On this tour you can learn how the pro riders suffer and take inspiration from the amazing beauty of these spectacular mountain passes. Go to the top of Alpe d'Huez, touch the monument to Henri Desgranges at the summit of the Galibier, climb Les Deux Alpes, the Col de Lautaret, among others. If you are an experienced and passionate rider looking for the ultimate challenge, then come to experience the cols where cycling legends made their marks.
Upon arrival to the charming village of Freney d'Oisans in the Alps you will get a detailed briefing about the cycling possibilities in the area, the best routes and organization tips to get the most out of this great cycling holiday. After the rides, you can relax at comfortable mountain hotels and enjoy hardy alpine dinners to fuel you for the next mountain challenge.
To
see
Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux
Gastronomy
Caillette, rissole, the provençal oreillettes, white nougat, cachaille
Wine
Isère white wine, Isère rosé, Isère red wine, PDO wines of Ventoux
Feedbacks
5/5
5/5
|Traveled in July 2022
The bikes worked GREAT, no flats or mechanicals all week. Fantastic equipment all around. AND the routes you planned for us were amazing. Beautiful scenery and villages to discover, plenty of challenges with all of the climbs, and the roads were
... in really good condition with minimal to no car traffic. Also, the hotels were both fantastic, We will not forget our tour… and are already dreaming of what might be next!!
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Michael
5/5
|Traveled in July 2023
I did a customised 10 day French Alps tour.
The 3 hotels I stayed at were very good and far exceeded my expectations.
The GPS route tracks are very simple to follow.
The bike I hired worked flawlessly.
The scenery was breathtaking.
Mark
5/5
|Traveled in August 2023
Thanks for your email. We really enjoyed our trip - everything went off without a hitch. The hotels were nice and we were particularly happy with the routes that were suggested. We had some very beautiful rides.Thank you for making our vacati
...on a great pleasure for us!
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Steve
5/5
|Traveled in August 2024
We are having a fantastic time. We enjoyed La Cassini and Maarten. The bikes and routes have been great.
Thanks so much for organizing and for following up.
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Standard : 3* or 4* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Upgraded : 4* or 5* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
J-1
Arrival in le Freney d'Oisans
Travel from Grenoble to your hotel in Le Freney d'Oisans where you will have your welcome meeting. Local bus service is regular to Freney or we can arrange a private transfer for an additional fee. (transfer on your own to the hotel).
Accommodation : Hotel le Cassini*** - Le Freney d'Oisans
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Accommodation : Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa***** - Alpe d'Huez
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Included : Emergency support,concierge service,phone not provided,mobile guidance application,roadbook,travelbook,Orientation with a local guide,luggage transfer,bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)
J-2
From Freney LOOP to Col du Glandon and Col de la Croix de Fer
Today's climbs : Le Glandon and La Croix-de-Fer. It's a very long and irregular col. When you reach the crossroad with the Glandon, you can make a small detour of 1,5 km to reach the top of the Croix the Fer and to enjoy the view. This pass has been included in the Tour de France 14 times, the first time in 1947, and most recently in 2006.
Distance : 100 or 110 Km (62 or 68 mi).
Elevation : 2820 or 3400 m.
Accommodation : Hotel le Cassini*** - Le Freney d'Oisans
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Accommodation : Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa***** - Alpe d'Huez
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Included : bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)
Alpe d'Huez is a vertical climb of 1.120m (3.733 feet), 14 km (8.75 miles) long, gradients between 7.7 and 12% and its 21 switchbacks are famous for cracking or elevating cycling legends in the history of the Tour de France. The ride is 49km but you have the option to climb les Deux Alpes as well. Return to le Freney d'Oisans.
Distances : 48 or 68 Km (29 or 42 mi).
Elevation : 1730 or 2300 m.
Accommodation : Hotel le Cassini*** - Le Freney d'Oisans
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Accommodation : Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa***** - Alpe d'Huez
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Included : bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)
Wonderful escapade in the Bérarde valley today. This itinerary, far from being simple, offers you the best of the Alps: sumptuous landscapes, a peaceful atmosphere, big-hearted locals. This "cul de sac" valley offers you a great breath of fresh air!
Distance : 67 Km (42 mi).
Elevation : 2035 m.
Accommodation : Hotel le Cassini*** - Le Freney d'Oisans
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Accommodation : Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa***** - Alpe d'Huez
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Included : Itinerary (no cue sheets),bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)
Departure from the Alps after breakfast with a 10am transfer to the village of Bédoin at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Allow 4 hours travel time. In Bedoin, you have free time to explore the village or relax for the rides ahead.
Included : luggage transfer,client transfer,bike transfer,bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)
J-6
Bédoin LOOP to Ventoux via Gorges la Nesque
Several great ride options again today. Take your pick, all of them are lovely country rides for you. Distance varies depending on your preferred route.
Tour of Mont Ventoux (71 km / 44 mi) : This itinerary starts with a warm-up tour between the vineyards of Bedoin, followed by the challenging climb and descend of Mont Ventoux.
Gorges de la Nesque & the lavender fields of Sault (76 km / 47 mi) : The second itinerary will take you through the Nesque River Canyon (Gorges de la Nesque) to the lavender plateaus and the village of Sault and back to Bedoin via la Gabelle. Then, as a cherry on the cake you can climb the Ventoux and join Bedoin through Sault and the Nesque River Canyon : an unforgettable experience (89 km / 55 mi).
Elevation : 980 m (Tour of Mont Ventoux) ,1500 m or 1980 m for Gorges de la Nesque and climb the Ventoux.
A beautiful tour warm-up ride through the vineyards of Ventoux and Rhône valley. You will pass through the wine villages of Beaumes-de-Venise, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and the more famous Rhône wine villages in Upper-Vaucluse before returning to Bedoin.
Distances : 53 or 69 Km (33 or 44 mi) the short version is only possible with Hybrid bikes only.
Today is departure day. You can take your time getting started in the morning then have breakfast Transfer to Avignon (included) where you can add extra nights or catch a train to Paris.
Transfer is scheduled for 9:30am (from your hotel) to the Avignon TGV Station. If you need this transfer for another time please let us know. Allow 1 hour travel time before a train departure.
Included : breakfast,transfer departure,luggage transfer,client transfer
CUSTOMIZED TOUR
This is a catalog tour, it can be modified as you wish : add extra nights, extra activities (wine tastings, visits, transfers...).
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
TGV trains are available from Paris to Grenoble from the Gare de Lyon.
A regular bus service is available for a very low cost, or we can arrange a private transfer based on your arrival to the Grenoble train station.
TGV trains from Grenoble to Paris.
A regular bus service is available for a very low cost, or we can arrange a private transfer train station to Grenoble.
The SCOTT ROAD BIKE ADDICT 30 Disc (Standard) (or equivalent)
With a new geometry that focuses more on endurance. The SCOTT ADDICT 30 Disc will become your preferred choice for long distance travel.
Available sizes : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump
Rear pannier
Helmet
Odometer
Lock
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
Equipped with a Shimano 105 Di2 12 speed drivetrain and a brand new carbon frame, the Pinarello X3 is designed to go the distance thanks to its ability to filter vibrations and absorb the shocks present on your next road.
Sizes available: XXS,XS,S, M, L, XL,XXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump.
Helmet
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
The all-new TREK Emonda SLR 7 is the lightest model of the American Brand. Equipped with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission, the gear shift is faster and more precise.
Available sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump
Helmet
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
Equipped with a Shimano 105 Di2 12 speed drivetrain and a brand new carbon frame, the Pinarello X3 is designed to go the distance thanks to its ability to filter vibrations and absorb the shocks present on your next road.
Sizes available: XXS,XS,S, M, L, XL,XXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
Details
Included
ACCOMODATIONS
- 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
MEALS
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
- 7 dinners included
BIKES
- Road bike rental included
GEAR
- Complimentary Discover France Gear (including water bottle, drawstering bag)
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
SUPPORT
- Orientation by telephone
- Detailed Road Book, including detailed maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
- Concierge service available to assist you for your requests during your trip (taxi transfer, restaurant, activities...)
TRANSFER
- All luggage transfers
- Transfer from le Freney d'Oisan to Bedoin (day 5)
- Departure from Bédoin & transfer to Avignon
Not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook
- Multirisk travel insurance
Other questions?
See our FAQs page for answers to common questions.
Hotel Le Cassini lies in the heart of the French alps and is therefore the ideal destination for your ultimate cycling holiday. As passionate as you are about cycling the legendary cols surrounding us, Sophia and Maarten are about taking care of you. Hotel le Cassini is a charming hotel with 10 rooms, each with an suite bathroom and toilet. In this magnificent setting you can lift your heart at cycling and true hospitality. In the morning we provide an excellent breakfast buffet to start off your day in the saddle. After your day ‘at height’ you’ll enjoy a well-deserved cold beer on our sunny terrace whilst meeting fellow guests.
In the evening we serve a tasty organic 3-course dinner over a good glass of wine. In the bar you can continue the conversations while you enjoy some music over a tea, coffee or a local génépi just before turning to your room for your last view on the mountains and a good night sleep.
We have a well-equipped closed garage to keep your bikes safe and to do small reparations. We have a lot of experience on the bike ourselves, so we love to share our famous but also the less well-known routes. We look forward to welcoming you.
http://www.hotel-cassini.com/en/
Located near the center of Alpe d'Huez, at the foot of the ski slopes and ski lifts, the Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa offers an indoor pool and a spa with sauna and jacuzzi. All rooms feature satellite TV and en suite facilities. Some have balconies overlooking the mountains and resort. During your stay, you can enjoy a bar, a wine bar and a restaurant serving land and sea cuisine. Every morning, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet.
https://www.hotelgrandesrousses.com/fr/
Hotel Le Cassini lies in the heart of the French alps and is therefore the ideal destination for your ultimate cycling holiday. As passionate as you are about cycling the legendary cols surrounding us, Sophia and Maarten are about taking care of you. Hotel le Cassini is a charming hotel with 10 rooms, each with an suite bathroom and toilet. In this magnificent setting you can lift your heart at cycling and true hospitality. In the morning we provide an excellent breakfast buffet to start off your day in the saddle. After your day ‘at height’ you’ll enjoy a well-deserved cold beer on our sunny terrace whilst meeting fellow guests.
In the evening we serve a tasty organic 3-course dinner over a good glass of wine. In the bar you can continue the conversations while you enjoy some music over a tea, coffee or a local génépi just before turning to your room for your last view on the mountains and a good night sleep.
We have a well-equipped closed garage to keep your bikes safe and to do small reparations. We have a lot of experience on the bike ourselves, so we love to share our famous but also the less well-known routes. We look forward to welcoming you.
http://www.hotel-cassini.com/en/
Located near the center of Alpe d'Huez, at the foot of the ski slopes and ski lifts, the Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa offers an indoor pool and a spa with sauna and jacuzzi. All rooms feature satellite TV and en suite facilities. Some have balconies overlooking the mountains and resort. During your stay, you can enjoy a bar, a wine bar and a restaurant serving land and sea cuisine. Every morning, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet.
https://www.hotelgrandesrousses.com/fr/
Hotel Le Cassini lies in the heart of the French alps and is therefore the ideal destination for your ultimate cycling holiday. As passionate as you are about cycling the legendary cols surrounding us, Sophia and Maarten are about taking care of you. Hotel le Cassini is a charming hotel with 10 rooms, each with an suite bathroom and toilet. In this magnificent setting you can lift your heart at cycling and true hospitality. In the morning we provide an excellent breakfast buffet to start off your day in the saddle. After your day ‘at height’ you’ll enjoy a well-deserved cold beer on our sunny terrace whilst meeting fellow guests.
In the evening we serve a tasty organic 3-course dinner over a good glass of wine. In the bar you can continue the conversations while you enjoy some music over a tea, coffee or a local génépi just before turning to your room for your last view on the mountains and a good night sleep.
We have a well-equipped closed garage to keep your bikes safe and to do small reparations. We have a lot of experience on the bike ourselves, so we love to share our famous but also the less well-known routes. We look forward to welcoming you.
http://www.hotel-cassini.com/en/
Located near the center of Alpe d'Huez, at the foot of the ski slopes and ski lifts, the Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa offers an indoor pool and a spa with sauna and jacuzzi. All rooms feature satellite TV and en suite facilities. Some have balconies overlooking the mountains and resort. During your stay, you can enjoy a bar, a wine bar and a restaurant serving land and sea cuisine. Every morning, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet.
https://www.hotelgrandesrousses.com/fr/
Hotel Le Cassini lies in the heart of the French alps and is therefore the ideal destination for your ultimate cycling holiday. As passionate as you are about cycling the legendary cols surrounding us, Sophia and Maarten are about taking care of you. Hotel le Cassini is a charming hotel with 10 rooms, each with an suite bathroom and toilet. In this magnificent setting you can lift your heart at cycling and true hospitality. In the morning we provide an excellent breakfast buffet to start off your day in the saddle. After your day ‘at height’ you’ll enjoy a well-deserved cold beer on our sunny terrace whilst meeting fellow guests.
In the evening we serve a tasty organic 3-course dinner over a good glass of wine. In the bar you can continue the conversations while you enjoy some music over a tea, coffee or a local génépi just before turning to your room for your last view on the mountains and a good night sleep.
We have a well-equipped closed garage to keep your bikes safe and to do small reparations. We have a lot of experience on the bike ourselves, so we love to share our famous but also the less well-known routes. We look forward to welcoming you.
http://www.hotel-cassini.com/en/
Located near the center of Alpe d'Huez, at the foot of the ski slopes and ski lifts, the Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa offers an indoor pool and a spa with sauna and jacuzzi. All rooms feature satellite TV and en suite facilities. Some have balconies overlooking the mountains and resort. During your stay, you can enjoy a bar, a wine bar and a restaurant serving land and sea cuisine. Every morning, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet.
https://www.hotelgrandesrousses.com/fr/
Treat yourself to an enchanting stay at the foot of Mont Ventoux at the Hotel des Pins. At the north of the Vaucluse department, in Bédoin, this 3-star hotel is waiting to give you a warm Provençal welcome. Take advantage of the hotel’s ideal location in a village overlooked by the Giant of Provence, it is the perfect starting point for exploring the stunning surrounding area. At the hotel, take advantage of the 23 rooms and three suites, each on which enjoys its own individual identity and ambience. Whether the rooms have a natural, designer, Baroque, contemporary or romantic theme, each one combines cosy and comfortable surroundings with unrivalled tranquillity. The Hotel des Pins also invites guests to take a seat in its restaurant, L'Esprit Jardin. In the dining room, on the sunny terrace or on the patio, savour a seasonal cuisine inspired by the produce on offer at the local Vaucluse markets. In the shade of the pine trees, dive into the swimming pool and unwind in the garden, soothed by the gentle song of cicadas.
http://www.hotel-des-pins.fr/en/
Nestled at the foot of the legendary Mont Ventoux, the Château de Mazan is situated in the charming village of Mazan in the heart of Provence. This elegant 18th century building is where we will welcome you in a somptuous setting combining charm, gastronomy and comfort.Built around 1720, the Château was the birthplace of both the father and the uncle (the well known Abbé de Sade) of the legendary Marquis de Sade. Although he spent most of his life in Paris, the latter stayed frequently at the Château de Mazan, where he organized various memorable events, including France’s first ever theatrical festival, in 1772. There is a choice of several spacious suites and rooms decorated in range of colours and styles, in tones of warm stone, peach or apricot, with comfortable duvets with plain or flowered cotton covers. Elegance, comfort and refinement are the keynote.
http://www.chateaudemazan.com/uk/
Treat yourself to an enchanting stay at the foot of Mont Ventoux at the Hotel des Pins. At the north of the Vaucluse department, in Bédoin, this 3-star hotel is waiting to give you a warm Provençal welcome. Take advantage of the hotel’s ideal location in a village overlooked by the Giant of Provence, it is the perfect starting point for exploring the stunning surrounding area. At the hotel, take advantage of the 23 rooms and three suites, each on which enjoys its own individual identity and ambience. Whether the rooms have a natural, designer, Baroque, contemporary or romantic theme, each one combines cosy and comfortable surroundings with unrivalled tranquillity. The Hotel des Pins also invites guests to take a seat in its restaurant, L'Esprit Jardin. In the dining room, on the sunny terrace or on the patio, savour a seasonal cuisine inspired by the produce on offer at the local Vaucluse markets. In the shade of the pine trees, dive into the swimming pool and unwind in the garden, soothed by the gentle song of cicadas.
http://www.hotel-des-pins.fr/en/
Nestled at the foot of the legendary Mont Ventoux, the Château de Mazan is situated in the charming village of Mazan in the heart of Provence. This elegant 18th century building is where we will welcome you in a somptuous setting combining charm, gastronomy and comfort.Built around 1720, the Château was the birthplace of both the father and the uncle (the well known Abbé de Sade) of the legendary Marquis de Sade. Although he spent most of his life in Paris, the latter stayed frequently at the Château de Mazan, where he organized various memorable events, including France’s first ever theatrical festival, in 1772. There is a choice of several spacious suites and rooms decorated in range of colours and styles, in tones of warm stone, peach or apricot, with comfortable duvets with plain or flowered cotton covers. Elegance, comfort and refinement are the keynote.
http://www.chateaudemazan.com/uk/
Treat yourself to an enchanting stay at the foot of Mont Ventoux at the Hotel des Pins. At the north of the Vaucluse department, in Bédoin, this 3-star hotel is waiting to give you a warm Provençal welcome. Take advantage of the hotel’s ideal location in a village overlooked by the Giant of Provence, it is the perfect starting point for exploring the stunning surrounding area. At the hotel, take advantage of the 23 rooms and three suites, each on which enjoys its own individual identity and ambience. Whether the rooms have a natural, designer, Baroque, contemporary or romantic theme, each one combines cosy and comfortable surroundings with unrivalled tranquillity. The Hotel des Pins also invites guests to take a seat in its restaurant, L'Esprit Jardin. In the dining room, on the sunny terrace or on the patio, savour a seasonal cuisine inspired by the produce on offer at the local Vaucluse markets. In the shade of the pine trees, dive into the swimming pool and unwind in the garden, soothed by the gentle song of cicadas.
http://www.hotel-des-pins.fr/en/
Nestled at the foot of the legendary Mont Ventoux, the Château de Mazan is situated in the charming village of Mazan in the heart of Provence. This elegant 18th century building is where we will welcome you in a somptuous setting combining charm, gastronomy and comfort.Built around 1720, the Château was the birthplace of both the father and the uncle (the well known Abbé de Sade) of the legendary Marquis de Sade. Although he spent most of his life in Paris, the latter stayed frequently at the Château de Mazan, where he organized various memorable events, including France’s first ever theatrical festival, in 1772. There is a choice of several spacious suites and rooms decorated in range of colours and styles, in tones of warm stone, peach or apricot, with comfortable duvets with plain or flowered cotton covers. Elegance, comfort and refinement are the keynote.
http://www.chateaudemazan.com/uk/