Geneva to Alpe d'Huez

Day 1: Arrival in Geneva - Transfer to Yvoire
Arrive at Geneva International Airport. We will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel located in Yvoire by Lake Geneva. Dinner will also be right by the lake.

Day 2: Yvoire to Le-Grand-Bornand
Today’s destination is Le-Grand-Bornand (in the heart of the Aravis mountain range), home of the Reblochon cheese (locals' Powerbar!) and where you'll dine and stay overnight. On your way, you will ride through the very scenic Chablais region (our playground; our office is nearby!). The ride includes one major climb: Col de la Colombiere (1,613 m 5,290 ft). Dinner and accommodations are in Le-Grand-Bornand

Day 3: Le-Grand-Bornand – Albertville
You’ll leave the very picturesque Le-Grand-Bornand and get on the classic “Route des Grandes Alpes,” a mountain route that links Lake Geneva (Thonon-les-Bains) to the Mediterranean Sea (Menton). After climbing Col des Aravis (1,486 m or 4,460 ft.), you’ll plunge down to the valley before attacking the second climb of the day: Col des Saisies (1,657 m or 4,970 ft.). Gravity will take you down to Albertville, where you’ll dine and stay overnight.

Day 4: Albertville – Valloire
Another classic day! You’ll conquer Col de la Madeleine; one of the most mythic and classic mountain passes featured in the Tour de France. The top culminates at an impressive 2,000 m or 6,000 ft, the highest so far… until tomorrow! The northern side is a very enjoyable, long and steady climb that has its rewards- an unobstructed panoramic view of the nearby mountains. Make sure you enjoy it while at the top… sightseeing might be the last thing on your mind when barreling down the twisty 20-km downhill to the Maurienne Valley. After a flat section when you reach the base of the valley, you’ll ascend the easy Col du Télégraphe (1,566 m or 4,700 ft.) and reach the beautiful resort of Valloire.

Day 5: Valloire – Alpe d’Huez
Valloire is located at the foot of the Galibier pass (2,642 m or 7.926 ft.), the mammoth climb of the day. Riding this legendary climb is magic: graffiti from past Tours will remind you that this road has seen many showdowns since it was first used by Tour de France riders in 1911. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Meije glacier and with a memorable 40-km (25 miles) descent to Bourg d’Oisans, before charging up the 13-km (8 miles) climb to Alpe d’Huez. The time to beat: 37’35”, a record held by Marco Pantani since 1995.

Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, depart Alpe d’Huez at the time of your choice (self-guided version). Note that transfers to Grenoble or Geneva can be arranged on request

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