Name: The French Alps Experience
Start: 2024-07-01T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-07-07T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Annecy, France

Girona Velo

Email address verified

8 reviews

Jul 1 - 7, 2024

Group size: 6 - 10

The French Alps Experience

Annecy, France

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Girona Velo

Email address verified

8 reviews

Jul 1 - 7, 2024

Group size: 6 - 10

Have you ever dreamed of climbing Alpe D'Huez, Col Du Telegraphe, Col d'Izoard, Col de la Forclaz, Col du Galibier and the mighty Col Du Granon all in one cycling Experience. On this French Alps Experience you will get to ride all of these iconic Alpine giants that have graced the Tour for more than a century.

You'll be picked up in Geneva and chauffeured to the stunning lakeside town of Annecy. From here we will perfectly located to tackle the first of these legendary climbs of the Tour.

We spend 3 nights at our luxury hotel on the shores of lake Annecy. From here we have a selection of TDF favourites to tackle - Le Semnoz, Col de la Croix Fry, Col de la Forclaz and Col de L'Arpettaz to name a few.

On Day 4 we transfer south from Savoie to the Hautes-Alpes region and on to the quaint town of Le Monetier-les-bains. A perfect launchpad to start the ascents of these most famous cycling mountains in the world. Now it's time to conquer Alpe d'Huez, Telegraphe, Granon. Galbier & Col d'Izoard.

Obviously being in France, the riding is only half the story - the rest of the journey is to be enjoyed in the bars & restaurants, where a healthy sampling of the delicious food and wine of this region is a must.

Day 1 - July 1st
Day 1 - July 1st
Arrival Day - Le Semnoz (84km / 1950m)
Bienvenue!!

You will be transferred from Geneva to our wonderful hotel on the shores of lake Annecy.

Our first day begins with a lesser known TDF favourite - Le Semnoz. We leave the hotel and follow lake Annecy around to the south side and start our ascent from the backside up to the summit of Le Semnoz. From here we take the exhilarating descent down and around lake Annecy and back to the hotel for a swim at the hotel's private beach.
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Day 2 - July 2nd
Day 2 - July 2nd
Col de la Croix Fry, Col des Aravis, Col de la Forclaz (100km / 2800m)
After a sumptuous french breakfast we set off to conquer 3 TDF giants in the Savoie mountains. Straight from the hotel we begin to climb the first two peaks of Col de la Croix Fry & Col des Aravis. Once we reach the summit of Aravis we have a long descent before climbing Col de la Forclaz with stunning views over lake Annecy. Then back to the hotel for some well deserved R&R!
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Day 3 - July 3rd
Day 3 - July 3rd
Col de L'Arpettaz / Col de L'Elpine (102km / 2400m)
Today we tackle the beautiful small seemingly endless switchbacks of the Col de L'Arpettaz. At 16km in length, gaining 1,165m in elevation to its 1,581m summit at an average gradient of 7.1% Col de L'Arpettaz is a punchy climb, but the sheer beauty of this climb is very rewarding. Tiny roads snake all the way to the top through sheltered forests, bringing welcome relief from the hot July sun.

After a technical descent over the far side of the mountain, we have one more smaller beauty to get over before we return to our base - Col de L'Elpine.
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Day 4 - July 4th
Day 4 - July 4th
Galibier / Telegraphe (91km / 2700m)
We say farewell to the Savoie region and have an early transfer south into Haute-Alpes. Once we are settled into our charming luxurious hotel in the beautiful village of Monetier-les-bains - we head out to ascend the iconic Galibier and Telegraphe which lay just on our doorstep. These legendary climbs speak for themselves - and a 2700m day is a challenge for even the most hardened cyclist.
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Day 5 - July 5th
Day 5 - July 5th
Alpe D'Huez / Col de Sarenne (62km / 2200m)
After taking onboard some much needed calories over our delicious French breakfast - we will conquer probably the most iconic of TDF climbs - Alpe D'Huez. Romain Bardet currently holds the Strava KOM at 36:21. Not sure we'll be beating that, but we can all dream.

Incredibly, many previous guests have suggested the real highlight of this day is the follow up climb up to the Col de Sarenne. This is a real climber's climb - a mixture of surfaces, gradients, vistas and pastures. A real treat.

The return descent and final smaller climb of Auris-en-Oisans are nothing less than breath-taking. This beautiful tiny road that hugs the mountainside is a thing to behold and you will be stopping all the way down to take in the views and take a photo for keep sake!
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Day 6 - July 6th
Day 6 - July 6th
Col D'Izoard / Col du Granon (90km / 2600m)
Our final full day climbing offers up two TDF legendary summits but with very contrasting profiles and styles. The day begins with a very fast descent down to the town of Briancon and the base of the Col D'Izoard. This 19km ascent delights with stunning views over the haute-Alpes region and beyond. Once we reach the peak, we descend the same way we came up and back to Briancon. A short distance out of town we reach the start point of Col du Granon. This is a very tough climb - relatively short at 11km but reaching 2400m of altitude and with an average of 9.2 - it's a monster. But it's one of those climbs that rewards with the views all the way up.
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Day 7 - July 7th
Day 7 - July 7th
Departure from Geneva Airport
After our final breakfast and farewells - we return transfer back to Geneva and on to our final destinations with tired legs but a suitcase full of epic TDF memories!!
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Day 1 - July 1st

Arrival Day - Le Semnoz (84km / 1950m)

Bienvenue!!

You will be transferred from Geneva to our wonderful hotel on the shores of lake Annecy.

Our first day begins with a lesser known TDF favourite - Le Semnoz. We leave the hotel and follow lake Annecy around to the south side and start our ascent from the backside up to the summit of Le Semnoz. From here we take the exhilarating descent down and around lake Annecy and back to the hotel for a swim at the hotel's private beach.

Girona Velo

8 reviews

An experience that goes beyond cycling - an authentic journey that explores the roads, restaurants, mountains & more. A perfect balance that allows you to push yourself as hard as you choose but also a chance to relax, and soak up the stunning vistas of the regions. For us it’s all in the detail & care - from the moment you are collected at the airport, you will be looked after by us with meticulous care throughout the entire journey - from the daily cleaned and serviced bike, the fully equipped support vehicle & freshly laundered kit.

Wow--great cycling. Great organization, accommodations, and food. Warm swims in Lake Annecy and big climbs up Alpe d'Huez (particularly off the back side!) were epic memories. Thanks to Paul and Michale "Chippy" Chipchase for putting on this bonanza of summer goodness.

By Piers B for The Classic Alps Experience on Jun 28, 2023

The gravel experience was one to remember. Paul and Chippy know how to curate a "wholistic" bike adventure...amazing routes, awesome food, top notch service and lots of fun! I felt like a pro for a week!

By Raymond A for Girona Gravel in association with Hopper Adventures on Jun 13, 2023

Girona Gravel was an amazing adventure. Everything from start to finish was world class. The routes were challenging and spectacular. The food was outrageously delicious and the hotels were first class. Nothing like starting a new day with a great breakfast, a clean bike and an extraordinary adventure waiting. Michael, Paul and James are top notch. Can not wait to book another trip with Girona Velo...!!!

By Tony P for Girona Gravel in association with Hopper Adventures on Jun 05, 2023

Paul, Michael, James and Miguel did a fantastic job on this trip. The guest group was limited to 12 people. We had a great base hotel that included a full breakfast every morning. After Breakfast, we would leave the hotel for a gravel bike tour of the local area mid morning. The ride was will supported with two guides, 1 mechanic, and a SAG who would meet us roughly every 20 Km. Typically 4-5 hours of bike riding per day (with breaks), and the country side was amazing Typically ride 80-100 Km per day. The first and last day are shorter rides. The Dinners were top notch, even the "Casual Night" a respite from Formal dinners, was a great European restaurant sitting outside in the square taking in the local culture. Girona is a foodie and biking paradise! The bikes were cleaned and tuned every night, water bottles always full, there were options for laundry service. These folks thought of everything. While this is not a competitive ride, the riders were all competitive, so the pace was strong. Bring your "A" game and you will love this trip....I did.

By Ed F for Girona Gravel in association with Hopper Adventures on Jun 04, 2023

I've been to the Dolomites three times before but the trip with Girona Velo was by far the best. The accommodations were first class, the riders were evenly matched, the food was spectacular and the humor was brilliant! Don't miss out on one of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.