Private
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
Tailwind on every ride? – See e-bike trips
European Classic booking fast – see the trips
Trip Itinerary
Conquer the French Alps on a thrilling bike tour, tackling celebrated climbs in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain ranges.
Print Tip: For wider content, set Margins to 'Minimum' in the print window settings.
Where to Arrive
Airport:
Paris (CDG) or Geneva (GVA)
Pick-up location:
Annecy Train Station, Annecy, France
Pick-up time:
9:00 AM
Where to Depart
Airport:
Paris (CDG) or Geneva (GVA)
Drop-off location:
Grenoble Train Station, Grenoble, France
Drop-off time:
12:30 PM
Additional Arrival Information
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays.
We recommend that you fly into Paris (CDG) or Geneva (GVA). From Paris’ Gare de Lyon, trains depart daily for Annecy with a travel time of four to five hours. The train journey from Geneva to Annecy takes one and a half to two hours. However, train options and times are somewhat limited to and from Geneva and can sometimes present more logistical challenges. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the Geneva airport to Annecy for approximately 100 euros or a bus for 20 euros. Please consult www.trainline.com or speak with our travel agent for current train schedules.
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Annecy Train Station (Place de la Gare, 74000 Annecy, France) at 9:00 AM on the first day of the trip. A shuttle through the bustling city of Annecy will bring you to your ride start. Please have your first day’s riding gear handy and separate from your other luggage to facilitate the bike fitting and ride.
If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Hotel Au Coeur du Village (+33 4 50 01 50 01), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.
Additional Departure Information
You will say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at Chalet Mounier. You will arrive by 12:30 PM at the Grenoble train station. Please do not book a departing train before 1:00 PM on this day. We recommend booking your return flight from Paris (CDG) or Geneva (GVA). Trains run from Grenoble to both Paris and Geneva. For all train travel, feel free to confirm train times on the posted timetable at France’s rail site, www.trainline.com.
Ride from Annecy to La Clusaz via Col du Marais and tackle Col de la Croix Fry
Overview
Welcome to the Alps! A short drive through the bustling heart of Annecy leads you and your new traveling companions around Lake Annecy, the cleanest lake in all of Europe, to the start of your adventure. After some initial introductions and a thorough bike fitting, your guides will take you on a challenging ride through the alpine hills and over the Col du Marais and Col de la Croix Fry. The perfect warm up ride, the Croix Fry climb has been featured in the Tour de France five times, most recently in 2023. There, we will provide you with a delightful picnic lunch with a view. We'll then roll into our hotel in La Clusaz where you'll have time to relax and unpack before reconvening later in the day. This evening you’ll gather with the group for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
Hotel
Hotel au Coeur du Village
Meals included
Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Lake Annecy
Begin your week on a high note by taking in the stunning beauty of Lake Annecy on your way to the Col de la Croix Fry.
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Annecy to La Clusaz via Col du Marais and Col de la Croix Fry - Approximately 38 mi | 62 km and 5,354 ft | 1,632 m
Ride the iconic Col des Aravis and Col de la Colombière
Overview
Enjoy incredible riding today over some of the iconic climbs of the Tour de France. Start your day with a plentiful breakfast before heading out for a loop ride that offers spectacular roads and sprawling vistas. You'll first spin up and over the four-mile (seven km) climb to Col des Aravis, just as the pro peloton has done some 40 times since the Tour began. Today you will climb the "easier" side from La Clusaz before heading through Megève, Europe's jet-set ski resort village of choice. Continue on our loop through Sallanches, then pace yourself as you ascend 10 miles (16 km) with an average 7% grade up the Col de la Colombière, and enjoy a bistro lunch at the top of the pass. After we return to our idyllic hotel, relax at the pool or maybe catch up on a well-deserved nap. Tonight, you're free to explore this quaint alpine village. Grab a quick pizza at a local brewpub, indulge in a hearty raclette, or sidle up to a plate of pasta. There's plenty of variety to be found tonight and your guides are more than happy to help you choose.
Hotel
Hotel au Coeur du Village
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch
Highlight of the Day
Cycle your way to the top of Col de la Colombière
Get ready for the Col de la Colombière, an epic climb known for its progressing challenge that has been a classic battleground on the Tour.
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
La Clusaz to Col des Aravis, Col de la Colombière Loop - Approximately 60 mi | 99 km and 7,497 ft | 2,285 m
Hike Option 2
AVID OPTION:
La Clusaz to Col des Aravis, Romme, Col de la Colombière Loop - Approximately 65 mi | 104 km and 8,976 ft | 2,736 m
Climb the sweeping Col du Marais and Col des Aravis
Overview
Today prepare yourself for a gorgeous loop with classic sweeping views of the Alps. You'll start with a descent out of town, head into another steady four-mile (seven km) climb up the Col du Marais followed by a descent into the Arly Valley. Lunchtime is your chance to explore the charming village of Flumet at your leisure. After lunch, you'll tackle the more challenging side of the Col des Aravis at almost seven miles (12 km) long with an average grade of 5%. Once at the top, enjoy views all the way to the Mont Blanc if the sky is clear, before a lightning fast descent to the village of La Clusaz. If you are up for more climbing, you can climb the Col de la Colombière as well. This evening you'll share a meal showcasing the best of Savoyard cuisine with your newfound friends. Tomorrow brings a lot of excitement before leading into Alpe d'Huez, so be sure to rest up!
Hotel
Hotel au Coeur du Village
Meals included
Breakfast | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Mount Blanc view
Take a glimpse of the grandeur of Mount Blanc as you tackle the challenging ascent to Col des Aravis.
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
La Clusaz to Col du Marais and Aravis Loop Approximately 56 mi | 90 km and 7,057 ft | 2,151 m
Hike Option 2
AVID OPTION:
La Clusaz to Col des Aravis and Col de la Colombière Loop Approximately 77 mi | 124 km and 9.948 ft | 3,032 m
Ascend the Col du Glandon, Col de la Croix de Fer and legendary Les Deux Alpes
Overview
We'll begin our adventure with an incredible 13-mile (21 km) climb of Col du Glandon that has an average gradient of 6.9% and has been featured in the Tour de France 15 times. Just because we can, take a little jaunt to the summit of the Croix de Fer. Before starting the long descent off of Glandon, enjoy a satisfying crêpe with the most stunning mountain views laid out before you and then, if you'd like to spin some more, keep riding to our hotel in Les Deux Alpes or opt for a quintessential Alps experience by ascending via cable car. Les Deux Alpes is your port-of-call for the next two nights and where you’ll find Chalet Mounier, our mountain lodging. Once at the chalet, you’ll enjoy a warm family welcome and incredible views of the mountains that surround you. Tonight, dinner is on your own in town again and, as always, your guides will be happy to recommend more of their favorite spots in town. Take some time to rest and get ready for tomorrow's legendary ride!
Hotel
Chalet Mounier
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch
Highlight of the Day
Make your way to Les Deux Alpes
Whether you choose to ride or take the cable car to Les Deux Alpes, you'll be amazed by this charming mountain town and its picturesque views.
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Saint-Jean to Col du Glandon to Col de la Croix de Fer to Venosc - Approximately 49 mi | 78 km and 6,509 ft | 1,984 m
Hike Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Saint-Jean to Col du Glandon to Col de la Croix de Fer to Les Deux Alpes - Approximately 57 mi | 92 km and 9,915 ft | 3,022m
Tackle Alpe d’Huez from its traditional route just like the pros
Overview
Are you ready to inscribe your legs into the book of legends? After a hearty breakfast, today's ride begins with a descent down into the valley to the base of the mythical Alpe d’Huez. Each of the 21 switchbacks is named after a winner of this climb in the Tour de France, each one baiting you to ride to the next. After ascending to the summit of the historic pass, snap some photos then fuel up over lunch while you bask in the afterglow of your conquest and savor the astounding views. If you’re eager for more, continue up and over the mountain to attack Col de Sarenne. This quiet road is popular with locals as an understated, less-traveled, and equally difficult challenge that culminates at the top of the mountain from the opposite side of the Alps. After an exhilarating descent, choose to ride back to Les Deux Alpes directly or opt for a shuttle and enjoy the gorgeous spa of the hotel. Tonight, you’ll meet for drinks with a striking view of the mountains before you savor a hearty, well-earned Savoyard dinner with your mountain goat companions, reliving all the great climbs and descents you've tackled together.
Hotel
Chalet Mounier
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Featured Meal | Raclette au fromage
A genuine sampling of hearty Savoyard cuisine, you'll try famed dishes of the region, such as raclette, where a cheese round is melted directly in front of you onto your plate; fondue Savoyarde made with the tasty local cheeses such as Comté or Beaufort; or the Tartiflette, a classic savory dish prepared in the oven with cheese, potato, lardons, and onion.
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Alpe d’Huez to Col de Sarenne to Les Deux Alpes Shuttle - Approximately 35 mi | 57 km and 5,322 ft | 1,622 m
Hike Option 2
AVID OPTION:
Alpe d’Huez to Col de Sarenne to Les Deux Alpes Loop - Approximately 42 mi | 68 km and 7,431 ft | 2,265 m
Farewell ride in the shadow of glaciers
Overview
It's hard to believe that our adventure has concluded. The morning is yours to recover after an epic week of cycling. You'll have time for a short spin to loosen the legs, or choose to sleep in for a full recovery. A private Trek Travel shuttle will take you to the Grenoble train station this morning to travel to your next destination. You'll say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at the hotel. Please do not schedule a train out of the Grenoble station before 1:00 PM.
Meals included
Breakfast
Highlight of the Day
Find the best view of Les Deux Alpes Valley
If you're up for it, ride to a beautiful viewpoint of Les Deux Alpes Valley on the road leading to Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans.
Hiking Options
Hike Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Venosc to Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans Approximately 11 mi | 18 km and 2,103 ft | 641 m
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.
Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.
These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.
On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.
Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.
Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself