Classic Climbs: The Alps Bike Tour – July 12, 2026

Conquer the classic climbs of the French Alps

Trip Style

Classic Bike, Private

Tour Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Activity Level

Level 4

Bikes

Trek Domane SL 7
Trek Electric-Assist Checkpoint+ SL6 AXS
Trek Electric-Assist Verve+ Gen 3

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Starting from

per person

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Conquer the French Alps on a thrilling bike tour, tackling celebrated climbs in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain ranges.

Welcome to the French Alps, home to cycling’s most iconic climbs and high-mountain landscapes. Over the course of the week, you’ll ride through storied terrain ranging from the alpine meadows of Écrins National Park to legendary Tour de France ascents like Col du Glandon, with select gravel loops adding variety and challenge along the way. The centerpiece of the trip is Alpe d’Huez, climbed from three sides, each ascent offering a distinct perspective on this famed climb. Off the bike, enjoy the region’s mountain cuisine, from classic Savoyard dishes to local cheeses and wines. It’s a focused, demanding week of riding that rewards strong legs with unforgettable routes and deep immersion in alpine cycling culture.

Trip Wows
  • Climb three sides of Alp D’Huez, including the legendary ascent with its iconic 21 switchbacks

  • Stay at Chalet Mounier in Les Deux Alpes, a long-standing alpine hideaway known for its spa, acclaimed dining, and relaxed mountain atmosphere

  • Ride classic Tour de France climbs and lesser-known challenges, including Col du Glandon and the narrow, rock-cut roads of Col du Solude

  • Mix in playful alpine gravel climbs, spinning through quiet meadows and remote mountain roads high above the valleys

  • Refuel with Alpine favorites like tartiflette, raclette, and fondue, showcasing local cheeses such as Emmental and Reblochon

Cyclists arriving at Col du Glandon

Experience the scenic beauty of the French Alps by bike

Ascend the iconic Col du Glandon

Conquer the panoramic Col du Glandon, a beautiful climb boasting a challenging 15-miles (25 km) with a 3,780 feet (1,152 m) elevation gain.


What Guests are Saying

Ridiculously pretty scenery, great hotels and great food. All experienced in I believe the best way possible, by riding through the French Alps by bike.

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Andrew, Trek Travel Guest

A person riding up to Alpe d'Huez next to the TT van with mountains in the background

The trip was amazing. It was the guides who made it so amazing with all the little things, grabbing your bike when you stopped, filling bottles, giving you a Coke half way up Alpe d'Huez!

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Ben, Trek Travel Guest

A smiling cyclist climbs a road in the mountains

It was one of the greatest "bucket list" experiences of my life, and definitely well-worth the time, training and money. I met some wonderful new friends, and our guides were exceptional.

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Karen, Trek Travel Guest

Two people standing on each side of the Col du Glandon sign

I've rarely enjoyed suffering so much. Thank you so much for a wonderful experience.

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Duncan, Trek Travel Guest


A switchback on the road leading to Alpe d'Huez with two cyclists

Great Ride

Alpe d'Huez

Experience Great Ride #3 on our List of Great Global Rides. Follow the steps of your heroes as you ascend the Alpe d'Huez three times, including the legendary 21 switchbacks.

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Dates & Pricing

Book early for the best price

  • Guaranteed

  • Join Waitlist

  • Private

  • Limited Availability


Itinerary
Activity Information

Hotels
A room at Chalet Mounier
Les Deux Alpes, France
Chalet Mounier
Luxury

Set amidst the stunning landscape of Les Deux Alpes, the 4-star Chalet Mounier combines alpine charm with modern luxury. Unwind after a big ride in the Cinq Mondes spa, complete with a heated indoor pool, sauna, and hammam, or take in the mountain views from the outdoor pool. Enjoy refined dining that highlights regional flavors, and relax in elegantly furnished rooms that capture the beauty of the French Alps.


Bikes & Gear
Ride the Best Bikes in the Industry
New in 2023 Domane SL 7 Road
Trek Domane SL 7

Experiencing your cycling vacation of a lifetime is not complete without a world-class bike and the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 is the best on the road. Its carbon frame with road-smoothing IsoSpeed, responsive disc brakes, and Shimano Di2 electronic shifting deliver incredible comfort without sacrificing performance. Standard carbon wheels make this bike lighter and faster than ever.

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Electric Road
Trek Electric-Assist Checkpoint+ SL6 AXS

New in 2026! Trek’s Checkpoint+ SL6 AXS is a lightweight e-assist bike built for miles of fun. The TQ HPR60 electric-assist motor adds a quiet boost up to 15 or 28 mph (region specific), making climbs and long days easier. Carbon wheels and frame keep it quick and responsive, while 38 mm tires and IsoSpeed tech smooth rough terrain. With SRAM’s 12-speed AXS wireless shifting and disc brakes, every move is in your control.
Upgrade to the Checkpoint+ SL 6 AXS for $399 (3-6 day trips) or $599 (7+ day trips). Available in limited quantities. See specific trip dates for available bike options.

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E-Bike
Trek Electric-Assist Verve+ Gen 3

Fun from the first pedal stroke, the Trek Verve+ 3 helps you go farther with ease. Its low-step frame and upright riding position keep you comfortable, while the Bosch motor provides a natural boost up to 15 or 20 mph (region specific). Shimano hydraulic disc brakes deliver smooth, controlled stopping, so every hill and every mile feels relaxed and enjoyable.

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Two cyclist and one rider

Trek Travel Guides

The World’s Best

From the moment you meet our guides, you'll understand the difference. You'll feel the genuine care they take to make your vacation perfect. From their expert support to sharing their favorite hidden spots, they tailor every moment to you.

Certified Guides

Additional Gear
  • Choice of Trek Travel Santini cycling jersey or technical t-shirt to keep
  • Trek Travel water bottle to keep
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • GPS device with pre-loaded routes providing turn by turn directions
  • Trek front and rear lights
  • A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator
  • Choice of Shimano SPD-SL single sided road pedals, Shimano SPD dual sided mountain pedals, or flat pedals
  • Trek helmet
  • Trek saddle
  • For the most comfortable ride, we recommend you bring your own saddle. If you prefer, you can bring your own pedals and helmet on the trip and our guides will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.
2026-CY-Mens-Full_Flatlay-Classic

Trip Inclusions

Additional Details

Know Before You Go!

We want you to be fully prepared for your cycling vacation of a lifetime. This involves making sure that you choose the appropriate trip for you and that every aspect of your experience is flawless. Each Trek Travel trip is unique to ensure maximum enjoyment every time.

Your Trip Need to Knows:

  • Weather and Packing: The weather is notoriously unpredictable in the mountains. You can experience all seasons in one day so bringing layers is key! Layering is the best way to regulate your body temperature. This tried-and-true strategy is all about slipping layers on and off as your activity level or the weather changes. The key items of clothing to remember are long-fingered gloves, arm warmers, leg warmers, a vest, and a rain jacket for the summit and descent.
  • Riding conditions: This is one of the most beautiful but challenging trips we offer, with hardly any flat riding and lots of elevation gain each day. Expect long sustained climbs, narrow roads, technical descends with tight turns, some traffic, and long hours in the saddle. Advanced fitness as well as bike handling skills are key for this trip.
  • E-Bikes: E-bike speeds vary worldwide due to local regulations, which determine how fast you can ride with assistance. See the E-bike speed chart to see the maximum speeds allowed in each region.
  • Dining in France: When it comes to French cuisine, we all know that France is famous for it, and it’s important to keep in mind that service can sometimes be slow but don’t let that discourage you! This is all part of the experience and it only adds to the charm of dining in France. Take your time, savor each bite, and enjoy the flavors that make French cuisine so amazing!
  • Air Conditioning: Please note that the trip hotel is located at high altitudes, where summer temperatures typically cool down at night. Guest rooms are not equipped with air conditioning but fans are available for your comfort.

Before and After Your Trip

FAQs

Summer in the Alps can bring warm days, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s °F (18-27ºC) and evenings dropping to the mid-50s to mid-60s ºF (13-18ºC). When traveling in mountainous regions of France, it's best to be prepared for variable conditions, as the weather can change quickly, and there's always a chance of high winds, snow, or rain. We recommend packing rain gear and plenty of breathable layers for warmth when temperatures drop.

View our Packing List

To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip.

*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.

When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation email is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know. You will also receive instructions to download the Ride with GPS app before your trip to provide you the day to day plan and daily route guides.

Once booked, custom trips are fully non-refundable. Therefore, we highly recommend purchasing travel protection.

Have a question? Just give us a call, 866-464-8735. /link="/frequently-asked-questions/cancellation-policy/" class="underlined-link" title="Read Our Cancellation Policy"/

Our Trip Consultants are available to assist and can answer your questions. Please call us at 866-464-8735.

Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help safeguard you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan through Arch RoamRight that provides coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us.
Learn more about our Travel Protection

We've collaborated with a specialized travel agency committed to delivering tailored vacation planning, ensuring your entire Trek Travel journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Learn more about our Travel Services

Sharing the joy that comes with wow moments

Trek Travel guides are dedicated to making moments that last a lifetime, and we invite you to thank them with a trip gratuity. These are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this Custom trip, please refer to your Custom trip agreement for details.

Like everything else about your vacation, the Trek Travel team is here to make this experience easier for you. While local currency is preferred, you may also tip through the following options:

Via PayPal (please have this account set up in advance when possible) or with your guest services representative on the phone before or after the trip.

Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.

You cannot put a price on a wow. But you can show your thanks for an exceptional experience.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip. See FAQs

Want to learn more about our trips? Watch our recorded Guide-Led Virtual Events—just visit our Trek Travel Youtube Channel and search for your trip.


Guaranteed Trips

Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip. Click here to view our full guarantee policy.

Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.

Sold Out/Waitlist

This trip is currently sold out, but you may be added to the waitlist in the case of availability.

Limited Availability

If a date is marked with Limited Availability, there are few spots left to book. We will secure additional rooms from our hotels before confirming your reservation.

Looking to travel with a small group? Ask our trip consultants about private trips and learn more.

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

Hotel Differences

Trek Travel offers three hotel levels to match your style. Luxury hotels provide elegant, thoughtful touches with exceptional hospitality. Explorer hotels blend modern amenities with local charm in unique settings. Comfort hotels are casual and conveniently located near Trek Travel activities.

Activity Levels

Level 1:

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).

Level 2:

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).

Level 3:

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).

Level 4:

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).

What are your trip styles?

Classic Bike:

Explore beautiful destinations with a curated blend of guided activities, local cuisine, handpicked accommodations, and itineraries to suit every traveler, from laid-back adventures to luxurious escapes.

Gravel:

Venture off the beaten path to unforgettable places, with fully-supported routes that combine gravel and paved roads in classic Trek Travel style.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Hiking & Walking:

Step into adventure with carefully designed routes, unparalleled hospitality, and deep-routed local connections.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Self-Guided:

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

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