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Join Trek Travel for the Classic Climbs of the Alps bike tour in France
Join Trek Travel for the Classic Climbs of the Alps bike tour in France
Climb cols of the French Alps on Trek Travel's Annecy to Alpe d'Huez Cycling Vacation
Trek Travel Annecy to Alpe d'Huez cycling vacation
Trek Travel Classic Climbs of the Alps France Bike Tour
Enjoy French Cuisine on Trek Travel's Annecy to Alpe d'Huez bike tour
Trek Travel Annecy to Alpe d'Huez France Bike Tour
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Join Trek Travel for the Classic Climbs of the Alps bike tour in France
20CLA_summit_edited_1600x670 Join Trek Travel for the Classic Climbs of the Alps bike tour in France Join Trek Travel for the Classic Climbs of the Alps bike tour in France Climb cols of the French Alps on Trek Travel's Annecy to Alpe d'Huez Cycling Vacation Trek Travel Annecy to Alpe d'Huez cycling vacation Trek Travel Classic Climbs of the Alps France Bike Tour Enjoy French Cuisine on Trek Travel's Annecy to Alpe d'Huez bike tour Trek Travel Annecy to Alpe d'Huez France Bike Tour classic-climbs-alps-02-1600x670 Join Trek Travel for the Classic Climbs of the Alps bike tour in France

Classic Climbs: The Alps Bike Tour

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

There are mountains, and then there are the French Alps. This is where cycling mythology was born, from Eddy Merckx's dominance of five Tours to Pantani's record-breaking ascent up Alpe d'Huez, to the newer champions like Froome, Sagan, and now Pogačar battling it out in the mist and haze of Europe's high peaks. We'll tackle climbs like Col de la Colombière, Col du Glandon, Col de la Croix de Fer, Alpe d'Huez, and more while we bask in the gorgeous hues of crystal-clear Lake Annecy and the sights from Mont Blanc, a must-stop on any Alps tour. We'll refuel with Savoyard cuisine and recover in some of the most charming and central hotels. If you've ever had a desire to conquer the monsters of France, this is your trip. Ride in the Alps with us on a bike tour from Annecy to Alpe d'Huez. Book your trip with confidence » Learn more about your Perfect Day in the Alps»
From:
$4499 Per Person
Duration:
6 Days & 5 Nights
Rider Level: ?
4 - Avid
Trip Style: ?
Signature
Hotel Level: ?
Luxury
From $4499 per person View All Details
Trip Wows
Fuel your day with traditional alpine favorites: tartiflette, raclette and fondue
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, Colombière
Experience the city of Annecy, France and stay in a Relais & Chateux property tucked away in a mountain range as well as a luxury chalet in the mountain-top town of Les Deux Alpes
Watch the Experience
Classic Climbs: The Alps Bike Tour
The trip was a once in a lifetime experience. 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.
-Andrew, Trek Travel Guest

Dates & Prices

The Earlier You Book, The Greater The Rewards

We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price and date are guaranteed.
Guaranteed 
to run
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Sold Out/
Waitlist
?
Private/
Reserved
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Limited 
Availability
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Single Occupancy from: +$999
?
Jun 30 – Jul 5 
Guaranteed
$4499 / Person, Double Occupancy Book this date
Jul 7 – Jul 12 
Guaranteed
$4499 / Person, Double Occupancy Book this date
Jul 14 – Jul 19 
$4499 / Person, Double Occupancy Book this date
Jul 21 – Jul 26 
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$4499 / Person, Double Occupancy Book this date
Don't see your ideal travel date? 
Call us at (866) 464-8735 for custom date availability
Looking for a one of a kind, once in a lifetime experience?
Look no further. Choose your trip date, get your group together and we will do the rest. Private trip pricing is as follows:

  • 10+ Guests Price as advertised*
  • 8-9 Guests +$750 per person to trip price*
  • 6-7 Guests +$1,500 per person to trip price*
  • 4-5 Guests +$2,000 per person to trip price*
  • 2-3 Guests +$3,000 per person to trip price*
  • 1 Guest        Call us for pricing*


Traveling with a small group? Consider semi-private trips.
For groups of up to six people, semi-private trips offer unique flexibility within a larger Trek Travel guided trip. Learn more »

*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Private pricing is not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
Looking for a date that you don’t see?
Look no further. Simply tell us your preferred travel dates and we’ll work together to deliver the same great trip on your custom schedule.
*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Custom dates are not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
Want to customize this trip?
We've got you covered. We’ll work with you to build your perfect vacation from scratch, including your choice of riding, accommodations and dining options. With the help of our trip designers and travel experts, the world is available like never before.
*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Custom trips are not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.

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. We'll roll into our hotel in La Clusaz in time for a leisurely lunch, and 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.

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

Hotel:

Hotel au Coeur du Village

Included Meals:

Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner

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 seven kilometer 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 up the 16 kilometer climb 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.

Avid Option:

La Clusaz to Col des Aravis, Romme, and Col de la Colombière Loop
Approximately 57 mi | 92 km and 7,641 ft | 2,329 m

Hotel:

Hotel au Coeur du Village

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Lunch

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 the steady seven-kilometer climb of the Col du Marais, followed by a 12 kilometer climb with a 6% average grade up l'Arpettaz. Choose to have lunch on your own on the col or after you descend into the village of Flumet. After lunch, you'll tackle the more challenging side of the Col des Aravis at almost 12 kilometers 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!

Today's Ride:

La Clusaz to Col du Marais, l'Arpettaz, and Aravis Loop
Approximately 54 mi | 87 km and 6,755 ft | 2,059 m

Avid Option:

La Clusaz to Col du Marais, l'Arpettaz, Aravis, and Colombiere Loop
Approximately 74 mi | 120 km and 9,596 ft | 2,925 m

Hotel:

Hotel au Coeur du Village

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Dinner

We'll begin our adventure with the 21 kilometer climb of Col du Glandon that has an average gradient of 6.9% and has been featured in the Tour de France 14 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 picnic lunch 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!

Today's Ride:

La Chambre to Col du Glandon to Col de la Croix de Fer to Venosc
Approximately 47 mi | 75 km and 7,162 ft | 2,183 m

Avid Option:

La Chambre to Col du Glandon to Col de la Croix de Fer to Les deux Alpes
Approximately 52 mi | 83 km and 9,757 ft | 2,974 m

Hotel:

Chalet Mounier

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Lunch

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 mythic 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.

Avid Option:

Alpe d’Huez to Col de Sarenne to Les Deux Alpes Loop
Approximately 42 mi | 67 km and 7,450 ft | 2,270 m

Hotel:

Chalet Mounier

Included Meals:

Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner

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 final 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 12:30 PM.

Today's Ride:

Venosc to Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans
Approximately 11 mi | 18 km and 2,103 ft | 641 m

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Hotels

hotel image

Hotel Au Coeur du Village

La Clusaz, France

Trek Travel hotels awarded the Relaix & Chateaux Luxury Accommodation | 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.
hotel image

Chalet Mounier

Les Deux Alpes, France

Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice hotel winnerLuxury Accommodation | 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.

What's Included

For us, the details matter most

Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that's how we help you create more memories.

bike

Trek Domane SL 7

Experiencing your cycling vacation of a lifetime is not complete without a world-class bike and the Trek Domane is the best way to enjoy the ride. Trek Bikes has launched the all-new Trek Domane and now you can ride it on our trips. 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. Learn More

bike

Trek Electric-Assist Domane+ SLR 7

Take the tailwind with you and leave your limits behind on the all-new Domane+ SLR 7. With a groundbreaking ratio of ultra-lightweight design and electric assist, Domane+ SLR 7 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 help you on the climbs, hang with the fast group, and 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. Please contact a Trip Consultant to check availability. Learn More

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Five nights of accommodation at handpicked hotels
  • Two experienced guides to provide local knowledge, support, and camaraderie
  • Daily route support with both guides and our support van
  • Four lunches and three dinners
  • Two social hours of drinks and hors d'oeuvres
  • Ride a Trek Domane SL 7 disc
  • Up to three daily route options on riding days
  • Snacks and drinks for each day's ride
  • Trek Travel Santini cycling jersey to keep
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • Each bike is equipped with a Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer, a flat pack (containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator), front and rear Bontrager Flare R lights, a Bontrager saddle, and pedals (Shimano clipless road pedals, Shimano clipless mountain pedals, caged, or flat pedals)
  • Bontrager WaveCel helmets
  • All gratuities for drivers, local experts, and hospitality staff
  • All luggage transfers and transportation during your trip
  • A digital photo album of your trip
  • Entrance fees for all activities, private tours, and events

GEAR

  • Upgrade your ride to the Trek Electric-Assist Domane+ SLR 7 (+$399, subject to availability)
  • Trek Domane SL 7 disc carbon road bike with Shimano Di2 electronic shifting
  • Trek Travel Santini cycling jersey to keep
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Shimano clipless road pedals, Shimano clipless mountain pedals, caged, or flat pedals
  • Bontrager WaveCel helmet
  • Bontrager men's and women's specific saddles
  • Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
  • A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator
  • Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • Coupon valued up to $500 off a new Trek Bicycle. Your coupon will be delivered via email.
  • For the most comfortable ride, you may choose to bring your own pedals, saddle, and helmet on the trip. Your guides will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Guide gratuities are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this trip, we suggest a tip for your guides between $240-$300 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience. While local currency is preferred, there are other options to make tipping easier. Most guides accept gratuity via PayPal or our staff can help 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. 
  • Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations
  • Lodging before and after the trip
  • Personal items purchased during the trip
  • Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel
  • On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.

More Information

Rider Level: 4 - Avid?

AVERAGE DAILY MILEAGE:
67 kilometers / 42 miles
TOTAL MILES:
401 kilometers / 249 miles
AVERAGE DAILY ELEVATION:
1,757 meters / 5,764feet
TOTAL ELEVATION:
10,542 meters / 34,587 feet
TERRAIN: MOUNTAINOUS
The terrain is highlighted by stunning views, quiet roads, and challenging climbs. We will make an average of two to three major climbs per day that combine sustained climbing with several steep sections. Annecy to Alpe d'Huez is best suited for our Type 4 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also accommodate Type 3 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van.
NON-RIDING ACTIVITIES:
This destination is best suited to guests who want to cycle every day. Because of the terrain and/or remoteness of the hotels and riding routes, there are few, if any, non-riding options available. If a non-rider wants to accompany a rider guest on this trip, they would need to spend many hours in the van and/or at the hotels on the trip. Due to this, we strongly discourage non-riders from this destination. As an alternative, call a Trek Travel Trip Consultant at 866-464-8735 for trip suggestions where more non-rider activities are available, such as:
  • Provence
  • Tuscany
  • Croatia

See itinerary for specific daily ride distances and elevation options. On all of our vacations, Trek Travel seeks to find quiet, paved, secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience.

Averages and totals are calculated from our "Avid Ride" options.

Travel Details

How to Get There

FLY INTO:
Paris (CDG) or Geneva (GVA)
MEETING TIME:
9:00 AM
MEETING LOCATION:
Annecy Train Station, Annecy, France

Say Farewell

FLY OUT OF:
Paris (CDG) or Geneva (GVA)
DEPARTING TIME:
12:30 PM
DEPARTING LOCATION:
Grenoble Train Station, Grenoble, France

Arriving

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. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. 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.

View our pre hotel recommendations

Leaving

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

View our post hotel recommendations

Planning For Your Trip

Packing and Weather

The summer months in the Alps can bring warm days, ranging from the mid 60s to low 80s, with evenings dropping to the mid 50s to mid 60s. 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. Packing List

Before and After Your Trip

before

Before: Annecy, France

Gorgeous Annecy! Guided tours of historic Annecy allow you to discover the medieval aspects of the town and visit buildings dating back to the Renaissance and 12th century. Hiking trails are numerous, covering diverse terrain, offering spectacular views all around, and water activities are bountiful along the lake. Paragliding is world-renowned in Annecy, boasting some of the world’s best and providing a bird’s eye view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Be sure to lounge in the park by the lake, just across from the town center, or linger at a café or ice cream parlor surrounded by flowers. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel:

after

After: Grenoble, France

Grenoble offers numerous outdoor activities, including via ferrata, a mountain route equipped with fixed cables, ladders, and bridges providing access to otherwise isolated routes to climbers with a variety of skills. Not to be missed in this Rhone-Alpes town is a ride on the téléphérique: egg-shaped cable cars, les bulles, take you across the Isère River to the Bastille, a series of ancient fortifications. Enjoy the view from the summit, then wander the many trails leading down to the city. We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel:

Why Trek Travel

Our Bikes

Our unrivaled selection of Trek Bikes sets the bar for quality and comfort. From the ultra-smooth Trek Domane SL 7 to the Trek Electric-Assist Verve+, you deserve the best ride on your vacation. Plus, we offer a range upgrade options to take you the extra mile.

Our Guides

Our guides are trained to make your trip magical. They aren't just experts in riding; they're trained in delivering uncompromising service in ways you won't believe. We know that it's the unexpected surprises that make a trip magical. That's why our guides pride themselves on anticipating your needs before you ask.

Your Day. You Decide.

Our vacations are built to deliver the ultimate in flexibility, from extreme relaxers to hard-core roadies. You pick your mileage, itinerary and experiences. We take care of the rest.

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