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Classic Climbs: The Alps Bike Tour

Legendary Climbs including Colombière, Glandon, Croix de Fer, and Alpe d’Huez

Tour Duration

6D / 5N

Trip Style

Signature, Classic Guided

Activity Level

4

Hotel Level

Luxury

Bikes

Trek Domane SL 7
Trek Electric-Assist Domane+ SLR 7

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Starting from

$4,199.00 per person

See dates

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

In the French Alps, cycling legends come to life. Here, giants like Eddy Merckx, Marco Pantani, and contemporary heroes including Froome, Sagan, and Pogačar have carved their names into the heart of cycling history. On this tour, you’ll ascend iconic climbs such as Col de la Colombière, Col du Glandon, Col de la Croix de Fer, and the legendary Alpe d'Huez. Revel in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Annecy and the awe-inspiring views of Mont Blanc. Each day concludes with the delights of Savoyard cuisine and the comfort of meticulously selected hotels, promising rest and rejuvenation. This is more than just a bike tour; it’s an unforgettable adventure tracing the legendary paths of cycling's giants in one of the world's most beautiful places.

Trip Wows
  • Imagine leading the peloton as you ride over the names of your favorite riders painted on the road, and hear the echoes of fans cheering you on

  • Ride up Alpe d'Huez and time yourself - how do you stack up against Tour de France winners at the end of the day?

  • Now is your chance to tackle the same climbs as the pros like Glandon, Alpe d'Huez, Croix de Fer, and Colombière

  • Experience the city of Annecy, France and stay in a Relais & Chateaux property tucked away in a mountain range as well as a luxury chalet in the mountaintop town of Les Deux Alpes

  • Fuel your day with traditional Alpine favorites: tartiflette, raclette, and fondue

Cyclists arriving at Col du Glandon

The Kingdom of the "Little Queen"

Ascend the iconic Col du Glandon

Col du Glandon is a picturesque destination for cycling enthusiasts, boasting a challenging 13-mile (21 km) climb with a 4,800 feet (1,472 m) elevation gain. Experience the beauty of this "little queen's paradise" and conquer the climb that awaits you.


What Guests are Saying
A person riding a bike from the back next to the lake of Annecy

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 Laura Lee and Lisa 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 tackle the 21 switchbacks of the legendary Alpe d'Huez.

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Dates & Pricing

Book early for the best price

  • Guaranteed

  • Join Waitlist

  • Private

  • Limited Availability


Itinerary
Rider Information

Hotels
the well-being area at Hotel au coeur du village
Hotel au coeur du village
La Clusaz, France
Au Coeur du Village
Luxury Relais & Châteaux Collection

Au Coeur du Village is a Relais & Châteaux hotel and the only 5-star property in La Clusaz. As its name implies, it is in the heart of this ski village nestled in the French Alps. Enjoy its elegant modern rooms and relax in its exclusive spa and wellness center.

...

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A room at Chalet Mounier
Les Deux Alpes, France
Chalet Mounier
Luxury TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice

With amazing views of the surrounding area, this upscale 4-star chalet-style hotel features a spa and two pools so you can relax and recover from the week’s epic riding.

...

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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 latest Trek Domane is the best way to enjoy the ride. It raises the bar to deliver incredible endurance road bike comfort without sacrificing performance and features highly responsive disc brakes and electronic shifting. This new bike is lighter than ever before, and carbon wheels come standard on every bike. The road-smoothing IsoSpeed technology lets you ride as long as you want with less fatigue. The bike you ride on a biking vacation matters. That is why we provide the newest and best bikes in the business.

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Trek Domane+ SLR bike Electric road
Trek Electric-Assist Domane+ SLR 7

Take the tailwind with you and leave your limits behind on the Domane+ SLR 7. With a groundbreaking ratio of ultra-lightweight design and electric assist, the Domane+ has everything you love in a road bike, with the extra boost to take you farther than ever before. This performance e-road bike will assist you on the climbs and enable you to venture further on your cycling vacation. So go ahead—take the long way. With Domane+ SLR 7, there’s always room for more distance, more speed, and more fun!
Upgrade to the Domane+ SLR 7 on this trip for $399 (3-6 day trips) or $599 (7+ day trips). Available in limited quantities. See trip dates for details.

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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
  • Trek Travel Santini cycling jersey to keep
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • Bontrager saddle
  • Bontrager helmet
  • Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
  • Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer with pre-loaded routes
  • Shimano SPD-SL road style pedals, Shimano SPD mountain style pedals, caged, or flat pedals
  • A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator
  • 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.
A collage of cycling gear guests will use on a Trek Travel Classic Bike Tour.

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:

  • When it comes to French cuisine, we all know that France is famous for it, but 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!
  • Biking in France: We want to make sure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience on this trip, so it’s important to note that the roads we’ll be riding on may be a bit tight and there may be some occasional traffic. It is important to stay vigilant while taking in the views of this beautiful region.
  • Please note that both hotels are located at a high altitude, and during summer months temperatures cool down at night. They do not have air conditioning in the rooms, but fans are available for your comfort.

Before and After Your Trip

Weather

Average monthly temperature and precipitation

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High (°F) 44.0° 47.0° 56.0° 66.0° 71.0° 78.0° 83.0° 80.0° 73.0° 64.0° 53.0° 45.0°
High (°C) 6.7° 8.3° 13.3° 18.9° 21.7° 25.6° 28.3° 26.7° 22.8° 17.8° 11.7° 7.2°
Low (°F) 30.0° 30.0° 36.0° 43.0° 49.0° 55.0° 58.0° 56.0° 51.0° 45.0° 37.0° 31.0°
Low (°C) -1.1° -1.1° 2.2° 6.1° 9.4° 12.8° 14.4° 13.3° 10.6° 7.2° 2.8° -0.6°
Rain (in) 3.72° 3.12° 3.58° 2.92° 3.76° 3.95° 3.45° 3.86° 3.35° 2.95° 4.2° 4.56°
FAQs

The summer months in the Alps can bring warm days, ranging from the mid 60s to low 80s (18-27C), with evenings dropping to the mid 50s to mid 60s (13-18C). When traveling in the Alps, it is best to be prepared for variable conditions, as weather can change very quickly. There is always the chance of snow and rain. We recommend always traveling with rain gear, as well as plenty of breathable layers to provide warmth when the temperature drops.
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, Discover, 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.

With one person booked on a date, the trip becomes guaranteed.*

In the case where trips are at one or two guests, we will contact you prior to final payment to give you the following options:

Pay a small trip fee of $500 per person for two guests or $1000 for one guest, which ensures your preferred trip date will run. If there are three or more guests before departure date, the fee will be refunded in full.

or

Switch to a different trip or different departure date. Should there be any difference in trip price between your original trip and the new one, you will be expected to pay the difference, or we will refund you accordingly.

Offer only valid if Trek Travel contacts a guest to discuss these specific options. Trips with fewer than three guests may operate with only one guide. The guide will support all rides with a Trek Travel van. If you would like to discuss the option of having two guides, please speak with your trip consultant.

The small trip supplement for Ride Camps is as follows – for two guests an additional $250 or for one guest an additional $500.

*Cross Country, Discover, Race, and Special Edition trips as well as a small number of select departures have a minimum guest count to guarantee. Please check with your Trip Consultant for more information.

Unforeseen events may make it necessary to cancel or modify a trip. Our Guest Services team will update you with any changes. We reserve the right to cancel departures in cases of force majeure or the failure of third parties—such as hotels—to honor their reservations, in which case all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes full settlement. Trek Travel is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. We strongly encourage Travel Protection for complete coverage.

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and below you’ll find our timeline.

Have a question? Just give us a call, 866-464-8735.
Read our Cancellation Policy

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 Signature trip, we recommend between $240-$300 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience.

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


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.

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

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.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

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

Pro Race:

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

Cross Country:

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

Self-Guided

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

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

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.

Luxury:

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.

Explorer

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

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: 3-5 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 - Reserve:

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.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

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

Pro Race:

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

Cross Country:

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

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