The French Alps to the French Riviera
- Overview
- Details / Dates
- Day By Day
- Trip Leaders
- Testimonials
The French Alps to the French Riviera
Start in Grenoble and take in some of the most dramatic mountain passes in the Alps - including Alp-d’Huez, Col du Galibier, and Col de l’Izoard - before descending to the beauty of the French Riviera.
Highlights
- Spectacular cycling through the French Alps and Provence - Cotes d'Azur
- Ride famous alpine passes including Alpe-d'Huez, Col du Galibier, and Col de l'Izoard
- Chairlift ride to Glacier Meije - free when reserved by April 9
- Rafting on the Verdon River - free when reserved by April 9
- Overnight in 11th Century castle
Description
Ciclismo Classico’s French Alps to Riviera trip is a one-of-a-kind ride from the heart of the mountains made famous by Tour de France legends to the brilliantly blue Mediterranean Sea. Along the way guests will have the chance to ascend Alp d’Huez, the Col du Galibier, the Col d’Izoard and the Col de Vars, four of the region’s most challenging climbs. Other exciting adventures include a chairlift ride to the top of a glacier and a day rafting on the Verdon River. You will be escorted by Ciclismo’s expert guides the whole way to the French Riviera and they will show you the best this corner of France has to offer. Other highlights include the Provencal wines and the yummy local cheeses, pastries and delicious tapenade.
-
Price
May: $4,695
Jul - Aug: $4,895 -
Single Supplement
$800
-
Ability Level
Expert
-
Terrain
Mountainous
-
Distance
437 mi
Daily average 55 mi
Elevation gain 30,000 ft -
Departing
Nice
-
Arriving
Grenoble
-
Bike Rental
Included
- View our Suggested Reading
-
Other Trips You'll Like
-
Dates
- May 25, 2012
- Limited Availability | June 27, 2012
- July 9, 2012
- July 21, 2012
- August 25, 2012
Day 1: Grenoble warm-up ride
Warm up ride to Uriage les Bains / Chemin Naclard. The itinerary starts from
one of the gateway of the Alps, capital of the Isere department. Grenoble is a lively town
with a great position on the banks of Isere river and one of the most important scientific
hubs of Europe, as well as seat of an ancient University with more than 60,000 students.
Day 2: Grenoble loop to Vercors
Ride to Lans en Vercors. This is a first approach to French Mountains, the high plan of Vercors seats South West of Grenoble and is a peaceful area, covered with oak forests and rich of water. This place is perfect for cycling, on the small, charming villages where you can always find refreshments and delicious snacks.
Day 3: Grenoble to La Grave (Alpe-d’Huez)
Ride to Alpe d’Huez featuring one of the most famous climbs in cycling history: on the switchbacks of Alpe d’Huez Dutch and Italian champions wrote legendary pages of the Sport. When you reach the hotel you can enjoy a chairlift ride to the Glacier Meije at 10,500 feet from where you can admire the French Alps and have a breathtaking view of Mount Blanc. Relax overnight at a Chalet in La Grave.
Day 4: La Grave to Briancon (Col du Galibier)
On our ride towards Briancon, we’ll have the optional chance to explore the amazing mountain roads of Galibier and Granon, before a well earned cold beer in the historical town center of Briancon.
Day 5: Briancon to Jausiers (Col de l’Izoard and Col de Vars)
This will be another amazing ride that will climb two famous passes: the Izoard and the Vars. We will leave the Hilly area of the Alps and will start approaching the South of France and its more laid-back cultural atmosphere.
Day 6: Jausiers-Verdon
This ride leaves the Alps to enter in the hearth of Provence, our final destination, the Gorges du Verdon, are a natural perfect Monument.
Day 7: Verdon rest day
Today you can either relax at the hotel or discover the beautiful area which has been carved by the Verdon river. For those who want to be active today we have organized an exciting day of activities which may include rafting and also a bike ride to explore the area.
Day 8: Verdon to Saint Aygulf
Today’s ride will be the last of the trip, but this awesome adventure is far from over. One last set of hills stands between you and the Mediterranean. Working our way through and over jagged peaks, we will ultimately end to a romantic and exclusive corner of the French Riviera: Saint Aygulf. This is the perfect location to end our tour in a quiet coastal town. Our hotel is surrounded by palm trees and the typical colorful Mediterranean flora and features a splendid view over the bay of Saint-Raphaël and the red rocked “massif de l’Esterel”.
Day 9: Au revoir!
After breakfast we will provide a 50 min. group shuttle to both Nice airport or to Saint Raphaël’s Valescure TGV train station. From both you can make connections to other destinations in France, Italy, Switzerland, and other international airports.
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
-
John R., Pittsford NY had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
Each guide displayed exceptional courtesy and understanding of each guest's abilities and interests. They are the image of your company and Ciclismo has done well in hiring these folks who truly love their jobs. -
Susan P., Bristol WV had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
I love biking, but Ciclismo adds so much more--the hiking, the wine tasting, the museums, a real chance to experience the people, the culture, the wine, the food…. -
Sandy B., Seattle WA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
We have been charmed by the magic of traveling with Ciclismo - why go with anyone else? -
Leon R., Mauston WI had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
It is difficult to start with such praise of our guides. These gentlemen were superb cyclists, historians, and ambassadors. They knew the culture, the food, the grapes, the wine, the politics. I appreciated their patience with my limited language skills. Their respect and care for the participants was outstanding. Your guides are not just assets to the company - they are the company. -
Greg L., Overland Park KS had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
My best memories are from Ciclismo tours, where I get to use all five senses experiencing the countryside. -
Julie G., Arlington VA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
Our Ciclismo Classico vacation was like the Italian dessert tiramisu, a fabulous ‘pick-me-up’ vacation with people, sights, and skies that you’ll remember for a long time! -
Bill H., Atlanta GA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
In challenging economic times, this company stands out because of the dedication and professionalism of its guides. Your product is unsurpassed.
