides available in the Alps
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0) 4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
5 nights/6 days
Price:
From €720
Somewhere between road cycling and mountain biking, gravel cycling is the ultimate in flexible riding. It has really taken off over the past few years and the Savoie region has some brilliant routes. If you want to enjoy some of the best scenery the area has to offer, then this is the tour for you. Depending on the option you choose (A or A+), the route will either start in Geneva or from just outside Geneva in Gaillard. The route begins by heading south, skirting along the Swiss border and winding its way down to Annecy. Leaving the ‘Venice of the Alps’ the next day, the self-guided loop continues south along Lake Annecy, arriving into Montmélian. The following day, you’ll ride north-west towards the city of Aix-les-Bains, well known for its thermal baths which were immensely popular with aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. Following this, you’ll go north back to Geneva or Gaillard, passing along the Salève mountain. The price of this tour includes accommodation, luggage transfers, marked maps and roadbook, GPX files or GPS pre-loaded with the itinerary and one-road assistance if needed. Daily mileage from 42km (26 miles) to 103km (64 miles).
An Alpine Riviera Cycle Tour
4 days of mountain scenery, charming villages and swimming spots
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
4 days
Price:
From €459
This 4-day self-guided bike tour starts and ends in Aix-les-Bains and showcases the treasures of Lake Bourget. Whether you ride on the dedicated cycle paths around lake, take the ViaRhona or meander along small countryside roads, you'll adore the stunning scenery and mountain backdrop. Stop at small wine producers along the way to sample regional wines, take a canoe on the Savière canal or take a dip in the largest natural lake in France. The price of this tour includes bike and pannier hire, accommodation, and full route notes and maps.
Cycle Through the Upper French Alps
Conquer cols with Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc as your backdrop
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
6 nights / 7 days
Price:
From €995
One of Cyclomundo's best-selling trips has been revamped for 2022 to take-in even more of this stunning area. With Lake Geneva, Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc as picture perfect backdrops. Ride between 50 and 100km a day through the Chablais mountain area and skirt the southern shore of Lake Geneva. En route, conquer the area's best climbs, including Col de la Forclaz, Col de la Croix-Fry, the Colombiere, Col de Joux-Plane, Col de l'Encrenaz, Col de la Ramaz, Col de la Faucille, Col de la Givrine and Col du Marchairuz. On your last day, cross the Lake in Yvoire – an impossibly photogenic Medieval village – and ride through the Swiss Jura. Price includes transfer between Geneva airport and your first/last place of stay, 6 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, 3 dinners, luggage transfer between hotels, a GPS device (subject to availability) and detailed route maps and notes. Bike rental can be arranged on request.
Cycling + French Lessons in the Alps (Morzine)
Learn French while riding in the Alps – a perfect combination
Offered by:
Alpine French School
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 79 08 38
Tour length:
6 nights (5 half-days and one full day free for cycling, 5 half-day French classes – longer courses available)
Price:
Packages and prices can be tailored for you
Learn French while indulging in a French cycling holiday in the Alps. This French language course – tailored especially for cyclists – includes three hours a day of intensive French lessons over five days. When you're not in the classroom you'll be out on the bike in the Morzine area climbing Joux Plane, Avoriaz, Ramaz and much more. The cycling – over five half-days and one full day – is unguided, so ride as much or as little as you like. Helen (an avid rider herself) and her team will be on hand to help with local route advice and maps. The price includes self-catered accommodation in a shared apartment or lodgings with a local host family. Ask Helen about options if you'd like to take a longer package of French lessons, or if you need more time on the bike.
Cycling from Mont Ventoux to Alpe d'Huez
A guided or self-guided ride conquering two of France's icons
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
5 nights/ 6 days
Price:
From €1235
Forget watching the Tour de France on television – experience some of the most famous climbs in south-western France for yourself on this 6-day journey from Mont Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez. Cycle up the 'Giant of Provence' – twice if you want! – and follow Cyclomundo's tried-and-tested Alps itinerary. Encounter mind-boggling vistas, gorgeous gorges, and the charming towns of Sault, Orpierre, Guillestre, and Briançon, among others. This is a challenging self-guided tour passing over such legendary cols as the Izoard and climbing the famous 21 hairpin bends to Alpe d’Huez. The amazing views are an added bonus. Available self-guided or fully guided with on-road vehicle support. Price includes 5 nights' accommodation, daily breakfast, 2 dinners, luggage transfers, marked maps and route notes, a GPS device (subject to availability). Bike rentals available on request.
Cycling in the Drome River Valley
Ride the quiet backroads of the undiscovered Diois
Offered by:
France Bike Trips
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 58 14 04 35
Tour length:
6 days
Price:
From €575
Water is a major feature in this self-guided tour as it follows the Drome River as it winds its way between the plateau of the Vercors and the small mountains of the Diois. It's a delicious mix of the Alps and Provence. Ride through quiet valleys full of orchards, vineyards and sunflower fields, and through rolling hills of boxwood, pine and lavender. Imposing mountains and cliffs loom overhead, in an alpine decor of beech and spruce forests. Crystal-clear rivers and streams abound, offering plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim. Cross numerous sleepy hamlets and villages full of traditional stone-built houses and pretty squares and fountains. Small, shaded café terraces offer a welcome break from riding. The Diois is a major wine-producing area (famous for the Clairette de Die), and you will see plenty of "caves" offering wine-tasting opportunities. Price includes B&B accommodation, most evening meals, baggage transfer, detailed road book, maps and GPS tracks. Two difficulty levels are offered: 25-35km per day with an altitude gain of around 500 metres; or 35-50km per day with altitude gains of 800 metres.
Cycling in the Jura Mountains
Cycle through the forests, orchards and vineyards of the French Jura
From Lons le Saunier to Besançon, this 6-day self-guided cycling trip takes you through the rolling Jura mountains that separate the Swiss from the French, and also borders Burgundy. It is a wonderful alternative to cycling in the Alps or in the more touristy areas to the west. Montbéliard cattle graze peacefully in the pastures, famous mainly for the cheese made from its milk, the delicious Comté. They will be our ever-present as you make your way through the wonderful countryside: forests and wild gorges, lakes, wildflowers, orchards, vineyards and rich green meadows, unspoilt traditional villages and hamlets. Explore the classified wine villages of Arbois or Château-Chalon, the imperial abbey of Baume-les-Messieurs, the royal salt pans of Arc et Senans and the picturesque village of Ornans. All that's missing is a typical aperitif: a bite of fruity Comté cheese paired with a good glass of vin jaune. The price of this tour includes accommodation in 2* and 3* star inns and hotels, breakfasts, baggage transport and a detailed road book, maps and GPS tracks.
Cycling the Route des Grandes Alpes - Supported Road Biking
Lake Geneva to the Côte d'Azur via the big cols of the Tour de France
Cross the French Alps from Lake Geneva to the Côte d'Azur on this fantastic 8-day tour. Ride from the Northern Alps and the Mont Blanc range right to the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea via some of the most mythical cols in road biking: L'Iseran, Le Galibier, Le Lautaret, L'lzoard and many more. Road biking doesn't get any better than this! The price of this tour includes the assistance of a trip leader in a support vehicle (breakdown assistance, daily luggage transport and catering), accommodation in 2* and 3* hotels, hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches prepared daily with fresh, regional products: high-energy salad (pasta, rice, lentil), cheese, cold cuts, fruit and muesli/cereal bars, dinners (3 or 4-course menus), carefully designed itineraries on 2 levels of difficulty, navigation app, a detailed road book with maps (digital format) and GPS tracks.
Cycling week along the ViaRhôna from Vienne to Avignon
Relaxing bike trip for all ages and abilities along the Rhône
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
8 days
Price:
From €1049
The ViaRhôna is an 815km-long cycling route connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. This 8-day stretch between Vienne and Avignon follows the marked and secure path from the Côtes-du-Rhône vineyards to the Provence lavender fields. From the antique theatre in Vienne to the Palais des Papes in Avignon, including the château de Rochemaure and the Triumph Arch in Orange, experience a trip through the ages. There's even a chocolate museum on the route! The landscapes are always changing from the abrupt Ardèche to the lavender fields, from the Côtes-du-Rhône vineyards to the ones in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. You will be impressed by the many bridges crossing the Rhône river, and exceptional pieces of art. The itinerary is either on green paths or shared lines and crosses 5 very different departments. Daily distances 36km-74km. Price includes all accommodation, bike hire, full route notes and maps, plus luggage transfers.
French Classes + Mountain Biking (Morzine)
Learn French while mountain biking in Morzine – a perfect combination
Offered by:
Alpine French School
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 79 08 38
Tour length:
6 nights' accommodation (3 half-day biking sessions, 5 half-day French classes – longer courses available)
Price:
Packages and prices can be tailored for you
Combine mountain biking in the incredible Alps with intensive French lessons. This course – tailored for mountain bikers new and old – includes three hours a day of intensive French lessons over five days. When you're not in the classroom you'll be out on the bike, exploring the Morzine, Châtel and Les Gets trails in the High Alps. This is prime mountain bike country with a plethora of cross-country and downhill routes on offer (more than 650km of marked trails in total). Your mountain biking can be guided or unguided, and routes can be tailored to your experience and ability. The price includes self-catered accommodation in a shared apartment or lodgings with a local host family. Ask Helen about options if you'd like to take a longer package of French lessons.
From Geneva to Lyon – a cycling adventure on the ViaRhona
A fantastic journey along the ViaRhona cycle route
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
8 days
Price:
From €1069
Starting in Geneva, Switzerland and finishing in Lyon, this is a great adventure following the now well-established ViaRhôna cycle path. Discover wild nature and authentic hamlets in the Savoie and Isère regions. Cycle along the Rhone and relax on the lakeside beaches in Léman and Bourget, stroll the lively streets of Belley or Crémieu, enjoy the brioches of Saint-Genix or try out the "bouchons", the traditional restaurants in Lyon. The Rhone route offers a majestic river experience, interspersed with Swiss reliefs and tunnels specially adapted to cyclists. Are you ready for this formidable cycle adventure nestled between the Rhone and the mountains? The price includes bikes, accommodation, detailed route information and luggage transfers.
Geneva to Lyon on the Via Rhona
Follow the Rhone River between two of Europe's great cities
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
5 nights/6 day package
Price:
From €860
If you’re dreaming of "la bonne vie" but are short on time, this 6-day package could be the perfect fit! Meander along the 'Via Rhôna', a new bicycle path that follows the Rhone River as it flows towards the Mediterranean Sea. Ride past farmers' fields, through ancient villages, and around lush vineyards as you make your way at a leisurely pace from Geneva, Switzerland to Lyon, France's third-largest city. Castles, churches, caves and Roman ruins – they are all yours to visit on this self-guided holiday. This tour is tailored for all cycling abilities, with daily rides ranging from 41-68 km (25-42 miles) on mostly gentle terrain. Price includes 5 nights' hotel accommodation, 3 dinners, marked maps and route notes, a GPS device (subject to availability), and luggage transfers between hotels. Bike rental can be arranged on request.
Geneva-Annecy-Geneva: Rivers, Lakes and Mountains
A self-guided tour in the shadow of the beautiful Swiss Alps
Offered by:
Cyclomundo
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 50 87 21 09
Tour length:
2 nights / 3 days
Price:
From €390
Ride from the Swiss Alps, across the border and into France (and back again), experiencing two great cycling countries in the one trip. Ride from Switzerland's global city, Geneva, along the waterways of the Rhone, across farmlands and through vineyards. This trip can be tailored to your ability – you can tackle more mountains and longer distances, or take easier and shorter routes at your own pace. Distances a day range from 38km to 90km (you decide). On the French side of the border, you'll pass through Seyssel, a picturesque village by the banks of Rhône River, en route to the Fier River and its gorges. Explore medieval Annecy's cobbled streets and canals (it's not called 'the Venice of the Alps' for nothing) before taking in sweeping views of Lake Geneva on your way back to Switzerland. Price includes 2 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, 1 dinner, luggage transfers, marked maps and route notes, a GPS device (subject to availability). Bike rentals available on request.
Giants of the Alps - Road Cycling
Ride the iconic cols of the Tour de France between Savoie and Dauphiné
For over 100 years, images of the mythical climbs of the Tour de France and their heroes have fed our imagination. And these legendary mountain roads of the Savoie and Dauphiné regions have lost none of their fascination. This is a 7-day loop to discover these giants of the Alps. Set off for the Cormet de Roselend and the Iseran, Galibier, Glandon, Croix de Fer and Madeleine passes. Tackle the mythical climb of Alpe d'Huez and its 21 bends, that of La Toussuire and finally the famous Montvernier laces, magnificently clinging to the cliffs of the Maurienne Valley. A day's ride around Bourg d'Oisans allows you to fully enjoy the wild roads of this Alpine cycling paradise. This fully supported tour is for seasoned col-baggers as well as newer climbers. The price includes the assistance of a trip leader in a support vehicle (breakdown assistance, daily luggage transport and catering), accommodation in 2* and 3* hotels, breakfasts, picnic lunches prepared daily with fresh, regional products: high-energy salad (pasta, rice, lentil), cheese, cold cuts, fruit and muesli/cereal bars, dinners (3 or 4-course menus), carefully designed itineraries on 2 levels of difficulty, navigation app, a detailed road book with maps (digital format) and GPS tracks.
On the blog
2024 Tour de France program and race guide
AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW! The official Tour de France 2024 race program and guide includes all the route maps for each stage, plus stage start and end times, and team and rider profiles.
Posted: 23 Apr 2024
Reviews
Guidebook: Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way and Western Ireland
Cycling in France?
Search for tours & accommodation
Popular articles
- Bespoke planning help
- Help with bike hire
- Buying bikes in France
- Shipping bikes to France
- Cycling insurance
- Easy way to buy train tickets for bikes
- Taking bikes on Eurostar
- Ferry tickets to France
- Canal de Garonne itinerary
- La Velo Francette itinerary
- Paris bike routes
- French dictionary for cyclists
- How to choose a cycle tour
- How to choose a bike route
- Cycling with a GPS
- MTB in France
- Cycling for charity
Share this:
© 2011-2024 Freewheeling France | Copyright, Cookies, Privacy and Advertiser T&Cs |